Deep Sea Fishing Panama City Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing with 8 or 10hour options availableTarget Red Snapper and Grouper using multiple fishing techniquesSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Captain Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to the offshore grounds where the big boys live. You'll get to choose between an 8 or 10-hour charter that covers everything from the nearshore reefs to the deep blue water that stretches toward the horizon. With only 4 anglers max, you're getting the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make Panama City one of the Gulf Coast's top-rated fishing destinations.
This charter is all about variety and putting you on fish. Captain Travis doesn't stick to just one method – he reads the water, checks the conditions, and adjusts the game plan to give you the best shot at filling the cooler. Some days that means starting with a trolling spread to cover water and locate active fish, then switching to bottom fishing when you find structure holding snapper and grouper. Other times, you'll drift over productive areas or even get into some sight fishing when conditions are right. The beauty of an extended trip is having time to try different techniques and hit multiple spots. From the nearshore artificial reefs loaded with structure to the offshore ledges and wrecks, Panama City's fishing grounds offer something for every angler. Just remember – this is a cash-only operation, so come prepared to settle up at the dock.
Captain Travis runs a well-equipped boat with quality gear for whatever the day throws at you. When trolling, you'll pull a spread of lures and ballyhoo to cover different depths and attract pelagic species cruising the blue water. Bottom fishing means dropping heavy tackle with circle hooks and cut bait to the structure where snappers and groupers call home. The drift fishing technique lets you cover more ground while presenting baits naturally in the current – perfect for picking up tripletail around floating debris or targeting sharks in deeper water. All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though serious anglers often bring their favorite setups. The captain handles navigation, fish finding, and keeping you on productive water while you focus on fighting fish. With 8 to 10 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to master different techniques and adapt to what the fish want that day.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Panama City. These colorful fighters typically show up around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere baitfish are concentrated. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, though you can find them year-round in the deeper water. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that gets every angler's heart pumping. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and Panama City's offshore structure holds some real quality fish. These bottom dwellers love rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. Snapper season typically runs from June through July for federal waters, though regulations can change, so always check current rules. What anglers love about red snapper is the fight they put up on the way to the surface – they'll use every bit of structure to try and break you off, making each fish a real achievement.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of the structure to test your tackle and technique. These ambush predators can grow massive, with trophy fish exceeding 30 pounds not uncommon in Panama City's offshore waters. The gag grouper season typically opens in the cooler months, giving anglers a prime target when other species might be less active. What makes gags so appealing is their fight – they'll head straight for the rocks the moment they feel the hook, creating heart-stopping moments as you try to turn their head and get them away from structure.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement to any offshore trip, especially when you're targeting them on lighter tackle. These aggressive predators are active year-round in Panama City's waters and will absolutely destroy a bait. They're known for their spectacular jumps and long runs, making them a customer favorite for catch-and-release action. Blacktips typically range from 20 to 50 pounds, providing just enough size to test your skills without being overwhelming for newer anglers.
Tripletail are one of the most unique species you'll encounter, often found floating near debris, buoys, or structure on the surface. These oddly-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, looking like floating leaves until you get close enough to make a cast. They're excellent table fare and provide a fun sight-fishing opportunity that breaks up the day. Tripletail are most active during the warmer months and require a stealthy approach and accurate presentation to fool.
Captain Travis's extended offshore charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class and everyone wants in on the action. An 8 or 10-hour trip gives you the time needed to really explore Panama City's diverse fishing opportunities and target multiple species using different techniques. Whether you're after your first red snapper, hoping to tangle with a bull mahi, or just want to spend a full day learning from an experienced captain, this charter delivers the goods. The small group size means personalized attention and better fishing for everyone aboard. Don't wait – secure your spot for what could be your best fishing trip of the year.
Step aboard our classic 1981 Mako Offshore, a proven sport fishing machine that's been completely restored with modern comfort in mind. This reliable workhorse cuts through Panama City waters at speeds up to 35 knots, powered by twin 140HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and bring you back with a cooler full of snapper and grouper. Captain Travis knows these waters inside and out, whether you're dropping lines in 20 feet or heading way offshore for the big ones. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS to mark your hotspots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's onboard entertainment, a comfortable bed for afternoon naps, and a private head. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Cash payment due at trip's end.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for launching themselves 20 feet out of the water when hooked. These stocky sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll find them patrolling artificial reefs and muddy bays in 30-100 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they follow baitfish migrations. They're actually pretty timid despite their exciting jumps, often hanging back and watching from a distance. What guests love is their aerial show and the solid fight they put up on heavy tackle. They're also catch-and-release friendly. Here's the trick: use really oily bait like mackerel or sardines pounded into chum. Get that scent trail going strong, then drop live sardines or cut mackerel on circle hooks with 30-50 pound braided line. The smell drives them crazy.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bruisers of the reef - once they grab your bait, they'll try to drag it straight back to their rocky hideout. These gray, marble-patterned fish average around 20 inches but can stretch to nearly 5 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet, with the bigger fish holding deeper structure. They're available year-round, but spring and fall fishing is best when they're more active. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, mullet, or cut crab. Here's the deal: when you hook one, lock down that drag and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock. It's a tug-of-war, and you've got to win the first few seconds.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. Mahi run 15-30 pounds on average, though we've seen them push 50+ pounds. They're famous for their crazy color changes - brilliant blues and greens underwater that flash through a rainbow of colors when they're brought to the boat. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time when they're chasing flying fish and ballyhoo. What makes them special? They jump like tarpon, taste better than most restaurant fish, and put on a light show you won't forget. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines out - they usually travel in small schools, and the commotion often fires up the rest of the group.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - beautiful fish that fight hard and taste even better. These deep red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but the big females can push 35+ pounds. They live around hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water, with the biggest fish in the deepest spots. Summer is prime time when the season opens, though they're down there year-round. What guests love is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, nutty flavor that makes them restaurant favorites. They're true warriors that'll try to cut your line on structure. My go-to setup: heavy tackle with circle hooks, drop down live pinfish or fresh squid right to the bottom. Here's the trick: when you feel that thump, don't hesitate - reel hard and fast to get them up and away from the rocks before they can wrap you up.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletails are the masters of disguise - they'll float on their sides like dead leaves, then ambush your bait when you least expect it. These chunky fish average 2-13 pounds but can hit 40 pounds. They get their name from those rounded dorsal and anal fins that make them look like they have three tails. You'll spot them around floating debris, weedlines, and channel markers from spring through fall, usually hanging near the surface. What makes them fun? They're surprisingly acrobatic for such a stocky fish, and they taste like a cross between snapper and grouper - really excellent eating. The meat is firm and sweet. Here's the key: sight fishing is everything. When you see one, cast well past it and drag your bait slowly by. They spook easily, so stay quiet and let them come to the bait instead of dropping it right on their head.
Panama City