Get ready to cast your line into some of the most productive waters along the Gulf Coast! This 5 to 8-hour private charter takes you to Panama City Beach's prime fishing grounds, where wrecks teem with trophy catches just waiting to test your skills. Whether you're chasing monster grouper or aiming for a cooler full of tasty snapper, our experienced crew knows exactly where the fish are biting. We'll customize the trip to match the season's hottest action, giving you the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime.
Depending on the time of year and where the fish are running, we'll hit up the most productive spots - from calm bays to the jetties and out into the Gulf. Inshore, you might tangle with bulldogging redfish or outsmart some crafty speckled trout. Around the jetties, sheepshead and mangrove snapper offer non-stop action. When we head offshore, get ready to battle hard-pulling red snapper, gag grouper, and maybe even a smoker king mackerel. Our versatile boat and gear let us switch tactics on the fly, so we're always on the fish.
We use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. For bottom-dwellers like snapper and grouper, we'll set you up with heavy tackle and chunky natural baits. We'll teach you the finesse of feeling those subtle bites and setting the hook hard. When we're chasing pelagics like kings, we might troll with live bait or artificial lures. The key is staying flexible - some days the fish want a slow-rolled jig, other times they're blasting topwater plugs. Our crew's always got a few tricks up their sleeve to get the bite going.
"Had a great time with our family! Worked with us to accommodate the bad weather that was forecasted, and best of all, WE CAUGHT OUT LIMIT!" - Anthony
"The captains and guides were unparalleled! They consistently navigated the boat to 'hot' spots, ensuring hooks were always baited unless in transit. The crew assisted with landing fish and capturing memorable photos, all while the captain prioritized our safety. The live and dead bait options were excellent, and the facilities were exceptionally clean and user-friendly. I highly recommend this experience to anglers of all levels—novice and expert, young and old, male or female. Their guidance on how to catch the big one was invaluable, and we came remarkably close to catching ole' Grundy! The three red Grouper we landed were just the beginning of our successful fishing adventure!" - Larry
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of Gulf bottom fishing. Known for their hard-pulling fights and delicious white flesh, red snapper typically range from 5 to 20 pounds. They love structure, so we target them around wrecks and reefs. The season's tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's non-stop action. There's nothing like seeing that flash of red coming up from the deep!
Gag Grouper: If you want a true test of strength, gag grouper are your fish. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and will do their best to drag you back into their rocky lairs. We find them year-round, but fall and winter tend to be prime time as they move closer to shore. Dropping big live baits near structure is the ticket to hooking these tough customers.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grins fool you - sheepshead are clever adversaries. These striped battlers have powerful jaws lined with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. We catch them year-round, but they really stack up around the jetties in late winter and early spring. Light tackle and a deft touch are key to fooling these wary biters.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these inshore predators are a light tackle angler's dream. They hunt in grassy flats and around oyster bars, ambushing baitfish and shrimp. We catch them year-round, but the biggest gator trout show up in cooler months. There's nothing like the thrill of a topwater strike from a big speck!
Mahi Mahi: When we venture a bit further offshore, mahi mahi (also called dolphinfish) are always a welcome surprise. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular aerial displays and vibrant colors. We typically find them near floating debris or weedlines, especially in the warmer months. They're absolute machines on light tackle, and they make for some of the best eating around.
Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with some Gulf giants or a family wanting to make some fishing memories, this trip's got you covered. Our seasoned crew will put you on the fish, show you the ropes, and make sure you have a blast out on the water. With a private charter, you've got the flexibility to fish how you want, where you want. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best fishing Panama City Beach has to offer. The big ones are out there waiting - book your spot now and let's go catch 'em!
March 19, 2025
The captains and guides were unparalleled! They consistently navigated the boat to 'hot' spots, ensuring hooks were always baited unless in transit. The crew assisted with landing fish and capturing memorable photos, all while the captain prioritized our safety. The live and dead bait options were excellent, and the facilities were exceptionally clean and user-friendly. I highly recommend this experience to anglers of all levels—novice and expert, young and old, male or female. Their guidance on how to catch the big one was invaluable, and we came remarkably close to catching ole' Grundy! The three red Grouper we landed were just the beginning of our successful fishing adventure!
October 8, 2023
Sea trout, also known as speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here. They typically run 1-5 pounds, with some gators pushing 10 pounds or more. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are in the 60s and 70s. These fish are known for their spotted sides and canine teeth. They'll hit topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait like shrimp or mullet. Sea trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. At night, try fishing dock lights - trout love to ambush bait in the glow. Remember, they have soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. For bigger fish, focus on deeper holes on a falling tide. Sea trout are a blast to catch and a tasty reward at the end of the day.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them on reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer is prime time when the short federal season opens. Red snapper hit a variety of baits, from live pinfish to cut squid. They're known for their strong initial run, trying to get back to structure. Medium heavy tackle is a must. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for a variety of recipes. Here's a local trick: use a fish finder rig with a circle hook to reduce gut-hooking and improve release survival. When you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. Red snapper tend to stay in the same areas year after year. Just remember, these fish can suffer from barotrauma when brought up from deep water, so use proper release techniques if you're not keeping them. Nothing beats the pull of a big red snapper and the delicious meal that follows.
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are a beautiful sight with their golden sides and blue-green backs. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80 pounds. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and strong fights when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time to target them here. Trolling with ballyhoo or squid works well, but watch for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. Mahi make excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. For the best chance at a big bull, look for floating pallets or other large debris. The males have squarer heads, while females are more rounded. These fish don't live long, but they grow and reproduce quickly, keeping populations healthy for anglers to enjoy year after year.
Gag grouper are one of our most popular bottom fish, known for their hard-fighting ability and excellent table fare. They average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-250 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great, but they'll also hit large jigs. Gags are ambush predators, so fish tight to structure. When you hook one, get it away from the bottom fast or it'll try to break you off. These fish put up a heck of a fight all the way to the boat. Their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. Here's a tip: when you find one gag, there are usually more nearby. Mark the spot and come back later - they tend to stay in the same areas. Just be sure to check current regulations, as seasons can be short.
Sheepshead are one of the stranger-looking fish you'll catch, with their human-like teeth and black and white stripes. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach over 10. You'll find them around structure like pilings, bridges, and reefs. Winter and early spring are prime times when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Use small hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs, oysters, or barnacles. These fish put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, white meat similar to black sea bass. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them - they can do some damage! Sheepshead fishing takes patience, but it's a fun challenge that often pays off with a tasty dinner.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Had a great time with our family! Worked with us to accommodate the bad weather that was forecasted, and best of all, WE CAUGHT OUT LIMIT!