5.0(2 Reviews)Red Snapper Charter: Panama City Beach
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting red snapper and reef speciesAll gear and expert guidance included with Captain AshtonAvailable June through August with 6person capacity
Nothing beats the anticipation of heading out to the snapper grounds before sunrise, knowing you're about to spend 10 solid hours targeting some of the Gulf's most prized bottom fish. This private charter with Showtime Fishing Charter puts you and up to five buddies on the prime reef structures where red snapper, vermilion snapper, and red porgy call home. Captain Ashton knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently throughout your day on the water.
Your day kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp – and trust me, that early start is worth every minute of lost sleep. The snapper bite is typically best in the morning hours, and with a 10-hour window, you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots and really dial in what the fish want. This charter runs from June 1st through August 25th, which perfectly coincides with red snapper season when these fish are most active and aggressive. Captain Ashton runs a fully equipped vessel that's designed for serious bottom fishing, with plenty of room for six anglers to fish comfortably without tangling lines or bumping elbows. The boat's got all the electronics you need to mark fish and structure, plus a solid sound system to keep the mood upbeat during longer runs between spots. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never dropped a line to the bottom, this crew knows how to adjust their approach to match your skill level and make sure everyone goes home with a cooler full of quality fish.
We're talking serious bottom fishing here – the kind where you're dropping heavy weights down 60 to 100 feet to reach those rocky ledges and artificial reefs where snapper love to hang out. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, including stout spinning rods that can handle the fight these fish put up, plus circle hooks that are required for red snapper to protect the fishery. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse: you'll be using squid, cut bait, and sometimes live pinfish to entice these bottom dwellers. The key is feeling that subtle tap-tap of a snapper mouthing your bait, then setting the hook with authority. Don't worry if you've never done this before – Captain Ashton and his crew will walk you through everything from rigging your line to properly fighting fish off the bottom. They'll show you how to keep steady pressure on hooked fish to prevent them from getting back into the rocks, and how to recognize the different bites you'll get from various species. The spinning gear makes it accessible for everyone, but don't let that fool you – when a hefty red snapper decides to make a run, you'll know you're connected to something special.
"I took my wife, my mother, and three kids on this trip, with one of our children being disabled. Captain Ashton and his deckhand were so accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. We caught numerous species of fish at every spot we stopped. I would recommend Showtime Charters to anyone interested in going out fishing, from a beginner to a professional. We will definitely book them again" - Chad
"Our experience with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis was phenomenal! Ashton's passion for fishing and dedication to customer satisfaction made our trip perfect. We can't wait to book our next adventure!" - Yu
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These ruby-colored fighters typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional double-digit fish that'll make your day. They're structure-oriented fish that live around rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges where they can ambush smaller baitfish. Red snapper have incredibly sharp teeth and a powerful jaw, so they can put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. What makes them so special is their combination of fighting ability and table fare – they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. During the season, they're actively feeding and relatively aggressive, making them a reliable target when you find the right spots.
Vermilion snapper, often called "mingos" by local anglers, are smaller cousins to red snapper but no less exciting to catch. These fish typically range from 1 to 3 pounds and have a more orange-pink coloration with yellow fins. They're schooling fish, which means when you find one, you'll usually find a bunch. Vermilions are less structure-dependent than reds, often suspending in the water column above reefs and wrecks. They're incredibly aggressive and will often hit your bait before it even reaches the bottom. Their smaller size makes them perfect for lighter tackle, and they're fantastic eating with a slightly sweeter flavor than their larger red cousins.
Red porgy are the sleeper hit of many snapper trips. These pinkish-silver fish with their distinctive steep forehead profile typically weigh 1 to 4 pounds and are absolute bulldogs when hooked. They're bottom huggers that love rocky areas and shell bottom, often feeding on crabs and small fish. Red porgy have a unique fighting style – they'll dive straight down and try to wrap your line around any structure they can find. They're not as well-known as snapper, but they're every bit as good on the dinner table with firm, flaky meat that holds together well when cooked. Many anglers are pleasantly surprised by how hard these fish fight relative to their size.
This 10-hour private snapper charter represents some of the best bottom fishing Panama City Beach has to offer during prime season. With Captain Ashton's local expertise, top-notch gear, and access to productive reef systems, you're setting yourself up for a memorable day targeting multiple species
Get ready to target red snapper and more aboard Captain Ashton's 42-foot sportfishing vessel in Panama City Beach. This well-equipped boat handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of the reef structures where snapper, grouper, amberjack, and cobia hang out. When you're not battling fish, relax in the air-conditioned cabin or grab a cold drink from the refrigerator. The boat features a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and even wheelchair accessibility. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh, radar for safety, and a clean restroom onboard, you'll have all the comforts while bottom fishing and spinning for those prized reef species. Captain Ashton knows these waters and will put you on the fish using proven techniques that work for anglers of all skill levels.
5.0 out of 5.0I took my wife, my mother, and three kids on this trip, with one of our children being disabled. Captain Ashton and his deckhand w...
Our experience with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis was phenomenal! Ashton's passion for fishing and dedication to cust...
Panama City Beach