5.0(2 Reviews)Trolling Charter for Wahoo, Tuna & Mackerel
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour morning charter targeting wahoo, tuna, and mackerel offshoreProfessional gear and expert guidance provided aboard Cabo Flybridge vesselSeasonal availability August through June with 7 AM departure times
Get ready for some serious action on the water with Tail Raiser Charters' top-rated trolling adventure. This 4-hour private charter launches at 7:00 AM and puts you right in the thick of Panama City's best pelagic fishing action. Captain Craig and his crew know exactly where to find the fast movers – wahoo screaming drag, king mackerel putting up a fight, and tuna that'll test your arms. Running from August through mid-June, this morning trip targets the species that make Panama City famous among serious anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, you'll be working with high-quality gear and expert guidance aboard their Cabo Flybridge. Just bring your drinks and snacks – everything else is handled.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a focused hunt for some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish. You'll be heading out on the renowned Cabo Flybridge, a boat built for serious trolling work. The morning departure at 7:00 AM gets you on the water when these pelagic species are most active, feeding in the cooler temperatures before the sun gets high. Your group of up to 6 anglers will have plenty of room to work, with Captain Craig positioning the boat over productive waters where wahoo, tuna, and mackerel cruise the blue water columns. The crew sets up a spread of both live and artificial baits, creating an irresistible buffet that draws strikes from miles away. You'll spend your time watching the rods, feeling the anticipation build, then jumping into action when something hot takes the bait.
Trolling for pelagics is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speeds. Captain Craig runs a proven spread that combines live bait with high-quality artificials, covering different depths and distances from the boat. The Cabo Flybridge is rigged with top-shelf trolling gear that can handle everything from screaming wahoo runs to the bulldogging power of a big king mackerel. You'll be working with outriggers that spread the lines wide, downriggers that get baits to specific depths, and flat lines that cover the boat's wake. The crew handles the technical setup, but you'll learn the rhythm of trolling – watching for birds, reading the water, and staying ready for that electric moment when a rod bends over. Live bait adds a natural presentation that these fish can't resist, while artificials let you cover more water and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive predators.
"Captain Craig and Brandon treated us to a phenomenal 10 hour trip. Both were super friendly and honestly fun to be with. We caught more fish than I could have imagined!!! Thank you fellows!!!!" - Joshua
"Captain Craig was amazing! He made sure we were on fish the whole time. Brandon worked his butt off making sure we were baited and ready! They were encouraging for us land locked tourists, lol." - Charlotte
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph when they take your bait. These silver bullets show up best during the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop into their comfort zone. Wahoo average 15-30 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish always lurk in the blue water. What makes them special is that explosive first run – when a wahoo hits, it's like someone just fired a rocket off your transom. They're also fantastic table fare, with white, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Panama City trolling, present in good numbers throughout most of the season. These fish range from schoolie-sized "rat kings" up to trophy smokers pushing 40+ pounds. Kings are notorious for their acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water multiple times during the battle. They're structure-oriented but also cruise open water, making them perfect targets for trolling operations. The best action typically happens from spring through fall when baitfish are thick and kings are feeding aggressively.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the pelagic world, fighting way above their weight class. These smaller tunas typically run 10-20 pounds but fight with the heart of fish twice their size. They school heavily during peak season, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Blackfins are most active during the warmer months and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. Their dark, rich meat is prized by sushi lovers and makes excellent sashimi when handled properly.
Spanish Mackerel might be the smaller cousins in this lineup, but they're pure fun on light tackle. These colorful speedsters rarely exceed 3-4 pounds but make up for it with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Spanish mackerel are excellent for newer anglers to cut their teeth on, providing steady action without the intimidation factor of larger gamefish. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf when prepared fresh, with sweet, mild meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilled whole.
Panama City's trolling season waits for nobody, and the best dates fill up fast with returning customers who know what Captain Craig and his crew deliver. This world-class charter combines the excitement of hunting fast-moving gamefish with the professionalism of a crew that's been putting clients on fish for years. The 4-hour format gives you serious fishing time without eating your whole day, perfect for families or groups wanting to experience the Gulf's best action. With all gear, bait, and tackle included, plus expert guidance every step of the way
Step aboard this 35-foot Cabo flybridge and get ready to chase some serious offshore action in Panama City waters. Twin 435 HP Caterpillar engines will get you to the fishing grounds fast, while the elevated flybridge gives you the perfect vantage point to spot diving birds and bait schools that signal hungry wahoo and tuna below. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need - top-tier fish finder and GPS to locate the hotspots, radar for those early morning runs, plus A/C to keep cool between hookups. The spacious cockpit handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, and when you need a break from the action, there's a full galley, head, and even a bed for longer trips. Keep your catch fresh in the large icebox and your drinks cold while the multimedia system provides some tunes. Whether you're targeting screaming wahoo runs or steady king mackerel action, this boat's built for serious fishing with all the comfort features to make your morning on the water as productive as it is enjoyable.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious fight into their compact 20-40 pound frames. These dark-bodied speedsters prefer warm waters over 68°F and hang around the continental shelf edges where baitfish gather. Peak season runs fall through spring when they're most active in our area. What draws anglers back is their explosive runs and excellent table fare - the meat's perfect for searing or sushi. They school with skipjacks and have keen eyesight, so scale down your tackle. My go-to trick: use a fluorocarbon leader and circle hooks around 5/0, and don't be afraid to chum with live pilchards to bring them within range.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons that'll test your drag system and leave you grinning. These olive-backed rockets average 30 pounds but can push 90, and they're built for one thing - crushing baitfish at high speed. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs and structure, especially active during our cooler months. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and decent eating, though watch the mercury levels. They're notorious for hitting the back half of your bait, so here's the trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another trailing behind. When that rod doubles over, hold on tight because these fish don't give up easy.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for getting beginners hooked on offshore fishing. These silver speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, traveling in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures and flats, especially when water temps warm up. They're active year-round here in the Gulf, but spring and fall give you the best action. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. They hit fast, so keep your drag light and be ready. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around - work that school quickly with small spoons or live bait before they move on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ultimate speed machine - hitting 60 mph and providing some of the most explosive strikes you'll ever experience. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and love our warm Gulf waters, especially around structures and floating debris. Peak season runs July through November when they move closer to shore. What sets them apart is that lightning-fast initial run that'll scream line off your reel, plus their white, flaky meat rivals mahi for table quality. Their razor-sharp teeth cut through mono like butter, so always use wire leaders. My best tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with bright-colored lures - wahoo react to speed and flash, and when one hits, you'll know it instantly.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Craig and Brandon treated us to a phenomenal 10 hour trip. Both were super friendly and honestly fun to be with. We caught...
Captain Craig was amazing! He made sure we were on fish the whole time. Brandon worked his butt off making sure we were baited and...
Florida