10 Hour Bottom Fishing Trip in Panama City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesHighspeed trolling for Wahoo, King Mackerel, and MahiMahiExpert crew with local Panama City waters knowledge
You're looking at one of the Gulf Coast's top-rated fishing experiences, and trust me, this isn't your typical half-day charter. Captain Fisher Charters runs a world-class 10-hour bottom fishing trip that'll put you right in the heart of Panama City's best fishing grounds. We're talking deep water, serious fish, and enough time on the water to really get into the action. With a maximum of 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our experienced crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
This is a full-day commitment that starts early and ends with tired arms and a cooler full of fish. We'll be heading out to the deep blue where the bottom structure holds some of the Gulf's best eating fish. The first part of our day focuses on high-speed trolling as we make our way to the prime bottom fishing spots. You might hook into a screaming wahoo or a bull mahi on the way out – that's just bonus fish. Once we reach our target depths, we'll anchor up or drift over structure where the real action begins. The crew will have you rigged up with the right tackle for bottom fishing, and you'll be dropping baits down to depths where the big grouper and snapper live. Expect to be working circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh bait that'll get the attention of anything swimming down there.
We run a combination approach that maximizes your chances at multiple species. The trolling portion uses high-speed techniques with diving plugs, spoons, and rigged ballyhoo to target pelagic species like wahoo, king mackerel, and mahi-mahi as we transit to our bottom fishing zones. Once we're on structure, we switch to conventional bottom rigs with 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks, pyramid sinkers up to 12 ounces depending on current, and a variety of baits including cut mullet, squid, and live pinfish when available. Our crew knows how to read the electronics to find the fish-holding structure – artificial reefs, natural ledges, and rocky bottom that concentrate the snappers and groupers. We'll adjust our drift patterns and anchor placements based on wind and current to keep you in the strike zone all day long.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Panama City bottom fishing, and these guys are built like tanks. They'll average 5-15 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 20-plus. Best action typically runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on the deeper reefs. What makes them exciting is the initial surge when they feel the hook – they'll try to get back to their rocky hideouts, and you've got to turn them before they cut you off. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for the grill.
Mahi-Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, and when we find a school during our trolling runs, it's game on. These fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. They typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with peak season hitting hard from late spring through summer. What's really cool about mahi is they're often found around floating debris or weed lines, and where you catch one, there's usually more. The bright colors and aggressive nature make them a customer favorite every time.
Wahoo are the speed demons we target during our high-speed trolling segments. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 40+ mph and will smoke line off your reel like nothing else. Most wahoo in the Panama City area run 15-40 pounds, with fall and winter being prime time when they're chasing bait through our waters. The initial run is absolutely electric – there's nothing subtle about a wahoo bite. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating in the ocean, with a texture similar to mahi but even more delicate.
Yellow Sea Chub might not be the biggest fish we target, but they're scrappy fighters that'll keep the action going when the bigger fish are being finicky. These guys are abundant around structure and make excellent bait for larger predators when we can keep them lively. They're also surprisingly good eating for their size, and many anglers are surprised by how hard they fight pound-for-pound.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when they're in season. These beautiful fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. They typically run 3-10 pounds in our area, with occasional larger specimens. Red snapper are notorious for their light bites and tendency to drop the bait if they feel any resistance, so our crew will coach you on the proper technique to get solid hooksets. When the season's open, these are the fish that fill up your cooler and make the trip memorable.
This 10-hour adventure gives you the best of both worlds – trolling action and serious bottom fishing in some of the Gulf's most productive waters. With Captain Fisher Charters' experienced crew guiding you to the fish and helping with everything from rigging to filleting your catch, you're looking at a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. The 6-angler limit ensures you'll get personal attention and plenty of space to fish comfortably. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating.
The Lil Sparkie is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Panama City's productive Gulf waters. This 36-foot sport fisherman packs everything you need for a comfortable 10-hour bottom fishing adventure, including a powerful 3.5-ton marine air conditioner to keep you cool while working the lines. After recent upgrades with new Cummins Marine engines, she runs smooth and reliable to those deep-water fishing grounds. Inside, you'll find a proper bathroom, sleeping quarters for rest between bites, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained during slower periods, while the GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots even when visibility gets tough. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water and birds working bait schools. Built for up to 6 anglers, the Lil Sparkie handles Panama City's offshore conditions with ease. Her experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, from the productive bottom structure where grouper and snapper hide, to the blue water edges where wahoo, king mackerel, and mahi-mahi cruise. Whether you're dropping heavy tackle to the bottom or trolling the surface, this boat gives you the platform and comfort to fish hard all day long in the Gulf's rich fishing grounds.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the speed demons of our offshore trips, averaging 15-29 pounds of pure muscle and color. These golden beauties love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 20+ miles out. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're thick in our waters. What gets people hooked? They jump, run, and put on a light show with those electric colors before fading silver. Plus, the meat is firm and sweet - perfect for fish tacos. Here's the trick: when you see one, there's usually more. Keep a second rod ready because after you boat the first one, toss a bait right back to the same spot. Mahi travel in schools and the commotion often fires up the rest.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of the most rewarding bottom fish you can target in our waters. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some hefty 20+ pounders that'll make your arms burn. They hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and structure in 30-200 feet of water. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special? They're tough fighters that'll try to pull you straight into the rocks, plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, flaky meat that's worth the fight. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to their hole, or you'll be retying your rig.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips, and there's good reason they're so highly prized. These deep red beauties typically run 1-2 feet long, though we catch plenty in the 10-15 pound range that'll test your tackle. They live on hard bottom, structure, and artificial reefs in 60-200+ feet of water. Summer season brings the best action when regulations allow. What makes them special? They're bulldogs that fight all the way to the boat, and the table fare is absolutely top-notch - mild, nutty flavor that's restaurant quality. Secret to success: once you hook one, keep them coming up steady. They'll try to cut you off on structure, so don't give them slack to run.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth to match. Most run 3-5 feet long and pack serious muscle in that torpedo-shaped body. We target them in blue water over structure and drop-offs, typically 15-30 miles offshore. Best action happens during cooler months when they move through our area. Why chase them? It's the speed - nothing pulls drag like a wahoo on its first run. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - some say it's the best eating fish out there. Key tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through anything else like butter. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving lures gets their attention when they're hunting.
Kyphosus IncisorYellow Sea Chub are the workhorses of our nearshore reefs, running 15-18 inches with distinctive blue and yellow stripes along their sides. These hardy fish love rocky bottoms and coral areas in shallower waters, making them perfect targets when conditions keep us closer to shore. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months. While they're not trophy fish, they're great for keeping the action going and teaching kids how to fish. The meat is okay eating, nothing fancy, but they're fun to catch. Best approach is light tackle with small hooks and fresh cut bait like shrimp or crab pieces. A little bread for chum works wonders to get them fired up around the boat.
Panama City, FL, United States