Half Day Trolling & Bottom Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour charter combines trolling and bottom fishing techniquesAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included with bookingMorning and afternoon departure times accommodate different schedules
Panama City's nearshore waters offer some of the most productive fishing in the Gulf Coast, and this 5-hour combo trip with Unorthodox Charters puts you right in the middle of the action. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to diversify your techniques or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, this top-rated charter delivers the perfect mix of trolling for pelagics and dropping down for bottom dwellers. We run both morning and afternoon trips, so you can pick what works best for your schedule and still have time to enjoy everything else Panama City has to offer.
Your captain will start the day by reading the conditions and deciding where the fish are biting best. Some days we'll begin with a trolling spread, pulling lures through the water column to target fast-moving species like skipjack tuna and amberjack. Other days, we might head straight to productive bottom structure where snapper and grouper are holding. The beauty of this combo trip is the flexibility - we're constantly adapting to what the fish are telling us. You'll get hands-on experience with both techniques, learning how to work different baits and fight fish in various scenarios. The crew handles all the rigging and boat positioning, so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish to the boat. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the action.
When we're trolling, expect to see a well-organized spread of lures running at different distances behind the boat. We'll typically run a mix of diving plugs, spoons, and rigged baits at varying depths to cover the water column effectively. The key is maintaining the right speed - usually between 4-7 knots depending on conditions and target species. When it's time to switch to bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or use controlled drift techniques over structure, reefs, and ledges where snapper and grouper congregate. Bottom rigs here usually consist of circle hooks with enough weight to get down quickly in the current. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all produce, and your crew knows exactly what each species prefers. The transition between techniques keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances of putting different species in the cooler.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast bottom fishing, and Panama City's nearshore reefs hold plenty of keeper-sized fish. These crimson-colored fighters typically run 2-8 pounds in nearshore waters and are absolute table fare champions. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom, making them perfect targets for our bottom fishing approach. Red snapper season varies year to year, but when they're open, there's nothing better than watching that distinctive red flash come up from the depths.
Gag grouper are another prized bottom species that call these waters home. These bruisers can reach impressive sizes and are known for their powerful runs back toward structure once hooked. Gags are ambush predators that lurk around ledges and holes, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. They're excellent eating and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience on bottom tackle. The trick with grouper is getting them away from cover quickly - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks every time.
Skipjack tuna bring the speed and excitement to our trolling game. These smaller members of the tuna family are abundant in Gulf waters and absolutely hammer trolled lures. While they might not be the largest fish in the Gulf, skipjacks make up for size with pure energy and numbers. They travel in schools and when you find one, you've usually found many. They're also excellent bait for larger predators and make great eating when prepared properly.
Redfish, also known as red drum, are year-round residents that can show up anywhere from shallow flats to nearshore structure. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their bulldogging runs and never-give-up attitude. Redfish are incredibly adaptable feeders that will take both live and cut baits, making them a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels. The slot-sized fish we catch nearshore are perfect for the dinner table and provide consistent action throughout the year.
Greater amberjack are the muscle cars of the nearshore trolling scene. These powerful fish can reach substantial sizes and are known for their long, determined runs that will test your tackle and endurance. Amberjack are structure-oriented but will chase trolled baits away from cover, making them perfect targets for our combo approach. They're strong fighters that require patience and technique to land, but the reward is worth every minute of the battle.
This world-class combo charter offers the best of both fishing worlds in Panama City's productive nearshore waters. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, plus the flexibility of morning or afternoon departure times, it's never been easier to experience what makes Gulf Coast fishing so special. The variety of techniques and target species means every trip is different, and the experienced crew ensures you'll learn something new while maximizing your time on the water. Don't wait - these customer favorite trips fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons. Book your half-day adventure with Unorthodox Charters today and discover why Panama City is considered one of the best fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast.
Step aboard this well-rigged 26-foot center console that's built to handle Panama City's Gulf waters with ease. Perfect for up to six anglers, this boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and lures for both trolling runs and bottom fishing drops. The captain can arrange live bait if that's what the fish are wanting that day. The onboard fish finder helps locate productive spots while the GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. A wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly into position without spooking the fish. When you need a break from the action, there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold, a multimedia system for tunes, and even a head onboard for convenience. Whether you're targeting species on the troll or dropping down for bottom dwellers, this center console handles both techniques smoothly. The setup gives everyone plenty of room to fish without tangling lines, and the captain knows these Panama City waters well enough to put you on the fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are chunky fighters that average 20-30 inches but can push 4 feet and 50+ pounds. These mottled gray fish love hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water offshore. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're most active. What guests love about gags is the serious tug-of-war - once hooked, they'll bulldoze straight for the nearest hole or ledge. The fillets are excellent eating too, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip from years of fighting these bruisers: lock your drag tight and keep your rod tip low when you set the hook. Don't let them get their head down or they'll find structure and break you off. Live pinfish or big chunks of cut bait work great.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are serious muscle, averaging 30-50 pounds with fish over 100 pounds possible. These blue-gray bruisers with the amber stripe hang around deep structure - wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 80-200+ feet. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What makes them special is the fight - they're pure bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your back. The meat's excellent too, firm and white. Just watch for larger fish that might have ciguatera. Here's what works: heavy tackle with 50+ pound line, and when you hook one, pump and wind constantly. Let them rest and they'll wrap you around structure every time. Live bait like blue runners or big jigs get their attention best.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most sought-after bottom fish, typically running 1-3 feet long and weighing 5-15 pounds around here. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and wrecks offshore. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special? They put up a solid fight, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll try to wrap your line around structure, so winch them up quick and steady. Fresh squid or live pinfish work best for bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are shallow water favorites with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds in our nearshore waters. Look for them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near structure in 2-10 feet of water. They're year-round fish but really cooperative in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What guests love is the visual fishing - you'll often see their backs or tails in skinny water, plus they eat topwater lures with explosive strikes. The copper-colored fish are also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Local tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and work your bait slowly back. They spook easy in thin water, so keep noise down and stay back.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack Tuna are fast, scrappy fighters that average 2-3 feet and around 20 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish with dark stripes live in open water and travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun is pure speed - they'll scream line off your reel and jump like crazy. Plus, they're the tuna you know from cans, so they're great eating. Trolling is your best bet at 4-6 knots with hoochies, feathers, or small plugs. Here's the key: when you spot a school feeding on top, don't run right through them. Circle wide and let your lures work through the edges - spook them and they'll sound deep. Keep your trolling speed steady.
Panama City, FL