Guided Fishing Trip in Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour private inshore fishing trip with Captain Steve Szenay aboard 30ft Sea HuntTarget Red Snapper, Red Grouper, Grey Triggerfish, and Greater Amberjack speciesHandson instruction provided for families and anglers of all skill levels
Captain Steve Szenay knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Panama City Beach fishing is some of the best on the Gulf Coast. This 5-hour private charter aboard his 30-foot Sea Hunt center console puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Steve's hands-on approach means everyone goes home with stories worth telling. The boat handles beautifully in these waters, giving you a stable platform to work from while you chase down red snapper, grouper, and whatever else decides to play along that day.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Steve at the dock, coffee in hand and tackle boxes loaded. The Sea Hunt cuts through the morning chop with ease, taking you to proven honey holes that Steve has been working for years. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you sit and wait – Steve's constantly moving, reading the water, and putting you on fish. He'll have rods rigged and ready before you even realize what's happening, and don't be surprised if he's already spotted bird activity or bait schools that others missed. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the bite's hot in one spot, you stay put. If it's slow, you move. Simple as that. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out without bumping elbows, and Steve makes sure everyone gets their fair share of rod time.
Steve runs a mix of bottom fishing and structure work, depending on what the fish are doing that day. You'll be dropping baits on artificial reefs, natural ledges, and rocky outcrops where the good fish like to hang out. The Sea Hunt's electronics package includes quality fish finders and GPS, so Steve can put you right on top of structure that holds fish year-round. Bottom rigs are the bread and butter here – think chicken rigs for snapper, heavier tackle for grouper, and specialized setups for whatever species are in season. Steve provides all the gear, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, but he's more than happy if you want to bring your own setup. Circle hooks are the norm for most bottom fishing, and Steve will show you the proper technique for setting the hook and fighting fish without losing them at the boat. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place in the arsenal, and Steve adjusts tactics based on current conditions and what's working best.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Panama City Beach fishing, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push into the teens when you find the right schools. They're aggressive feeders that hit baits hard, making them perfect for anglers who want that satisfying rod-bending action. Red snapper season typically runs from June through July, and Steve knows exactly where they stack up during these prime months. The fight isn't overly long, but they'll make a few good runs before coming to the boat. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Red Grouper are the bullies of the bottom, and they fight like it. These chunky fish average 5-15 pounds and have zero interest in coming up without a battle. They'll try every trick in the book – diving for structure, wrapping your line around rocks, or just plain bulldogging their way back down. Grouper fishing is all about getting them off the bottom quickly once you set the hook. They're year-round residents in these waters, though spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action. The reward is worth the fight – grouper fillets are firm, white, and perfect for grilling or frying.
Grey Triggerfish might be smaller than grouper, but they make up for it with attitude and table fare. These feisty fish have strong jaws and sharp teeth, and they're not shy about using them. They average 1-4 pounds and are incredibly abundant during their season from August through May. Triggerfish have a unique way of fighting – they'll turn sideways and use their flat body to create maximum resistance. It's like trying to pull a dinner plate through the water. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, firm meat that rivals any snapper.
Greater Amberjack are the speedsters of the group, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system and your arms. These fish can range from 10 pounds up to 50 or more, and they never give up easily. AJ's are structure-oriented but will chase bait in the water column, making them exciting targets for both bottom fishing and vertical jigging. They're strongest in the spring and fall when they move through in good numbers. The fight is what legends are made of – long runs, head shaking, and multiple attempts to dive back to the bottom. It's not uncommon for a good amberjack fight to last 15-20 minutes.
Panama City Beach offers world-class inshore fishing, and Captain Steve's local knowledge puts you ahead of the game from the moment you leave the dock. This top-rated charter fills up fast during peak season, especially when word gets out about the quality of fishing and Steve's reputation for putting clients on fish. The 5-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots and species without feeling rushed, and the private charter format means the day revolves around your group's preferences and skill level. Whether you're planning a family outing, buddies trip, or corporate event, this customer favorite delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates disappear quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what many consider the best trip value in Panama City Beach.
Captain Steve's 30-ft Sea Hunt center console is built for serious fishing action 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 spacious center console design keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable throughout your 5-hour adventure. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation gets you to the hottest spots, fish finder technology helps locate Red Snapper, Red Grouper, and Greater Amberjack hiding below, and VHF radio keeps you connected. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while radar ensures safe navigation in any conditions. Creature comforts include an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus an onboard multimedia system and toilet for convenience during longer trips. Whether you're working bottom structure for grouper or targeting snapper around wrecks, this vessel handles inshore and offshore conditions with confidence. Perfect for families and experienced anglers alike, the Sea Hunt's stable platform makes fighting fish and landing your catch easier, while Captain Steve's expert guidance ensures everyone gets in on the action.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the freight trains of our waters - pure power and speed wrapped in a sleek, bluish-grey package. These fish commonly hit 20-40 pounds and can stretch over 4 feet long. You'll find them cruising around deep structure, wrecks, and dropoffs, usually in 80-200+ feet of water. What guests love most is the initial run - it's like hooking a submarine that just won't quit. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh. The key to landing these bruisers is heavy tackle and keeping steady pressure. My best advice? When you hook one, don't try to horse it up right away. Let them make their first run, then work them in circles to tire them out. Live bait works great, but big jigs bounced near the bottom will trigger their aggressive feeding response every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that'll surprise you with their attitude. Most run 12-17 inches and pack a lot of fight into that compressed body. They love hanging around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-180 feet of water. These fish are notorious bait stealers with their small, beak-like mouths and sharp teeth - they'll nip at your offering before committing. What's fun about them is their competitive nature and decent table fare when prepared right. The trick I've learned over the years is using small chunks of squid on a tight line. Keep constant tension because their bites are subtle, and when you feel that tap, set the hook immediately and reel fast. They're smart fish that'll head straight for cover if you give them slack line.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most rewarding fish you'll target out here. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 30-100 feet of water, especially near ledges and artificial reefs. What makes them special? They're aggressive feeders and absolute bulldogs once hooked - they'll try to drag you straight back to their cave. The meat is firm, flaky, and has this sweet shellfish flavor that's hard to beat. My go-to trick is using fresh shrimp or crab on a knocker rig - drop it right to the bottom and be ready to reel fast when they hit. These fish don't mess around, and neither should you once that rod bends.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - and for good reason. These crimson beauties average 2-8 pounds with that classic red coloration and white belly. They stick close to hard bottom, artificial reefs, and structure in 30-100+ feet of water. Red Snapper spawn from May through October, making summer our prime season when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them so popular? They fight hard, they're abundant when conditions are right, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, firm, and perfect for any recipe. The trick to consistent success is keeping your bait tight to the bottom where they feed. I like using cigar minnows or fresh squid on a knocker rig. When they bite, don't hesitate - set that hook hard and reel steady because they'll head straight for cover.
undefined, undefined