Full Day Gulf Fishing with Captain Jason
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore trip targeting Grouper, Amberjack, and Red SnapperAll equipment, bait, tackle, and permits included with charterCovers deeper Gulf waters with trolling, reef, and wreck fishing
When you're serious about putting big fish in the boat, Captain Jason's 10-hour offshore charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a real Gulf adventure that takes you to the deep water structure where the trophy fish live. From first light until the sun starts setting, you'll be working prime fishing spots that most day-trippers never see. With all tackle, bait, and permits handled for you, the only thing you need to worry about is whether your arms are ready for the workout these Gulf bruisers are going to give you.
This trip is built for anglers who want to experience everything the Gulf has to offer. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put that knowledge to work moving between different fishing styles throughout the day. You'll start by running out to the deeper structure where the big grouper and amberjack hang out, then shift gears to work some trolling patterns for mahi and kings. The beauty of having 10 hours is that you're not rushed - if the bite is hot at a particular spot, you can stay and capitalize on it. If things slow down, there's plenty of time to move and find where the fish are feeding. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or joining a smaller group, everyone gets plenty of room to fish comfortably.
Captain Jason runs a multi-faceted approach that covers all the productive methods for Gulf fishing. You'll spend time bottom fishing the reefs and wrecks with heavy tackle, dropping big baits down to where the grouper and amberjack patrol. The captain provides all the rods and reels, spooled with the right line weight for Gulf bottom fishing - we're talking about fish that can easily hit 20, 30, even 50 pounds, so the gear is built to handle serious pressure. When it's time to troll, the spread goes out with a mix of live bait and artificial lures designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species cruising the blue water. The GPS and fish finder technology on board helps locate the best structure, but it's Captain Jason's experience reading the water and understanding fish behavior that really makes the difference in putting you on the bite.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and during open season, these ruby-red fighters provide some of the most consistent action you'll find offshore. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones definitely show up around the deeper structure. What makes snapper so appealing is their aggressive strike and the fact that where you find one, you usually find more. They're structure-oriented fish, so Captain Jason targets specific reefs and artificial structures where they school up.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights that every serious angler wants to tangle with. These fish can easily push 20 to 40 pounds, and the bigger ones have an attitude to match their size. They're ambush predators that lurk around ledges and holes, waiting to inhale whatever looks like an easy meal. When you hook into a good gag, they'll try to get back to their hole immediately, so you better be ready for a tug-of-war. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active and feeding heavily.
King Mackerel bring speed and acrobatics to the mix, often hitting trolled baits at full throttle and launching themselves out of the water. These silver bullets typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in Panama City waters, with the occasional smoker king pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the warmer months, and trolling is the most effective way to cover water and find where they're feeding. When the kings are running, you can have multiple hookups at once, which makes for some seriously exciting fishing.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold and green colors, plus they're fantastic on the table. They're pelagic fish that cruise the blue water, often around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi typically run 5 to 20 pounds in the Gulf, and they're known for their spectacular jumps and fast runs. They're also schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually others in the area. Summer months bring the best mahi fishing as they follow the warm water currents.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to test every knot in your tackle. These bronze-colored bruisers commonly hit 30 to 50 pounds around Panama City's offshore structure. They're year-round residents that prefer deeper water, making them perfect targets for this type of extended offshore trip. Amberjack are notorious for their initial powerful run straight down, trying to reach the safety of the bottom structure. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly, though many anglers release the larger breeding fish.
Captain Jason's full-day charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - access to prime offshore fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and enough time on the water to really capitalize when the bite turns on. Whether you're looking to load the cooler with dinner or chase that personal best fish, this 10-hour adventure gives you the best shot at both. The all-inclusive setup means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear and permits. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your dates - the best fishing days fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the trip of a lifetime.
Step aboard our 28ft Parker pilothouse cabin cruiser and get ready to chase some serious fish in Panama City's deep waters. This boat's built for the real deal - powered by a 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 35 knots to get you out to the good spots fast. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable when the Gulf gets choppy, while our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating those trophy grouper and amberjack hiding on the reefs and wrecks. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure, and the GPS ensures we hit every productive spot Captain Jason knows. When nature calls, the onboard head saves you from holding it for 10 hours. Pack your lunch in the icebox and get ready for a full day of serious fishing - this boat's designed to handle the offshore grind and get you on the fish that make Panama City legendary.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of our reefs - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their rocky hideouts. Average fish runs 20 inches, but we see them up to 4-5 feet and 80 pounds on the big wrecks. They love hanging around structure in deeper water - think offshore reefs, ledges, and our artificial reefs. Younger fish stay closer to shore, but the real giants are out in 60-150 feet. Spring and fall tend to be most productive when they're more active. What guests love is the pure power - these fish will test your tackle and your arms. Plus they're excellent table fare with that firm white meat. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep your rod tip low and crank hard right away. Don't give them a chance to get back in the rocks or you'll be retying.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bullies of the deep - powerful fish that'll drag you around wrecks and reefs like you're not even there. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 60-80 pounders aren't uncommon on our deeper spots. They live around structure from 80-200+ feet, especially loving our big offshore wrecks and ledges. Spring spawning season brings great action, but they bite year-round. What makes them popular is that raw power - it's you versus them in a straight pulling contest. They're also good eating, though bigger ones can carry ciguatera risk. We target them with heavy tackle using live bait or large jigs worked vertically. Key tip: when you hook one, keep constant pressure and try to turn their head up immediately. If you let them get back down in the structure, they'll wrap you up every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest runs in the Gulf. Most fish we catch are 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders cruise our waters too. They patrol open water from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. What makes them special is that blazing speed - when one hits, hold on tight because they can peel line like nothing else. They're also fantastic eating with that firm, flaky meat. We usually troll with live bait or spoons to find them. Pro tip: rig with a wire leader and two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore - brilliant golds and blues that light up like a rainbow when they're hooked. Average fish runs 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 60+ pounds. Look for floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in deeper water where they cruise hunting flying fish. Summer months are best when they move into our Gulf waters. What guests love is watching them jump and change colors during the fight, plus they're some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is to keep one fish in the water while others fish - mahi will often stick around their hooked buddy, giving everyone a shot at the action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are bottom dwellers that'll put up a serious fight when hooked. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but bigger ones are out there - the record's over 50 pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water, loving our offshore reefs and wrecks. Best fishing is typically spring through fall when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? That bright red color when they come up, the way they battle all the way to the boat, and some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and once you hook up, keep that drag locked tight - they'll head straight for cover to cut your line if you give them slack.
Panama City, FL