5.0(4 Reviews)Deep Sea Wreck Fishing in Panama City
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
8-hour deep sea charter targeting amberjack and multiple speciesExpert guidance provided with all equipment and tackle includedOperates September through May within 25 miles offshore
Nothing beats the rush of fishing over wrecks in the deep blue waters off Panama City. This 8-hour charter takes you 25 miles offshore where sunken vessels and artificial reefs create underwater cities that attract some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish. Captain Ashton Lewis and his crew at Showtime Fishing Charter know exactly where these honey holes are located, and they'll put you on fish from the moment you drop lines at 6:00 AM. With space for up to 5 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class wreck fishing without the crowds of bigger boats.
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure, giving you the full morning bite when fish are most active around these underwater structures. The Gulf of Mexico's wreck sites are legendary fishing grounds, and for good reason – these artificial reefs concentrate baitfish, which in turn draw predators like amberjack, grouper, and snapper. You'll be fishing in 80 to 150 feet of water over tankers, Liberty ships, and purpose-sunk vessels that have become thriving ecosystems. The crew provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. This charter runs from September through May, timing your trip perfectly with cooler water temperatures that bring the best fishing action of the year.
Wreck fishing requires a different approach than your typical bottom fishing trip. Captain Ashton uses heavy tackle and circle hooks to pull big amberjack and grouper away from the structure before they can cut you off. You'll be dropping baits on 60 to 80-pound test line, using everything from live pinfish and cigar minnows to cut bait and jigs. The boat is equipped with fish finders and GPS to position precisely over productive spots on each wreck. When the bite slows on the bottom, the crew switches tactics to target pelagic species like mahi mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel that cruise the water column above these structures. It's a mix of power fishing and finesse that keeps every angler engaged throughout the 8-hour trip.
"Had a wonderful time with Captain Ashton on Showtime Charters. He knew all the best spots and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. The boat was clean and well-equipped. Can't wait to go again!" - John
"Captain Ashton Lewis and Showtime Charters exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly attitude made our fishing trip both fun and productive. We caught more fish than we imagined. A must-do in Panama City Beach!" - Sarah
"Had a great time with Ashton and Kyle, they were very knowledgeable about the area and adapted quickly to help us bring in some great catches despite weather and some finicky dolphins" - Aidan
"I had never been deep sea or inshore fishing before. Captain Ashton did a great job of finding hotspots where we could catch several types of fish, and they were super patient with us as we learned the ropes. We ended up getting several great catches and had a lot of fun! I highly recommend it." - Jeff
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and Panama City's wreck sites are prime territory for these colorful fighters. Also called dolphinfish, these beauties average 10 to 20 pounds but can push 40 pounds or more. They're most active from late spring through early fall, though you'll find them around wrecks during the cooler months too. What makes mahi so special is their aerial display – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that gets every angler's heart pumping. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60 mph and known for their blistering runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the edges of wrecks, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Most wahoo caught in these waters run 20 to 40 pounds, with occasional giants pushing 60 pounds or more. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them a top-rated target for serious anglers who appreciate both the fight and the excellent eating quality.
Cobia are the bulldogs of wreck fishing, using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to test your tackle to the limit. These brown sharks of the reef world are curious fish that often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that add excitement to every drop. Most cobia around Panama City's wrecks range from 20 to 50 pounds, with the occasional monster exceeding 60 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around wrecks, making them a reliable target throughout the fishing season.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf wreck fishing, and these offshore structures hold some real doormat-sized fish. While regulations vary by season, when they're open, red snapper provide fast-paced action that keeps everyone busy. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, often requiring lighter tackle and precise presentations to fool them. A good red snapper day can see limits of 5 to 15-pound fish, with the occasional 20-pound trophy mixed in.
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of the wreck scene, using every trick in the book to break you off in the structure below. These powerful bottom dwellers can exceed 30 pounds and are known for their initial run straight back to the wreck when hooked. The key is stopping that first run and getting their head turned up toward the surface. Gag grouper are excellent table fare and a customer favorite for their combination of fight
Captain Ashton's 42-foot sportfishing vessel cuts through Panama City waters with serious fishing credentials. This fully-loaded charter boat handles up to 5 anglers comfortably while targeting amberjack, cobia, mahi mahi, and grouper species around offshore wrecks within 25 miles. The boat features essential amenities including air conditioning, full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters for those long fishing days. Advanced electronics like GPS, radar, and fish finders help locate productive spots, while the spacious deck provides room for both trolling and bottom fishing techniques. An onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you can focus on fighting fish rather than rigging gear. The vessel is wheelchair accessible and designed for anglers of all experience levels. During prime season from September through May, morning departures at 6 AM put you on the fishing grounds when species like king mackerel, wahoo, red snapper, and various grouper are most active around structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf - averaging 40-60 pounds with some pushing 100+. They're dark brown and cruise solo near the surface around structure like reefs, buoys, and wrecks in 30-70 feet. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially when they're spawning. What guests love is sight-fishing these bruisers - you can actually see them swimming just under the surface. Once hooked, they make powerful runs straight for cover, testing your tackle and skills. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. Best technique is dropping a heavy jig or live bait right in front of their nose when you spot one. Pro tip: don't get excited and cast too far ahead - they spook easily, so land your bait just a few feet in front.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that love rocky structure and ledges in 60-150 feet of water. They average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ around the right spots. We find them on offshore reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where they hide in holes and crevices. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move to shallower structure. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight for the rocks. They're also excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. We use stout tackle with heavy weights and circle hooks, dropping live pinfish or cut bait right to the bottom. The secret is keeping constant pressure once hooked - never give them slack or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose them for sure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-30 pounds on average, with that distinctive golden flash and blue-green back that makes them easy to spot. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. They're surface feeders that love chasing flying fish, so we troll at higher speeds with ballyhoo or colorful lures. Best fishing is during our cooler months when they migrate through. What guests love most is the spectacular color show they put on when first boated - bright golds and blues that fade quickly. They fight hard with lots of jumps and make fantastic eating with that mild, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, stick around - they often travel in small schools, so where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These crimson beauties average 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+ around our deeper structures. We target them on reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet of water. Season runs June through July typically, and they fight like they mean it - making strong runs toward structure to cut your line. What guests love is the challenge and the reward - red snapper are considered some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. We use heavy tackle with circle hooks and drop fresh cut bait or live pinfish right to the bottom. The trick is getting them up fast before they can wrap you around structure. Pro tip: when you feel that solid thump, don't hesitate - lock the drag and start cranking immediately.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - we're talking 40+ mph bursts that'll test your drag system. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds around Panama City waters. They cruise the blue water from 60-300 feet, often near structure like oil rigs or current breaks. We target them during the cooler months when they're most active in our area. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run - they'll peel line like nothing else out here. Plus, they're premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling. We troll fast with wire leaders since their razor teeth cut through everything else. Here's the key: use a 4-6 lure spread at 12-15 knots. Dark-colored lures with pink or red work best in our Gulf waters.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a wonderful time with Captain Ashton on Showtime Charters. He knew all the best spots and made sure we were comfortable throug...
Captain Ashton Lewis and Showtime Charters exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly attitude made our fis...
Had a great time with Ashton and Kyle, they were very knowledgeable about the area and adapted quickly to help us bring in some gr...
I had never been deep sea or inshore fishing before. Captain Ashton did a great job of finding hotspots where we could catch sever...
Panama City Beach