5.0(1 Reviews)Panama City Offshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing trip targeting multiple species including snapper and grouperAccommodates up to four anglers with all equipment and tackle providedChoice between bottom fishing for reef species or trolling for pelagic fish
Ready to hit the deep blue waters off Panama City for some serious fishing action? This 6-hour offshore charter with Off The Clock Fishing Charters puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about productive Gulf waters where red snapper, grouper, and mahi mahi call home. Captain knows these spots like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to switch up the game plan if it means putting more fish in the boat. Whether you're bringing the family or a crew of hardcore anglers, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Your day starts early with a quick safety briefing before we head out to the productive offshore grounds. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – we can spend the morning bottom fishing over structure for snapper and grouper, then switch to trolling for pelagic species like mahi and kings. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up. All your tackle, bait, and gear is provided, so you can focus on what matters most – hooking up. The captain reads the water conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day, whether that means moving to a different reef or changing bait presentations. Don't be surprised if he suggests an evening trip during full moon periods – that's when the bite can really turn on.
Bottom fishing here means dropping baited rigs down 60 to 120 feet over natural and artificial reefs. We're using circle hooks with cut bait, squid, and live bait when available. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom where the snapper and grouper are feeding, but not so tight that you're constantly snagged up. For trolling, we'll run a spread of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and spoons behind the boat at varying depths and distances. Speed and presentation matter when targeting mahi and king mackerel – these fish want their bait moving naturally through the water column. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, but he's happy to teach techniques if you want to learn. Heavy conventional reels paired with stout rods handle the bigger fish, while lighter spinning gear works great for the smaller reef species.
"We was set for a day trip but we got a call and the captain suggested going out the night before. He said with the full moon we would have a better chance of catching fish. Man was he right we couldn't keep up with the amount of fish we were getting. We was pulling in the red snapper almost every time but we did not get to keep but still better than not catching anything. We cough over 40 keepers that was a a great experience. The captain was so good with us and he had patience that was great also." - Robert
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Panama City offshore fishing. These crimson fighters live around structure in 60-200 feet of water and put up a solid fight on the way up. Peak season runs from June through August when federal waters open, but private water snapper fishing can be productive year-round. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – there's a reason snapper is a menu staple at every Gulf Coast restaurant. Expect fish in the 2-8 pound range, with some larger specimens pushing double digits.
Goliath grouper are the giants of the reef, often reaching 200-400 pounds or more. These prehistoric-looking fish inhabit wrecks and large structures, and hooking one is like tying into a small car. While you can't keep goliath grouper due to regulations, the experience of battling one of these monsters is worth the trip alone. They're most active during warmer months and will absolutely test your tackle and stamina. The key is using heavy gear and keeping them away from structure once hooked.
Grey triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters with excellent eating qualities. These deep-bodied fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and can be surprisingly strong for their size. They're most abundant from late spring through fall and often school up around rocky bottom and artificial reefs. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers, so staying alert and setting the hook quickly is essential.
Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their brilliant colors and aerial displays when hooked. These fast-growing fish follow floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the open ocean. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the largest bulls showing up during summer months. What makes mahi special is their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular jumps – plus they're absolutely delicious on the grill.
Greater amberjack are powerful reef predators that will put serious bend in your rod. These amber-colored bruisers cruise structure in search of baitfish and can reach impressive sizes in Gulf waters. Summer months offer the best action, when large schools move through the area. Amberjack are known for their initial powerful runs and dogged fighting ability – they'll use every inch of structure to try breaking you off. The smaller ones make excellent table fare when properly prepared.
Panama City's offshore waters are some of the most productive in the Gulf, and this 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action. With an experienced captain who knows when and where to find fish, quality tackle provided, and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on conditions, you're set up for success. The 4-angler limit keeps things comfortable while ensuring everyone gets plenty of shots at fish. Whether you're after a mess of snapper for the dinner table or hoping to tangle with a goliath grouper, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect time – the best fishing trip is the one you actually book.
Get ready to hit the waters of Panama City aboard our classic 1981 Mako Offshore sport fishing boat! This restored beauty runs on twin 140HP Suzuki engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 35 knots, getting you to where the fish are biting fast. Our boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a high-tech fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on fish without spooking them, while the onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. With space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The boat features a comfortable bed for quick breaks and a toilet for convenience during those long fishing sessions. Whether you're bottom fishing for Red Snapper and Grouper or trolling for King Mackerel and Mahi Mahi, this setup puts you in prime position for a successful day on the water.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive fish are the giants of our reefs, capable of reaching 400+ pounds and living over 50 years. Goliaths hang around structure in 50-150 feet - wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs are prime spots. They're curious fish that aren't easily spooked, often coming right up to investigate divers and anglers. While they're catch-and-release only due to conservation efforts, hooking into one is a bucket-list experience. That first run will test every piece of gear you have and probably your back too. The fight is intense but usually short-lived as they try to get back to their rocky hideouts. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're most active. My advice: use circle hooks and heavy tackle - 80-100 pound test minimum. Most importantly, get them back in the water quickly. These ancient fish deserve our respect and protection.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll give you a real workout. These silver and bronze fish commonly run 20-50 pounds around our local structure, with occasional monsters over 80 pounds. They patrol deep wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 80-250 feet of water, often suspended mid-water rather than on the bottom. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll make long, determined runs that test your tackle and endurance. The meat is good eating when prepared properly, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Heavy tackle is a must - 50-80 pound gear minimum. Here's the key: when you hook one, tighten that drag and don't give them an inch. If you let them get their head down and run back to structure, they'll cut you off every time.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are scrappy little fighters that'll keep you busy all day long. These gray, leathery-skinned fish usually run 1-3 pounds but pack a serious attitude. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-180 feet of water, often mixed in with snapper and grouper. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and the steady action they provide - when you find them, you'll usually catch several. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Spring through fall gives you the most consistent bite. These fish have sharp teeth and strong jaws, so they'll steal bait if you're not quick. Here's the trick: use small pieces of squid on a #2 or #4 hook, and when you feel them pecking at the bait, don't wait around. Set the hook fast and reel quickly - they'll try to cut your line on the bottom structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are among the most beautiful and exciting fish we target on our trolling trips. These golden, green, and blue speedsters average 10-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and temperature breaks in blue water, usually 15-30 miles offshore. They're surface feeders that love to chase moving baits, making trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures highly effective. What guests love most is the aerial show - mahi will jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on quite a display. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, mild flesh. Late spring through early fall offers the most consistent action when water temperatures warm up. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and get more lines out quickly. Mahi travel in schools, and that first fish will often keep the others around, giving everyone a shot at the action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf. These beautiful pink-to-red fish typically run 2-8 pounds around Panama City, though bigger ones pushing 15+ pounds show up on the deeper structure. You'll find them holding tight to hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Summer through early fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes snapper fishing so popular is the solid fight they put up - they'll make strong runs for cover and test your drag. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale snapper bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them load up on the bait for a second or two, then lift firm and steady. They've got those sharp teeth and will spit the hook if you rush it.
5.0 out of 5.0We was set for a day trip but we got a call and the captain suggested going out the night before. He said with the full moon we wo...
Panama City