Deep Sea Charter - Target Big Game Offshore
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
14-hour deep sea charter targeting amberjack and mahi offshoreVentures 55 miles out with heavy tackle and expert guidanceAccommodates 6 guests with all gear and bait provided
When you're ready to get serious about deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach, this 14-hour charter with Showtime Fishing Charter delivers the real deal. We're talking about a full-day adventure that starts before sunrise and takes you up to 55 miles into the Gulf's prime fishing grounds. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the heavy tackle and local knowledge to put you on fish that'll test your drag system. Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, this trip gives you access to some of the Gulf's most productive offshore structure where amberjack, cobia, and pelagic species cruise year-round.
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp - and trust me, that early start is worth every lost minute of sleep. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the captain, and watch the sun come up over some of the prettiest water you'll ever see. The further offshore we head, the deeper that emerald green gets, and that's when you know you're entering prime territory. This fully equipped vessel handles the Gulf chop like a champ, and with room for up to 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of elbow room at the rail. The crew provides all your gear, bait, and tackle - we're talking serious offshore rigs that can handle whatever decides to grab your hook. Expect to fish structure, ledges, and open water depending on what's biting and where the bait is showing up on the fish finder.
Out here, we fish the way offshore fishing was meant to be done. Heavy conventional reels loaded with enough line to let a big amberjack make its run without spooling you. The captain runs a mix of techniques depending on conditions and target species - live bait fishing over structure for those monster amberjack, trolling spreads for wahoo and mahi, and bottom fishing the deeper ledges where red snapper and other reef species stack up. When the bite is on, you'll be working 50-80 pound class tackle that gives you the backbone to turn big fish away from structure. The crew knows how to read the water, find the bait, and position the boat where fish are feeding. They'll coach you through the fight, help with gaffing and netting, and make sure you're fishing the most productive water all day long.
King mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit a trolled bait, and Panama City Beach waters produce some serious smoker kings. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional heavyweight pushing 50 or more. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at kings, and when they're feeding on the surface, the action can be non-stop. They love fast-moving baits and won't hesitate to cut you off with those razor-sharp teeth - that's why we run wire leaders and keep the drag smooth.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish, bring that tropical flavor to Gulf fishing. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds but can surprise you with fish over 40. They show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually from late spring through early fall. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blazing runs that'll make your reel scream. Most wahoo here run 20-50 pounds, and they prefer deeper water along temperature breaks and current edges. These fish have serious teeth and hit trolled baits like freight trains. Fall and winter months often produce the best wahoo action, and their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the Gulf, cruising near the surface where you can often sight-cast to them. These brown torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60 or more. Spring migration brings the best cobia fishing, when they move through Panama City Beach waters in good numbers. They're curious fish that respond well to live bait and jigs, and their firm white meat rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Red snapper remain the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing. These crimson fighters typically run 5-15 pounds, with the occasional slab pushing 20 or better. They live around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and natural ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Snapper season is closely regulated, but when it's open, these fish provide steady action and unbeatable table fare. They're smart, structure-oriented fish that require finesse and the right presentation to consistently catch.
A 14-hour deep sea charter isn't something you do every weekend, but when you're ready to experience Panama City Beach offshore fishing at its finest, this trip delivers everything serious anglers are looking for. You get access to proven fishing grounds, professional-grade tackle, and a crew that lives and breathes Gulf fishing. The combination of species diversity, fight quality, and pure fishing time makes this charter a standout option for anyone wanting to test themselves against the Gulf's best fish. Showtime Fishing Charter has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and creating the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the ideal moon phase - the best time to book your Panama City Beach deep sea fishing adventure is right now.
Captain Ashton's 42-foot sportfishing vessel cuts through Gulf waters like a knife, built for serious offshore action targeting amberjack, cobia, and mahi mahi up to 55 miles out. This floating fishing headquarters packs everything needed for marathon 14-hour charters - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the bite, plus A/C and a full galley to keep your crew comfortable between battles with big fish. The spacious deck handles 6 anglers with room to work, while below deck you'll find a proper head, sleeping quarters, and cold storage for your catch. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper or trolling for wahoo, this boat's heavy tackle setup and proven offshore design gets you to the fish and back safely.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the tanks of the Gulf - dark brown bruisers that average 20-40 pounds and can push 70. They cruise shallow water around 30-60 feet, especially near structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs. Spring and early summer are prime when they're spawning and moving. What's cool about cobia is they're curious fish - they'll actually come up to check out the boat. The fight is bulldogging strong, and the meat rivals any fish in the Gulf - firm, white, and buttery. Here's my go-to technique: sight fish them with bucktail jigs. When you spot one cruising the surface, drop a 4-6 oz jig right in front of it and work it slow. Color doesn't matter much - they'll eat anything that moves right.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 20-30 pounds but can reach over 50. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths of 40-150 feet around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when they follow bait schools. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll strip line faster than almost anything in the Gulf. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and two hooks when live baiting. Put one hook in the bait's nose, let the second dangle behind it. Kings love to grab prey from the back, and that trailing hook will nail them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean - bright gold and electric blue that puts on a light show when they're brought up. These guys average 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Summer and fall are best when they're moving through our area. What guests love is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and run like crazy. The meat is fantastic too - firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't bring it in right away. Let it fight a bit and look around - mahi often travel in small schools, so there's usually more where that came from.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing - these deep red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20-plus. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Federal season typically runs June through July, making it a focused but rewarding target. What makes snapper fishing great is the consistent action and incredible table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The fight is strong and steady as they try to get back to cover. My advice: use heavy tackle and get them up quick. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work best, and keep steady pressure on them - they'll wrap you up in structure if you give them the chance.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 20-40 pounds. They roam open water from 30-200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move closer to shore. What makes wahoo special is that screaming run when they're hooked - nothing prepares you for how fast they take line. The meat is primo too - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the key: troll fast with wire leaders. These fish have teeth like razors that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. Run your lures at 12-15 knots with plenty of wire, and be ready for the ride of your life when one hits.
Panama City Beach