7 Hour Premium Inshore Fishing with Captain Steve Szenay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting Red Snapper and Grouper species.Private 30ft Sea Hunt accommodates families and all skill levels.Captain provides handson instruction and video trip documentation.
Captain Steve Szenay knows these Panama City Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 7-hour charter aboard his 30-foot Sea Hunt center console is built for anglers who want the full experience - whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the kids out for their first real fishing adventure. Steve's approach is all about reading the water, finding where the fish are holding, and making sure everyone on board gets their shot at some top-rated Gulf Coast action.
You're looking at a full day of inshore fishing that starts early and keeps you busy until the cooler sets in. Steve runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed - perfect for families mixing seasoned anglers with first-timers. The Sea Hunt handles these inshore waters beautifully, giving you a stable platform whether you're working structure or drifting over grass flats. Expect to move around quite a bit as Steve reads conditions and adjusts to where the bite is happening. He's got all the tackle sorted, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite lures, bring them along. The man loves talking technique and he's always up for trying what's working for you. Plus, he'll capture video of your best moments, so you've got proof when you're telling fish stories later.
Steve's arsenal covers everything you need for Panama City's diverse inshore fishery. You'll be working with medium to heavy spinning gear and conventional setups, depending on what you're targeting and where you're fishing. Bottom fishing is huge here - live bait on circle hooks over structure for the grouper and snapper. You'll also get into some drift fishing when the triggerfish are active, and Steve's got the weight selection dialed in for different depths and current. Live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait make up most of the spread, though he's always got artificials ready when the fish want something moving. The center console setup means everyone's got room to work, and Steve's coaching keeps things organized even when multiple fish hit at once. He'll have you rigged right for the conditions and teach you to feel the difference between a nibble and a keeper taking your bait to the house.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Steve knows exactly where they stack up. These fish hit hard and fight harder, pulling drag on that initial run before settling into a bulldogging battle all the way to the boat. Peak season runs through fall, and a good day might put 15-20 pound fish in the box. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature - when they're feeding, you know it immediately. Red Grouper bring a different kind of excitement, ambushing baits near bottom structure and trying to pull you straight into the rocks. They're masters at using leverage against you, and landing a 10+ pound gag is all about keeping steady pressure and working the drag. These fish are smart too - they'll inspect your bait before committing, so patience pays off.
Grey Triggerfish might be the most underrated fighters in these waters. Don't let their size fool you - a 5-pound trigger will give you a workout with their sideways pulling and stubborn attitude. They show up in good numbers during warmer months and they're excellent table fare when prepared right. Steve's got the technique down for keeping them interested without spooking the school. Greater Amberjack are the muscle cars of this trip - pure power and speed that'll test your tackle and your arms. When the jacks move in during spring and early summer, you're looking at fish that can push 40+ pounds and absolutely smoke drag. They're notorious for making long runs toward structure, so the battle becomes about stopping them before they cut you off. Landing a big amberjack is a team effort, and Steve's coaching makes all the difference in keeping these powerful fish buttoned up.
This world-class inshore fishing doesn't happen by accident - it takes a captain who knows the water and puts in the work to keep clients on fish. Steve's built his reputation on consistency and customer satisfaction, turning first-time charters into repeat customers who trust him to deliver. The 6-person capacity keeps things personal while giving families and friend groups plenty of room to fish comfortably. With no meals included, you can pack exactly what your crew wants to eat and drink, making it truly your day on the water. Panama City Beach's inshore waters are producing year-round, but the best dates fill up fast with returning customers who know what Steve brings to the table. Whether you're after bragging rights, dinner, or just want to watch the kids experience their first real fishing trip, this charter delivers the goods.
Captain Steve's 30-foot Sea Hunt center console is built for serious fishing action in Panama City Beach waters. This powerhouse runs on twin 300-hp Yamaha engines, giving you the speed and reliability to reach those productive inshore spots where Red Snapper, Red Grouper, and Greater Amberjack are waiting. The spacious center console design keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable while working the lines, with plenty of room to move around when the fish are biting. You'll stay cool with the onboard icebox for drinks and fresh catch, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. Navigation is covered with GPS and radar systems, plus VHF radio keeps you connected. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. There's even a multimedia system for tunes between bites and an onboard head for convenience during those long 7-hour days on the water. This boat handles everything from bottom fishing to wreck exploration with the stability and performance serious anglers demand.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of our local waters - pure muscle that can stretch your arms and test your drag. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up regularly around our deeper wrecks and ledges. Look for that distinctive amber stripe and dark bluish-grey back when you see one coming up. They cruise open water but hunt around structure in 80-200+ feet, especially during spring and early summer when they're most active. What gets people hooked on AJ fishing is the raw power - these fish will make long runs and fight dirty, trying to wrap you around anything they can find. The meat's excellent when properly handled, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Best technique is vertical jigging or live bait near structure. Pro tip: when you hook up, fight them hard and fast. Don't let them get their head down or they'll drag you straight into the wreck.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish might look odd with their beak-like mouths and tough, leathery skin, but they're a blast to catch. Most run 12-17 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll find them around the same rocky bottom and reef areas as grouper, usually in 60-180 feet of water. They're not picky eaters but squid works best since it stays on the hook better when they nibble at it - and they will nibble before committing. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action when water temps are right. What's fun about triggers is their personality - they're curious and aggressive, especially when other fish are around bait. The meat's good eating, white and firm. Here's a trick: if you see triggers picking at your bait, try dropping near some snapper or grouper. Triggers hate being left out and will charge in to steal the meal, giving you a solid hookup instead of just nips.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid fighters that average 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds around our deeper structure. You'll find them hanging around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Their rusty red color with white spots makes them easy to spot once you get them up. These fish are aggressive feeders that'll hit live or cut bait - shrimp, crabs, and squid work great. They spawn January through April when fishing's closed, but summer through fall gives us the best action. What makes them special is the fight - they'll try to get back to their hole fast, so keep steady pressure. The meat's fantastic too, firm and flaky with that sweet shellfish taste from their diet. My tip: drop your bait right to the bottom near structure, then lift it up just a foot or two. They like to grab it as it hovers above them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish that most folks dream about catching down here. These beauties average 2-8 pounds with their bright red color and distinctive profile, though we hook into some real slabs pushing 15+ pounds on the right day. They live around hard bottom structure, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water, always staying close to cover. June through July gives us prime snapper season when they're feeding heavy after spawn. What makes them special is everything - they fight smart, taste amazing, and that first glimpse of red coming up from the depths never gets old. The white, flaky meat with that mild, sweet flavor is restaurant-quality every time. They're cautious biters, so fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish work best. Here's the key: once you hook one, get them up fast. Snapper will head straight for their hole and break you off on the rocks if you give them slack.
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