Extended Half Day Fishing Trip in Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing trip aboard 30ft Sea HuntTarget Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish with Captain Steve's guidanceAccommodates up to 6 guests with personalized instruction included
When you're looking for a proper fishing adventure in Panama City Beach, Captain Steve Szenay's six-hour extended half day trip hits all the right notes. This isn't some quick splash-and-dash operation – you're getting real time on the water aboard his well-equipped 30-foot Sea Hunt center console. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of Gulf fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to put some serious fish in the cooler, this charter gives you the hours and expertise to make it happen. Captain Steve's been working these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding, and he's got the patience to make sure everyone on board gets their shots at some quality catches.
Six hours gives you serious fishing time – enough to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics when needed, and really get into the rhythm of the Gulf. Captain Steve runs a clean operation on his Sea Hunt, and the boat's set up right for inshore action with plenty of room for up to six anglers to work comfortably. You'll be targeting the bread-and-butter species that make Panama City Beach fishing so popular: Red Snapper, Red Grouper, Grey Triggerfish, and Greater Amberjack. The captain provides hands-on instruction that's perfect for beginners but detailed enough that experienced anglers pick up new tricks. Don't be surprised if he breaks out the camera to capture your best moments – those videos make great keepsakes and even better bragging rights back home. The extended timeframe means you're not rushed, so there's room for experimentation with different techniques and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get their lines wet.
This trip focuses on bottom fishing around the structure and reefs that hold Panama City Beach's best fish. Captain Steve knows the productive ledges, wrecks, and natural bottom where grouper and snapper like to set up shop. You'll be using conventional tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get your baits down to where the fish are feeding. The technique isn't complicated – it's about reading the bottom, finding the fish, and presenting your bait in the strike zone. Amberjack fishing often means working around the same structure but with different presentations, sometimes requiring heavier tackle when these powerful fish decide to make their runs. Triggerfish can be finicky, so Captain Steve adjusts bait size and presentation to match their mood. The Sea Hunt's electronics help locate productive areas, and the captain's knowledge of seasonal patterns and current conditions determines which spots get fished and in what order.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Panama City Beach fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste amazing, and when they're biting, they can really fill up the cooler. Red Snapper typically run 15 to 25 pounds in these waters, with some bigger fish pushing 30-plus pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to the bottom around ledges and wrecks, usually in 60 to 120 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with summer being prime time when federal seasons are open. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and the way they try to get back to the bottom once hooked – it's a tug-of-war that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping.
Red Grouper are another favorite target that perfectly suits this style of bottom fishing. These fish have serious pulling power and an attitude to match, often trying to wrap you up in whatever structure they can find. Most Red Grouper in the area range from 15 to 30 pounds, though larger specimens show up regularly. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they're more active. The fight is what hooks most anglers – it's a steady, powerful pull that tests your drag system and your arms. Plus, they're excellent table fare, which makes them a top choice for families looking to take home a quality dinner.
Greater Amberjack bring the raw power that serious anglers crave. These fish are built for speed and endurance, and when you hook into a good one, you know it immediately. Amberjack in Panama City Beach waters commonly run 40 to 80 pounds, with fish over 100 pounds possible around deeper structures. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in their preferred range. The initial run when you set the hook is what gets people talking – these fish can peel off 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. They're also great fighters all the way to the boat, often making several strong runs before coming to the gaff.
Grey Triggerfish round out the target list with their unique personality and excellent eating qualities. These fish are smaller than the others, typically running 2 to 5 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters with a reputation for being picky eaters. Triggerfish are most active during warmer months and can be incredibly frustrating when they're being finicky about baits. What makes them special is their firm, white meat that many consider among the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. They're also fun to catch because they fight much harder than their size would suggest, often making multiple runs and using their flat, disc-shaped bodies to create maximum resistance.
Captain Steve's extended half day trips offer the perfect balance of time, instruction, and fish-catching opportunity that keeps anglers coming back. Six hours on the water gives you real value – enough time to learn, adjust, and put together a solid day of fishing without the full commitment of an all-day charter. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and patient instruction makes this trip work for everyone from first-timers to experienced Gulf anglers. With space for up to six people, it's perfect for family groups or friends looking to share a top-rated fishing experience. Panama City Beach's year-round fishing means there's never a bad time to book, though spring and fall offer some of the most
Captain Steve's 30-foot Sea Hunt center console is built for serious fishing in Panama City Beach waters. Twin 300-hp Yamaha engines deliver the power and reliability you need to reach prime fishing spots quickly, while the stable center console design keeps everyone comfortable during those long battles with Red Snapper and Grouper. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. When you hook into a Greater Amberjack, you'll appreciate the spacious deck layout that gives you room to fight. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the six-hour adventure, while the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to the best offshore spots, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. With room for up to six anglers, this vessel is perfect for families wanting to experience Panama City's legendary bottom fishing action together.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of our local waters - bluish-grey torpedoes that can stretch 6 feet and average 20-40 pounds. They cruise around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure, and when one hits your line, you'll know it immediately. These fish make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them. Most anglers target them with heavy tackle and live bait, though jigs and large spoons work too. The meat is good quality when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. My advice: once you hook up, keep constant pressure and try to turn their head before they reach structure. They'll wrap you around anything they can find down there.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that average 12-17 inches but pack a punch. They've got that distinctive beak-like mouth and tough, leathery skin that earned them the nickname "Leatherjacket." You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges up to 180 feet deep. These fish are notorious bait stealers - they'll nip at your offering before committing, which drives some anglers crazy but makes others love the challenge. Squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook better. The meat is decent eating with a firm texture. Here's a trick I've learned over the years: when you feel them pecking at your bait, drop it near other fish like snapper or grouper. Triggers get competitive and will charge in to steal the meal.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable targets, with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots making them easy to identify. Most fish we catch run 5-10 pounds, though they can push 50+ if you're lucky. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 10-100 feet of water. These fish are aggressive feeders that'll hit live or cut bait hard - shrimp and crab work great. The fight is solid but manageable for most anglers. What really gets people excited is the table fare - firm, flaky meat with a mild shellfish taste that's hard to beat. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They love to duck into cover and break you off if you give them slack.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish most folks dream about - that bright red color and excellent table fare make them a favorite. We typically see them in the 1-3 pound range, though bigger ones are out there. They live on hard bottom and structure in 30-200+ feet, and they're smart fish that can be picky about bait presentation. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning. These fish fight harder than their size suggests and always try to run back to cover. The meat is sweet, flaky, and mild - perfect for any recipe. Here's what works: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid, and once you feel that tap-tap bite, reel steadily without jerking. They'll spit the hook if you horse them too hard.
undefined, undefined