Private Half‑Day Family Fishing Trip | PM
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing trip targeting multiple Gulf speciesTVfeatured Captain Eddie provides expert guidance and premium equipmentFamilyfriendly boat accommodates six guests with shade and restroom facilities
Looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the family on Panama City Beach? Captain Eddie Brochin's private half-day fishing charter delivers exactly what you're after – solid fishing action without the early morning wake-up call. This four-hour trip kicks off after lunch, giving you cooler Gulf breezes and that golden afternoon light that makes for killer photos with your catch. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's top inshore species while the kids get their first taste of what real fishing is all about.
Captain Eddie runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed for families. His boat comes loaded with premium tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear your crew needs – no need to stress about what to bring or whether your old spinning reel will hold up. The afternoon timing works perfect for families since you're not dragging sleepy kids out at dawn, plus the later start means calmer seas and more comfortable fishing conditions. The boat's got plenty of shade and even restroom facilities, which any parent knows is a game-changer when you've got little ones aboard. Captain Eddie's been featured on TV for his fishing prowess, but what really sets him apart is his patience with kids and first-timers. He'll get everyone rigged up properly and show the basics of reading the water, feeling bites, and setting hooks.
You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters around Panama City Beach, working structure and grass flats where these species love to hang out. Captain Eddie uses a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The boat's equipped with quality spinning reels and medium-action rods that are perfect for the target species but still light enough for kids to handle comfortably. Most of the fishing involves bottom rigs for species like sheepshead and snapper, plus some drift fishing and sight casting when conditions are right. The captain knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, time of year, and recent patterns – that local knowledge is worth its weight in gold. He'll adjust techniques throughout the trip to keep everyone engaged, whether that means switching from live shrimp to cut bait or moving to a different structure when the bite slows down.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit, making them perfect for getting kids excited about fishing. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds around Panama City Beach and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during warmer months and love to chase small baitfish near the surface. You'll often see them busting bait on the surface before you even get a line wet. When a Spanish mackerel takes your bait, there's no question about it – they'll peel drag and make multiple runs that'll have everyone on the boat cheering.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage and one of the tastiest fish you'll find in these waters. These flatfish can be tricky to locate since they bury themselves in sandy bottoms, but Captain Eddie knows exactly where to find them. Most flounder caught on this trip run 14-18 inches, though keeper-sized fish over 12 inches make excellent table fare. They're ambush predators that lie motionless waiting for prey to swim by, then strike with lightning speed. Kids love the way flounder look – they're like something from another planet with both eyes on one side of their head.
Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper locally, are crafty fish that'll test your patience and skill. They're notorious bait stealers, so Captain Eddie will teach you the right techniques for hooking these clever fish. Most snapper on this trip range from 10-16 inches and provide steady action around structure. They're excellent eating and fight harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs toward cover. The trick with snapper is feeling that subtle bite and setting the hook before they steal your bait and disappear.
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of the Gulf, with distinctive black bars and human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and shellfish. These fish are notorious for their light bites and ability to steal bait, earning them the nickname "bait thieves." Captain Eddie will show you how to detect their subtle taps and set the hook at just the right moment. Sheepshead typically run 1-4 pounds in these waters and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're most active around structure like pilings, rocks, and artificial reefs.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing and the species that gets anglers truly hooked on this sport. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 16-27 inches (slot size) and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience. Reds are year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall. They're incredibly smart fish that can be spooky in shallow water but also aggressive when they're feeding. A slot redfish will make long, powerful runs and use its broad tail to fight every inch of the way to the boat. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and they're prized both for their fighting ability and excellent table quality.
This afternoon family charter hits the sweet spot between serious fishing and family fun. With Captain Eddie's proven track record and local expertise, you're setting up for a successful day on the water. The private charter means you're not dealing with crowded party boats or rushing to keep up with strangers – just your family, great fishing, and memories that'll last long after you head home. The afternoon timing gives you the best of both worlds: sleeping in during vacation and still getting solid fishing action. Book now to secure your spot with one of Panama City Beach's top-rated fishing captains.
Capt. Eddie's 24' Bayliner cuddy cabin makes the perfect platform for your afternoon family fishing adventure on Panama City Beach's prime inshore waters. This comfortable motorboat handles up to 6 guests with room to move around while you target redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel in the Gulf's productive fishing grounds. The cuddy cabin design gives you shelter from the sun plus a real toilet onboard—a game-changer when fishing with kids. The boat's outriggers let you spread lines effectively while the fish finder pinpoints where the action is hiding. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox and take advantage of the onboard bed if little ones need a break between bites. With GPS navigation and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow water structure, this Bayliner gets you to the fish quietly and safely. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride to your fishing spots, while premium navigation gear ensures smooth sailing throughout your four-hour charter.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart, structure-loving fish that typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-16 inches. They're reddish-grey with a dark stripe through the eye and have those classic snapper looks. You'll find them around docks, bridges, rocks, and mangroves in 5-40 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months and around full moons. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and make outstanding table fare - white, flaky meat with a mild taste. They're also perfect for teaching patience since they can be picky. Best trick is using light tackle with live shrimp hooked through the tail, and keeping it close to structure. Let them run with it a second before setting - they're notorious bait thieves.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored kings of our shallow waters, sporting that signature black spot near the tail. Most inshore fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, living in just 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow coves. They bite best during cooler months and around moving tides. Guests love them because they make powerful runs and are beautiful fish for photos. Plus, they're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. These fish are perfect for sight fishing since you can often see their backs or tails above water. My go-to technique is using live shrimp under a popping cork near grass lines. When they hit, let them eat it a second before setting - they'll pull drag and give everyone a thrill, especially the kids.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the Gulf - grey with black bars and human-like teeth that'll surprise you. Most run 2-8 pounds and 14-18 inches, living around any structure with barnacles like docks, bridges, and pilings. They're here year-round but bite best in cooler months when they school up. Families enjoy them because they're unique looking and make some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for teaching kids precision since you need to get right up against structure. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, and get that bait tight to the pilings. When you feel them nibbling, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because those teeth will steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise - flat, brown fish that lay perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side. They hang out in shallow bays, around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Fall and early winter are prime time as they move toward passes to spawn. Kids get a kick out of their weird looks and the surprise of feeling that thump on the bottom. They're also fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key is fishing slowly with live mud minnows or shrimp right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle pickup, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver speedsters that run 1-3 pounds and stretch 12-20 inches, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot them by their yellowish spots and dark green backs. These fish travel in schools near the surface around structures, grass flats, and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water. They hit best during warmer months when baitfish are thick. Families love them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're also great for getting kids hooked since they're aggressive biters. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small spoons or live shrimp. These fish move quickly, so don't waste time once you find the school.
Panama City Beach, FL