Private Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach
When you're ready to get serious about deep sea fishing, this 12-hour offshore charter with Showtime Fishing Charter delivers exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a full-day adventure that takes you up to 45 miles into the Gulf's prime fishing grounds, where the big fish live and the action never stops. Captain Ashton Lewis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish that'll test your tackle and make your arms ache in the best possible way. This isn't some half-day tourist trip – it's a legitimate deep sea fishing experience that runs from September through May, giving you access to Panama City Beach's most productive fishing season.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure, which might sound brutal, but trust me – being on the fishing grounds when the sun comes up is pure magic. The boat is fully rigged with everything you need: quality rods and reels, a tackle box full of the right lures and rigs, and fresh bait that'll get the attention of whatever's swimming below. We'll be targeting multiple species throughout the day, which means switching up techniques as conditions change and fish move. One minute you might be bottom fishing for snapper on a reef, the next you're trolling for mahi or working a school of cobia that just surfaced. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is having time to really work different spots and adapt to what the fish are doing. Your group of up to six anglers gets the captain's full attention, so expect personalized coaching whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Deep sea fishing in the Gulf requires a mix of techniques, and we'll use whatever's working on any given day. Bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks is our bread and butter for amberjack and red snapper around wrecks and reefs. These fish hang tight to structure, so we'll anchor up and drop baits right into their neighborhood. For the pelagic species like mahi, king mackerel, and sailfish, we'll be trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits, covering water until we find the bite. Cobia fishing is a whole different game – these fish cruise the surface and we'll sight-fish them with live bait or jigs when we spot them. The tackle is sized appropriately for each target: medium-heavy rods with 30-50 pound test line for most applications, stepping up to heavier gear when we're specifically targeting big amberjack or other bruisers. All the terminal tackle, weights, hooks, and lures are provided, along with a variety of fresh and frozen baits that produce in these waters.
Customer Stories
"Captain and crew were kind, professional, and did everything right. I would highly recommend this trip." - Jeff
"Captain Ashton Lewis of Showtime Charters made our fishing trip absolutely unforgettable! His expertise and friendly demeanor ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend!" - Michelle
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and Panama City Beach sits right in their migration path during the cooler months. These acrobatic billfish typically range from 6-8 feet long and will give you a fight you'll never forget, complete with spectacular jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Peak sailfish season runs from October through March, when they're moving through our waters in good numbers. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's the way they hunt, often working in small groups to corral baitfish into tight balls before attacking. When you hook one, be ready for a 20-30 minute battle that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
King Mackerel are the Gulf's premier speed demons, capable of blazing runs that'll strip line off your reel in seconds. These fish typically range from 15-40 pounds in our area, with the occasional smoker pushing 50 pounds or better. They're most active from September through November and again in March through May, which perfectly aligns with our charter season. Kings are ambush predators that hang around structure and baitfish schools, making them perfect targets for both trolling and live bait fishing. What anglers love about kings is their aggressive strikes and the way they fight – pure power and speed that'll challenge even experienced fishermen.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are absolute favorites among offshore anglers for good reason. These gorgeous fish with their brilliant gold and green colors typically range from 10-30 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 40-50 pounds. They're most common from April through October, often found around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Mahi are schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a popular target for anglers who want to take home a cooler full of fillets. Their acrobatic fighting style and willingness to hit a variety of baits makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Cobia are one of the most underrated fighters in the Gulf, with their broad shoulders and stubborn attitude making them a joy to catch. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) typically range from 20-50 pounds in our waters, with fish over 40 pounds being real trophies. They're most active from March through June, often found cruising near the surface around structure or following rays and sharks. What makes cobia special is their curious nature – they'll often approach the boat for a close look, giving you a chance to sight-cast to individual fish. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red Snapper are the most sought-after bottom
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Panama City Beach
12
