A History of Half Hitch Tackle

In 1965, Capt. B.J. Putnam and his Family moved to Panama City from Decatur, Ala. so "Put" could start his lifelong dream of owning a charter fishing business. Having been an avid fishermen and hunter all his life, he made frequent trips to Panama City with friends to go fishing. He purchased the M/V Terry, worked for one year as a deckhand to gain experience and to qualify for his Captain's license. In 1966 while heading offshore with friends to explore the then new marlin fishery, the Terry caught fire and burned. Capt. Put then purchased the M/V Melody II, which he fished for one season before purchasing the Lady M. In 1972, Capt. Put decided to start a retail fishing store and Half Hitch Tackle was established.

In 1975, Capt. Put leased Bay Point Marina, which he kept until a change of ownership in 1978. While running the marina Half Hitch remained open and was operated by the late Steve Stewart. Losing the lease on the marina in the fall of 1978, Capt. Put returned to Half Hitch where he was joined by his son Richard. Thomas, the older son, joined the company full time after graduating from college in 1980. In 1982 property was purchased and the business moved to its current location on Thomas Drive.

In 1984, Half Hitch Tackle expanded to include operating the Dan Russell Pier concessions for the City of Panama City Beach. In 1990 the company expanded again and opened a location in Destin. Capt. Put passed away on July 11, 1993. Thomas assumed the helm to continue his dad’s dream. Wife Fan joined the business full time after Capt. Put's death. In 1997 Half Hitch expanded again to include a consumer show division. In 2004 Half Hitch opened its fourth location in Port St Joe.