5.0(2 Reviews)Private Shark Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour morning charter targets hammerhead and blacktip sharksCaptain Ashton provides equipment and fresh bait aboard 42foot boatWheelchairaccessible trip accommodates all skill levels and children
If you're looking to tangle with some serious predators in the Gulf waters off Panama City Beach, Captain Ashton's 4-hour shark fishing charter delivers exactly what you're after. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking heavy tackle, fresh bait, and the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned shark hunter or someone who's never felt the power of a big fish on the line, this private charter is designed to put you face-to-face with some of the Gulf Coast's most respected predators. The best part? Everything's included except your sense of adventure.
Your morning kicks off bright and early from Panama City Beach aboard a fully equipped 42-foot sportfishing boat that's built for comfort and performance. Captain Ashton knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a reputation for putting clients on fish when other boats are still searching. The boat's wheelchair accessible, so everyone can get in on the action, and with space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone wanting a more intimate fishing experience. You'll head out to proven shark grounds where the depth and current create perfect hunting conditions for multiple species. The captain provides all the heavy tackle, circle hooks, and wire leaders you'll need – this gear is specifically rigged for shark fishing, not repurposed from other trips.
Shark fishing is all about the right presentation and Captain Ashton has it dialed in. We're talking 50-80 pound class rods paired with reels that can handle serious runs, all spooled with heavy mono that won't snap when a big hammerhead decides to make a move. The secret is in the bait – fresh mullet, mackerel, and bonita that sharks can't resist. Circle hooks are mandatory here, both for conservation and safety, and they hook fish in the corner of the mouth for clean releases. You'll be fishing with a fish-finder rig or a simple bottom setup, depending on conditions and target species. The captain reads the water, watches for bird activity, and positions the boat where the action is most likely to happen. No guessing, no hoping – just strategic fishing based on years of experience in these specific waters.
"Captain Ashton does a great job getting you on the fish. He has taken us out on our girls trip. Always a great time." - Ginger. "Captain Ashton was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Showtime Charters was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!" - Jeth. These aren't one-off experiences – Captain Ashton has built a solid reputation by consistently delivering quality trips where safety and fish-finding expertise go hand in hand. Repeat customers know they're getting a captain who takes pride in his work and genuinely wants everyone to have a successful day on the water.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks are the crown jewel of Panama City Beach shark fishing, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking predators cruise the Gulf waters year-round, but your best shots come during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in 30-80 feet of water. A typical smooth hammerhead here runs 4-6 feet, though bigger specimens show up regularly. What makes them special is their fighting style – they're strong, stubborn, and won't give up easily. The distinctive hammer-shaped head isn't just for show; it gives them incredible sensory advantages and makes them incredibly efficient hunters.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement to your fishing day. These aggressive feeders are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and your arms. Most blacktips you'll encounter range from 3-5 feet, making them perfect for younger anglers who want to experience a real shark fight without being completely overpowered. They're abundant in spring and fall, often feeding in schools that can turn a quiet morning into non-stop action. Their acrobatic displays make for incredible photos and memories that last long after the trip ends.
Shortfin Mako sharks represent the ultimate challenge for serious shark anglers. These are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of hitting 40+ mph and launching themselves completely out of the water during fights. Panama City Beach makos typically range from 6-10 feet, and hooking one is like connecting with a living torpedo. Summer months offer the best opportunities when they follow bait schools into our fishing grounds. Fair warning – a big mako will test every piece of equipment and every bit of angling skill you've got.
Tiger sharks earn their reputation as the garbage cans of the ocean, and that feeding behavior makes them incredible opponents for charter fishing. These broad-shouldered predators can exceed 10 feet and pack serious weight behind their runs. They're less predictable than other species, which keeps every fight interesting. Late summer and early fall produce the most consistent tiger shark action, especially during evening trips when they move into shallower water to hunt. Their distinctive markings and impressive girth make them popular targets for catch-and-release trophy fishing.
Bull sharks bring raw power to the table like few other species can match. These thick-bodied predators are built for close-quarters combat and they'll use every bit of their strength to test your tackle and technique. Most bulls you'll encounter run 5-8 feet, but they pack more muscle per foot than almost any other shark species. They're year-round residents in our waters, but peak action happens during the warmer months when they're most active. Their aggressive nature and bulldozer fighting style make them favorites among anglers who appreciate a straight-up power struggle.
