Mark Shaw

Proud Pelican Charters is the premier choice for Pensacola Beach fishing charters, led by the experienced Captain Ruple. With a foundation built on twenty years of brotherhood and service in the Air Force, Captains Mark and Chris transitioned their dedication from the skies to the Gulf in 2021. Today, they provide high-end, family-friendly fishing charters in Pensacola Beach that prioritize safety, success, and lasting memories. Operating a powerful 35 ft Express Sport fisher equipped with twin 440hp Yanmar engines and upgraded 2017 electronics, we offer a fast, stable, and comfortable ride to the best fishing grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Our service area extends from the Pensacola Pass up to 100 miles offshore, allowing us to offer everything from nearshore coastal trips to elite offshore sport fishing. We specialize in a variety of techniques, including trolling, deep dropping, and bottom fishing. Whether you are looking for a half-day fishing charter in Pensacola Beach to catch King Mackerel and Black Fin Tuna, or a grueling 15-hour deep-sea trip targeting Marlin, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna, our excursions are designed to produce results.As a top-rated Pensacola Beach private fishing charter, we accommodate up to 6 passengers and provide all necessary fishing licenses. We are deeply committed to making fishing accessible for everyone; there is no minimum age for our trips, and nothing makes our captains happier than seeing a child land their first big catch. Based at 715 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, we are perfectly positioned for quick access to the Gulf's most productive reefs and rigs. From Red Snapper and Grouper to the legendary Wahoo, Proud Pelican Charters delivers an authentic Florida Panhandle experience. With a transparent 24-hour cancellation policy and a passion for hospitality, we ensure your time on the water is the highlight of your year.

EPSG:4269

The spring bite is officially in full swing along the Emerald Coast. Over the past week, Proud Pelican Charters has seen a significant increase in surface activity as water temperatures continue to stabilize. Our recent Pensacola Beach fishing charters have centered on the transition zones between the nearshore reefs and the deeper offshore drops, where baitfish are beginning to congregate in massive schools.

Trolling has been the standout technique for our morning departures. We have successfully stayed on a consistent bite of King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, with the most productive action occurring just a few miles off the coast. However, the highlight of the week came during one of our extended offshore trips, where we hooked into several high-speed Wahoo. These fish are hitting hard on dark-colored lures pulled at higher speeds, providing the kind of reel-screaming runs our guests live for.

Bottom fishing remains a reliable staple for those looking to bring home a meal. While we eagerly await the primary snapper seasons, we have had great success with Grouper and various snapper species on our 6-hour and 8-hour trips. The 35 ft Express Sport fisher has been performing flawlessly, allowing us to maintain a 30-knot cruise to maximize our time with lines in the water.

Whether you are a seasoned angler chasing a trophy Black Fin Tuna or a family looking for a fun day of charter fishing in Pensacola Beach, FL, the current conditions are ideal. With the bite shifting into high gear, now is the perfect time to secure your spot on the calendar before the peak summer rush begins.

Current Top Targets:
King Mackerel: Consistent action on the troll.
Wahoo: Increasing presence in deeper blue water.
Black Fin Tuna: Active around structure and bait pods.
Spanish Mackerel: Plentiful for half-day nearshore trips.

Fishing display showing caught Bluefin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi hanging at cleaning station in Pensacola Beach FL

Captain Chris Ruple Breaks Down Recent Success Near the Pensacola Pass

Captain Mark Shaw Breaks Down Recent Success Near the Pensacola Pass

Proud Pelican Charters LLC logo featuring pelican perched on post in Pensacola Beach FL

Large catch of red snapper fish displayed on cleaning table at Pensacola Beach FL fishing dock

Red snapper catch displayed on fishing boat at Pensacola Beach FL

Freshly caught wahoo fish displayed on fishing boat deck in Pensacola Beach FL

Red snapper fishing catch displayed on cleaning table at Pensacola Beach FL marina dock

