Full-Day Panama City Beach Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting multiple Gulf speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests comfortablyEighthour trip includes all equipment and fishing license
Get ready for a serious day of fishing in some of Florida's most productive waters. This 8-hour charter with Knot Josh'N Charters puts you right in the heart of the Gulf's best fishing grounds, where red snapper, grouper, and king mackerel are waiting. We're talking about a full-day commitment that starts at 6:00 AM sharp – because that's when the fish are biting and the conditions are prime. With just four spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives us the luxury of hitting multiple spots, adjusting our game plan based on what's biting, and really putting you on fish. We'll start the morning targeting bottom species over structure and reefs where grouper and snapper love to hang out. As the day progresses and conditions change, we can switch gears to trolling for pelagics like king mackerel and amberjack. The beauty of a full-day charter is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, we've got time to move and find where they're feeding. Captain and crew handle all the navigation, fish-finding, and gear setup, so you can focus on what you came here for: catching fish. The boat is equipped with top-shelf electronics, plenty of rod holders, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks for the day, and get ready to put some serious bend in the rod.
Bottom fishing is the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing, and we've got it dialed in. We're talking about heavy tackle, strong hooks, and the right bait presented at the perfect depth over structure that holds fish. Circle hooks are mandatory for snapper – they're better for the fish and better for hookups. We'll be using everything from live pinfish and cigar minnows to cut bait, depending on what the target species are feeding on that day. When we switch to trolling, it's a whole different game. We'll pull a spread of lures at varying depths and distances, covering water to find schools of kings and amberjack. The key is speed, lure selection, and reading the water for temperature breaks and bait schools. Wire leaders are essential when targeting toothy critters like king mackerel – they'll cut through mono or fluorocarbon like butter. The Gulf's structure fishing requires knowledge of specific spots, depths, and current conditions. That's where experience pays off, and why fishing with a proven local operation makes all the difference in your success rate.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Panama City Beach waters consistently produce quality fish. These guys are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They typically run 15-25 pounds in our local waters, with some real slobs pushing 30-plus pounds. Best action usually happens during their season from June through July, but regulations change yearly, so we stay current on what's legal and when. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their fight – they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off, and landing one requires skill and patience. Gag grouper are another fan favorite, known for their incredible table fare and hard-fighting nature. These fish are ambush predators that live in caves and under ledges, making them challenging but rewarding targets. They're most active during cooler months, with February through April being prime time. Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. King mackerel bring the speed and excitement that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. These torpedo-shaped fighters can hit 40 mph and regularly jump when hooked, putting on a show that's as fun to watch as it is to experience. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest schools and best fishing. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world – pure muscle that will test your endurance and tackle. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and will take you on a ride you won't forget, making long, powerful runs that can last several minutes.
This is the kind of fishing trip that creates stories you'll be telling for years. Eight hours on the water with experienced guides, targeting multiple species in some of the Gulf's most productive waters – it doesn't get much better than this. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of action and individual attention, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. No fishing license required takes one more thing off your to-do list, and the 6:00 AM start time puts you on the best bite of the day. Panama City Beach's offshore waters have earned their reputation as a world-class fishing destination, and this charter gives you full access to that fishery. With Knot Josh'N Charters' local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish, you're setting yourself up for success. Don't let this opportunity swim away – book your full-day adventure now and get ready for a day of Gulf Coast fishing at its finest.
This 24-foot Sea Pro center console delivers serious fishing power for your Panama City Beach offshore adventure. Restored in 2021 and equipped with a reliable 225HP Yamaha engine, she cruises at 20 knots to get you to the prime fishing grounds where Amberjack, King Mackerel, and Red Snapper are waiting. The boat's fish finder helps locate those deep-water hotspots while GPS navigation keeps you on course. A wireless trolling motor lets you quietly position over structure where Gag Grouper and Red Grouper hide. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour day. With comfortable space for up to four anglers, this well-equipped vessel gives you everything needed to target multiple species in Gulf waters. Perfect platform for serious offshore fishing where the big ones bite.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are tough customers that'll test your gear and patience. These brownish-gray fighters average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds around our offshore reefs and wrecks. They love hanging around structure in 60-200 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. What makes them special is they're all born female and change to male as they grow - plus they put up one heck of a fight once hooked. The meat is excellent eating, firm and white with great flavor. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps are right. My secret for landing gags? Soon as you hook up, lock that reel down and horse them up quick. Let them run to structure and you'll be retying - they know every hole and ledge down there better than we do.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - pure muscle that'll make your arms burn. These bluish-silver bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can top 100, living around deeper structure like oil rigs, wrecks, and ledges in 100+ feet. They're most active April through October and not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to jigs. What gets anglers fired up is the raw power - they fight straight down with incredible strength, testing every piece of gear you've got. The amber stripe along their side really lights up when they're excited or feeding. One word of caution: larger fish can carry ciguatera, so smaller ones are better for the table. My advice? Use heavy tackle and don't mess around - 50+ pound gear minimum. Once hooked, keep constant pressure and pump hard. Give them an inch and they'll take you to the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. These silver missiles average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, cruising our waters from spring through fall following baitfish. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, especially around temperature breaks and structure where bait congregates. What makes them exciting is pure speed - when a king hits, you'll know it instantly from the screaming drag. They're decent eating too, though the meat's a bit oily and rich. The bite really heats up in warmer months when they're chasing cigar minnows and blue runners. My go-to setup is slow-trolling live bait with a wire leader and dual hook rig - hook one through the nose, let the stinger hook dangle. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that back hook saves the day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks. They're fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, so keep your drag tight. The best fishing happens May through October when they're spawning and more active. What really gets guests excited is the incredible table fare - mild, sweet, and flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. Here in Panama City, I always tell folks to use circle hooks with fresh squid or live pinfish, and the moment you feel that thump, start cranking hard before they wrap you around the nearest ledge.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper might be the best eating fish in the Gulf - some captains call it "captain's meat" for good reason. These chocolate brown grouper with their distinctive extended tail rays typically run 4-6 pounds, though 30+ pounders show up. They hide around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 75-300 feet, ambushing baitfish. February through May is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love is the incredible fight from such a compact fish - they're slow but incredibly strong, making every battle memorable. The white, flaky meat beats any restaurant grouper you've had. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll try to cut you off on structure, so a steady pump-and-wind gets them up before they dive into a hole.
Panama City