The Hunt
Sport Fishing Charters
The Escape
Island & Dolphin Tours
Welcome to Gnarly Charters
Panama City Beach's Premier Fishing & Dolphin Tour Excursions
Premier Sport Fishing
Join Master Captain Chad Druin for top-tier PCB sport fishing excursions! Licensed, insured, and CPR certified, Captain Chad utilizes state-of-the-art station keeping technology to lock onto elite waypoints like deep shipwrecks and artificial reefs. Our private trips depart from St. Andrew Bay, and we supply everything you need to fish. Deck hands work for tips! See FAQs below for more info!
FIND OUR DOCK IN ST. ANDREW BAY ↓What To Bring
We supply rods & reels, cut bait, tackle, and fishing licenses. To ensure a great trip, please plan for the following:
- Your Food & Drinks: Pack a cooler with food & drinks.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunblock & protective clothing!
- Live Bait: Available for purchase prior to departure.
Deep Sea Fishing Excursions
Our private offshore fishing trips are booked by the hour. Rates include up to 6 passengers max. Call or text (850) 771-8114 to book!
- 4 Hours: $250/hr (8-12 or 1-5)
- 6 Hours: $225/hr (8-2)
- 8 Hours: $200/hr (8-4)
- 10 Hours: $200/hr (8-6)
Target Species & Tactics
We utilize bottom fishing, trolling, and casting methods to go after the top species in our waters, including:
Red Snapper, Grouper (Gag & Red), Amberjack, Triggerfish,
Vermillion Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna,
King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks!
Want to target a specific species? Let us know and we'll do our best to put you on them!
Luxury Boat Tours
Step aboard for premium dolphin cruises and trips to beautiful Shell Island! Perfect for families and small groups of up to 6 passengers, our luxury tours depart from St. Andrew Bay with experienced, licensed, insured, and CPR-certified Master Captain, Chad Druin. Whether you want to snorkel, swim with dolphins, or catch a breathtaking Florida sunset, we tailor the itinerary to your group. See FAQs below for more info!
DEPARTING FROM ST. ANDREW BAY ↓What to Bring
We want your custom tour to be perfect. To prepare for your day on the water, we recommend bringing:
- Swim Gear: Towels, swimsuits, and snorkeling gear if you plan to get in the water.
- Picnic & Drinks: Pack your cooler!
- Camera: Capture the memories!
Premium Private Cruises
Our private dolphin and island excursions include up to 6 passengers max. Call or text (850) 771-8114 to book!
- Sunset Cruise: $300 (5:30-7:30)
- Daily Cruises: $300 for 2 Hours
- Extended Trips: Shell Island Tours & custom itineraries available upon request.
Sunset & Chill
Because this is your private charter, you set the pace. Popular experiences on our luxury tours include:
Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling & Swimming, Shell & Shark Tooth Hunting, Wildlife Photography, and relaxing Sunset Cruises from the best seat in the house!
Perfect for families, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and more.
Recent Excursions
St. Andrew Bay Departures
Centrally located near Dolphin Bay and St. Andrew's State Park on St. Andrew Bay.
Find us at JDF Marina 312 Bay Shore Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Slip #7
Call (850) 771-8114 or send us a message to get in touch.
Plan Your Adventure
Where do we meet, and when should we arrive?
Our trips depart from JDF Marina 312 Bay Shore Drive Panama City Beach 32407 FL Slip #7.
Our St. Andrew Bay departure location is centrally located and easy to get to from anywhere in the area, including Panama City Beach, Panama City, Grand Lagoon area, Tyndall, Laguna, and beyond.Please plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time so we can load your gear and depart right on schedule. Because bookings are tightly scheduled by the hour, late arrivals will cut into your time on the water. If you have not arrived at 30 after the scheduled departure time without calling us, the excursion will be cancelled and payment will be forfeited.
Are children allowed on luxury cruises and fishing trips?
Yes, families are incredibly welcome - we love introducing kids to the water. Children of all ages are welcome on Dolphin Cruises and Shell Island Tours; all passengers on offshore excursions (Deep Sea Fishing) must be 5 years of age or older. All children count toward our strict 6-passenger maximum limit due to USCG regulations. If you have children in your group, please let us know ahead of time so we can ensure proper sizing for safety vests.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes. Our vessel is equipped with a clean, fully functional marine head (bathroom) onboard for your comfort during both deep sea fishing trips and luxury island cruises.
The Packing List: What to Bring
We can advise on and provide all rods & reels, tackle, cut bait, and fishing licenses. If you wish to use live bait, you will be able to purchase it at the dock prior to departure. To maximize your experience, we recommend bringing:
- Sun Protection: Polarized sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and non-spray sunscreen.
- Clothing: Lightweight SPF long-sleeve shirts are best for summer. In spring/fall, bring a light windbreaker or jacket for the morning run.
- Footwear: Non-marking rubber-soled shoes (deck shoes or light sneakers).
- Food & Drink: Whatever you'd like to snack on and your choice of beverages. Feel free to bring your reasonably sized cooler.
Can I bring alcohol on the trip?
Yes, beer and wine are welcome on board to be consumed in moderation by guests 21+. However, your safety is our absolute priority. Unsafe, disruptive, or intoxicated behavior will result in the immediate cancellation and termination of the excursion with no refund.
What happens to the fish we catch?
Your catch will be kept fresh for the duration of your excursionn (season, size, and count limits apply). At the end of your deep sea fishing trip, your deckhand will help retrieve your legal catch from the wells at the docks so it is ready for you to take, prepare, and cook.
If you prefer to have your fish kitchen ready and packed for travel home, we will be happy to stop at the fish house on the way back to the dock to drop off your catch to be cleaned and vacuum sealed. There are additional costs for this third-party service, which is not associated with Gnarly Charters and not included in your charter booking.
Are deckhand tips included? How does that work?
No, mate/deckhand tips are not included in the base charter rate. Our hard-working deckhands can help handle all the setup, baiting, rigging, and safety assistance to ensure you have a premium experience. A customary tip can be paid directly to the deckhand at the end of the excursion as a token of appreciation for their work.
Seasonal Outlook & Weather
Biting: Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano.
Biting: Red Snapper (June/July), Mahi, Kingfish.
Biting: Amberjack, Redfish, Grouper.
Biting: Sheepshead, Black Sea Bass.
Please note: We cannot control the weather. Trips may be canceled or rescheduled due to offshore wave sizes rather than just rain. Your safety is always our number one priority.
Do I need to buy a fishing license?
No, you do not need to purchase an individual fishing license. Our vessel's' commercial charter license covers all passengers on board for the duration of your trip. For more information about seasons, licenses, regulations, and more, visit FWC
What are the Captain's safety credentials?
Your safety is our absolute priority. Captain Chad Druin is a USCG-licensed Master Captain, fully insured, and certified in CPR. The vessel is equipped with all required commercial-grade safety gear, life jackets, and emergency communication systems.
Pro-Tips for Seasickness
Motion sickness doesn't have to ruin your day. Our top tips:
- Take a remedy (like Dramamine or Bonine) the night before and again 1 hour before departure.
- Stay on deck and keep your eyes on the horizon.
- Avoid heavy, greasy breakfasts before the trip.
- Stay hydrated with water or ginger ale.