Captain's Choice Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore charter targeting seasonal bottom fish over reefsPrivate boat accommodates six guests with gear and licenses includedEarly morning departure travels 1015 miles into Gulf waters
Looking for a real fishing adventure that gets you away from the crowds and into some serious action? Long Shot Charters has you covered with their Captain's Choice offshore fishing trip. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – you're talking about a dedicated 5-hour charter that heads 10-15 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the bottom fish are biting and the reefs are loaded with action. Running from August 20-29 with early morning departures at 6 AM, this trip gives you and up to five friends the entire boat to yourselves, plus all the gear and licenses you need to make it happen.
When you step aboard with Long Shot Charters, you're getting the full offshore experience without any of the guesswork. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what's been producing lately. That's the beauty of a "Captain's Choice" trip – you're not locked into one specific spot or technique. The boat heads out early to beat the heat and the afternoon chop, giving you prime fishing time when the bite is typically at its best. You'll be working reefs and wrecks that hold consistent populations of bottom fish, and with light tackle setups, even first-time offshore anglers can handle the gear comfortably. The private charter format means no rushing, no crowded rails, and no sharing your fishing spots with strangers. Your group sets the pace, and the captain adjusts the game plan based on what's working that day.
Bottom fishing these offshore structures is all about precision and patience. You'll be using light tackle rigs that let you feel every bump and bite while still having enough backbone to pull fish up from 60-100 foot depths. The typical setup includes circle hooks to improve hook-up ratios and reduce gut-hooking, paired with enough weight to get down through the current and stay connected to the bottom. Live bait, cut bait, and artificial lures all have their place depending on what the fish are keying on that particular day. The captain will show you how to read your rod tip, feel the difference between a fish pickup and getting hung on structure, and work the bait to trigger strikes. These reefs and wrecks create current breaks and ambush points where predator fish set up to feed, so you'll learn to position your bait in the strike zone and keep it there. Drop-shotting, Carolina rigs, and knocker rigs are all in play, and the crew will have you rigged up properly for the conditions you're facing.
Red Snapper remains the crown jewel of Gulf offshore fishing, and these Panama City Beach waters hold some of the healthiest populations you'll find anywhere. These fish are aggressive feeders that hang around structure in schools, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. Mature reds can push 10-15 pounds and will give you a solid fight on the way up, with their classic head-shaking runs and tendency to try to get back into the rocks. The late August timeframe puts you right in prime snapper season, when fish are actively feeding and the bite can be fast and furious. What makes red snapper special is their combination of fight, size, and table fare – they're legitimately one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Grouper fishing adds another dimension to these offshore trips, with Gag Grouper being the most common species you'll encounter on the reefs. These fish are ambush predators that sit tight to structure and rely on quick bursts of speed to capture prey. When you hook a grouper, the first few seconds are critical – they'll immediately try to get back into their hole or under a ledge where they can break you off. A good grouper will test your drag system and your patience, using their broad body and powerful tail to bulldoze toward safety. The 20-30 pound fish are common on these reefs, and the occasional 40+ pound bruiser will really make your day. Grouper behavior changes throughout the day, with early morning and late afternoon typically producing the most consistent action.
Triggerfish might not get the respect they deserve, but these feisty fighters will bend your rod and test your skills. Gray Triggers are the most abundant species in these waters, and they're known for their finicky feeding habits and razor-sharp teeth. What makes triggerfish fishing interesting is their unpredictability – they can be incredibly aggressive one minute and completely shut down the next. These fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and crustaceans, so they can easily bite through leaders if you're not prepared. The good news is that triggers often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
Vermillion Snapper, also known as "Beeliner" to local anglers, are the perfect light tackle fish and often save the day when bigger species aren't cooperating. These smaller cousins to red snapper are incredibly abundant on Gulf reefs and will eat just about anything you put in front of them. What's great about vermillion snapper is their consistency – you can usually count on steady action even when other species are finicky. They typically run 1-3 pounds, making them perfect for kids or anyone who wants continuous rod-bending action. Despite their smaller size, vermillion snapper are excellent eating and can be prepared whole or filleted depending on your preference.
This Captain's Choice charter represents everything that makes offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico special – productive waters, experienced local knowledge, and the flexibility to adapt to conditions as they unfold. The August 20-29 window puts you in prime late-summer fishing, when water temperatures are stable and fish are actively feeding before fall patterns kick in. With only six spots available per trip and the entire boat reserved for your group
Step aboard The Long Shot and The Big Shot, two battle-tested charter boats that have been hauling in trophy fish from Panama City Beach waters since 2011. These spacious custom rigs are built for serious offshore action, taking your crew 10-15 miles out to productive reefs and wrecks along the Florida Panhandle. Both boats come loaded with top-shelf electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders to put you right on the money spots where the big ones are biting. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on whatever's running hot that day. Stay comfortable between hookups with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and take advantage of the flybridge for prime spotting. With a private head, sleeping quarters for longer trips, and plenty of deck space for up to 6 anglers to work their lines, these boats are designed to maximize your time over fish. All tackle and licenses are provided, so just bring your appetite for some real Gulf Coast fishing action.
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