5.0(1 Reviews)Private Offshore Fishing Charter in Panama City
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour private charter targeting snapper, grouper, and offshore game fishAll bait, tackle, and equipment included for up to 6 anglersAvailable August 16 to May 31 with 6:00 AM departure times
Panama City's Gulf waters are legendary for a reason, and this 10-hour private charter with Tail Raiser Charters puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain Craig and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not afraid to adjust tactics on the fly to put fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this extended charter gives you the time and range to chase everything from bottom-dwelling grouper to screaming pelagics. You'll launch at 6 AM when the water's still calm and the fish are hungry, setting up for a full day of productive fishing in some of Florida's most fish-rich waters.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing to get lines wet. With 10 solid hours on the water, Captain Craig has the flexibility to adapt to conditions and follow the bite. Some days that means starting with bottom fishing on the nearshore reefs for snapper and grouper, then moving out to the deep water ledges when the afternoon bite kicks in. Other days, you might spend the morning trolling the blue water for wahoo and kings before settling into some serious bottom fishing. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - tackle, bait, rods, and all the gear. Just bring your cooler with drinks and snacks, because you're going to work up an appetite out there. The season runs from August 16 through May 31, perfectly timed to avoid the summer crowds while hitting prime fishing months.
Captain Craig runs a versatile operation that can switch between trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what you want to target. For bottom fishing, you'll be working with heavy tackle and circle hooks, dropping baits down to structure in 60 to 200 feet of water. Live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait are the go-to options for grouper and snapper, while artificial jigs can be deadly on aggressive fish. When trolling, the spread typically includes a mix of diving plugs, spoons, and rigged ballyhoo to cover different depths and attract various pelagic species. The captain reads the water constantly - watching for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that indicate fish. Don't be surprised if he changes up the game plan mid-trip when the fish dictate it. That's what separates good captains from great ones, and it's why repeat customers keep coming back to Tail Raiser Charters.
"Had a great time today with Capt. Craig and first mate Brandon. The trolling bite just wasn't there so we bottom fished for a while and got on some Trigger fish but they just wasn't big enough to keep due to the size limit. Capt worked extra hard and went out a little further and managed to get us on some schools of Ruby Reds and Beeliners. Can't wait to book another trip in the future." - Robby
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of Panama City bottom fishing, and these bruisers know how to fight. They typically hold tight to structure in 80 to 150 feet of water, and once hooked, they'll try every trick in the book to wrap you around the nearest ledge or rock pile. Gags are most active during the cooler months, with peak season running from October through March when they're feeding heavily before the spawn. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - when you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin typically show up in schools, chasing bait balls in the blue water beyond the continental shelf. They're year-round residents in Panama City's offshore waters, but they're most reliable from fall through spring when water temperatures drop slightly. Blackfins are notorious for their initial run - they'll strip line off your reel faster than you can believe. What anglers love about them is the non-stop action once you locate a school, plus they make excellent sashimi if you ice them down immediately.
King Mackerel patrol Panama City's waters like silver missiles, and when they're feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. These toothy predators prefer trolled baits and lures, especially during the fall and winter months when they're migrating along the Gulf Coast. Kings are famous for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. The larger "smoker" kings, anything over 30 pounds, are trophy fish that'll give you a battle you won't forget. They're also excellent eating when properly prepared, though many anglers release the big breeders to fight another day.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad sides and powerful bodies to test every component of your tackle. These fish inhabit the deeper reefs and wrecks around Panama City, typically in 100 to 300 feet of water. They're most active during the cooler months when regulations allow harvest, though catch-and-release fishing for these brutes is productive year-round. What makes amberjack fishing so addictive is the initial strike - they hit baits with authority and immediately head for the bottom. Landing a big AJ is a true test of angling skill and endurance, requiring steady pressure and a lot of patience.
Wahoo are the Formula One cars of the fish world, capable of speeds that'll leave you questioning physics. These pelagic speedsters cruise Panama City's deep waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks in the blue water. Fall and winter months produce the most consistent wahoo action, with early morning trolling being particularly productive. When a wahoo hits your spread, you'll know it immediately - the
This 35-foot Cabo flybridge is built for serious offshore fishing in Panama City's productive waters. Twin 435 HP Caterpillar engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, while the spacious flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting bird action and bait schools. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with plenty of room to fight big fish. Modern fish finder and GPS help locate those honey holes where snapper and grouper stack up, while radar keeps you safe when weather moves in. Air conditioning provides relief between fishing sessions, and the full kitchen lets you prep fresh catches on the spot. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long summer days targeting wahoo and tuna. Complete with toilet and sleeping area for maximum comfort during extended offshore trips.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the true tunas, blackfin typically run 15-30 pounds but their speed and stamina make up for size. These dark-backed beauties with golden side stripes cruise open water in 60-200 feet, often schooling with skipjack. Peak season here runs fall through spring when water temps drop below 80 degrees. What guests love is their fierce fight and excellent table fare - the meat is darker than yellowfin but incredibly tasty. They're sharp-eyed, so scale down your tackle. My secret: use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks and chunk with live pilchards. When you find one school, work it hard because they travel in groups.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese gray, marble-patterned grouper average around 20 inches but can grow up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. They love hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 40-150 feet of water. Best fishing is during our cooler months when they're more active. What makes gag grouper special is their powerful fight - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky. My tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around structure. Use live pinfish or cut bait on circle hooks, and be ready to muscle them up fast.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruising fish are built like underwater bulldozers, averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 100. They patrol deep wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding aggressively. Guests love the raw power - amberjack will take you straight to the bottom on heavy tackle. The meat's good eating too, though larger ones can carry ciguatera. My advice: bring your strongest gear because these fish don't know when to quit. Heavy jigs work great, but when they grab your bait, lock the drag and start pumping immediately. Give them an inch and they'll find a hole to hide in.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag and reflexes. These silver torpedoes with razor teeth average 20-40 pounds but can hit 90. They cruise 40-150 feet around structure and baitfish schools, especially during our cooler months. What makes them popular is their blistering runs and decent eating, though the meat can be oily. They're notorious for their surgical strikes on trolled baits. My go-to setup: wire leaders are mandatory because they'll slice through anything else. When using live bait, rig two hooks - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail end first, so that second hook saves the day.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph and averaging 25-50 pounds. These blue-striped speedsters patrol blue water and structure, often around oil platforms. Peak season runs summer into fall when bait is thick. What makes wahoo special is their initial screaming run that'll melt your drag, plus they're among the best eating fish in the Gulf - white, flaky, and mild. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots is the ticket. My setup: wire leaders are essential because their teeth are like razors. Run a spread of diving plugs and skirted ballyhoo. When one hits, hang on tight because that first run is something else.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great time today with Capt. Craig and first mate Brandon. The trolling bite just wasn't there so we bottom fished for a whil...
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