About Us

We have been in the charter fishing business since 1999 and a constant has been F/V Reel Surprise. She is a 65’ Alabama-built boat, 18’ wide, has two restrooms, and lots of AIR CONDITIONING. Our goal has always been to make our trips as fun and entertaining as we can. Our charters don’t have internet and other distractions on board. Every customer receives a fishing trip without short cuts and an equal opportunity for all anglers to catch fish.

We offer private charters and shared expense trips from small gatherings to large corporate groups. Our average passenger count is 20 and this gives everyone plenty of room to fish. We replace our tackle every two years so the best equipment is available. We use Penn reels and custom rods that are specifically made for bottom fishing. Summer time brings Red Snapper season in June and July, with occasionally a few days in August. The fall, late August, September, October and even November, is one of the better times to fish. With cooler days and relaxed fishing, these months always seem to find us with the trolling lines out looking for a big king mackerel or wahoo in addition to vermilion snapper and triggerfish.

Vermilion snapper are a consistent catch on our charters. On Reel Surprise, having a few extra people with more bait in the water helps get these fish to bite and makes it a very productive trip.

We provide different types of corporate trips from short 4-hour charters to dolphin cruises and dinners; as a service to our many friends and customers, we also offer trips to cater ashes in the Gulf.

Most of our trips are very flexible with departure and arrival times to accommodate your group’s needs. We welcome a personal conversation in order to plan your individual charter experience.