Red Snapper Fishing Trip | 12 Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore adventure targeting wahoo and red snapperExpert guides provide fullscale maritime fishing experienceSmall group charter accommodates up to 6 guests
Get ready for a serious day on the water with Captain Fisher Charters' signature 12-hour red snapper adventure. We're talking about heading out to the deep blue where the fish are big, the action is steady, and the memories stick with you long after you get back to shore. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going the distance to reach those prime fishing grounds where the snappers are thick and the variety keeps your rod bent all day long.
You'll be fishing the productive waters off Panama City, Florida, where the continental shelf drops off and creates some of the best bottom structure in the Gulf. We're targeting depths ranging from 80 to 200 feet, hitting wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs that hold massive schools of red snapper, grouper, and pelagic species like wahoo and king mackerel. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew. We provide all the heavy tackle you'll need, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The 12-hour format gives us time to hit multiple spots – we'll start on the closer reefs and work our way out to the deeper water as conditions allow. Pack your own lunch and drinks since we'll be out there through the prime feeding times when fish are most active.
We run a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting and where we find the action. For the red snapper and grouper, we're talking heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, circle hooks, and enough weight to get down fast in the current. We'll be fishing cut bait, live pinfish, and cigar minnows on the bottom. When we're targeting the pelagic species like wahoo and mahi, we switch to trolling spreads with planers, downriggers, and a variety of lures including spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo. The key out here is reading the water – watching for birds, debris lines, color changes, and bait schools. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish using GPS marks built up over years of fishing these same productive areas. We've got a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's underneath the boat, and you'll be amazed at how the bottom structure holds fish.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and these Panama City waters produce some absolute slabs. You're looking at fish averaging 8-15 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for those 20+ pound trophy snappers that make your arms ache. They're aggressive feeders with sharp teeth and a serious attitude – once you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Best action typically happens during the cooler months from October through March when they're feeding heavily, but we catch them year-round. Red grouper are another consistent target, running similar sizes but with even more fight pound-for-pound. These bottom dwellers use every piece of structure to their advantage, so be ready for a tug-of-war. King mackerel show up in good numbers, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These speedsters can stretch your drag and make screaming runs that'll get your heart pumping. Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are absolutely gorgeous fighters with their golden colors and acrobatic jumps. When we find them, it's usually multiple fish, so everyone gets in on the action. Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep – these fish hit lures like freight trains and can reach speeds over 40 mph. Landing a wahoo is a real achievement and makes for some outstanding table fare with their white, flaky meat.
Red snapper are what most anglers come here for, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They typically hold tight to structure in depths from 60 to 150 feet, and they're not shy about taking bait. The bigger fish tend to be more cautious, so we use heavier leaders and make sure our baits look natural. Peak season runs from June through August when federal waters open, but state water fishing keeps the action going year-round. What makes red snapper special is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll test your tackle on the way up, then reward you with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Red grouper offer a different kind of challenge. These ambush predators sit in holes and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When they grab your bait, they immediately try to get back to their hole, so you need to muscle them up fast. They're excellent eating and can reach impressive sizes – 15 to 25 pounders are common, with occasional fish pushing 30+ pounds. King mackerel are pure adrenaline. These fish patrol the edges of reefs and drop-offs, hunting in packs and hitting baits with incredible speed. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through Panama City waters, with kings reaching 30-50 pounds not uncommon. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among experienced anglers. Mahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter, with their brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting. They're typically found around floating debris or current lines, and when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Their acrobatic fight and sweet, white meat make them a prized catch. Wahoo represent the ultimate challenge in these waters. These torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed and have teeth that can slice through wire leaders. They're typically caught while trolling at higher speeds, and their initial run can strip line off your reel before you know what hit you. A quality wahoo will provide enough steaks to feed the whole family.
Meet the Lil Sparkie, your floating base camp for serious red snapper action in Panama City's productive offshore waters. This 36-foot sport fisherman packs everything you need for a comfortable 12-hour fishing adventure, from her ice-cold 3.5-ton marine AC to keep you cool between bites, to a private head when nature calls. Recently upgraded with brand new Cummins marine engines, she'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the fishing grounds quickly and reliably. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while trolling or bottom fishing, and the advanced fish finder will help locate those red snapper haunts along the offshore structure. Between fighting fish, grab cold drinks from the icebox, catch up on the action with the onboard multimedia system, or take a break on the comfortable bed below deck. GPS and radar keep you safe and on course, whether you're heading to your favorite snapper hole or exploring new bottom structure. The Lil Sparkie handles Florida's Gulf waters with confidence, giving you more time with lines in the water and less time worrying about the ride.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your tackle and skills. Around Panama City, we typically see them in the 15-30 pound range, though bigger ones show up regularly. These fish cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding and moving through our area. What guests love about kings is that explosive strike and the blistering runs they make - it's pure adrenaline when one hits your bait at 20+ knots. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. We usually troll with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut right through mono. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with live bait - put one hook in the nose and let a treble dangle near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down one of the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here, with those electric blues and golds that light up when they come boatside. Most run 15-30 pounds, and they're absolute acrobats when hooked - jumping and tail-walking like few other fish can. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they're migrating through our waters. Guests go crazy for mahi because they're aggressive strikers, amazing fighters, and some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - mild, sweet, and firm. They don't live long but grow fast, so the population stays strong. Watch for birds working over floating stuff - that's where you'll find them. When you hook one, leave it in the water because others will often stay around their hooked buddy.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of the most recognizable fish around Panama City with their rusty red color and white spots. Most of what we catch run 5-10 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they're absolute bulldogs that'll give you a serious workout. These guys love rocky bottom and structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially around wrecks and ledges. We see them year-round, but they really turn on in spring and fall when the water temps are just right. What makes them special is that fight - they'll head straight for cover when hooked, so you better be ready to muscle them up quick. The meat is fantastic too, firm and sweet with that almost shellfish-like flavor. Pro tip: when you feel that first thump, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure - don't give them a chance to get back in the rocks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing, and our Panama City waters hold some real quality fish. We typically catch them in the 2-8 pound range, though bigger ones show up regularly on the deeper spots. These bottom-dwellers live around hard structure - rocks, wrecks, and ledges - anywhere from 30 to 200+ feet deep. Summer is peak season during the federal opening, but we catch them year-round on state trips closer to shore. What makes snapper special is that they're smart, strong fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked. Plus, there's no better eating fish - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. Use fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid, and drop it right on the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that tap-tap bite, wait a second, then set hard and reel fast - don't give them time to get back in the rocks.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed freaks of the Gulf, hitting 60+ mph and putting on some of the most violent strikes you'll ever experience. These sleek fish typically run 20-50 pounds around Panama City, with that distinctive blue-striped silver body. We find them in blue water over structure and drop-offs, usually in 60-200 feet. Summer and fall are peak season when they're most active in our area. What makes wahoo special is that explosive bite followed by screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding too - white, flaky, and mild, perfect for the grill. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Local tip: use bright-colored lures with lots of action - wahoo are visual predators and love fast-moving targets. When one hits, hold on tight and let your drag do the work.
Panama City, FL, United States