Private Bottom Fishing Charter | 37ft Topaz
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
68 hour private bottom fishing adventure aboard 37ft TopazTarget seasonal species from deepsea bottom to topwater catchesExpert guidance and highquality gear for up to 6 guests
Get ready to load up that fish box on our top-rated 6 to 8-hour bottom fishing adventure aboard our spacious 37ft Topaz. This isn't your average fishing trip - we're talking about a full day of action where we'll work every layer of the water column to put you on the fish. Whether the bite is hot on the bottom or the pelagics are crashing bait up top, we'll adjust our game plan to make sure you're hooked up all day long. Perfect for groups of up to 6 anglers, this charter gives you plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without bumping elbows.
When you step aboard our 37ft Topaz, you're getting a vessel that's built for serious fishing. We've got all the electronics you need to find the fish - from high-end fish finders to GPS that'll put us right on the sweet spots. The boat's got plenty of deck space for everyone to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines, plus enough cooler space to handle whatever we pull up from the deep. We'll start the day targeting bottom structure where the big boys like to hang out, then work our way up through the water column as conditions and fish activity dictate. Don't worry about bringing tackle - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal gear you'll need. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether they're hugging the bottom or cruising the surface.
Bottom fishing is all about putting your bait where the fish live, and that means getting down to the structure where these species set up shop. We'll be using heavy tackle to get down deep and stay connected to some serious fish. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most of our bottom work - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and give you a better chance of landing that fish of a lifetime. When we're targeting bottom dwellers, we'll use everything from live bait to cut bait, depending on what the fish are wanting that day. But here's where this trip gets interesting - we don't just stick to one technique. When the conditions are right and we mark pelagic species in the mid-water column or on top, we'll switch gears and start trolling or throwing live bait to get those speedsters fired up. Our Topaz is rigged with outriggers for trolling, and we've got the live wells to keep bait fresh all day. The key is reading the water and the fish finder, then adapting our approach to whatever's going to put the most fish in the box.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore waters and one of the most sought-after species on our charter. These acrobatic fighters can reach 8-10 feet and put on a show that'll have your adrenaline pumping from the first jump to the final release. Peak season runs from December through April when they're migrating through in big numbers. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size - it's their speed and aerial displays. When you hook into one, get ready for multiple jumps, long runs, and a fight that'll test your skills. Most anglers practice catch and release with sails, making for great photos and conservation-minded fishing.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they'll test your drag system like no other fish. These toothy critters can push 30-40 pounds and are known for blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. Kings are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they're always hungry for fast-moving bait. What anglers love about kings is their aggressive nature - when they hit, there's no mistaking it. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for those looking to take home a delicious dinner. Just watch those teeth when bringing them to the boat!
Mahi Mahi bring both beauty and great eating to every trip. These colorful fish typically run 10-25 pounds and are known for their stunning golden-green colors and aggressive feeding behavior. Mahi are most abundant from late spring through early fall, and they're often found around floating debris or weed lines. What makes mahi special is their schooling behavior - where you find one, you'll often find more. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Plus, they put up a solid fight with plenty of head shaking and direction changes to keep things interesting.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and determination. AJs are year-round residents around structure, but they're most active during the spring and fall months. What sets amberjack apart is their raw power - they'll head straight for the bottom and use every ounce of strength to get back to their rocky homes. Landing a big amberjack is a team effort that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're also excellent eating, with firm meat that's perfect for steaks or blackened preparations.
Cobia are the gentle giants that offer a unique fishing experience. These brown sharks of the fishing world can reach 40-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature and powerful runs. Cobia are most common during their spring and fall migrations, but residents can be found year-round around structure. What makes cobia fishing exciting is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of following rays and sharks. When you spot one, you can often sight-cast to them, making for some of the most visual fishing you'll experience. They're also world-class table fare with meat that rivals the finest restaurant fish.
This private bottom fishing charter aboard our 37ft Top
This 37-foot Topaz sportfisher is your ticket to serious bottom fishing action. Twin 375HP Caterpillar engines cruise you to productive waters at 15 knots, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with plenty of room to work multiple lines and fight fish from the cockpit or flybridge. When you need a break from the action, duck into the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and comfortable bed. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the 6-8 hour trip. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to the best fishing spots, whether you're working deep structure for grouper and snapper or switching tactics for surface feeders. The boat's fishing-focused design gives everyone space to cast, with easy access to tackle storage and fish boxes. Between the modern electronics, twin engine reliability, and creature comforts like the onboard head and multimedia system, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler. Perfect for experienced crews or newcomers ready to learn proper bottom fishing techniques.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of the ocean, hitting 22-34 mph with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin raised. These blue-gray beauties average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, but can reach up to 10 feet. They cruise warm surface waters around 30-65 feet deep, following bait schools like sardines and mackerel. Winter through spring is prime time when water temps hit 70-83°F. What makes them special? They put on a show - leaping, diving, and changing colors from blue to black during the fight. Their strength and endurance will test your skills. Pro tip: when sight fishing, tease them with a bait skip before setting the hook. Use heavy tackle with 50-pound test - these fish run hard and long once hooked.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - those dark brown, streamlined fish you'll spot cruising just under the surface. They average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious tackle-testers. These loners hang around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet of water, though we usually find them shallow. Spring migration and summer months are best, especially June-August. What's great about cobia? They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. The trick is using bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, just work it near structure where they're holding.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - bluish-gray bruisers with that telltale amber stripe running down their sides. These fish average 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and really test your tackle. They live around structure like wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they ambush smaller fish and squid. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially April-May during spawn. What makes them appealing? They fight dirty - diving straight down and using every piece of structure to try breaking you off. Plus, they're excellent eating with high-quality white meat. Just watch for ciguatera in larger fish. My advice: use heavy tackle, 50-pound test minimum, and don't try to horse them up. Let them tire themselves out first, then work them away from the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are serious speedsters that'll give you a workout. These olive-backed fish with white bellies typically run 30 pounds, but we've seen 90-pounders that'll make your arms burn. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet in water temps between 68-84°F, with bigger fish often hanging closer to shore around inlets. Peak season varies, but they're most active when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun? Pure speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and hit like freight trains. Plus, they make solid table fare despite the mercury content. Here's the key: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings love biting the back half of live bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the golden beauties of offshore fishing, averaging 15-29 pounds and 39 inches long. They're surface dwellers, typically found under floating debris, weed lines, or anything that provides shade in warm tropical waters. These fish grow fast and don't live long - usually maxing out at 4-5 years. What makes them special? That color show when you boat them - brilliant golds, blues, and greens that flash before fading. They're strong swimmers that'll give you a solid fight, plus they're absolutely delicious eating with firm, white meat. Look for frigate birds working floating debris - that's where the mahi hang out. When trolling, make your baits skip on the surface to mimic flying fish, their favorite meal.
Panama City, FL