5.0(4 Reviews)Offshore Black Grouper & Blacktip Shark Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
3hour offshore charter targeting grouper and shark speciesFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to 6 guests safelyExpert captains provide guidance for all skill levels
There's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a big grouper or feeling a shark run with your line in the deep waters off Panama City Beach. This 3-hour offshore fishing charter targets two of the Gulf's most sought-after species – black grouper and blacktip sharks – while giving you shots at snapper, kingfish, and whatever else is biting out there. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of deep sea fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for some solid action, this trip delivers the goods every single time.
We'll head out into the Gulf of Mexico where the bottom structure holds plenty of fish and the blue water brings in the sharks. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about real offshore fishing where anything can happen. The boat holds up to 6 people, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention from the crew. You'll be fishing in 60-100 feet of water over reefs, wrecks, and ledges where the big fish live. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether conditions are perfect or we're dealing with some chop from yesterday's weather. Kids love this trip because there's always something happening – if the fishing slows down, there's usually dolphins around or maybe a quick snorkel stop to keep everyone happy.
We'll be using heavy tackle and circle hooks to target these bigger species. For the grouper, we're talking about dropping live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait right down to the bottom around structure. The key is getting your bait right where these fish are holding – sometimes that means fishing tight to a wreck, other times it's working the edge of a reef. When we're after blacktip sharks, we'll set up with wire leaders and chunk baits or live bait in the water column. The crew handles all the rigging and bait, so you just focus on the fight. Don't worry if you've never used this kind of gear before – the captain will walk you through everything and make sure your drag is set right before you drop down.
"The captain was amazing! The kids had a blast catching tons of fish. Towards the end of the trip, when the younger kids were ready to call it a day and the fish stopped biting, he took us snorkeling. Highly recommend this trip – 10/10! We'll definitely book again when we're in the area." - Megan
"Despite a storm earlier in the week affecting the waters, they still found a way to get us on some fish, even with the strong currents. The crew was incredibly friendly and down-to-earth. We'll definitely be booking with them again for our next fishing trip. My 7-year-old son was able to catch and reel in 8-10 fish on his own, which was amazing! I highly recommend them and can't wait to return." - Josh
"We took our three kids (ages 10-14) out, and it was an incredible experience! The kids had the chance to fish in the ocean, and Clay and his first mate were amazing. They got to cast their own lines, which were always baited, see dolphins, and even take turns driving the boat. Clay also managed to hook a shark! Our kids will never forget their first offshore trip, and they're already looking forward to going out again next year!" - Kristin
Black grouper are the prize catch on this trip – these chunky bottom dwellers can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger. They're ambush predators that hang around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. What makes them so fun to catch is that initial hit – they'll slam your bait and then immediately try to get back to their hole in the rocks. You've got to turn them quick or they'll wrap you up in the structure. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them, but we catch black grouper year-round when we find the right spots. The meat is fantastic too – firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table.
Blacktip sharks bring a completely different kind of fight to the table. These are fast, aggressive sharks that will test your drag and your arms. Most of the ones we catch run 20 to 60 pounds, and they're built for speed with that classic shark torpedo shape. They love the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they're always moving, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop. What gets people hooked on shark fishing is watching that dorsal fin cut through the water as they circle the boat, and then feeling that first screaming run when you set the hook. We practice catch and release with the sharks – they're too important to the ecosystem and way too fun to catch to not send them back healthy.
This offshore fishing charter gives you everything you want in a deep sea trip – target species that fight hard, a captain who knows where to find them, and the flexibility to make sure everyone on board has a great time. The boat's not too big, not too small, and the crew treats you like family from the moment you step on board. Whether you end up with a cooler full of grouper for dinner, some epic shark photos, or just a day on the water that the kids will talk about for years, this trip delivers. Panama City Beach has some of the best offshore fishing in the Gulf, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it. Don't wait around – the fish are biting and your spot is waiting.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 1966 Hatteras Sportfish and get ready to chase black grouper and blacktip sharks in the deep waters off Panama City Beach! This classic 34-footer got a complete 2024 makeover while keeping that vintage charm anglers love. Twin 330hp Cummins engines power you out to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 20 knots, giving you more time with lines in the water instead of just getting there. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out when the action heats up. The boat's designed for serious offshore work - perfect for targeting those hard-fighting grouper hiding in the structure and the sharks that patrol these Gulf waters. Whether you're working bottom rigs for grouper or casting for those aggressive blacktips, this Hatteras has the stability and fishability to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are hefty bottom-dwellers that'll give you a real workout. These olive-gray fish with dark blotches typically run 2-3 feet but can hit massive sizes - the Gulf record is 125 pounds! They hang around wrecks, ledges, and structure in 30-300 feet of water. In cooler months, they move shallower, making winter and spring our best seasons. What makes them special is that powerful fight - once hooked, they'll try diving straight back to the rocks to break you off. The meat is outstanding too, with a mild flavor and firm texture that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with at least 80lb braid and 100lb leader, and the moment you feel that bite, start cranking hard. Don't let them think about it or they'll wrap you around the nearest structure and you'll be retying.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of our local waters. These streamlined sharks average 4-5 feet but can reach over 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll spot them by those signature black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water - sometimes right into the boat! They cruise our continental shelf waters from 30-200 feet, often around artificial reefs where they hunt mackerel, herring, and croaker. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're most active. What guests love is watching these sharks leap 20+ feet in the air during the fight - it's pure spectacle. They're also surprisingly social, so where you find one, there's usually more. My go-to trick: use heavy braided line with circle hooks and get that chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel. They'll smell it from way off and come investigate. Just be ready for some serious aerial displays!
5.0 out of 5.0The captain was amazing! The kids had a blast catching tons of fish. Towards the end of the trip, when the younger kids were read...
Despite a storm earlier in the week affecting the waters, they still found a way to get us on some fish, even with the strong cur...
This was an amazing experience from start to finish. Captain Clay was fantastic with our three kids, engaging with them, listening...
We took our three kids (ages 10-14) out, and it was an incredible experience! The kids had the chance to fish in the ocean, and Cl...
Panama City Beach, FL