Fresh caught red snapper displayed on fishing boat deck in Pensacola Beach FL

Large red snapper caught during deep sea fishing trip in Pensacola Beach FL

Red grouper caught deep sea fishing in Pensacola Beach FL displayed on boat deck

Wahoo fish caught while fishing in Pensacola Beach FL

Successful fishing trip display showing lane snapper and mixed species catch at Pensacola Beach FL marina

Red snapper caught while fishing at Pensacola Beach FL

Red snapper caught fishing off Pensacola Beach FL displayed on boat deck

Wahoo fish caught during deep sea fishing trip in Pensacola Beach FL

White fishing boat named Twilight docked at marina in Pensacola Beach FL with outriggers and tower

Seize the day and dominate the Gulf of Mexico with Proud Pelican Charters in beautiful Pensacola Beach! Secure your date now to battle legendary gamefish and create lifelong memories on the water with our expert crew.

Proud Pelican Charters offers premier family-friendly fishing charters in Pensacola Beach, providing a safe and productive environment for anglers of all skill levels. Specializing in beginner-friendly trips, Captain Chris Ruple and his crew utilize their extensive local expertise to guide guests through the fertile waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you are looking for a relaxing morning on the water or a deep-sea pursuit, our private fishing charters in Pensacola Beach are designed to put you on the fish while ensuring everyone on board has a memorable experience. We target a massive variety of local species, including Red Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, and Black Fin Tuna. Our 35 ft Express Sport fisher is fully equipped with the latest electronics to help you land the catch of a lifetime. From nearshore coastal excursions to high-stakes offshore adventures, we offer affordable fishing charters in Pensacola Beach FL that include your license and top-tier gear. Don’t miss out on the best action in the Panhandle—book your fishing trip today and experience a professional guided fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico with a crew that puts your success first.

Find answers to common questions about our Pensacola Beach private fishing charter prices, gear requirements, and family-friendly safety policies to ensure your upcoming Gulf adventure is perfectly planned.

Captain Chris Ruple’s journey to the helm of Proud Pelican Charters is rooted in a lifelong commitment to excellence and a deep-seated passion for the Gulf of Mexico. With a career spanning over 20 years in the Air Force, Mark developed a meticulous attention to detail and a calm, decisive leadership style that he seamlessly transitioned to the deck of his vessel. He first met his partner, Captain Chris, during their military service, and that bond of brotherhood now serves as the foundation for their operation. For Mark, being a guide is more than just finding fish; it is about honoring the values of discipline and hospitality while sharing the natural beauty of his home waters with every guest who steps aboard. Having called the Pensacola area home for years, Mark has spent countless hours studying the nuances of the Pensacola Pass and the vast offshore expanses of the Gulf. His expertise isn’t just learned; it is lived. He possesses an intuitive understanding of how shifting tides, weather patterns, and water temperatures dictate the movement of trophy species like Wahoo and Tuna. This deep local knowledge allows him to navigate with confidence, ensuring that whether the day calls for nearshore trolling or a 100-mile run to the rigs, his guests are always positioned for the best possible action. His approach is patient and educational, making him a trusted mentor for novices and a respected peer for veteran anglers. The true motivation behind Mark’s transition to professional guiding in 2021 was the desire to facilitate those "once-in-a-lifetime" moments for others. He finds his greatest professional fulfillment not in the size of the catch, but in the atmosphere created on the water—especially when hosting families. Mark believes that a successful trip is measured by the laughter shared and the skills passed down to the next generation of anglers. His calm demeanor and encouraging spirit reassure guests that they are in the hands of a knowledgeable expert who genuinely cares about their experience. By prioritizing safety and guest satisfaction above all else, Mark has built a reputation as a guide who treats every visitor like a member of the crew. <h2>The Vessel: Engineered for the Gulf Experience</h2>To match the high standards of his guiding, Captain Chris operates a 35 ft Express Sport fisher, a vessel specifically chosen for its rugged durability and smooth performance in open water. Powered by twin 440hp Yanmar Diesel engines, the boat boasts a 30-knot cruising speed that allows for more time with lines in the water and less time in transit. Since its overhaul in 2017 with state-of-the-art electronics, the vessel has been optimized for precision fish-finding and navigation. The layout is designed for both functionality and comfort, providing a stable platform for up to six passengers to engage in trolling or bottom fishing. This boat isn't just a means of transportation; it is a meticulously maintained tool that reflects the professional standards of its captains.

