06/16/2026
How Panhandle Fishing Charters Got Started....
One of the questions I get asked all the time is, “How did Panhandle Fishing Charters get started?” or “What was the boat that started it all?”
The answer always comes back to two people: my grandfather and my father. From a young age, they taught me how to fish, appreciate the outdoors, and develop a passion for being on the water. Without them, none of this would have been possible.
My journey started as a young deckhand on a head boat in Destin. Between those years and college, I worked on several different boats, learning everything I could about fishing and the charter business. Eventually, I earned my 100-Ton Captain’s License and graduated college, chasing a lifelong dream of running my own charter operation.
That boat was my 2013 24-foot Skeeter, powered by a Yamaha 300. To this day, I’ll never get rid of her. She’s helped build this company from the ground up and has been through countless memories, fish catches, and happy clients. Whether we were fishing the flats in 2 feet of water, targeting red snapper offshore, or trolling around the buoys for king mackerel, this boat could do it all.
Today, we’re on our fourth motor, and the Skeeter is still loaded and ready to fish. Over the years, Captain Colby has taken the helm. A Texas native who grew up fishing the waters of the Lone Star State, he’s been with us for many years and has become the king of the Skeeter. I’m proud to have passed the torch to him.
Along the way, I’ve also been blessed with so many great mentors. From captains I worked with, friends in the fishing industry, fellow charter boat owners, tackle shop owners, and employees who were always willing to share knowledge and advice, I’ve learned something from all of them. I am truly grateful for every person I’ve met over the years and for those I continue to meet today. The fishing community has played a huge role in helping shape both me and this business, and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support, guidance, and friendship.
What started with one boat has grown far beyond what I ever imagined. Today, Panhandle Fishing Charters proudly operates four boats in our fleet—three fishing boats and one dedicated day and nighttime bowfishing boat. It’s been an incredible journey from that first Skeeter in 2014 to where we are today, and we’re just getting started.
This boat isn’t just fiberglass and aluminum—it’s where a dream became a reality. It’s the boat that helped turn a passion into a business and got Panhandle Fishing Charters rolling back in 2014.
As we continue to grow, our goal remains the same: provide our clients with unforgettable experiences on the water and make every trip one to remember. We are incredibly thankful for all of our customers, friends, family, mentors, and supporters who have helped us along the way.
Be sure to follow along as we’ll be sharing more stories about how we added each boat to the fleet, the captains behind them, and the journey that helped Panhandle Fishing Charters continue to grow. There are some exciting things ahead, and we can’t wait to share them with all of you!
What’s your favorite memory from fishing with us over the years? Let us know in the comments!
🎣🛥️☀️
