5.0(1 Reviews)Spanish Mackerel Charter with Captain Ashton
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour morning Spanish Mackerel charter with Captain AshtonWheelchairaccessible 42foot vessel accommodates six guests maximumAll fishing gear and tackle provided for complete experience
Picture this: you're out on the emerald waters of Panama City Beach at sunrise, watching Captain Ashton work his magic as Spanish mackerel start lighting up your lines. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to get dialed in on one of the Gulf's most consistent and fun fish to catch. With over two decades guiding these waters, Captain Ashton knows exactly where the mackerel are staging, and his 42-foot sportfisher gives you the comfort and stability to make the most of every bite. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to load the cooler, this three-hour morning charter delivers the goods every single time.
Your day kicks off early with a 6:00 AM departure from Panama City Beach – trust me, the early bird gets the fish out here. Captain Ashton's 42-footer is set up perfectly for this kind of fishing, with plenty of deck space for up to six anglers and all the amenities to keep everyone comfortable. The boat's wheelchair accessible, so nobody gets left behind on this adventure. You'll cruise out to Ashton's proven Spanish mackerel spots, where the structure and current create perfect feeding zones. The morning bite is absolutely electric – these fish are hungry and aggressive, making for non-stop action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Don't worry about bringing anything except your camera and a cooler for the catch – all the rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait are provided and ready to go.
Spanish mackerel fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right bait at the perfect speed. Captain Ashton runs a mix of trolling spreads and live bait techniques depending on what the fish are telling him that morning. You'll likely be pulling small spoons, Clark spoons, and Got-Cha plugs behind the boat at around 6-8 knots – just fast enough to trigger those aggressive strikes mackerel are famous for. The tackle is light and sporty, usually spinning gear in the 15-20 pound class, which means every fish puts up a real scrap. When the mackerel are schooled up and feeding, you might switch to live bait or small jigs to really capitalize on the action. The captain reads the water like a book, watching for birds, bait schools, and structure that holds these fish, then positions the boat to maximize your shots at multiple species throughout the morning.
"Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a great time on the water and caught plenty of fish. The boat was comfortable and well-maintained. Can't wait for our next trip!" - King
Spanish mackerel are hands-down one of the most reliable and fun fish you'll encounter in Panama City Beach waters. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds with the occasional 4-pounder thrown in to keep things interesting. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match – when they hit your lure, there's no mistaking it. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening from May through October when water temperatures are in their sweet spot. What makes Spanish mackerel so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – they're absolutely delicious when prepared fresh. These fish school up in massive numbers around structure, artificial reefs, and areas where baitfish congregate, making for some seriously fast-paced fishing when you find them. Kids especially love mackerel fishing because the action is consistent and the fights are manageable but still exciting enough to create lifelong fishing memories.
While Spanish mackerel are the main target, Captain Ashton's knowledge of these waters means you're always in the running for some serious bonus fish. Cobia cruise these same areas, especially during their spring and fall migrations, and these bronze bombers can push 30-50 pounds of pure muscle. When you hook into a cobia, everything else stops – it's all hands on deck for what could be the fish of a lifetime. Mahi mahi show up around floating debris and weed lines, bringing their electric colors and acrobatic fights that'll test your skills and your camera's memory card. Gag grouper lurk around the bottom structure, and while they're not flashy fighters, they're bulldogs that'll make you work for every inch of line. Having multiple species available means every cast could produce something different, keeping the energy high and the anticipation building throughout your three hours on the water.
This top-rated Spanish mackerel charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best. Captain Ashton's reputation for putting clients on fish and providing a world-class experience means repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals keep his calendar packed. The combination of his two decades of Gulf experience, a well-equipped sportfisher, and prime morning departure times makes this a customer favorite that delivers results trip after trip. Whether you're planning a family fishing adventure, looking to introduce someone new to the sport, or just want to get out and catch some fish without the hassle of bringing your own gear, this charter covers all the bases. The wheelchair accessibility and family-friendly approach mean everyone can join in on the action, creating memories that'll last long after the fish are cleaned and cooked. Don't wait – book your morning Spanish mackerel trip with Showtime Charters and get ready for some of the most consistent and enjoyable fishing Panama City Beach has to offer.
Captain Ashton's 42-foot sportfishing vessel is built for serious anglers hunting Spanish Mackerel in the Gulf waters off Panama City Beach. This fully-equipped boat handles the morning choppy waters with ease while you target prime fishing spots where the mackerel are running. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work your lines, and the onboard fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface. When you need a break from the action, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off or grab a cold drink from the refrigerator. The boat's radar keeps you safe in early morning fog, while GPS ensures you hit the most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're bottom fishing for grouper or spinning for cobia, this vessel has the stability and amenities to make your 3-hour charter comfortable and productive. The wheelchair-accessible design means everyone can enjoy a day on the water chasing fish.
5.0 out of 5.0Showtime Charters and Captain Ashton Lewis provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a great time on the water and caught...
Panama City Beach