12 Hour Pro Fishing Trip - Panama City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended 12hour offshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesAccess remote reefs and wrecks for Red Snapper and GrouperCaptain Rob brings decades of local Gulf fishing expertise
When you're ready to get serious about your fishing game in the Gulf of Mexico, Captain Rob's 12-hour charter is where dedicated anglers separate themselves from weekend warriors. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to reaching those distant honey holes that most boats never see. With All The Way Charters, you'll have the time and expertise to target multiple species across different depths and structures, from nearshore reefs to deep-water wrecks that hold the biggest fish. Captain Rob brings decades of local knowledge to every trip, adjusting tactics and locations as conditions change throughout the day. If you're looking to maximize your time on the water and chase some of the Gulf's most sought-after species, this extended trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts early – we're talking serious angler hours here. Captain Rob uses those extra hours strategically, heading out to prime locations that shorter trips simply can't reach. The beauty of a 12-hour charter is the flexibility it gives you. We might start on nearshore structure for grouper at dawn, then run out to deeper water for snapper action as the sun climbs higher. When the bite slows in one spot, there's time to relocate and try different techniques. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Captain Rob reads the water and weather patterns like a book, making real-time decisions about where the fish are most likely to be feeding. Some days that means hitting multiple wrecks, other days we'll focus on natural bottom structure or artificial reefs. The extended timeframe means you're not rushing – you can really work an area when it's producing.
Captain Rob adapts his approach based on target species and conditions, but you'll likely see a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques throughout the day. For grouper, we're talking heavy tackle and serious drag – these fish head straight for structure when hooked. Bottom rigs with circle hooks and cut bait or live pinfish work well around the reefs and wrecks. When targeting snapper, lighter tackle lets you feel those subtle bites, and fresh sardines or squid often do the trick. King mackerel fishing shifts the game entirely – we'll pull live bait behind the boat or slow-troll with spoons and diving plugs. Captain Rob keeps a variety of tackle on board, from conventional reels for the heavy stuff to spinning gear for lighter applications. The long trip duration means there's time to switch techniques when one approach isn't working. If the bottom bite is slow, we might spend time trolling for kings or looking for cobia around floating debris.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when season opens. These fish fight hard and taste even better, typically running 15-25 pounds around Panama City's offshore structure. They're most active during dawn and dusk hours, which is perfect for a 12-hour trip that covers both prime feeding times. Red snapper are notorious for their sharp eyesight, so fresh bait and lighter leaders often make the difference between a full cooler and stories about the ones that got away.
Gag Grouper are the most aggressive of the local grouper species, known for their hard initial run toward structure when hooked. These fish typically range from 20-40 pounds in our local waters, with bigger specimens possible around deeper wrecks. They're most active during cooler months and prefer live or very fresh dead bait. What makes gag grouper special is their willingness to move up in the water column – sometimes you'll hook one halfway up from the bottom.
Red Grouper tend to be more numerous than gags but typically run smaller, averaging 15-30 pounds. They're excellent table fare and more predictable in their behavior, usually holding tight to bottom structure. Red grouper respond well to cut bait and are often the steady producers when other species are being finicky. They're legal year-round, making them reliable targets for this extended trip.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and fight. These colorful fish typically run 12-18 inches and are perfect for light tackle action. They school heavily around structure and often provide steady action when the bigger fish are being selective. Lane snapper are excellent eating and great for families who want consistent action throughout the day.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that keeps anglers on their toes. These fish can reach 40+ pounds in local waters and are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to both live bait and artificial lures. Kings often show up when you're targeting other species, adding an element of surprise to any trip. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make every hookup an adventure.
Captain Rob's 12-hour trips book up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. This isn't a trip for casual anglers – it's designed for serious fishermen who want to maximize their time on some of the Gulf's most productive waters. The extended duration gives you the best shot at multiple species and allows flexibility to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or chase a personal best, this trip provides the time and expertise to make it happen. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days and prime dates go fast with All The Way Charters.
Captain Rob's 43-foot offshore fishing vessel is built tough for the Gulf's demanding waters. This stable motorboat handles 12-hour runs to distant reefs and wrecks where the big fish hang out. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between fights, while the fish finder and GPS help locate productive spots. The spacious layout accommodates up to six anglers with room to work multiple lines. An onboard toilet and bed mean no rushing back to shore when the bite gets hot. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days targeting red snapper, grouper, and king mackerel. Radar ensures safe navigation in changing conditions, while the boat's deep-sea design cuts through Gulf chop to reach those offshore honey holes where serious anglers find trophy fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of our most popular targets - solid fighters that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds. They love structure: wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges in 40-200 feet of water. Juveniles hang inshore, but the big ones are offshore around hard bottom. Best fishing is fall through early spring when they're more active. What sets them apart is the battle - once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole and break you off. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. My advice: use a stout rod and don't let them get their head down. Live pinfish or mullet work best, but cut bait like squid produces too. Keep your drag locked tight and horse them up fast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod - fast, aggressive pelagic fish averaging 20-30 pounds that can reach 90+ pounds. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime season when water temps hit 68-84°F. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering runs and aerial shows - they're built for speed like a torpedo. The meat is good eating too, though higher in oils. They'll hit live bait, spoons, and trolled lures. My go-to setup is a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader since kings love to bite baits in half. Troll fast and cover water until you find the school, then work them hard.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are the perfect bonus fish on our deeper trips. These colorful little fighters average 10-14 inches with distinctive pink and yellow stripes running down their sides. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms in 70-230 feet, often mixed in with red snapper schools. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. Guests love them because they're scrappy for their size and make great table fare. They're not spooky like some fish - they'll hit live shrimp, cut squid, or small jigs without much hesitation. Pro tip: if you're catching lane snapper, there's usually bigger fish nearby, so don't move spots too quickly.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are bread-and-butter fish around Panama City, typically running 5-10 pounds with rusty red coloration and white spots. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 30-300 feet, often around reefs and wrecks. We catch them year-round, but avoid January through April during their spawning closure. What makes them special is they're aggressive feeders and tough fighters - plus the meat is some of the best you'll find with a sweet, shellfish-like taste. They'll eat just about anything, but live or cut crab and shrimp are money baits since that's their main diet. Key tip: once you hook one, keep constant pressure because they'll try to get back under structure and cut your line on the rocks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize catch around Panama City - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 35+ pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges. Season runs June through July, but we target them year-round when regulations allow. What makes them special is the fight - they'll try to wrap your line around anything they can find, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to dive back into cover. Use fresh squid or cigar minnows on a heavy enough weight to stay on bottom.
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