Half Day Fishing Trip in Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing trip aboard 30ft Sea Hunt vessel.Target Red Snapper, Red Grouper, Triggerfish with expert guidance.Captain provides handson instruction and captures trip on video.
Captain Steve Szenay knows these Panama City Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this stretch of the Gulf Coast produces some of the finest inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. His 30-foot Sea Hunt center console is built for these waters – stable, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting the area's most sought-after species. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing adventure or you're an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique, Steve's hands-on approach ensures everyone goes home with new skills and great memories.
Your four-hour adventure starts early when you meet Captain Steve at the marina. He'll walk you through the game plan for the day, pointing out the gear you'll be using and explaining the techniques that work best for the species you're targeting. The 30-foot Sea Hunt gives your group of up to six plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably. Steve's not the type of captain who just drops you at a spot and hopes for the best – he's actively coaching throughout the trip, adjusting your drag, showing you how to read your rod tip, and making sure your bait presentation is dialed in. The inshore waters around Panama City Beach offer incredible variety, from structure fishing around artificial reefs to working the natural ledges where bigger fish hang out. Steve captures the action on video throughout the day, so you'll have proof of those fish stories when you get home.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game on these inshore trips, and Steve's got the technique down to a science. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh bait – think cut squid, cigar minnows, and whatever's running hot that week. The key is getting your presentation right in the strike zone, usually 40 to 80 feet down depending on where the fish are holding. Steve runs quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 30 to 50-pound test, matched to medium-heavy rods that give you the backbone to pull fish up from the depths but still let you feel every bite. He'll show you how to work the bottom structure, when to lift and drop your bait, and how to tell the difference between a fish pickup and getting hung on the reef. The boat's equipped with a quality fish finder, so Steve can show you exactly what's happening below – the structure, the bait, and hopefully those arches that mean fish.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of these inshore waters, and when they're biting, there's nothing quite like it. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, typically running 3 to 8 pounds with the occasional bruiser pushing double digits. They love structure – artificial reefs, natural ledges, and rock piles – and they're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes Red Snapper so special is their combination of fight and table fare. They'll make screaming runs when hooked, and their firm white meat is absolutely delicious. Red Grouper are another favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These bottom dwellers are ambush predators that can grow quite large, with fish in the 5 to 15-pound range common in these waters. They're year-round residents, but they bite best during cooler months when they're more active. Grouper have a unique fighting style – they'll try to dive straight back to their hole when hooked, so you need to turn them quick and keep steady pressure.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that will test your skills. These fish have serious attitude and will bite through lighter leaders with their powerful jaws. They're most active in summer and early fall, typically weighing 2 to 5 pounds with occasional larger specimens. What's fun about Triggerfish is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit baits intended for other species, and their bulldog fight style keeps things interesting. Greater Amberjack are the speed demons of the group, capable of making blistering runs that will test your drag system. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 15 to 30-pounders not uncommon in the deeper inshore waters. They're most active in warmer months and are known for their stamina – plan on a good workout when you hook into a big AJ. They're excellent eating when prepared properly, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling.
Captain Steve's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. This is exactly the kind of trip that works for everyone – experienced anglers appreciate Steve's local knowledge and attention to detail, while beginners love the patient instruction and hands-on guidance. The 30-foot Sea Hunt provides a stable, comfortable platform that makes the experience enjoyable even for those who might be concerned about seasickness. With no meals included, you can grab breakfast before you head out and plan lunch afterward to celebrate your catch. The combination of Steve's expertise, quality equipment, and some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing grounds makes this a top-rated experience that delivers real results. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing trips book weeks in advance, and Captain Steve's reputation for putting clients on fish makes his calendar fill up quickly.
Captain Steve's 30-ft Sea Hunt center console is your ticket to productive fishing waters around Panama City Beach. This well-equipped boat handles the Gulf's conditions with confidence, powered by twin 300-hp Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fish fast and bring you back safely. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for family trips or groups of friends looking to target Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack. The boat comes loaded with everything serious fishermen appreciate - GPS and fish finder to locate productive spots, radar for safety, VHF radio for communication, plus an onboard head for convenience during longer trips. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. The multimedia system adds entertainment between bites, and Captain Steve even films your catches so you can relive those bent-rod moments later.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the Gulf - powerful fish that can reach 6 feet and 40+ pounds, though most run 10-25 pounds. Look for that bluish-grey body with the amber stripe down the side. They cruise around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure, often in mid-water rather than on bottom. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. These fish are pure muscle and will test your gear with long, hard runs. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, or even plugs work great. The meat is excellent when prepared right. My advice? Use heavy tackle and don't let them get back to structure. Once hooked, they'll make a beeline for the nearest wreck to cut you off, so apply pressure and keep them in open water.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that average 12-17 inches but pack attitude way bigger than their size. You'll find them around hard bottom areas, ledges, and reefs in shallow to moderate depths up to 180 feet. These guys are year-round residents with tough, leathery skin and sharp teeth that can cut through sea urchins like butter. They're fun because they'll hit almost any bait, but they're notorious bait stealers - they'll nip and pick before committing. The meat is surprisingly good, white and firm. My trick? Use chunk squid about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better, and when you feel that first nibble, drop your rod tip for a second to let them take it, then set the hook hard and reel fast.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are built like tanks with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots running head to tail. Most fish we catch run 5-10 pounds, but they can push 50+ if you're lucky. These bottom dwellers love rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 10-100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard. What makes them special? They fight like crazy once hooked, trying to dive back into structure, plus the meat is some of the best you'll taste - firm, flaky, with that sweet shellfish flavor. Here's my tip: when you hook one, get them up fast and keep steady pressure. They'll try to wrap your line around anything they can find down there.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - that bright red color makes them unmistakable. Most keepers run 16-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, living around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 30-200+ feet. They're bottom huggers with serious attitude and razor-sharp teeth. The season typically runs summer months when regulations allow. What makes them special? They fight hard, look beautiful, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, sweet, and flaky. Everyone wants to catch one for good reason. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish gets the biggest fish. Here's the key: get your bait to the bottom and reel up just a few cranks. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they'll head straight for cover to break you off.
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