Captain Michael L. Smeby
Certified Historical Captain
The Making of a Legend
A Panama City native, Capt. Mike spent his childhood on fishing boats with his grandfather of Viking descent. As a young man, he began as a deckhand on many of the larger passenger and commercial boats, most of which are long gone. He mentored under many of the top names and succeeded in one of the toughest industries around.
At 20, he got his Captain's License and began running party boats for the Capt. Anderson's fleet and served them for several years. At the age of 26, he bought his own commercial boat and fished the waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa to Galveston. As regulations became more stringent governing the commercial fishing industry, Capt. Mike went back to operating passenger vessels and served as Captain on several of Panama City's largest party boats in the Queen Fleet.
A lifetime of experience enabled him to obtain the designation of "Historical Captain" through the USCG-- more than a license, it is perhaps the most distinguished level of service a captain can attain.
The stories he can tell are fascinating, and his ability to locate fish is phenomenal. Capt. Mike is perhaps the most sought after captain in the panhandle.
Capt. Mike's 30-year safety record with the USCG is impeccable; he has set fishing records in the industry that have never been beat. Commercially his name is synonymous with being the "Best of the Best."
Capt. Mike & baby daughter, Piper (1986).
The Warsaw Grouper weighed over 200 lbs.
This 378 lb Warsaw Grouper was caught by Capt. Mike 60 miles south of Panama City.