Full Day Grand Slam Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targets Mahi, Wahoo, King MackerelHighspeed trolling transitions to bottom fishing for SnapperSix guest capacity with professional crew and equipment
Captain Fisher Charters knows how to put you on fish. This full-day offshore adventure combines the best of Panama City's fishing grounds into one action-packed trip. We're talking high-speed trolling runs to target pelagic species, then switching gears to work the bottom structure for some serious meat fish. With room for up to six anglers, this charter gives you the space to fish comfortably while maximizing your shots at multiple species. No meals are provided, so pack your cooler and get ready for a long day on the water that'll have you talking for months.
Your day starts early with a blast offshore to the prime fishing zones where Panama City's legendary fishing really shines. We'll begin with high-speed trolling spreads designed to attract the big pelagics - think bright lures dancing behind the boat at 8-12 knots, covering serious ground to locate schools of mahi, wahoo, and kings. The captain reads the water like a book, watching for bird activity, color changes, and bait schools that signal fish below. Once we've worked the trolling bite, we transition to bottom fishing over structure and reefs where the grouper and snapper live. The crew handles all the rigging and knows exactly which spots produce, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of wondering if you're in the right place.
This charter runs a comprehensive approach that maximizes your fishing time. For the trolling portion, we deploy a full spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures behind planer boards and outriggers. The key is covering water efficiently while presenting baits at different depths and distances from the boat. When mahi are around, we'll often stop to chunk and pitch live or cut bait to keep schools fired up around the boat. The bottom fishing game changes completely - we're talking heavy tackle with 6-8 ounce sinkers to get down fast in 60-120 feet of water. Circle hooks rigged with fresh cut bait work the structure methodically. The crew provides all tackle, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their favorite rods. Spinning gear in the 4000-6000 size range pairs perfectly with conventional reels for different situations throughout the day.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Panama City's bottom fishing scene. These chunky fighters average 5-15 pounds and put up a serious scrap on the way up from 80-foot depths. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, though you can find them year-round over rocky bottom and artificial reefs. What makes grouper fishing so addictive is their aggressive strike - when one hits, you know it immediately. They'll try to get back to their hole, so keeping steady pressure is key to landing these table-fare favorites.
King Mackerel are speed demons that can show up anywhere from 30 to 100 feet of water, especially around bait schools and temperature breaks. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds in our waters, with real monsters pushing 40-50 pounds during peak season from April through October. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays when hooked. They're also incredibly good eating when handled properly - bleeding them immediately makes all the difference for the dinner table.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring the most excitement to offshore trips with their electric colors and acrobatic fights. These tropical visitors follow the Gulf Stream and warm water masses, typically showing up from late spring through early fall. School-sized fish run 5-15 pounds, while bull mahi can exceed 30 pounds. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, making them perfect targets during trolling runs. The key with mahi is keeping multiple fish around the boat once you find a school - they're curious and competitive feeders.
Wahoo Fish represent the ultimate speed challenge in Gulf waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and regularly snap lines with their initial run. Most wahoo in our area run 15-40 pounds, and they prefer deeper water along drop-offs and current edges. Fall and winter months produce the most consistent wahoo action, especially when trolling high-speed lures at 12-15 knots. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their lightning-fast strikes often come without warning.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when season allows. These beautiful fish average 3-8 pounds and live around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and oil rigs. They're extremely structure-oriented and respond well to fresh cut bait presented right on the bottom. Red snapper are famous for their delicate mouths and tendency to throw hooks, so a smooth drag and steady pressure are essential. During open seasons, they provide some of the most consistent action you'll find in 60-100 feet of water.
This full-day grand slam charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - variety, action, and the chance at multiple species in one trip. Captain Fisher Charters has dialed in the timing and techniques that consistently put fish in the boat, whether you're chasing the trolling bite or working the bottom structure. With space for six anglers and a crew that knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. Panama City's offshore fishing is world-class, and this charter gives you the best shot at experiencing it all in one memorable day. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest.
The Lil Sparkie is your ticket to serious offshore fishing adventures in Panama City's Gulf waters. This 36-foot sport fisherman runs on brand-new Cummins Marine engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and reliable. Captain Fisher has this boat dialed in perfectly for Grand Slam trips targeting mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel. What sets the Lil Sparkie apart is comfort during those long days chasing fish. The 3.5-ton marine AC keeps everyone cool between hook-ups, and there's a real bathroom onboard – no bucket situations here. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot diving birds and bait schools, while the fish finder and GPS combo puts you right on top of the action. When you're ready to drop down for snapper and grouper, the spacious cockpit gives all six anglers room to work without tangling lines. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold while the multimedia system keeps spirits high during travel time. The radar system means weather won't shut down your fishing plans, and having an actual bed onboard is clutch for those who need a quick power nap between hot bites.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our offshore waters, and they'll test your gear like no other fish. These silver torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds during peak season. We find them cruising 40-150 feet deep over structure and along the drop-offs. Spring through fall brings the best fishing, especially when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What guests love most is the blistering runs and jumps - pure adrenaline when one hits your bait. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. My advice: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, let it run initially - trying to stop that first screaming run will only cost you the fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and electric blue that puts on a color show when they hit the deck. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see bulls over 40 pounds around floating debris and weedlines. They love the warm blue water from late spring through early fall, usually hanging in 100-1000 feet. What makes them special is the acrobatic fight and that sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat on the table. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Pro tip: once we hook the first fish, keep it in the water next to the boat while we work the school - mahi are curious and the hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of the most rewarding bottom fish you'll target out here. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we regularly see fish pushing 20+ pounds around our deeper structure. They hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs once hooked, using every bit of structure to try breaking you off. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet with that shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. Here's a tip: use a heavy leader and keep steady pressure once you hook up. These fish will dive straight into the rocks if you give them any slack.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing - that bright red color and classic snapper profile make them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 3-8 pounds, but mature adults can push 20+ pounds around the deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs from 60-200 feet deep. Our season typically runs summer into fall when they're most active. What guests love is the solid fight and that sweet, nutty white meat that's restaurant-quality. They're smart fish that require finesse - heavy tackle will spook them. My go-to setup is live pinfish or fresh squid on a knocker rig. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be ready for that distinctive snapper bite - they'll grab it and head straight for cover.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf - capable of hitting 60 mph and known for their blistering runs. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds with that distinctive blue-striped pattern along silver sides. We target them in 100-600 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, with peak action from summer into early winter. What sets them apart is that initial run - absolutely nothing prepares you for how fast they take line. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Here's the key: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential because their teeth are like razors. When one hits, just hold on and let the drag do its job - trying to muscle them early will snap your line every time.
Panama City, FL, United States