5.0(2 Reviews)Trolling Charter: Kingfish, Mahi & Tuna
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target kingfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna on 4-hour trolling adventureExpert captains provide top equipment for Gulf of Mexico fishingAccommodates up to 6 guests with suitable experience levels
If you're looking for a fishing trip that'll get your heart pumping, this 4-hour trolling charter out of Panama City Beach is where it's at. We're talking about targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish - kingfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna - using proven trolling methods that consistently produce results. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while you take in some of the most beautiful Gulf views you'll ever see. Whether you've been fishing your whole life or you're just getting started, this charter is designed to give you that adrenaline rush every angler craves. We keep our groups small at just 6 people max, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and fishing time.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip - we're covering serious ground out here. Once we clear the marina, we'll head to our prime trolling spots where the big fish cruise the blue water. The Gulf of Mexico off Panama City Beach offers some world-class trolling opportunities, especially when we hit those temperature breaks and current lines where baitfish stack up. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with professional-grade trolling gear, outriggers, and all the tackle you need. The captain will have multiple lines out at different depths and distances, maximizing your chances of hooking up with something special. Don't worry about experience level - our crew will walk you through everything from setting the drag to fighting technique. The boat stays moving at trolling speed, which means you're always fishing and always ready for that next strike.
Trolling is all about presenting lures and baits at the right speed and depth to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagic fish. We run a spread of 4-6 lines using a combination of skirted ballyhoo, diving plugs, and spoons at varying distances from the boat. The outriggers let us spread lines wide to cover more water, while our downriggers get baits down to specific depths where fish are holding. We typically troll between 6-8 knots, adjusting based on conditions and what we're seeing on the fish finder. The rods are 30-50 lb class conventional setups with circle hooks - perfect for these hard-fighting species. When a fish hits, you'll hear that distinctive zing of line peeling off the reel, and that's when the real fun begins. Our captains will coach you through the fight, helping you use proper technique to land your catch without breaking off.
"The captain and crew were incredibly informative. They took the time to understand our preferences and explained the fishing conditions in detail. Following their advice, we caught a variety of fish, including mostly red snapper – and even a SHARK!!" - Alicia
"Clay and Jeff were awesome! They really know their stuff. We caught some great fish, and Captain Clay went the extra mile, working with us when it seemed like the weather might interfere with the" - Richard
Black drum are one of those fish that'll surprise you with their power. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can get massive - we're talking 20-40 pounds regularly, with some real giants pushing 50+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, and they love structure like artificial reefs and wrecks. When a big black drum takes your bait, get ready for a long, steady fight that'll test your endurance. They're not flashy jumpers, but they'll use that broad body and powerful tail to bulldoze toward the bottom. What makes them so popular with anglers is their consistent size and the fact that they fight clean - rarely throwing hooks or breaking you off on structure.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them up north, are the ultimate flatfish challenge. These ambush predators can stretch over 20 inches and weigh several pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing 5+ pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding in preparation for their offshore migration. What makes flounder so exciting to target is their explosive strike - they'll absolutely crush a bait when they decide to feed. They're also incredibly good eating, which makes them a customer favorite for shore lunch or taking home to the family. The key is working soft plastics or live bait slowly along the bottom, right where they like to bury up and wait for an easy meal.
Sheepshead are hands-down some of the craftiest fish in the Gulf. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and shellfish around structure. They typically run 2-5 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - they're notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast reflexes. Winter months from December through March offer the best action when they school up around bridges, piers, and rocky bottom. What drives anglers crazy (in a good way) is their finicky nature - you might feel them picking at your bait for minutes before they finally commit. When you do hook one, they fight with surprising strength and make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat.
Redfish are the poster child for Gulf Coast fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Slot-size reds (16-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bull reds (30+ inches) provide heart-stopping runs and drag-screaming fights. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to hit both live and artificial baits. They're also incredibly hardy, meaning good catch-and-release survival rates for those monsters you want to put back. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and near
Step aboard this classic 1966 Hatteras Sportfish and experience Panama City Beach trolling at its finest. This beautifully restored 34-footer combines vintage charm with modern reliability, recently updated in 2024 with twin 330hp Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a smooth 20-knot cruise. Built for serious offshore angling, she's perfectly rigged for targeting kingfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna in the Gulf's productive waters. The spacious cockpit comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with plenty of room to work multiple lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Her deep-V hull cuts through the waves like butter, keeping you stable while trolling and giving you the platform you need to land that trophy fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting into offshore fishing, this classic sportfisher delivers the perfect blend of fishing performance and comfort for an awesome day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and near inlets where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the best action. These fish love brackish water and will move into surprisingly shallow areas, sometimes just a few feet deep. They're not the prettiest fighters, but they're stubborn pullers that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. They're notorious for that slow, steady bite that feels like you're snagged on structure until it starts moving.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world - those black-tipped fins and spectacular jumps make them a blast to target. Most run 4-6 feet and 30-50 pounds, though we see some pushing 8 feet. They patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Summer months bring the best action when water temps climb and bait moves in thick. These sharks are pure adrenaline - fast runs, multiple jumps, and that classic shark power that'll test your tackle. They're also surprisingly social, so where you find one, there's usually more. Fresh, oily bait works best - mackerel, herring, or live sardines get their attention fast. My go-to setup is 50-pound braided line with circle hooks, but here's the key: get a good chum slick going and be patient. Once they show up, the action can get wild in a hurry.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze beauties of our shallow flats, easily spotted by that distinctive black spot near their tail. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really put a bend in your rod. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike in skinny water, plus they're fantastic on the table with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. Here's what I tell my clients: when you see that red back cruising the flats, cast well ahead of where they're going and let your bait sink naturally. They spook easy in shallow water, so quiet presentations win the day.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes, but what really gets people talking are those human-like teeth. Most fish run 1-8 pounds, though we occasionally see 15+ pounders around the bridges and jetties. They're structure huggers - any dock, piling, or barnacle-covered surface draws them in. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn around our passes. These fish are notorious bait thieves with light, nibbling bites that'll clean your hook before you know it. They make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, though cleaning them takes some patience with those tough scales. Fiddler crabs and shrimp work best, but here's the key: keep your bait tight to the structure and set the hook hard at the first sign of weight. They've got crushing power in those jaws, so don't give them time to steal your bait.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch plenty in the 3-5 pound range with occasional doormat-sized fish hitting 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting to strike passing baitfish. Fall months from September through November give us the best shots when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. These flatfish put up a surprising fight for their size and are some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Look for them around structure transitions where sand meets grass beds or near channel edges. Pro tip: use a slow, bouncing retrieve with your bait since they hit from below. Live minnows work great, but don't rush the hookset - let them turn the bait first.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain and crew were incredibly informative. They took the time to understand our preferences and explained the fishing cond...
Clay and Jeff were awesome! They really know their stuff. We caught some great fish, and Captain Clay went the extra mile, working...
Panama City Beach, FL