5 Hour Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour nearshore Gulf fishing charter targeting seasonal speciesRed Snapper, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and sharks availableExtended time increases catch potential with experienced captain
When you want to spend serious time on the water and come back with a cooler full of fish, this 5-hour charter with Old Town Charters is exactly what you're looking for. We'll head out into the Gulf of Mexico's nearshore waters where the action happens, targeting whatever's biting or focusing on specific species you've got your heart set on catching. With just you and one other angler aboard, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. Panama City Beach's waters are loaded with variety year-round, and five hours gives us the time to really put you on the fish.
Your captain knows these Gulf waters like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust the game plan based on what's running hot. We're talking nearshore fishing, which means we'll cruise out to depths where the big boys hang out without burning half your charter time getting there. The beauty of a 5-hour trip is flexibility – if the red snapper are crushing baits on one spot, we can stay put and load the boat. If they're not cooperating, we've got time to move around and find where the fish are feeding. You'll be fishing structure, reefs, and productive bottom that holds everything from keeper-sized snappers to bull sharks that'll test your drag system. The Gulf of Mexico off Panama City Beach is famous for its diversity, and this charter puts you right in the sweet spot where multiple species overlap.
We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on conditions and what's biting. For the snapper and triggerfish, we're talking standard bottom rigs with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait down in the current. When we're after kings and mahi, we'll pull spreads with live bait or lures that trigger strikes from these aggressive predators. Your captain provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need – everything from live pinfish and cigar minnows to the artificials that get these Gulf species fired up. The boat's rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from 2-pound vermilion snapper to 40-pound amberjack that want to drag you into the structure. If you've got lucky lures or preferred tackle, bring them along, but don't worry if you show up empty-handed.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Panama City Beach sits right in their migration highway. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 40-plus when the big fish move through. Kings are most active from spring through fall, and they're absolute blast on medium tackle. They'll scream line off your reel on the initial run, then come to the boat with that classic mackerel head-shaking fight. What makes kings special here is their numbers – when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Grey triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with excellent table fare. These chunky fish average 2-4 pounds and are known for their ability to strip bait off hooks without getting hooked themselves. When you do connect with a triggerfish, they'll pull hard and use their flat sides to fight you all the way to the boat. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active around structure and hard bottom where they feed on crustaceans and small fish.
Vermilion rockfish are the bread-and-butter catch that keeps your rod bent and the action steady. These beautiful red and pink fish typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in good numbers around reefs and rocky bottom. They're available year-round but peak in warmer months when they're most aggressive. Vermilions are perfect for anglers who love consistent action – when you find them, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop baits down.
Bull sharks bring the adrenaline factor to your charter. These apex predators can show up any time, but they're most common in warmer months when they move into nearshore waters. Bulls average 100-200 pounds in these waters and provide raw power that tests both angler and equipment. They're ambush predators that often grab baits intended for other species, turning a routine snapper fight into an epic battle. The thrill of a bull shark taking your bait and making that first powerful run is something every angler should experience.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Panama City Beach offers some of the best red snapper action on the entire Gulf Coast. These beautiful fish average 3-8 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 15-20 pounds. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish that relate to reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom where they ambush prey. They're known for their hard initial pull and bulldogging fight near structure. When red snapper season opens, these fish provide fast action and premium table fare that makes them the most sought-after species in the Gulf.
Five hours on Panama City Beach's productive Gulf waters with personalized service for just two anglers – this charter delivers the extended fishing experience that serious anglers crave. You'll have time to target multiple species, adjust tactics when fish aren't cooperating, and really maximize your time on productive water. Whether you're after a mixed bag of whatever's biting or focused on specific target species, this trip gives your captain the flexibility to put you on fish. The Gulf of Mexico's variety and Panama City Beach's prime location combine to create fishing opportunities that keep anglers coming back season after season. Ready to get your lines wet and see what Panama City Beach fishing is all about?
Get ready to fish the Gulf waters around Panama City Beach aboard this reliable 2016 Tidewater center console. This 200HP Yamaha-powered boat cuts through the waves at up to 45 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable during your 5-hour adventure. With just 2 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Florida sun. Radar ensures safe navigation if weather moves in. Perfect for targeting Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Mahi, Amberjack, and whatever's biting in the nearshore Gulf waters. Five hours gives you serious fishing time to fill the cooler.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are thick, powerful sharks that cruise shallow nearshore waters year-round here in the Gulf. Most run 6-9 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. They're not picky about where they hunt - surf, channels, deeper structure - and they can handle both salt and brackish water. Summer months bring the most action when they're actively feeding. What makes bull shark fishing special is the raw power - these fish will test your tackle and your nerves. It's pure catch-and-release fishing focused on the experience. Fresh cut bait works best - mackerel, bonito, or mullet. Here's what works: get a good chum slick going and be patient. When one shows up, they're usually not alone. Heavy tackle is a must - these fish will straighten hooks and snap lines if you're not prepared for the initial run.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are scrappy little fighters that hang around hard bottom, ledges, and nearshore reefs in 60-180 feet of water. Most run 12-17 inches and pack a surprising punch for their size. They're notorious bait stealers with those sharp, parrot-like beaks - they'll nibble your squid to nothing if you're not paying attention. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. Guests love them because they're always willing to bite and put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. The meat is firm and white, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use small chunks of fresh squid about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't wait around. Set the hook quick and reel fast to keep them out of the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, typically running 20-40 pounds with bigger ones pushing 60+ pounds. We find them cruising the nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll strip drag like nothing else and fight hard all the way to the boat. Plus, they make excellent table fare when handled properly. Here's a local trick: use a dual-hook rig with wire leader since they'll often hit the tail end of your bait first. Live cigar minnows or blue runners work great, but keep that drag loose on the initial run or they'll snap you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - thick-bodied fish that average 3-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders aren't uncommon around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200+ feet of water. Federal season typically runs summer into fall, but state waters have different rules. Guests love them for the hard fight and incredible table fare - firm, sweet white meat that's tough to beat. They're smart fish that require patience and the right approach. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work great, but fresh squid and cut bait produce too. Key tip: once hooked, get them up quick. They'll head straight for cover and wrap your line around anything they can find. Keep steady pressure and don't give them slack.
Sebastes MiniatusActually, vermilion rockfish are Pacific coast fish - what we're really targeting here are Vermilion Snapper. These beautiful reddish fish average 12-16 inches and love rocky bottom and structure in 80-200 feet. They school up tight around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before cooler weather moves in. Guests enjoy them because they're consistent biters, great on light tackle, and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit squid, cut bait, or small jigs readily. Here's the key: once you find a school, work it thoroughly. Drop your rig straight down and keep it tight to bottom - these fish won't chase bait far, but they'll hit consistently if you stay in the zone.
Panama City