5.0(1 Reviews)Private Red Snapper Charter with Showtime Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour bottom fishing charter targeting red snapper offshore.All skill levels welcome with gear and guidance included.Daily departures at 6 AM and 12 PM through August.
Panama City's nearshore waters are absolutely loaded with red snapper, vermilion snapper, and red porgy during the summer months, and this 8-hour bottom fishing charter puts you right in the action. Captain Ashton Lewis knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you dropping lines where the fish are biting. Whether you're bringing the whole family or just want to get out on the water with some buddies, this trip delivers solid fishing without the long run to deep water. You'll be targeting structure and ledges where these bottom dwellers love to hang out, using techniques that work year after year in these productive Gulf waters.
Your day starts bright and early with a 6:00 AM departure or you can opt for the noon trip if you prefer to sleep in a bit. Either way, you're looking at a full 8 hours of fishing time, which gives you plenty of opportunities to put some quality fish in the cooler. The boat is set up specifically for bottom fishing with all the gear you need - no reason to worry about bringing your own tackle unless you want to. Captain Ashton runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun, especially when there are kids on board. The nearshore structure around Panama City is some of the most consistent fishing you'll find along the Gulf Coast, with rocky bottom and artificial reefs that hold fish all season long. You'll be fishing in depths that keep the boat stable while still getting into the good stuff that lives on the hard bottom.
This charter combines trolling and spinning methods to maximize your chances at different species throughout the day. When we're moving between spots, we'll often have trolling lines out to pick up any roaming fish or to locate schools that might be suspended off the bottom. Once we're over structure, it's all about the spinning gear with bottom rigs that get your bait down to where the snappers are holding. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod you like to use, bring it along. We're talking about circle hooks to keep the fish healthy, sinkers heavy enough to stay down in the current, and fresh bait that these bottom fish can't resist. The key is reading the bottom with the fish finder and positioning the boat so your baits drift naturally over the structure where red snapper and their cousins like to ambush prey.
"Our family had a wonderful experience with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - Laura
Red snapper are the main event during this June through August season, and for good reason. These fish are pure fighters with serious attitude, averaging 3 to 8 pounds but capable of surprising you with something much bigger. They live around structure in 40 to 100 feet of water, feeding heavily during summer months when baitfish are abundant. Red snapper have excellent eyesight and can be picky about baits, but once hooked, they'll make multiple runs toward the bottom trying to wrap your line around rocks or coral. What makes them so popular is the combination of the fight they put up and how good they taste on the dinner table. The federal season runs through late August, making this charter perfectly timed to target them legally.
Vermilion snapper, sometimes called beeliner, are another customer favorite that you'll encounter on these trips. These smaller cousins of the red snapper are scrappy fighters that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, you'll likely find more. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds and have beautiful pink and yellow coloration that makes them a joy to catch. Vermilion snapper are less structure-dependent than reds, often suspending in the water column around reefs and ledges. They're excellent table fare and perfect for anglers who want consistent action throughout the day. These fish respond well to smaller baits and lighter tackle, making them ideal for younger anglers or anyone who enjoys finesse fishing.
Red porgy round out the target species list and provide some of the most surprising fights pound-for-pound. These deep-bodied fish are built like bulldogs and will test your drag system with powerful runs along the bottom. They average 2 to 4 pounds but feel much larger when they're pulling drag. Red porgy are structure lovers that feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small fish around rocky areas and artificial reefs. They're most active during daylight hours, making them perfect for this full-day charter format. While not as well-known as snapper, experienced anglers specifically target red porgy for their fighting ability and excellent taste. They have a unique appearance with their high back and distinctive coloration that makes them easy to identify.
Panama City's summer bottom fishing season is relatively short, running just June 1st through August 25th, so don't wait around if you want to get in on this action. With only 5 spots available per trip and two departures daily, the best dates fill up fast, especially weekends and holidays. This charter delivers exactly what most anglers are looking for - quality fish, experienced guidance, and a full day on the water without breaking the bank. Captain Ashton has built his reputation on putting clients on fish while making sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable time. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to bottom fishing or want to load the cooler with premium eating fish, this trip hits all the marks. The combination of productive fishing grounds, proven techniques, and a captain who knows how to find fish makes this one of the top-rated charters in the Panama City area.
Step aboard this well-appointed 42' sportfishing vessel designed for serious bottom fishing in Panama City's productive waters. Captain Ashton's boat comes equipped with everything needed for targeting red snapper, grouper, and amberjack in the Gulf's prime fishing grounds. The spacious deck provides plenty of room for up to 5 anglers to work the bottom structure, while advanced fish finder and GPS systems help locate the best spots where snapper congregate. Air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable between fishing sessions, and the onboard kitchen and refrigerator mean fresh bait stays cold and snacks are always available. A clean restroom and sleeping quarters make longer trips comfortable, while the icebox handles your catch perfectly. Wheelchair accessible design ensures everyone can enjoy Panama City's excellent bottom fishing. Modern radar keeps trips safe in changing conditions, and multiple fishing techniques from trolling to spinning let you adapt to what's biting. This vessel combines fishing performance with comfort for productive days targeting Gulf Coast favorites.
5.0 out of 5.0Our family had a wonderful experience with Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the...
Panama City Beach