Private Trolling Charter for Mahi and Kings
If you're looking to get serious about trolling the Gulf waters off Panama City Beach, this private 4-hour charter with Showtime Charters hits different. Captain Ashton Lewis and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the setup to put you on fish consistently. We're talking about targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species - mahi mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, and bonito - using proven trolling techniques that produce results. The early 6:00 AM departure gets you out there when the bite is hot, and with only your group aboard the 42-foot sportfisher, you've got all the room and attention you need to make it count.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. You'll have the entire 42-foot sportfishing vessel to yourselves, which means more fishing time, better positioning, and personalized instruction from Captain Lewis and his crew. The boat launches from Panama City Beach right at sunrise, putting you in prime trolling territory while the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. The seasonal window from September through May 10th aligns perfectly with when these pelagic species are most active in our area. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been fishing these waters for years, the crew adapts their approach to match your skill level. They're particularly great with kids and families - patient, encouraging, and they know how to keep everyone engaged when the action heats up.
Trolling Tactics and Light Tackle
We run light tackle setups that make every fight more exciting and give you a real chance to feel what these fish can do. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs rigged at different depths to cover the water column effectively. Captain Lewis adjusts the boat speed based on conditions and target species - slower for mahi when we're working weed lines and debris, faster when we're targeting kings along the drop-offs. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning while teaching you the finer points of trolling technique. When fish hit, they're right there to coach you through the fight, help with gaffing, and make sure you get those hero shots. All gear is provided and maintained to tournament standards, so you're fishing with quality equipment that can handle whatever we hook into.
Customer Stories
"Absolutely amazing experience!! Super knowledgeable Captain and crew. The kids had a fantastic experience and the crew was extremely patient to ensure they had a good time.Highly Recommend for any skill level or fishing trip!!" - Peter
"What an incredible fishing adventure with Showtime Charters! Captain Ashton Lewis's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend!" - George
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel are often the first fish to show up on our trolling runs, especially during the cooler months. These 2-4 pound speedsters hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for getting everyone warmed up. They love smaller spoons and diving plugs, and once you find a school, you can often pick up several before moving on to bigger targets. Kids absolutely love catching Spanish mackerel because they're cooperative, fight well on light tackle, and make excellent table fare.
King Mackerel are the backbone of Gulf Coast trolling, and Panama City Beach consistently produces some real bruisers. These toothy predators range from 15-40 pounds in our area, with larger fish more common during the cooler months. Kings patrol the edges of the continental shelf and structure, ambushing baitfish with explosive strikes that'll test your drag and your arms. They're notorious for their blistering initial runs and acrobatic jumps, making every hookup a memorable battle.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the fight that make them a bucket-list species for most anglers. These beautiful fish show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools. When we find a good debris line during mahi season, it's not uncommon to boat multiple fish before they wise up. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds and provide some of the most exciting light tackle action you'll find in the Gulf, with their aerial displays and stubborn fights.
Wahoo are the speed demons of our trolling spread, capable of hitting 50+ mph and stripping line like it's going out of style. These sleek predators prefer the deeper water along the shelf, and when they hit, there's no mistaking it. The initial run is absolutely blistering, and their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders. Wahoo don't cooperate as consistently as other species, but when they do show up, they make the trip memorable with their incredible speed and excellent eating quality.
Skipjack Tuna might be smaller than their larger cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and non-stop action. These 3-8 pound torpedoes travel in large schools and provide constant action when you find them. They're perfect for keeping the rods bent between shots at larger species, and their willingness to bite makes them great confidence builders for newer anglers learning to fight fish on light tackle.
Time to Book Your Spot
This seasonal trolling trip books up fast, especially during peak months when the bite is most consistent. With the limited season running September through May and only 6 spots available per trip, securing your dates early is smart planning. The wheelchair-accessible boat means everyone in your group can participate comfortably, and the all-inclusive gear setup eliminates the hassle of bringing your own equipment. Captain Lewis and his crew have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing the kind of personalized service you can't get on larger boats. Whether
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Panama City Beach
Four
