Full Day Offshore Fishing - Panama City Beach
When you're serious about putting fish in the cooler, King Slayer Charters delivers exactly what Panama City Beach anglers are looking for. Our full-day offshore trips run from 6 to 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to work the productive waters where snapper, grouper, and amberjack call home. We launch early - some trips kick off at 5:00 AM - because that's when the bite is hottest and the competition for prime spots is fierce. Operating from August through early June, these charters are timed perfectly with the Gulf's seasonal patterns, so you're fishing when the action is at its peak.
What to Expect on the Water
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear dialed in before you even step aboard. We're talking quality rods, reels that can handle the big boys, and tackle boxes stocked with everything from jigs to live bait rigs. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably - enough room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Live bait is part of the package because nothing beats a frisky cigar minnow or blue runner when you're trying to tempt a big red snapper or grouper off the bottom. The captain reads the water conditions, checks his GPS marks, and puts you on fish that are actively feeding. No guessing games, no wasted time running around aimlessly.
Bottom Fishing and Trolling
Most of your day revolves around bottom fishing the hard structure and artificial reefs that dot the Gulf floor 15 to 40 miles offshore. We're dropping heavy sinkers and circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live offerings right into the strike zone where grouper and snapper stage up. The technique is straightforward but requires patience - you feel that telltale thump, set the hook with a steady lift, and start cranking before the fish can dive back into the rocks. When the bottom bite slows down, we'll switch gears and pull some lures behind the boat, targeting mahi-mahi and blackfin tuna that cruise the blue water. Trolling lets you cover ground and find active schools, especially during summer months when pelagic species move through Panama City's offshore lanes.
Top Catches This Season
Red snapper are the bread and butter of these offshore trips, and Panama City Beach sits right in prime snapper country. These fish school up around structure in 60 to 120 feet of water, and when you find them, you can usually count on steady action. They average 3 to 8 pounds with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 15 pounds or better. Red snapper season typically runs from June through July, making them a customer favorite during peak summer months. They're aggressive feeders and excellent table fare - exactly what most anglers are hoping to fill the cooler with.
Greater amberjack bring the muscle to your fishing day, with these bruisers regularly tipping the scales at 20 to 60 pounds. They live around wrecks and high-profile bottom structure, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. Amberjack make long, powerful runs and test your drag system like no other fish in the Gulf. Fall and winter months produce the biggest specimens, and anglers love them for the fight they put up. They're also good eating when prepared properly, though many folks target them purely for the sport.
Gag grouper are the prize catch for many offshore anglers, and Panama City's rocky bottom habitat produces some real trophy-class fish. These grouper average 5 to 15 pounds, but fish in the 20 to 30-pound range are caught regularly during peak season from October through April. Gag grouper are ambush predators that hold tight to structure, and they'll inhale a well-presented bait before making a beeline for the nearest rock pile. They're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Mahi-mahi show up during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall, and they bring non-stop action when you find them. These fish travel in schools and average 5 to 20 pounds, though bull dolphins can exceed 40 pounds. They're drawn to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the blue water. Mahi are spectacular fighters - they jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Their colorful display and acrobatic fighting style make them a favorite among photographers and sport fishermen alike.
Spanish mackerel round out the target species list and provide consistent action, especially during spring and fall migrations. These fish school up in massive numbers and average 1 to 3 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle fishing and keeping kids engaged. They're fast-striking, aggressive feeders that will hit both live bait and small lures. Spanish mackerel are also excellent bait for larger species like king mackerel and cobia, so your captain might have you catch a few to use as live offerings for bigger targets.
Time to Book Your Spot
Panama City Beach's offshore fishing scene doesn't wait around, and neither should you. King Slayer Charters books up fast during peak season, especially for those prime early morning departures when the fishing is hottest. With trip options ranging from half-day adventures to full 12-hour marathons, there's a charter that fits your schedule and ambitions. The boat's equipped, the captain knows where the fish are biting, and all you need to bring is your fishing license and cooler space for the catch. Book your offshore adventure today and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive Gulf waters.
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6325 Big Daddy Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 324076325 Big Daddy Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Full day offshore fishing targeting snapper, grouper, and amberjack
