Private Bottom Fishing Charter: Red Snapper & More
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targets red snapper and amberjack offshoreAll fishing gear and expert guidance included for beginnersWheelchairaccessible vessel accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Picture this: you're 17 miles offshore from Panama City Beach, the sun's just breaking the horizon, and you're dropping baits down to some of the Gulf's best bottom structure. That's exactly what you'll get with Showtime Fishing Charter's private 6-hour bottom fishing trip. From September through May, we're hitting the prime fishing season when the water's cooling down and the big fish are feeding heavy. This isn't your typical party boat scene – it's just you and up to 5 friends with a dedicated captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
We're wheels up at 6:00 AM sharp, which puts us on the fishing grounds right when the bite's hottest. This trip runs during our best months – September 1st through May 10th – when the Gulf of Mexico is fishing at its peak. The boat's wheelchair accessible, so everyone can get in on the action regardless of mobility. Don't worry if you've never dropped a line in deep water before; this is a beginner-friendly charter where we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to fighting fish. The captain's got years of experience reading these offshore waters, and he's constantly adjusting based on what the fish are doing. Some days we're working artificial reefs, other days we're hitting natural bottom or even some of the area's legendary shipwrecks. The variety keeps things interesting, and it means you're always fishing where the action is.
Bottom fishing out here is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live – and that means anywhere from 60 to 150 feet of water. We're using circle hooks and natural baits like squid, cigar minnows, and cut bait that these species can't resist. The tackle's heavy enough to handle whatever comes up from the depths, but balanced so you can still feel every bite and enjoy the fight. We'll be anchored up on structure most of the time, letting the current work the baits naturally. The key is reading your rod tip and knowing when to set the hook – something our crew will teach you if you're new to offshore fishing. All gear's included, from the rods and reels to the tackle and bait. We keep everything maintained and ready to go, so you can focus on fishing instead of fiddling with equipment.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These crimson-colored fighters typically run 3 to 8 pounds in our waters, though bigger fish are always possible. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around reefs and wrecks, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. What makes them special isn't just their excellent table fare – it's the way they fight. Red Snapper will test your drag and make multiple runs toward the bottom, trying to cut your line on whatever structure they're living around. The best bite usually happens early morning and late evening, which is why our 6 AM start time is perfect.
King Mackerel are pure speed demons that can show up anywhere from the surface to mid-water column. These toothy predators range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds up to genuine smokers pushing 40 or 50 pounds. They're incredibly fast swimmers that will absolutely scream line off your reel when hooked. Kings are most active during cooler months, making our September through May season ideal. When they bite, you'll know it – there's nothing subtle about a King Mackerel strike.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, often called "reef donkeys" for their incredible pulling power. These fish commonly weigh 20 to 60 pounds in our area, and they'll give you an arm-burning fight all the way to the boat. Amberjack are aggressive feeders that will hit both live and cut baits, and they're known for making powerful runs straight down toward the bottom. They're excellent eating when prepared properly, and the fight they put up makes every fish memorable.
Mahi Mahi add some serious color and acrobatics to any fishing trip. These brilliant yellow, green, and blue fish are incredible jumpers that will often go airborne multiple times during the fight. They typically run 10 to 25 pounds in our waters and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Mahi are open-water fish that sometimes move in schools, so when you find one, there's often more around.
Wahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and will make blistering runs that will test your equipment and skills. They're not as common as other species, but when one shows up, it's always a highlight of the trip. Wahoo typically range from 15 to 40 pounds and are prized both for their fight and their excellent white meat.
This private bottom fishing charter gives you everything you need for a world-class day on the Gulf of Mexico. With a 6-person max capacity, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The September through May season is absolutely prime time for bottom fishing, and those early morning departures put you on the fish when they're most active. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience what Gulf fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Showtime Fishing Charter has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this bottom fishing program is a customer favorite for good reason. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates during peak season fill up fast, especially for private charters.
Captain Ashton's 42-foot sportfishing boat puts you right where the fish are biting in Panama City Beach waters. This well-equipped vessel handles the Gulf's offshore conditions with ease, featuring radar and GPS to navigate to productive reefs and wrecks up to 17 miles out. The fish finder helps locate schools of Red Snapper, Amberjack, and Mahi Mahi holding near structure. Stay comfortable during your 6-hour bottom fishing trip with air conditioning, a full kitchen, and onboard head. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for Grouper or working spinning gear for Cobia, this boat's stable platform makes fishing enjoyable for all six anglers. The wheelchair-accessible design ensures everyone can participate in targeting Vermilion Snapper, Triggerfish, and King Mackerel over Gulf Coast fishing grounds. Rod holders, tackle storage, and a comfortable cabin with sleeping area round out the amenities for serious fishing.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldozers of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that average 30-50 pounds and can stretch past 5 feet. They patrol deep wrecks and structure in 80-200 feet of water, using that amber stripe and powerful build to hunt smaller fish. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot when they're most active. What guests love is that initial run straight down to the bottom - pure power that'll test your back and tackle. The meat's firm and white, great for steaks on the grill. One key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the wreck. They'll wrap you up in the structure every time if you give them slack line.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 20-40 pounds with bigger ones pushing 50+. You'll find them cruising offshore waters around 40-150 feet, often near structure or temperature breaks. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make for exciting fights - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. Peak season here runs late spring through fall when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for smoking or grilling. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - their teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface to trigger those aggressive strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute stunners with those electric gold and blue colors that light up when they're brought boatside. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see some bulls pushing 40+. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they follow baitfish close to our waters. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines ready - mahi travel in schools and that hooked fish will often keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing - thick, pink-red fish that typically run 2-8 pounds, with some trophy fish pushing 15+. They hug hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet, especially around structure where they ambush baitfish. Our season runs through the cooler months when regulations allow, giving you prime opportunities. They fight hard for their size, diving straight down with that bulldogging power. The sweet, nutty white meat is why they're so prized on dinner tables. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and when you feel that tap-tap bite, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily. They'll hook themselves and you'll avoid pulling the bait away.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 60 mph and average 20-40 pounds. They patrol the blue water offshore, usually in the top 60 feet where they hunt flying fish and other fast prey. Fall through spring gives you the best chances when they're moving through our area. The initial strike is explosive, followed by screaming runs that'll peel line off your reel. The white meat is absolutely premium - mild, flaky, and perfect for sashimi or grilling. Here's what works: high-speed trolling with wire leaders is key since their razor teeth will cut anything else. Run your lures at 12-15 knots and be ready for that sudden, violent strike.
Panama City Beach