5.0(2 Reviews)Trolling Charter for Wahoo, Tuna & Mackerel
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour private trolling charter targets wahoo, tuna, and mackerel offshoreSeasonal availability August through June with 7 AM morning departuresAll gear, bait, and tackle included aboard professional Cabo Flybridge
Get ready to chase some serious speed demons in the emerald waters off Panama City! This seasonal 4-hour private trolling charter puts you right in the heart of the action from August through mid-June, targeting some of the fastest and most sought-after species in the Gulf. Captain Craig and his crew know exactly where these pelagics cruise, and they've got the skills to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this early morning departure gives you the best shot at hooking into wahoo, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and Spanish mackerel before the sun gets too high.
Your day starts bright and early at 7:00 AM from Panama City's marina, where you'll board the Cabo Flybridge – a top-rated fishing machine built for comfort and performance. The morning bite is absolutely prime time for these pelagic species, and Captain Craig knows the local waters like the back of his hand. You'll head out to productive trolling grounds where the Gulf Stream currents create perfect hunting zones for hungry predators. The crew sets multiple lines with a mix of live bait and proven artificials, covering different depths and speeds to maximize your chances. With only six anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. The boat's flybridge gives you commanding views of the water, so you can spot diving birds, bait schools, and other signs that spell fish.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – trolling for pelagics requires specialized techniques and equipment that the crew has dialed in perfectly. They run a spread of high-speed lures, ballyhoo rigs, and live bait presentations at varying distances behind the boat. The key is covering water efficiently while presenting baits that trigger strikes from fast-moving predators. All tackle, bait, and gear are included, from heavy-duty trolling reels spooled with quality line to wire leaders that can handle wahoo's razor-sharp teeth. The crew switches up lure colors, trolling speeds, and depths based on conditions and what the fish are showing them. Live bait gets deployed when the bite calls for it, and these guys know exactly when to make that call. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for each species, because a 30-pound king mackerel fights completely different than a screaming wahoo.
"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
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warm-up fish for this charter, typically running 2-4 pounds with occasional bruisers hitting 6-8 pounds. These aggressive feeders love small spoons and feathers trolled at moderate speeds, and they'll often show up in schools that keep the action hot and heavy. Peak season runs from late summer through fall, when cooler water temps bring them close to shore. They're fantastic table fare and fight harder than their size suggests, making them a customer favorite for families and kids getting their first taste of saltwater success.
Blackfin Tuna bring serious muscle to the mix, with most fish ranging 10-25 pounds of pure power. These deep-bodied speedsters prefer trolled ballyhoo and small lures worked in the 6-8 knot range. When you hook a blackfin, get ready for scorching runs and bulldogging fights that'll test your stamina. They show up best during cooler months when bait concentrations are thick, and their dark red meat makes them highly prized for sashimi. The Gulf Stream edges off Panama City hold good populations year-round, but fall and winter offer your best shots at multiple hookups.
King Mackerel are the local legends that keep anglers coming back season after season. These toothy predators range from 10-pound schoolies up to 40-pound smokers that'll clean your clock if you're not ready. They respond to everything from slow-trolled live bait to high-speed spoons, and the crew adjusts tactics based on what the fish are telling them. Fall migration periods produce the biggest kings as mature fish move through local waters following bait schools. Their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs make them a blast to fight, plus they're outstanding on the dinner table when prepared properly.
Wahoo represent the ultimate prize for trolling enthusiasts – these missile-shaped speedsters can hit 50+ mph and routinely break 30-40 pounds in local waters. They prefer high-speed presentations with wire leaders, since their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a wahoo hits, the initial run is absolutely explosive, often resulting in spectacular jumps and line-peeling runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're most active during cooler months and early morning hours, which is exactly when this charter targets them. Their white, flaky meat is considered among the finest eating fish in the Gulf, making them the perfect combination of sport and table fare.
This seasonal trolling charter offers everything you need for a world-class fishing experience without breaking the bank. Captain Craig and his crew have built their reputation on consistently putting clients on fish while showing everyone a great time on the water. The 4-hour trip length is perfect for families, business groups, or serious anglers who want to maximize their fishing time without committing to a full day. With all gear, bait, and tackle included, you just need to bring your appetite for fast-p
Set out from Panama City aboard this fully-rigged 35' Cabo flybridge, built for serious angling with twin 435 HP Caterpillar engines and loaded with top-shelf electronics. The spacious flybridge gives you prime position to spot wahoo cuts and tuna schools, while the fish finder and GPS keep you on the productive water. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat comes equipped with everything you need for comfort during those early morning runs – AC to beat the heat, icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a full galley and head onboard. The radar handles those foggy dawn departures, and the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained between bites. Perfect setup for targeting fast-moving pelagics like wahoo and kings, with enough deck space to fight fish properly and all the high-end tackle provided. Just bring your favorite snacks and get ready to put some serious fish in the box.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. Most run 10-20 pounds with that classic tuna body - dark back, silver sides, and distinctive yellow finlets. They're true blue-water fish, preferring depths over 100 feet around drop-offs and current breaks. Best action happens fall through spring when water temps stay above 68 degrees. Guests love them because they fight way above their weight class - screaming runs and bulldogging dives that test your drag. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich, red tuna flavor that's perfect for searing or sashimi. My advice: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluoro and use smaller hooks. Blackfins are sharp-eyed and leader-shy, so the lighter your tackle looks, the more bites you'll get.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family, averaging 15-30 pounds with fish over 50 pounds showing up regularly. These silver bullets have serious speed and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools. Our season runs strong from fall through early summer when they're thick along the coast. What gets anglers hooked is their blistering first run - pure adrenaline when a big king takes off. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Essential tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often attack from the rear and that stinger hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver-sided fish that typically run 1-3 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones push 8-10 pounds. They're recognizable by their yellowish spots and razor-sharp teeth. These schooling fish love structure - you'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore drops in 20-80 feet of water. Fall through spring is prime time when they migrate through Panama City in big numbers. What makes them popular with guests is their aggressive strikes on both live bait and spoons, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, keep your bait in the water. They travel in large groups, so where there's one, there's usually dozens more ready to bite.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing, hitting 50+ mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive blue tiger stripes. Most run 20-50 pounds, but 60+ pounders aren't uncommon. They roam blue water beyond the 100-foot line, often around structure and current edges where baitfish concentrate. Peak season runs fall through spring when they migrate through our area. Anglers go crazy for wahoo because of their lightning-fast strikes and blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. The meat is outstanding too - white, flaky, and mild-flavored. Best eating fish in the Gulf, hands down. Key tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their teeth are like razors, so anything less than wire will get cut. High-speed trolling mimics their natural prey and triggers those savage strikes.
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