Full Day Bottom Fishing in Panama City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore trip targeting grouper, cobia, and snapperGulf of Mexico bottom fishing with professional crewAccommodates up to 6 guests for all skill levels
Ready to fish the deep waters where the big ones live? Our 10-hour Bottom Fishing Slam puts you right in the middle of some of the Gulf's hottest action. We're talking about a full day targeting trophy species like Gag Grouper, King Mackerel, Grey Triggerfish, Wahoo, and Cobia in waters that produce year-round. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we head out deep where the structure holds fish and the bite stays consistent. Perfect for groups up to 6 anglers who want to experience what Panama City's offshore waters are really about.
We launch early and run out to productive structure in 60-120 feet of water, depending on what's biting best. The Double Trouble crew knows these numbers like the back of their hand – artificial reefs, natural bottom, and ledges that hold fish consistently. You'll spend most of your time bottom fishing with medium-heavy tackle, but we always keep a few rods rigged for whatever comes up. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're pulling up a nice gag grouper, the next you might hook into a king mackerel or cobia cruising the surface. We provide all tackle and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Bring your own drinks and snacks since it's a long day, but trust me, when the fish are biting, time flies.
We fish primarily with circle hooks and quality tackle designed to handle big Gulf fish. Most of our fishing happens on the bottom using knocker rigs with fresh bait – cut bait, squid, and live bait when conditions are right. The captain will position the boat over structure and you'll drop down 60-120 feet depending on where we're fishing that day. We use 30-50 pound class tackle that gives you a real fight but still has the backbone to pull fish up from depth. When we mark cobia or kings near the surface, we'll switch to live bait or artificial lures and target them specifically. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you spend more time with a line in the water and less time tying knots.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These fish love structure and fight like bulldogs once you hook them. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, but we catch them year-round on the right spots. A good gag will run 15-25 pounds and make several hard runs toward the bottom before you can get them up. What makes them special is the combination of fight and table fare – they're absolutely delicious and one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf.
King Mackerel show up when you least expect them and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find offshore. These speed demons can reach 30+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, but summer fishing can be outstanding when we find the right water temperature. They're aggressive predators that hit live bait hard and don't give up easy. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, plus they make excellent eating when prepared right.
Grey Triggerfish might not look like much, but they're one of the smartest fish in the Gulf and incredibly fun to catch. They have small mouths and are notorious bait stealers, so landing them takes some skill. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they tend to be very structure-oriented. Once hooked, they use their flat body to fight sideways and make it tough to bring them up. Local anglers love them because they're challenging to catch and excellent in the frying pan.
Wahoo are the speed merchants of the deep Gulf – these fish can hit 60+ mph and provide some of the most intense fights you'll experience. They're more common during cooler months and often show up when we're fishing for other species. A wahoo strike is unmistakable – they hit like a freight train and immediately start peeling line. Most wahoo we see run 20-40 pounds, and their razor-sharp teeth mean we use wire leaders when targeting them specifically.
Cobia are curious fish that often cruise near the surface around structure, making them exciting to sight-fish when conditions are right. They're most active from April through September and can reach impressive sizes – 30-50 pounders aren't uncommon. What makes cobia special is their intelligence and fighting ability. They'll follow the boat, investigate your bait, and once hooked, make powerful runs and direction changes. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
This 10-hour Bottom Fishing Slam gives you the best shot at multiple species and plenty of action throughout the day. The Double Trouble crew has the local knowledge and experience to put you on fish consistently, whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or just want to experience some of the Gulf's best fishing. With only 6 spots available per trip, these fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. If you want to fish where the locals go and experience Panama City offshore fishing at its finest, this is your trip. Book now and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years.
Step aboard our recently restored 40-foot Henrique sportfishing vessel, your gateway to the Gulf's best bottom fishing action. Twin 315HP Cummins engines power this beauty at a smooth 24-knot cruise, getting you to the productive offshore waters where cobia, grouper, and snapper are waiting. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, while the flybridge gives you prime spotting position for those surface-cruising cobia. When you need a break from reeling in fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and comfortable sleeping quarters. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder keep you on the fish even when conditions get challenging. The onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh, and the head facilities mean you can focus on fishing all day long without any interruptions.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious bruisers that average 30-60 pounds and love to check out anything floating on the surface. These brown sharks-lookalikes cruise reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet, often coming right up to the boat to investigate. Spring migration from March through May is pure magic when big schools move through. What guests love is sight-fishing for them - you can actually see these fish swimming around and cast right to them. They fight like bulldogs and the meat rivals any fish in the Gulf. Bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounces work great, but honestly any color will catch them. Pro tip: when you see one cobia, look for more. They travel in small groups during migration, so if you hook one, keep other lines ready. Patience is key - they'll circle and inspect your bait before eating.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of the most popular bottom fish we target on our Gulf trips. These chunky fighters typically run 20-30 inches, with the big males showing up around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rock ledges in 60-150 feet of water. What makes them special is their stubborn fight - once hooked, they'll head straight for the nearest structure to try and cut you off. The meat is absolutely primo, with firm white flakes that grill up perfect. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're more active. Pro tip: use a heavy drag and keep that rod tip low right after the hookset. Don't give them any slack or they'll duck into a hole and you'll never get them out. Circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait work best.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough little scrappers that'll test your patience and reward you with some of the best eating in the Gulf. They average 12-17 inches and love hanging around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet. These guys are smart - they'll nibble your bait to death before committing, so you need to stay sharp. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active. What makes them fun is their attitude - they'll fight way above their weight class and make multiple runs. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality stuff. Squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook better than softer baits. Here's the trick: drop your bait near grouper or snapper, and the triggers will rush in to steal it. Their competitive nature works against them every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 20-40 pounds with trophy fish pushing 50-plus. These speedsters cruise the blue water from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Peak season runs April through October when bait schools are thick. What guests love about kings is that first screaming run - they'll peel line like crazy before settling into a strong, steady fight. The meat's great smoked or grilled, though it's got higher mercury levels. We usually troll with live bait on dual-hook rigs since kings love to hit baits from behind. My go-to trick is running a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the nose hook - catches way more fish that way. Wire leaders are a must with those razor teeth.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 40-60 mph and averaging 20-50 pounds in our waters. These torpedo-shaped fish patrol the blue water from 60 feet down to several hundred, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast initial run that'll smoke your drag, plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. We troll fast for these guys, usually 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth are razor sharp. Best tip I can give: when you see that rod double over, don't touch the drag. Let them run and tire themselves out, then gradually work them to the boat. Fight them too hard early and they'll throw the hooks.
Panama City Beach