Private 10 Hour Bottom And Trolling Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10-hour trip combines bottom fishing with offshore trollingTarget Wahoo, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, and bottom speciesProfessional captain provides expert guidance and quality equipment
Looking for the ultimate Gulf fishing experience that gives you a real taste of everything these waters have to offer? This 10-hour combination trip aboard our 37ft Topaz is exactly what serious anglers have been asking for. You're not stuck choosing between bottom fishing or trolling – you get both in one epic day on the water. We'll spend time working the bottom structure for snapper and grouper, then fire up the engines and chase pelagics like wahoo and kings. With up to 6 anglers max, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets quality fishing time without feeling crowded.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just when the bite gets good. Ten hours gives us the luxury of time to really work different spots and adapt to what the fish are telling us. We'll start early, usually targeting bottom structure in 80-120 feet of water where the snapper and grouper live. The 37ft Topaz handles the Gulf swells like a dream, so you can focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. Once we've loaded up on bottom fish, we'll transition to trolling mode and cover some serious water looking for those speed demons that make your drag scream. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics to find the fish and all the tackle you need to land them.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf is all about reading structure and understanding where different species hang out. We use heavy tackle and circle hooks to get down to the snapper and grouper that call these reefs and ledges home. You'll be dropping down with 6-8 oz weights to get through the current, and when something grabs your bait, you'll know it. The trolling portion is a completely different game – we'll pull spreads of ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs at 6-8 knots, covering water until we mark bait or find temperature breaks where the pelagics hunt. When a wahoo hits at 30 mph, it's game on. Our captain knows exactly when to make the call between bottom fishing and trolling based on conditions, current, and what's been producing.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They typically run 3-15 pounds in our area, with the bigger fish holding in deeper water around 100+ feet. Red snapper are most active during daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes them so exciting is their fight – they'll dive straight for the bottom the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and technique. Plus, there's nothing quite like seeing that bright red flash coming up from the depths.
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world, and they'll test every piece of your tackle. These fish can push 20-30 pounds and have an attitude to match their size. They love hanging around hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water. Gags are ambush predators that will absolutely destroy a live bait or chunk of cut fish. The challenge with these fish isn't just hooking them – it's keeping them out of the rocks once they're on. They'll make one powerful run straight down, and if you don't stop them, they'll cut you off in the structure. That's what makes landing a good gag so rewarding.
Scamp Grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they're every bit as fun to catch and even better on the plate. These spotted beauties typically run 2-8 pounds and are found in similar habitat to other grouper species. Scamps are curious fish that will often hit a bait on the drop, giving you that classic grouper thump that gets your heart racing. They're also one of the most reliable species we target, so when the bigger fish aren't cooperating, you can usually count on scamps to keep the action going and put some quality meat in the cooler.
Red Grouper are the most common grouper species in our area and a favorite among anglers who appreciate consistent action and great table fare. They're typically smaller than gags, running 3-10 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that will give you a good account of themselves. Red grouper are less structure-dependent than other grouper species, so we can find them over sandy bottom and scattered rocks. They're also more willing to bite during different times of day, making them a reliable target when other species shut down. Their sweet, flaky meat makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Blacktip Shark add some serious excitement to any bottom fishing trip, especially when you're not expecting them. These sharks are common in Gulf waters and will readily take bottom baits meant for other species. Blacktips typically run 20-50 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're incredibly fast and will test your drag system and fighting technique. While we practice catch and release with sharks, the fight they provide is absolutely memorable – there's nothing quite like having a blacktip go airborne right next to the boat. They're most active during warmer months but can be encountered year-round in deeper water.
This 10-hour combo trip represents the best value for serious anglers who want to experience everything the Gulf has to offer in one day. You're getting world-class bottom fishing and trolling action with an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out. The 37ft Topaz provides the perfect platform for both fishing styles, and with only 6 anglers max, everyone gets the attention they deserve. Remember to call Fish N' Tales Charters at 850-630-2134 before booking if you have any questions about the trip details. The Gulf is fishing great right now, and these extended trips
This 37-foot Topaz sportfisher is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing action. Twin 375HP Caterpillar engines push this beauty through the water at a steady 15 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds with power to spare. Built to handle up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing bottom fish and pelagics. The boat comes equipped with fish finder technology to locate those productive spots, plus GPS and radar for safe navigation. When the Gulf sun gets intense, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin or grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. Between fishing sessions, you'll appreciate the full galley for preparing snacks, comfortable sleeping quarters for those who need a break, and a private head. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during travel time to distant fishing spots. With an icebox for keeping your catch fresh and plenty of deck space for fighting fish, this Topaz is designed by anglers, for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive Gulf waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Most run 4-6 feet and are famous for their acrobatic jumps - they'll clear the water completely and put on a show. You'll find them in 30-100 feet around structure, often mixed in with the grouper and snapper. They're most active spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that explosive fight and their tendency to jump right in the boat if you're not careful - it happens more than you'd think! They feed on mackerel, herring, and sardines, so oily baits work best. Heavy tackle is a must - 40-50 pound braided line and circle hooks. Here's the key: keep a tight drag and be ready for anything. These sharks are excitable and unpredictable. Once hooked, they'll make multiple runs and jumps, so give them room and enjoy the show.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of the tougher customers you'll tangle with out here. Most run 20-30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before and after spawn. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is excellent, firm and white with great flavor. Live pinfish and large sardines work best, but cut bait like squid produces too. One thing I always tell folks: soon as you feel that thump, lock down your drag and start cranking. Give them an inch and they'll run straight into a hole or cut your line on structure. It's a wrestling match, not a finesse game with these fish.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of Gulf bottom fishing. They average 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. You'll find them on muddy and rocky bottom from 20-300 feet, though most come from 40-100 feet around ledges and structure. They're year-round residents that feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What guests love is the combination of good fight and outstanding table fare - firm, moist meat with a slight shellfish flavor from their diet. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're tough and will test your tackle. Live or cut shrimp works magic, along with pinfish and squid. My go-to tip: these fish are aggressive feeders, so don't overthink it. Drop your bait to bottom and hang on. They'll usually hook themselves when they grab it. Just be ready for that initial run when they realize they're caught.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them around structure in 30-200 feet - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam fresh squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish. The fight is solid but manageable, and the meat is absolutely top-notch with that sweet, nutty flavor everyone craves. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. Here's a tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run back to structure where they'll cut you off. They're smart fish that know every rock and ledge down there. The season runs June through July, so we make the most of every trip during that window.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are hands down the best eating fish in the grouper family - we call them "captain's meat" for good reason. They average 4-6 pounds but pack a serious punch when hooked. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spring spawn season. The distinctive brown color with those elongated tail rays makes them easy to spot. What sets them apart is that incredible table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators, so live pinfish and sardines work great, along with cut squid. Here's what I've learned over the years: use braided line because they'll test your tackle hard. Soon as you hook up, keep them coming - they're strong swimmers that'll head for cover fast. February through May is peak season when they're most active.
Panama City, FL