Bottom Fishing & Trolling in Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore trip combining bottom fishing and trolling techniquesTarget snapper, grouper, kingfish, and mackerel in Gulf watersExpert captains guide groups of up to six guests
Looking for a fishing trip that gives you the best of both worlds? Our 4-hour bottom fishing and trolling adventure off Panama City Beach delivers non-stop action from the moment we clear the pass. You'll drop lines to the bottom for heavyweight grouper and snapper, then switch gears to troll the surface for fast-moving pelagics. With up to 6 anglers per trip, you get plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our experienced captains who know these Gulf waters like the back of their hand.
We'll head out into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where the continental shelf creates perfect structure for both bottom dwelling fish and the baitfish that attract our trolling targets. The first part of your trip focuses on bottom fishing over natural and artificial reefs, where you'll feel that telltale thump of a grouper or the steady pull of a nice snapper. Once we've worked the bottom thoroughly, we'll fire up the engines and start trolling. The contrast is amazing – one minute you're in a chess match with a stubborn grouper trying to get back to its hole, the next you're fighting a screaming kingfish that's peeling line off your reel. Our captains read the water conditions daily and adjust techniques based on what's biting, so you're always fishing the most productive spots.
For bottom fishing, we use medium-heavy conventional rods paired with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait pinned to the structure. Live bait works best – pinfish, grunts, and cut bait depending on what we're targeting. When we switch to trolling, we deploy a spread of lines at different depths using planers, downriggers, and surface baits. The key to successful trolling is covering water at the right speed while keeping your baits in the strike zone. We typically pull spoons, diving plugs, and live bait on flatlines. The beauty of this combo trip is the variety – you'll master two completely different fishing styles in one outing. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks since meals aren't provided on this trip.
Redfish are one of the most reliable fighters you'll encounter on this trip. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 pounds in our offshore waters and fight like fish twice their size. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall months when bait is abundant. What makes reds special is their power – they'll make long, sustained runs that test your drag and endurance. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement to any fishing trip. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet and are known for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. Spring through fall brings the best blacktip action as they follow baitfish migrations. They'll hit both bottom baits and trolled offerings, often surprising anglers who think they've hooked something else entirely. The fight is spectacular – multiple jumps, screaming runs, and enough power to make your arms burn. Most anglers catch and release these beautiful sharks after a quick photo session.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These pinkish snappers with their distinctive black spot can reach impressive sizes – 15 to 20-pounders aren't uncommon in our deeper waters. Summer months produce the best mutton action when they move offshore to spawn. They're incredibly smart fish that require finesse – light leaders, sharp hooks, and fresh bait. The reward is worth the challenge though, as muttons are considered by many to be the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat.
Black Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the bottom fishing world. These massive fish can exceed 50 pounds and inhabit the deeper reefs and wrecks. Year-round residents, they're most active during cooler months when they're not stressed by warm surface temperatures. Landing a big black grouper is like arm wrestling with a truck – they use every hole, ledge, and piece of structure to try to break you off. Their size and strength make them a bucket-list fish for serious anglers, and their firm white meat makes them a favorite for fish fries.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of our trolling spread. These torpedo-shaped fish rarely exceed 5 pounds but make up for size with blazing speed and aggressive strikes. They're most abundant during spring and fall migrations when they travel in large schools. Spanish mackerel will absolutely destroy a trolled spoon or small plug, often hooking up multiple fish at once when you hit a school. They're also fantastic light tackle fish – on appropriate gear, a 3-pound Spanish mackerel will give you a fight you won't forget.
This bottom fishing and trolling combination trip offers the perfect introduction to Gulf fishing or a great change of pace for experienced anglers. With expert captains, top-quality gear, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Southeast, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to really get into both fishing styles without wearing you out, and our 6-angler maximum ensures everyone gets plenty of action. Whether you're after that trophy grouper photo or just want to feel the burn of a good fish fight, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why Panama City Beach is considered one of the top fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast.
Step aboard this classic 1966 Hatteras Sportfish and get ready to hit the productive waters off Panama City Beach. Recently restored in 2024, this 34-foot fishing machine combines old-school charm with modern reliability. Twin 330hp Cummins engines push you out to the Gulf's best fishing grounds at a steady 20-knot cruise, getting your group of up to 6 anglers to the action quickly. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to work their lines, whether you're dropping bottom rigs for snapper and grouper or running spread patterns for kings and mackerel. Built tough for offshore conditions, this Hatteras handles Gulf swells with confidence while you focus on filling the cooler. The captain knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over structure and current breaks where the fish are biting.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 20-30 inches but capable of reaching 4+ feet and over 100 pounds. They're ambush predators that live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet - shallow in winter, deeper when it's warm. Year-round fishing is good, but winter brings them up shallow where they're easier to target. What guests love is the pure power - these fish will test every bit of your tackle and skill. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Here's the key: bring heavy gear - 80lb braid minimum with 100lb leader. Once you hook one, crank hard immediately. Don't let them get back to their hole or you'll lose them every time in the rocks.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are exciting sharks that average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet, easily recognized by those black-tipped fins. They patrol our Gulf waters from 30-200 feet, often around reefs and structure where they hunt mackerel, herring, and other baitfish. Spring through early fall brings the best action when water temps climb. What guests love about blacktips is their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clean out of the water and put on a real show. They're strong fighters that make long runs once hooked. Here's my go-to tip: use heavy braided line, at least 30-50 pound test with circle hooks. Get a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel - the smell draws them in from a distance. When you see that dorsal cutting through your chum line, that's when the fun starts.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are prized catches that typically run 15-20 inches, though they can reach 30+ inches. You'll spot them by their olive-pink color and distinctive blue lines around the eyes. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 80-250 feet of water, with the bigger fish usually deeper. Spring through summer offers peak fishing when they're most active. What makes muttens special is their strong fight - they'll head straight for the rocks once hooked, testing your drag system. The meat is outstanding too, firm and mild-flavored. My best tip for landing them: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your sinker light. Let that bait drift naturally in the current. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll cut you off on the structure every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, averaging 20-28 inches with that distinctive copper-red color and black eyespot near the tail. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. What makes them special is that strong, bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make runs that'll test your skills. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky white meat. The key trick I share with guests is to fish the moving water around oyster bars during tide changes. That's when they get active and feed heavily. Use live shrimp or cut bait on a knocker rig and let it bounce along the bottom naturally.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, with silver sides covered in yellow spots. They travel in large schools near the surface around reefs, piers, and open water from shore to 30+ feet deep. Spring through fall offers the hottest action when they're feeding on baitfish. What makes them popular is their speed - they hit lures hard and fight well for their size, plus they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. They're also great for kids and beginners since they bite readily. My trolling tip: pull small spoons or jigs at 4-6 knots around structure. When you find a school, mark the spot and circle back - they'll often stay in the same area feeding. Use light tackle for maximum fun.
Panama City Beach, FL