Air Force Veteran and Expert Guide

Meet Captain Chris Ruple

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Target red snapper and grouper on productive wrecks near Pensacola Beach. Book your guided trip.

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Captain Chris Ruple

Frequently Asked Questions | Proud Pelican Charters Do I need to purchase a fishing license for my trip?No, you do not need to worry about paperwork. When you book a Pensacola Beach private fishing charter with us, all fishing licenses for every guest on board are included in the price. We handle the legalities so you can focus entirely on catching fish. What fish species can we target on a Pensacola Beach fishing charter?Our target species depend on the trip duration and season. We commonly catch Red Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Black Fin Tuna, and Spanish Mackerel. On our longer Pensacola Beach offshore fishing charters, we go after big game like Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfin Tuna. Are your fishing trips family-friendly for young children?Absolutely. We take pride in being one of the most family-friendly fishing charters Pensacola Beach has to offer. There is no minimum age requirement, and Captain Chris love teaching kids the ropes. Safety is our priority, and life jackets are provided for all ages. What is the best time of year to go fishing in Pensacola Beach?While fishing is productive year-round, our peak season runs from September through October for consistent action. However, the best fishing charters in Pensacola Beach for Red Snapper typically occur in the summer, while the "hidden gem" months of January and February offer great under-the-radar opportunities. What should I bring on my Proud Pelican fishing trip?We provide all the professional-grade tackle, bait, and ice for your catch. You should bring your own food and drinks (alcohol is allowed in moderation, no glass), sunscreen (non-spray preferred), polarized sunglasses, and a small cooler to transport your fillets home after we clean them for you. What are your Pensacola Beach fishing charter prices and deposit rules?Our rates vary by trip length, starting at $1199 for a 4.5-hour nearshore trip up to $3499 for a 15-hour offshore rig adventure. We require a 20% deposit to secure your date. We offer a transparent 24-hour cancellation policy, and weather-related cancellations are fully refunded. Where do we meet for departure and what time do we start?Most of our guided fishing trips in Pensacola Beach depart at 6:00 am to take advantage of the early morning bite. We meet at our primary dock located at 715 Pensacola Beach Boulevard, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561, which offers quick access to the Pensacola Pass. What makes your boat suitable for deep sea fishing in Pensacola Beach?You will be fishing off a 35 ft Express Sport fisher powered by twin 440hp Yanmar Diesel engines. With a 30-knot cruising speed and 2017 electronics upgrades, our vessel is designed for both speed and stability, ensuring a comfortable ride even when traveling 100 miles offshore. What happens if the weather is too rough for our trip?Your safety is our main concern. If Captain Chris determines that weather conditions are unsafe for charter fishing in Pensacola Beach FL, we will attempt to reschedule your trip. If a reschedule is not possible, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. Do you offer specialty trips like sunset or eco-tours?Currently, our primary focus is on high-quality fishing excursions. However, we are open to offering sunset and eco-tours in the near future. If you are looking for a scenic private boat tour of Pensacola Beach, feel free to contact us for current availability and custom options.

Deep Sea And Nearshore Pensacola Beach Fishing Ground

Best Boat

Great For Novices

Great For Top Anglers

Great Guide

Good with Kids

Best Spots

Silhouette of angler fishing with rod at sunset over calm water

Silhouettes of anglers fishing from rocky shoreline during sunset over calm water

Majestic snow-capped mountain peaks rising behind dense evergreen forest with calm reflective water in foreground during golden hour lighting

Mountain peaks with orange alpenglow reflected in calm water surrounded by evergreen forest

Angler holding freshly caught black drum fish on boat with ocean backdrop

Angler holding large black drum fish on boat with ocean and blue sky in background

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