8-Hour Bottom Fishing Trip - Panama City Beach
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore bottom fishing trip targeting multiple snapper speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to six passengers maximumAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included in trip
Get ready for a serious day of bottom fishing in the emerald waters off Panama City Beach with Long Shot Charters. This 8-hour shared trip kicks off at 6:00 AM on July 17, taking you and up to five other anglers to some of the Gulf's most productive offshore spots. You'll be targeting prime bottom dwellers like Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Amberjack while the captain puts you on the fish using years of local knowledge. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready for bent rods and full coolers.
This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking a full 8 hours of serious fishing time in the Gulf of Mexico. Long Shot Charters runs a tight ship with a small group of just six anglers max, which means more elbow room at the rail and better chances at landing your limit. The boat heads out early to beat the crowds and get you set up on structure before the sun gets too high. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water over hard bottom, wrecks, and natural reefs where the big snappers and grouper like to hang out. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll move spots if the bite slows down to keep you on the fish all day long.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live and keeping it there. The crew sets you up with conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle big fish and the heavy sinkers needed to reach bottom in deep water. You'll be dropping chicken rigs and knocker rigs loaded with cut bait, squid, and live pinfish down to depths ranging from 60 to over 100 feet. The key is feeling for that subtle tap when a snapper picks up your bait, then setting the hook hard and cranking fast to get them off the bottom before they can wrap you up in structure. Circle hooks are the name of the game here - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut-hooking, which is crucial for species like Red Snapper that need to be released in good condition if they're undersize.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Panama City Beach has some of the best snapper fishing on the entire Gulf Coast. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds if you're lucky. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas in 60-150 feet of water. Red Snapper are notorious for their quick bite - you'll feel a sharp tap followed by steady weight as they try to get back to their hole. They're fantastic eating with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer. Summer months offer the best action when they're spawning and feeding aggressively.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or AJ's as we call them, are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world. These fish can easily hit 20-40 pounds and will test your tackle and your back muscles. They hang around the same structure as snappers but tend to be more aggressive, often hitting your bait before it even reaches bottom. AJ's are built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains, making long powerful runs that'll have you questioning your knot-tying skills. They're excellent eating when prepared right - the smaller ones under 30 pounds have the best meat quality. Peak season runs from spring through fall when they're most active in our offshore waters.
King Mackerel add some serious excitement to any bottom fishing trip, though they're more of a bonus catch when you're targeting snappers and amberjacks. These silver bullets can show up anywhere from 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure where baitfish congregate. Kings are speed demons that can hit 30+ mph and make blistering runs that'll strip line off your reel in seconds. They average 10-25 pounds in our waters, with occasional fish pushing 40+ pounds. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their aggressive strikes often result in spectacular jumps. Kings are best in spring and fall when they're migrating along our coast, and they make excellent steaks or smoked fish.
Bottom fishing trips like this fill up fast, especially during prime summer season when the snappers are biting and the weather's cooperating. Long Shot Charters has built a solid reputation for putting anglers on fish and providing a top-rated experience that keeps customers coming back year after year. With all tackle, bait, and licenses included, plus the flexibility of free cancellation with a week's notice, there's really no reason not to secure your spot on this customer favorite trip. Whether you're a seasoned Gulf angler or new to offshore bottom fishing, this 8-hour adventure gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with some of the Gulf's finest eating fish. The 6 AM departure might seem early, but trust me - being first on the grounds makes all the difference when you're targeting pressured fish like Red Snapper and Amberjack.
Step aboard The Long Shot or The Big Shot, custom fishing vessels that have been working the waters off Panama City Beach since 2011. These spacious motorboats are built for serious bottom fishing, equipped with fish finders to locate the best spots and GPS navigation to get you there fast. When the Gulf gets choppy, you'll appreciate the air conditioning and comfortable amenities including an onboard refrigerator, icebox, and even a bed for longer trips. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot diving birds and bait schools, while the radar keeps you safe in changing conditions. With a toilet onboard and multimedia system, you'll stay comfortable during the full 8-hour run to the offshore grounds where Red Snapper, Amberjack, and King Mackerel are waiting. These proven boats handle the Gulf waters with ease, letting you focus on filling the cooler rather than worrying about the ride.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel in seconds. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see some real monsters pushing 60+ pounds out here in the Gulf. They cruise open water between 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What guests love is that first screaming run - nothing quite like it. Plus, they're great eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. Here's the key: use a wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait. Kings hit from behind, so that trailing hook in the bait's back will save you from a lot of cut-offs. Those razor teeth will slice mono in a heartbeat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These ruby-red beauties typically run 2-8 pounds on our trips, though bigger ones lurk in deeper structure. They stick tight to hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season brings the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard for their size and taste even better on the plate. That sweet, flaky white meat is restaurant quality. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom fast and keeping it there. Use a heavy sinker to punch through the current, and when you feel that thump, set the hook quick and reel steady. They'll try to get back to cover.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are strong fighters that'll test your gear and stamina. These fast swimmers typically run 15-25 pounds, though we occasionally see 40+ pounders that'll give you a real workout. They hang around rocky bottoms and structure in 60-150 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them popular is the challenge - they're powerful fish that make hard runs and don't give up easy. The meat's excellent too, with that rich, oily texture that's perfect for the grill. My tip: when you hook one, don't horse it. Let your drag do the work and keep steady pressure. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so be ready to follow the fish and keep them away from the bottom.
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