Half Day Snapper & Grouper Trip in Panama City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon fishing trip targeting grouper, snapper, and porgySmall group experience with maximum two guests aboardExpert captain guidance through prime Panama City fishing grounds
Captain Christopher's four-hour afternoon fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Panama City's most productive offshore waters. This intimate charter takes just two anglers, giving you personalized attention and plenty of room to work. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's tastiest table fare – red snapper, grouper, and porgy – while watching the sun paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. The timing couldn't be better for these species, as afternoon bites often heat up when the morning crowds thin out.
Captain Christopher knows these waters like the back of his hand, running to productive structure where snapper and grouper call home. You'll be fishing in 60-120 feet of water over rocky bottom and artificial reefs that hold fish year-round. The boat is equipped with quality bottom fishing gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Expect to drop baits to the bottom and work ledges where these species hang out during daylight hours. The captain keeps live bait when possible, but cut bait produces just as well for these hungry bottom dwellers. Don't be surprised if you hook into something bigger than expected – these waters hold some real surprises.
This trip focuses on traditional bottom fishing methods that have been putting fish in the boat for decades. You'll be using circle hooks with cut bait like squid, sardines, and cigar minnows, dropped straight down to structure 60-120 feet below. Captain Christopher uses heavy enough sinkers to keep your bait in the strike zone despite current and wind. The key is feeling the bottom, then reeling up a few cranks to keep your bait just off the rocks where snapper and grouper feed. When a fish picks up your bait, let the circle hook do its job – no need for aggressive hooksets. The captain will coach you through each step, from rigging baits to fighting fish properly to avoid break-offs on the structure.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Panama City bottom fishing, available year-round in depths from 60-150 feet. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds when you find the right spot. They're curious fish that will often pick up a bait and swim around with it before committing, so patience pays off. Red grouper have excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Panama City's waters produce some beauties. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, holding tight to ledges and wrecks during the day. They average 2-5 pounds but regularly reach 8-12 pounds in these waters. Red snapper are notorious for their quick, sharp bites – when that rod tip bounces, you better be ready. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the most sought-after species in the Gulf.
Mutton Snapper are less common but highly prized when they show up. These fish prefer deeper structure and are known for their beautiful pink and yellow coloration. They fight harder than red snapper pound-for-pound and can reach impressive sizes in Panama City waters. Muttons are excellent table fare with a slightly firmer texture than their red cousins.
Red Porgy might be smaller than the groupers and snappers, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These fish school up over structure and provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They typically run 1-3 pounds and have sweet, delicate meat that's often overlooked by casual anglers. Porgies are also great for kids or novice anglers since they bite readily and fight well for their size.
Gag Grouper are the most aggressive of the grouper species you'll encounter, known for their powerful runs toward structure when hooked. They prefer rocky bottom in 80-200 feet of water and can grow quite large – fish over 20 pounds are caught regularly in these waters. Gags are excellent eating and provide some of the best fights you'll experience bottom fishing in the Gulf.
This half-day afternoon trip offers the perfect balance of productive fishing and stunning scenery as the day winds down. With only two spots available, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of chances at quality fish. Captain Christopher's local knowledge and willingness to customize the trip to your preferences makes this a top-rated choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. The combination of multiple target species, beautiful sunset timing, and intimate charter atmosphere creates a fishing experience that keeps customers coming back. Contact Captain Christopher to discuss your specific goals and secure your spot on Panama City's premier bottom fishing adventure.
Jump aboard Captain Christopher's 27-foot Sea Hunt center console and get ready to target some serious fish in Panama City's productive offshore waters. This 2015 beauty runs on twin Yamaha 200HP engines that'll cruise you out to the prime fishing spots at 45 knots, cutting through the Gulf waters with ease. The boat's built for serious angling - GPS navigation keeps you on the hot spots while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over structure where the big grouper and snapper hide. With space for just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines and fight fish without bumping into other anglers. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for when schools of porgy move in or when that trophy grouper decides to make a run around the boat. Captain Christopher knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with bent rods and less time searching for fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are serious fish that demand respect from both angler and gear. These gray, marbled beauties average 5-15 pounds but can push 30+ around deeper structure. They live near reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 40-200 feet, always looking for cover to ambush prey. The fight is legendary - they'll make one powerful run straight for the rocks and never give up. What makes them special is both the challenge and the reward: firm, white meat that's outstanding on the table. Fall through spring offers the best action when they move shallower. Young fish stay inshore while big adults work the offshore reefs. Live pinfish or mullet works best, but cut squid and octopus produce too. Critical technique: once you feel the bite, lock down that drag and don't give an inch. Keep your rod tip low and muscle them up fast, or they'll find a hole and you'll lose them every time.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are prized targets that show their pink color through clear Gulf waters as you bring them up. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds when conditions align. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas near structure in 30-150 feet of water. They're usually solitary or in small groups, making each catch special. The fight is solid but manageable on lighter tackle, and the meat quality rivals any snapper species. They feed actively in warmer months, especially around inlets with good tidal flow. What sets them apart is their willingness to take live bait drifted in current. Key technique: use a knocker rig with fresh shrimp or small crabs, let it drift naturally in the current, and keep just enough weight to stay down. When you see that pink flash coming up, you'll know you've got one.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable targets out here in Panama City waters. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ on good days. They're built tough with that meaty body and big mouth, perfect for inhaling crabs and shrimp around rocky bottom and structure in 30-100 feet of water. What makes them special is the fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight down to the rocks. The meat is fantastic too, with that firm, flaky texture that tastes almost like lobster from their shellfish diet. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower. Pro tip: use fresh shrimp or crab on a circle hook and keep steady pressure once you hook up - don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
Pagrus PagrusRed Porgy might be the best-kept secret in these Panama City waters. These pale red fish typically run 1-4 pounds, perfect for lighter tackle fishing. They prefer rocky areas and structure in 30-260 feet, though we find most in the 60-120 range. What makes them special is the delicate white meat that flakes perfectly - some of the finest eating you'll find offshore. They're not picky eaters, taking small baits like cut squid, clams, or worms readily. Red Porgy are a bit shy around the boat, so patience pays off. They stay active most of the year in our warmer Gulf waters, with better fishing during stable weather. The fight is steady rather than explosive, but fun on appropriate gear. Best tip: keep your baits small - nothing over 2 inches - and fish them near bottom around any hard structure. Once you taste these, you'll understand why they're so sought after.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Panama City's offshore waters hold some beauties. Most fish we catch run 2-8 pounds, but 15-20 pounders show up regularly around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, turning bright red as they mature. These fish are absolute warriors - they'll make powerful runs toward cover the second they feel the hook. The spawning season runs May through October when they're most active. What guests love most is the incredible table fare - sweet, mild white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The fishing stays good year-round, but late summer through fall is prime time. Here's the key: use fresh squid or cigar minnows, keep your bait right on bottom, and be ready to pull hard the instant you feel that bite. They won't give you a second chance.
Panama City, FL