The Raffield Family History - Fishing Here Since 1890
The Raffield family’s fishing legacy began in 1890, when four brothers made the long journey from Eastman, Georgia to the Gulf Coast, traveling by ox and wagon. What would now take hours by car took them weeks to complete.
Once settled, they began fishing for mullet—a thriving trade at the time, with salted mullet in high demand. Their dedication to fishing was passed down through generations. In 1940, Captain Sparkie Raffield continued the legacy by launching the family’s first charter fishing service.
As tourism in the area began to grow, Capt. Sparkie saw an opportunity to share his passion with visitors.
He introduced countless people to the joy of fishing, helping shape what would become a proud family tradition that still thrives on the waters of Panama City Beach today.
The 5th Generation
Captain Sparkie fished these waters for over 60 years and passed his knowledge down to his son, Leveral Raffield. As a boy, Leveral spent countless days by his father’s side at the docks, soaking up everything he could about fishing.
At just 8 years old, he remembers how passionate his dad was about sharing the joy of fishing with others. Inspired by that same spirit, Captain Leveral chose to follow in his father’s and ancestors’ footsteps, continuing the legacy.
And so, Family Tradition Charters was born along the coast of Panama City.
Continuing The Tradition
Captain Leveral received his license at 18 and has been running boats for over 40 years. In 1988, the same year he married his late wife Kim, he bought his first boat and named it Family Tradition in honor of those who came before him.
The Raffield family’s passion and respect for fishing is instantly felt the moment you step aboard. Many of Leveral’s fishing spots have been passed down through generations—including private reefs he built himself—so you’re always fishing the hottest, most productive waters on every trip.
The Family Tradition That Continues
One of Captain Leveral’s favorite sayings is, “Today is a great day because we are alive. Going fishing is just extra—so let’s go make some memories.” He was married to Kim Raffield for 25 years, and together they had three children: Cody, Clarence, and Crystal. He also has an eldest son, Nick, from a previous marriage.
Cody has four children—Reese, Jase, Kimberly, and Willow. Clarence and his wife, Hannah, have a son named Tripp.
Crystal is expecting her first child, a baby boy named Berkley Case.
Capt. Raffield’s Father
Old Raffield Family Charter Boat
What Our Customers Are Saying...
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO WALK ON TRIPS WORK?
These trips you pay a per person ticket price, and join other small groups of customers on the boat. This way we can offer an affordable way for EVERYONE to enjoy the same top notch deep sea fishing trip without the cost!
DO I HAVE TO TIP THE CREW?
While tipping is not mandatory, our crew does work for tips and strives to do their very best on every trip.
15-20% tip is customary.
IS FISH CLEANING AVAILABLE?
Yes, Jim Nations from Waterstreet Seafood who has 30 years experience in the seafood industry, handles all of our fish cleaning!
For $1.25/LB he offer filet,scaling, debone, and packing separated by species!
WHAT ABOUT THE FISH?
On walk on trips, each groups fish are tagged and marked separately. So at the end of the trip- you get what you caught!
you will not be able to keep more than the legal per person bag limit of any kind of fish
WHAT AMENITIES DOES THE BOAT OFFER?
We have all new (2023) electronics, 4-ton house AC unit keeping the cabin ice cold, 14 bunks in two staterooms, plenty of inside and outside seating, microwave and green egg grill, Satellite TV.
ARE WE GUARANTEED TO CATCH A LIMIT?
While we don’t ever promise limits, we do promise to make some unforgettable memories with you and your family.
We will always aim to do our very best- and I promise we want to catch them worse than the customers do! It’s a pride thing for us!
Capt. Leveral’s famous saying when it comes to this is “sometimes God just shows us we aren’t as great as we think we are. It’s good to stay humble”