Summer Bottom Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore bottom fishing targeting snapper and grouper speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests with flexible durationsAll tackle, bait, and licenses included with early morning departures
Ready to drop lines on some of the Gulf's hottest bottom fishing grounds? Long Shot Charters runs what locals consider the top-rated summer bottom fishing program out of Panama City Beach, and once you get a taste of these productive offshore reefs, you'll understand why anglers return year after year. From mid-May through mid-October, we're targeting prime reef habitat 25-40 miles out where red snapper, grouper, and even bull sharks patrol the hard bottom. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking serious offshore fishing with trip options ranging from 6 to 12 hours, giving you the flexibility to fish as hard as you want.
We kick off every trip at 6 AM sharp, which puts us on the fishing grounds right when the bite typically fires up. The boat's yours for the day – no crowded party boat situation here. With space for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The ride out takes us through some beautiful Gulf waters, but the real show starts when we reach those offshore ledges and artificial reefs that hold so much life. Water depth varies from 80 to 120 feet depending on which spots are producing, and the bottom structure ranges from natural limestone ledges to planted reef systems that concentrate baitfish and predators. The Gulf stays fishable most summer days, though we always keep an eye on weather patterns to ensure safe, productive fishing conditions.
Bottom fishing offshore requires the right approach, and we've got the technique dialed in. We're using conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound braid, paired with medium-heavy rods that can handle both the depth and the pulling power of these reef fish. The terminal tackle setup includes circle hooks ranging from 5/0 to 8/0 depending on target species, with enough weight to get down and stay down in current. Live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait make up most of our offerings, though artificial jigs work great when fish are aggressive. The key to success lies in reading the bottom with electronics, positioning over structure, and maintaining good bait presentation in the strike zone. We'll anchor up on productive spots and rotate through different depths and bait types until we figure out what the fish want that day.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Panama City Beach sits right in prime snapper country. These fish typically range from 16-25 inches during summer months, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real monsters. Red snapper are notorious for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights, making every hookup a memorable battle. They feed most actively during early morning and late afternoon hours, positioning just off the bottom near structure. What makes red snapper so special isn't just their fight – they're absolutely world-class table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from grilling to blackening.
Red Grouper provide a completely different fishing experience, often lurking in holes and caves within the reef structure. These fish can push 20-30 pounds regularly, and when you hook one, the fight becomes a tug-of-war as they try to get back to their rocky hideouts. Summer is prime time for red grouper, as they're actively feeding and more willing to venture away from heavy cover. Lane Snapper, while smaller than their red cousins, make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent eating quality. These fish school heavily around reef areas and provide consistent action when larger species get finicky.
Bull Sharks represent the wildcard species on these trips, showing up when you least expect them but providing the most adrenaline-pumping fights of the day. Summer months bring bulls into shallower reef areas where they hunt for wounded baitfish and smaller gamefish. These sharks can range anywhere from 4-8 feet, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately you're connected to something special. The runs are blistering, the jumps are spectacular, and the experience of fighting a bull shark in 100 feet of water creates fishing memories that last a lifetime.
This summer bottom fishing program books solid throughout the season, especially weekends and holidays when everyone wants to get offshore. The beauty of fishing with Long Shot Charters lies in the complete package – tackle, bait, and licenses included, plus the flexibility to choose your trip length based on how hard you want to fish. Whether you opt for a 6-hour sampler or commit to the full 12-hour adventure, you're getting access to some of the Gulf's most productive bottom fishing grounds with a crew that knows these reefs inside and out. Remember to pack sun protection, plenty of water, and whatever snacks or meals you'll need for the day. With free cancellation available up to 7 days out, there's no reason not to lock in your dates and get ready for some serious Gulf Coast bottom fishing action.
Get ready to battle some serious reef fish aboard The Long Shot and The Big Shot, Panama City Beach's go-to charter boats since 2011. These custom-built fishing machines are loaded with everything you need for a productive day 25-40 miles offshore targeting red snapper, grouper, and triggerfish. Both boats feature fish finders and GPS to put you right on the hottest bottom structure, plus air conditioning to keep you cool between fights. With an icebox and refrigerator onboard, your drinks stay cold and your catch stays fresh. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect view of the action while radar keeps you safe in any conditions. A multimedia system provides entertainment during the longer runs, and the onboard head and sleeping quarters mean comfort on those epic 12-hour trips. These spacious boats easily handle up to 6 anglers with room to move around when the bite gets hot. Your knowledgeable captain knows exactly where the fish are holding and provides all tackle, bait, and licenses so you can focus on filling the cooler with snapper and grouper.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are the heavyweights of our summer trips - thick, powerful fish that average 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. These gray torpedoes cruise our nearshore waters and deeper reefs, especially during the warmer months when baitfish are thick. They're not picky about depth, showing up anywhere from 50 to 200 feet around structure. What draws folks to target them? Pure adrenaline. When a bull hits, you know it - they make screaming runs and fight like freight trains. Plus, there's bragging rights that come with landing a genuine shark. The meat's actually pretty good too, firm and mild when prepared right. Pro tip: fresh eel is absolute candy to these fish. The high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook better than most baits.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink fish with yellow racing stripes that often surprise folks targeting bigger species. They typically run 10-14 inches and make great action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy patches with good cover, usually in 60-150 feet. They're most active during our summer season, especially at dusk when they feed aggressively on shrimp and small crabs. What makes them fun? They're scrappy little fighters that hit hard and taste fantastic - sweet, tender meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Many guests love filling the cooler with these colorful fish when red snapper fishing slows down. The secret is using smaller hooks and lighter tackle - they've got small mouths but big appetites, so downsize your bait and you'll double your hookup rate.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most prized catches out here - robust, meaty fish with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots. Most run 5-10 pounds, but we see some beauties pushing 20+ pounds on the deeper reefs. They hang around rocky bottoms and structure in 80-200 feet, though we catch plenty in the 100-foot range. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding on crabs and shrimp. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with a sweet shellfish taste that's hard to beat. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. They'll wrap you up every time if you give them slack.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - beautiful pink-red fish that turn heads every time. Most of what we catch runs 2-5 pounds, but those deeper ledges can produce 10+ pounders that'll test your arms. They stack up around hard bottom and structure in 80-150 feet, always close to something they can duck under when spooked. Summer season from June through August is peak time when they're aggressive and feeding heavy. Why do folks love them? They fight smart, not just hard, and the table fare is unmatched - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. The trick with reds is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish steal it. Use a heavy enough weight to punch through the current, and be ready to set the hook quick when they bite.
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