Captain Ashton
Get ready to chase sharks in the Gulf waters aboard Captain Ashton's impressive 42-foot sportfishing vessel. This well-equipped boat handles up to 6 anglers and features everything needed for serious shark fishing - from heavy tackle setups to a quality fish finder that'll help locate those predators lurking below. The boat's got you covered with air conditioning to beat the Florida heat, plus a full kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox for keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a comfortable bed if someone needs a break between bites, and the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. The wheelchair-accessible design ensures everyone can join the action. With GPS navigation and radar keeping you safe, plus all rods, reels, and tackle provided, you'll focus purely on battling Hammerheads and Blacktips in Panama City Beach's productive waters. Captain Ashton knows these Gulf fishing grounds inside and out, making this 42-footer your perfect platform for landing some serious sharks.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are our bread-and-butter sharks here in Panama City Beach. They run 4-6 feet on average and are easily spotted by those distinctive black fin tips. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore structure where they hunt for sardines, mackerel, and croakers. Spring through early fall is prime time when baitfish are thick. These sharks are fun fighters - they're known for their jumping ability and can get pretty acrobatic when hooked. Kids especially love them because they're manageable size but still give a great battle. They're also pretty predictable biters. My go-to method is bottom fishing with fresh mackerel or sardine chunks near artificial reefs. The oil from those baits really gets their attention, and they'll usually commit once they find it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the tough guys - thick, aggressive, and built like tanks. They average 8-10 feet but can push serious weight, sometimes over 400 pounds. What's unique about bulls is they can handle both salt and freshwater, so we catch them from the beaches all the way up into brackish bays and river mouths. Summer brings the best action when they move into shallower waters to feed. Anglers love targeting bulls because they're reliable biters and fight dirty - no fancy jumps, just raw power and stubbornness. They'll eat just about anything, but fresh eel is absolutely deadly if you can get it. The high oil content drives them crazy. Fish it on the bottom with heavy tackle and be ready for a long fight. These sharks don't give up easy.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world - they'll hit 30+ mph and can leap 20 feet out of the water. These guys average 8-13 feet and 130-300 pounds, with that classic pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. In our Gulf waters, we target them in 100+ feet, usually over deeper structure or in open water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What guests love about mako fishing is the pure adrenaline - they're smart, aggressive fighters that will test your drag and sometimes even jump in the boat. The meat is also some of the best eating of any shark. Pro tip: high-speed trolling with live bluefish or bonito works great, but once you hook up, keep that fish away from the boat until it's completely exhausted. These sharks don't quit.
Sphyrna ZygaenaSmooth Hammerheads are the second-largest hammerhead species, typically reaching 10-11 feet. You'll recognize them by their curved, wide head without that center notch other hammerheads have. Around Panama City Beach, we find them in waters 20-60 feet deep, especially during warmer months when they migrate through our area. These sharks are active predators that feed on rays, other sharks, and bony fish. What makes them exciting to target is their schooling behavior - sometimes we'll hit a group of dozens. They put up a solid fight on heavy tackle and are pretty reliable biters when conditions are right. My tip: use fresh stingray or bonito chunks on the bottom near structure. They hunt using electroreception, so that natural bait scent in the water column really draws them in.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the big bruisers of our area, running 11-14 feet and often pushing 1,000+ pounds. You'll spot them by those dark stripes that fade as they get older. These solitary hunters cruise deeper waters around 100+ feet but will come shallow to feed, especially at night. Summer months bring the best opportunities when water temps peak. What makes tigers special is their reputation as apex predators - they're strong, deliberate fighters that will test every piece of your tackle. The thrill of hooking something that massive keeps anglers coming back. We use heavy gear - 100-pound test minimum with big circle hooks and cut tuna or mackerel for bait. Here's the key: patience wins with tigers. They're slow cruisers that rely on stealth, so let your bait soak and don't rush the hookset when you get a bite.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ashton does a great job getting you on the fish. He has taken us out on our girls trip. Always a great time.
Captain Ashton was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Showt...
Panama City Beach