5.0(1 Reviews)Private Bottom Fishing in Panama City
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour charter targets amberjack, cobia, and red snapper offshoreVentures up to 35 miles into Gulf of Mexico watersAll fishing gear and expert guidance included onboard
When you're looking for serious action in the Gulf of Mexico, this 10-hour bottom fishing charter delivers exactly what hardcore anglers crave. Captain Ashton Lewis runs these offshore trips from September through May, hitting prime fishing grounds up to 35 miles out where the big fish live. You'll be on the water by 6 AM, giving you the full day to work the structure and ledges that hold trophy amberjack, cobia, and whatever else decides to bite. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish in some of the most productive waters off the Florida Panhandle.
This charter takes bottom fishing seriously, which means you'll spend your day working vertical presentations over structure, wrecks, and natural reefs where the fish stack up thick. The boat's fully rigged for serious offshore work, with quality tackle that can handle everything from keeper red snapper to monster amberjack that'll test your drag system. You're looking at a 35-mile run to reach the productive water, but that's where the magic happens – these deeper Gulf waters hold fish that simply don't exist closer to shore. The trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to spread out and work different sections of whatever structure we're fishing. Captain Lewis knows these waters like his backyard, which means less time searching and more time with lines in the water over proven fish-holding bottom.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf requires specific techniques that work with the current, depth, and structure you're targeting. We'll be using heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line to feel every tap and maintain contact with your bait in 80-120 feet of water. The standard rig is a knocker setup or fish finder rig, depending on current and what we're targeting. Live bait works best when we can get it, but fresh cut bait like cigar minnows, sardines, and squid will put fish in the box when the bite is on. The key is staying tight to the structure – these fish don't roam far from their home, so precise boat positioning and proper weight selection keeps your bait in the strike zone. You'll learn to read your rod tip and feel the difference between current, bottom contact, and that subtle tap that means it's time to set the hook hard.
"A fantastic fishing trip with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Will definitely be returning!" - Megan
King mackerel patrol these offshore waters year-round, with the best action typically happening during the cooler months when baitfish concentrate along the structure. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when conditions align. Kings are aggressive feeders that'll absolutely smoke a live bait or strip of bonito, making for some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience. What makes them special is their initial run – when a good king eats your bait, it's going to scream drag and test everything about your setup.
Mahi mahi show up when conditions are right, particularly around floating debris or weed lines that drift over the fishing grounds. These fish are pure gold – literally and figuratively. They average 5-20 pounds but fight way above their weight class, jumping and making multiple runs that'll keep you busy. Mahi are also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. When you find one mahi, there are usually more nearby, so we'll work the area hard when they show up.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. These fish are built like torpedoes and hit baits with enough force to break inferior tackle. Most wahoo run 20-40 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders to prevent cutoffs. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure, waiting to demolish anything that looks like an easy meal. Landing a wahoo is special because they're not guaranteed – when one shows up, it's usually a surprise that turns into the fish story of the trip.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the bottom fishing world, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to fight dirty around structure. These fish can grow massive in Gulf waters, with 30-50 pounders being realistic targets and fish over 60 pounds swimming these same waters. Cobia are curious fish that'll often follow other hooked fish to the boat, giving you shots at multiple fish during a single drift. They're also excellent table fare, with firm meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing when season is open, typically during summer months. These fish live in schools around hard structure and can provide steady action when you locate them. Snapper are smart and can be finicky, requiring light leaders and precise presentations to consistently hook up. They average 3-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds when you find the right piece of bottom. What makes snapper fishing addictive is the consistency – when you're on them, you can catch fish all day long with proper technique.
This 10-hour bottom fishing charter represents serious value for anglers who want to fish the productive offshore waters where trophy fish live. Captain Lewis provides all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge needed to make the most of your day on the water. The September through May season timing hits the prime fishing months when weather is manageable and fish are actively feeding. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip works perfectly for groups who want a private charter experience without sharing the boat with strangers. Book your Panama City bottom fishing charter now and get ready for a full day of
Captain Ashton's 42' sportfishing vessel puts you right where the big fish live in the Gulf of Mexico. This well-equipped boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, running up to 35 miles offshore where amberjack, cobia, and mahi mahi roam the deeper waters. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines, while the air conditioning, full kitchen, and onboard head keep the crew comfortable during those long 10-hour trips. Advanced fish finder and GPS help locate the hotspots, and the large icebox keeps your catch fresh plus plenty of cold drinks on hand. With trolling, bottom fishing, and spinning gear all provided, you'll be ready to target whatever species are biting that day. The boat's wheelchair accessible design means everyone can join the action. Perfect setup for serious bottom fishing in Panama City's productive Gulf waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these curious fish average 20-50 pounds and can push over 80. Often mistaken for sharks due to their dark color and single dorsal fin, they're actually gentle giants that hang around structure, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and most aggressive. What makes cobia special is their personality - they'll often swim right up to the boat out of curiosity, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The meat is fantastic too, firm and white like a cross between grouper and shark. They're strong fighters that make powerful runs toward structure. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them by about 10 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slowly - cobia like to inspect their meals before committing.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that typically run 15-40 pounds, though we've seen some hit 60+ pounds out here in the Gulf. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth love structure and temperature breaks, usually found in 40-150 feet of water around our offshore platforms and ledges. They're most active during our charter season from September through May when cooler water temps bring them closer to shore. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel drag like nothing else and make multiple jumps. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that's perfect grilled or smoked. One key tip: always use a wire leader because their teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to ambush from below.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow fighters of the Gulf, averaging 15-30 pounds with occasional bulls pushing 50+. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in open blue water, usually found within our 35-mile range. During our season, they show up best when water temps hit the mid-70s and we find clean blue water offshore. Guests love mahi for their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is top-shelf with firm white flesh that's sweet and mild. Colors are something else too - they'll light up like neon when hooked, flashing gold and electric blue. Here's a local trick: when you hook one mahi, keep the boat positioned nearby because they often travel in small schools and you can usually pick up a few more from the same spot.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the kings of bottom fishing, averaging 3-8 pounds with occasional trophy fish over 20. These crimson beauties live on hard bottom, artificial reefs, and offshore platforms in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active during our charter season when regulations allow, typically showing best bite during moving tides. What makes snappers special is their combination of smart feeding habits and bulldog fights - they'll test every ounce of your drag trying to get back to structure. The meat is legendary too, with sweet, flaky white flesh that's restaurant quality. They're wary feeders that require patience and the right presentation. Local tip: use the lightest sinker possible to reach bottom and keep your bait moving slightly. Dead-still bait looks suspicious to these smart fish, but a slow lift-and-drop motion triggers their feeding response perfectly.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the Gulf's speed kings, built like silver bullets and averaging 20-50 pounds, though we've boated some over 80. These solitary hunters cruise open water and structure edges, typically found in 60-200 feet around our offshore platforms. They're most active during cooler months in our season when baitfish are thick. What sets wahoo apart is pure speed - they'll hit a trolled lure at 60 mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and mild with a texture similar to tuna. Wahoo are prized table fare that commands premium prices in restaurants. Key tip for landing them: use wire leaders and troll fast - 12-15 knots minimum. Their razor teeth will cut any mono leader, and slow baits just don't trigger their predatory instincts like a fast-moving target does.
5.0 out of 5.0A fantastic fishing trip with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfact...
Panama City Beach