All-Day Fishing Adventure in Panama City FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour private offshore fishing adventure for up to 6 guestsCaptain adapts strategies targeting Grouper, Snapper, King Mackerel, and MahiFlexible Gulf exploration with bottom fishing and trolling techniques
When you book this 12-hour private charter with Reel Twisted Charters, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a custom-tailored adventure in some of the Gulf's most productive waters. Captain Dalton and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust tactics all day long to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your species count or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this all-day charter delivers the kind of flexibility that makes for legendary fishing stories.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip. Captain Dalton's approach is all about reading the water and adapting to what's working. You might start the morning bottom fishing the nearshore reefs for Grouper and Snapper, then transition to trolling the blue water for Kings and Spanish Mackerel as conditions change. When the crew spots bird activity or debris lines holding Mahi, they'll fire up the engines and get you there fast. With 12 hours on the water and a maximum of 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. The pace is entirely up to your group – push hard all day for maximum action, or take breaks to soak in those gorgeous Gulf views and enjoy some laughs with your fishing buddies.
The beauty of this charter lies in the variety of techniques you'll experience throughout the day. For bottom fishing, the crew sets you up with heavy tackle and fresh bait to target structure-loving species in 60-120 feet of water. When it's time to troll, they'll deploy a spread of planers, downriggers, and surface baits to cover the water column effectively. Live bait fishing around weed lines and floating debris is where the real magic happens – watching a bull Mahi crash a frisky pilchard never gets old. Captain Dalton provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, so you can focus on what matters: hooking up and having a blast. The crew handles all the rigging, netting, and fish handling, making this trip perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Panama City's offshore scene, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped fighters can stretch the tape from 20 to 50+ pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing even bigger numbers. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when massive schools migrate through our waters following baitfish. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics – when one hits your trolled bait, you'll know it instantly. The fight typically involves several screaming runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. Local anglers love targeting kings because they're excellent table fare when handled properly, and landing a 40-pounder is a legitimate trophy anywhere in the Gulf.
Mahi Mahi bring a completely different kind of excitement to the mix. These beautifully colored fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump high, and put on a show that'll have everyone on deck cheering. Most Mahi in our waters run 10-25 pounds, but don't let the size fool you. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks in 100+ feet of water. What makes Mahi special here is their schooling behavior – where you catch one, there are usually more. The crew's ability to keep the school fired up while rotating anglers through is what separates a good Mahi bite from a great one.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and non-stop action. These 2-5 pound speedsters are perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged when the bite is steady. They're most active during the cooler months and early morning hours, often found in large schools around structure or bait concentrations. Spanish Mackerel are also fantastic on light tackle – their quick runs and head-shaking fights are a blast on spinning gear. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf when prepared fresh.
An all-day charter with Reel Twisted Charters isn't just about the fish you'll catch – it's about the experience of spending a full day on the water with a crew that genuinely cares about your success. Captain Dalton's flexibility means you're not locked into one fishing style or location. If the bite's hot on the bottom, you'll stay put. If the trolling bite fires off, you'll cover water. This adaptability, combined with top-notch equipment and local knowledge, creates the kind of fishing adventure that keeps customers coming back season after season. With space for up to 6 anglers and 12 hours to work with, this charter offers incredible value for groups looking to maximize their time on Panama City's world-class fishing grounds. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Get ready to chase fish across the Gulf waters aboard Captain Dalton's beautifully restored 2022 Hatteras 36 Sportfishing vessel. This classic 36-footer combines old-school fishing boat charm with modern comfort, powered by twin 370HP Volvo Penta engines that'll cruise you to the hottest fishing spots at 18 knots. The spacious layout accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight those big Gulf fish without getting tangled up. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin or grab a cold drink from the fridge. The fish finder and radar help locate schools and navigate safely, while the full galley lets you prep fresh catches or snacks between fishing sessions. Whether you're dropping lines for Grouper and Snapper on the bottom, trolling for Kings, or chasing Mahi schools, this boat handles it all. The onboard head and sleeping quarters mean comfort during your 12-hour adventure, while the multimedia system keeps the crew entertained during travel time. Captain Dalton adapts tactics throughout the day based on what's biting, so you'll always be fishing the most productive patterns the Gulf has to offer.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the Gulf's premier gamefish, typically running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These silver speedsters cruise depths from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and baitfish schools. They're pure muscle when hooked - that first screaming run will test your drag and your nerves. Spring through fall brings the best action here in Panama City waters when they follow the bait migrations. The meat's excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're keeping smaller ones. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a wire leader and two hooks on live bait. Kings love hitting the tail section of a struggling sardine, so that trailing hook saves a lot of cut-offs and missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore - electric blues and golds that light up like a neon sign when they come boat-side. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall gives us our best shot at schools, especially when the water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes them special is that explosive surface fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that gets everyone on deck excited. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and mild enough for picky eaters. Pro tip: when you spot frigate birds working floating debris, get ready - they're usually marking a school of mahi feeding underneath.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting fast action and great table fare. These sleek speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in large schools near the surface, making for exciting multiple hookups. You'll find them around structure in 20-60 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, with that classic mackerel speed that keeps your rod bent. The mild, flaky meat is fantastic grilled or smoked - none of that strong "fishy" taste some people worry about. Local secret: use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving. Spanish mackerel are aggressive but spook easily, so if you hook one, keep working the school quickly before they scatter.
Panama City, FL