5.0(3 Reviews)Private Trolling Charter for Mahi & Kings
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour trolling trip targets Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel42-foot wheelchair-accessible vessel accommodates up to 6 guestsLight tackle and expert guidance provided for all skill levels
When you're looking for serious action on the Gulf Coast, Showtime Fishing Charter delivers exactly what Panama City Beach anglers crave. This 4-hour private trolling trip gets you on the water at first light, departing at 6:00 AM when the fish are most active. Captain Ashton Lewis and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the best bite of the day. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this top-rated charter has everything dialed in for success.
Your day starts early aboard a fully-equipped 42-foot sportfishing vessel that's built for comfort and performance. The boat is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can join the action. Running from September 1st through May 10th, this seasonal trip hits the sweet spot when pelagic species are most abundant in our Gulf waters. You'll cover serious ground as the crew sets up a trolling spread designed to attract the big players - Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Wahoo, and more. The beauty of trolling is that it works for everyone, from kids who've never held a rod to seasoned anglers looking to add to their count. Light tackle keeps the fight sporting, and the crew provides all the gear plus expert coaching to make sure you're ready when that rod goes off.
Trolling is an art form, and Showtime's crew has it down to a science. They'll run a spread of lures at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while presenting baits that trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The boat's outriggers extend the spread wide, giving you multiple lines in the water without tangles. Light tackle spinning and conventional reels are spooled with the right line weights for each target species. When a fish hits, the crew quickly clears the other lines so you can fight your catch without interference. They'll coach you through the fight, helping you pump and wind properly to boat your fish. The deck is set up with a fighting chair and plenty of room to move around, plus all the nets, gaffs, and release tools needed to handle whatever comes over the rail.
"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
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast trolling, and Panama City Beach sits right in their migration path. These electric green and gold beauties typically run 10-30 pounds, with bulls occasionally pushing 40-plus. Peak season runs October through April when they follow baitfish north along our coast. What makes Mahi so special is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that gets everyone on the boat fired up. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the fish fry afterward.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and our waters produce some true giants. These silver bullets can stretch over 40 inches and weigh upwards of 30 pounds during peak season. Fall and winter months bring the largest fish as they stage offshore before their spawning runs. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and sharp teeth - they'll test your drag system and keep you honest throughout the fight. The key to success is trolling the right depth where they're feeding, usually around structure or temperature breaks that concentrate baitfish.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their King cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willing attitudes. These scrappy fighters typically run 1-3 pounds and hit fast-moving lures with authority. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Spanish Mackerel also school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on.
Wahoo are the ultimate prize for trolling enthusiasts - they're the fastest fish in the Gulf and can reach speeds over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a habit of cutting lines if you're not prepared with wire leaders. When hooked, they make screaming runs that will empty your reel in seconds. Wahoo typically show up during cooler months and prefer deeper water where they ambush baitfish along drop-offs and ledges.
Skipjack Tuna are the workhorse of the tuna family, and they're always ready to bite when conditions are right. These small but mighty fighters punch well above their weight class, using their powerful tails and stamina to give anglers a real workout. They school heavily during their seasonal runs, creating non-stop action when you locate them. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, Skipjack Tuna are perfect for keeping rods bent and building confidence for newer anglers.
This world-class trolling experience books up fast, especially during prime season when the bite is hot. With only six spots available on each trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The early departure time puts you ahead of the crowd and on fish when they're most active. Captain Ashton Lewis and the Showtime crew have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while ensuring everyone has a safe, fun day on the water. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate trip, or just want to scratch that
Hit the open waters aboard this fully-loaded 42-foot sportfishing vessel, your floating command center for targeting mahi mahi and king mackerel in Panama City Beach. Captain Ashton's boat comes equipped with everything serious anglers need - advanced fish finder technology to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the hottest spots, and radar for safe passage in any conditions. The spacious deck gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work multiple lines while trolling the Gulf waters. When you're not fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and comfortable sleeping quarters. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout your 4-hour morning trip. Wheelchair accessible with a private head onboard, this vessel handles both light tackle action and serious bottom fishing. Whether you're chasing fast-moving wahoo or working structure for grouper and amberjack, this well-appointed sportfisher delivers the performance and comfort that make long days on the water productive and enjoyable for the whole crew.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the crown jewel of our trolling trips, averaging 20-40 pounds but capable of reaching 60-plus. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs and structure. Fall through early spring is peak season when they migrate through our area in big numbers. What guests love most is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. The firm, flaky meat is outstanding grilled or blackened. Here's the key: use wire leaders because their razor teeth will cut through anything else. When slow-trolling live bait, use a double-hook rig with one hook in the nose and a trailing hook - kings often grab the tail end of baitfish first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch, flashing gold, green, and blue before fading when boated. These 15-30 pound beauties love floating debris and weedlines in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season runs late spring through fall when Gulf Stream water pushes closer to shore. Guests go crazy for their acrobatic jumps and the way they change colors during the fight. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality - mild and sweet. They travel in small schools, so when you hook one, get more lines ready. Local secret: look for frigate birds hovering over floating grass or debris. Where you see birds working, you'll usually find mahi feeding underneath on flying fish and small baitfish.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, averaging 2-3 feet and 15-20 pounds around here. These torpedo-shaped speedsters travel in huge schools near the surface, often mixed with young yellowfin. During our cooler months, they're common in offshore waters beyond 100 feet. What makes them fun is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll test your drag and keep pulling. The meat is darker than other tuna but excellent for sushi or searing. They're also fantastic live bait for targeting bigger fish like marlin. Pro tip: when trolling for skipjack, use small feathers or spoons at 6-8 knots. If you see birds working the surface, that's usually skipjack feeding underneath.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect trolling targets, typically running 2-3 pounds with their distinctive yellow spots and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in schools near the surface, especially around structure and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. Our fall through spring season is prime time when water temps are in the 70s. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making great action on light tackle. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your lines out because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school. They travel in large groups and once you find them, you can often catch several before they move on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph and averaging 30-50 pounds in our waters. These solitary hunters patrol the deeper blue water beyond 200 feet, often near drop-offs and structure. Fall and winter months are best when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is that initial run - absolutely explosive. The white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf for table fare. Because of their incredible speed, high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders - their teeth are like razors. Here's my go-to setup: bullet-head lures or diving plugs pulled fast. When you get bit, hang on tight because that first run will test your equipment and your nerves.
5.0 out of 5.0Absolutely amazing experience!! Super knowledgeable Captain and crew. The kids had a fantastic experience and the crew was extreme...
What an incredible fishing adventure with Showtime Charters! Captain Ashton Lewis's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforge...
Panama City Beach