Panama City Beach Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter with Captain Fred's expert guidanceTrolling, bottom fishing, and flatlining techniques based on conditionsSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Captain Fred knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 4-hour Panama City Beach charter takes you out into some of Florida's most productive offshore waters, where the Gulf of Mexico serves up everything from hard-fighting king mackerel to table-fare grouper. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip keeps things intimate and personal – no cattle-boat crowds, just you and your crew getting the attention you deserve. Fred adapts his approach based on what's biting, the weather conditions, and what kind of action you're looking for.
Captain Fred runs a no-nonsense operation focused on putting fish in the boat. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself trolling for kings and mahi in the morning, then dropping down to pound the bottom for grouper and amberjack. The beauty of fishing with an experienced local captain is his ability to read the water and adjust tactics on the fly. Some days the fish want live bait, other days they're crushing artificials – Fred's got the gear and knowledge to make it happen either way. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen because four hours in the Florida sun goes by fast when the fish are cooperating.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore fishing methods. Trolling is a go-to technique here, pulling spreads of ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs to cover water and locate active schools of pelagics. When the bottom bite is on, you'll be dropping heavy tackle down to structure and ledges where grouper and amberjack hang out. Flat-lining with live bait or fresh dead baits can be deadly when conditions are right, especially for cobia and big kings cruising the surface. Fred provides all the terminal tackle, from circle hooks for the bottom rigs to wire leaders for the toothy critters. The boat carries a mix of conventional and spinning gear to match the fishing situation, and Fred's happy to teach beginners the basics or let experienced anglers do their thing.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Panama City Beach fishing, and for good reason. These fish live around hard bottom, rocks, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They're ambush predators that slam baits hard and fight dirty, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to try to get back to cover. Summer and fall are prime time for gags, when they're feeding heavily before the winter closure. What makes them special is the combination of great fight and excellent table fare – few fish eat better than a fresh gag grouper.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Panama City Beach sits right in the heart of prime king fishing territory. These fish are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Kings can show up anywhere from 30 feet to 200 feet of water, often following bait schools and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from school-sized 10-pounders to smoker kings pushing 40-plus pounds. They hit trolled baits like freight trains and make blistering runs that test your drag and nerves.
Mahi mahi are pure excitement when they show up in Panama City waters. Also called common dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful and acrobatic fish in the Gulf. They love floating structure – weed lines, debris, and anything that attracts baitfish. Mahi often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Late spring through early fall brings the best mahi action, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins over 20 pounds. They hit both trolled and cast baits aggressively and put on an aerial show that's hard to beat.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and they fight like it. These fish live around structure and don't give up easy once hooked. AJs can grow huge – 50 to 100-pound fish aren't uncommon around Panama City's offshore structure. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit both live and dead baits, and they make powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked. Spring and fall offer prime amberjack fishing, when these fish are most active and aggressive. Landing a big amberjack is a workout, but the satisfaction of winning that battle makes it worthwhile.
Cobia are one of the most sought-after species in these waters, known for their curious nature and excellent eating quality. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) cruise near the surface around structure, boats, and rays. Cobia fishing is often visual – you'll see the fish swimming near the surface and cast to them directly. They're aggressive feeders that will hit live baits, jigs, and even topwater plugs. Spring migration brings the best cobia action to Panama City Beach, when fish from 20 to 60-plus pounds move through the area. Their strong, sustained runs and stubborn fighting style make every cobia a memorable catch.
Captain Fred's Panama City Beach charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality fishing with an experienced captain who knows how to find and catch fish. This isn't a touristy boat ride with a fishing rod thrown in as an afterthought. This is real Gulf Coast fishing with a captain who's been working these waters for years and has the local knowledge to put you on the best bite of the day. Whether you're after dinner for the table or the fight of a lifetime, this 4-hour trip gives you the best shot at both. The small group size means personalized attention, and Fred's flexible approach means you're fishing the most productive methods for current conditions. Book your spot now and get ready to
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater sharks with attitude - dark brown, powerful, and built for the fight. These loners average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds, making them one of our most prized catches. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around buoys in 20-60 feet during spring migration and summer months. They're sight-fishing gold - we actually watch for their dark shapes just under the surface. The fight's aggressive and the meat? Outstanding table fare, firm and clean like a shark but better tasting. Spring through early fall is peak season. Here's my go-to technique: 6-8 oz bucktail jigs in any color work great. Cast ahead of a cruising fish, let it sink, then work it back with steady lifts. They'll usually crush it on the drop.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear around Panama City's reefs and wrecks. These gray, marbled fish average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love structure - think ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in 40-100 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs and smaller fish. What makes them special? They put up a serious fight, diving straight for cover the second they're hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, keep your drag locked tight, and be ready to muscle them away from structure fast - once they get in a hole, they're gone.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll smoke your drag in a heartbeat. These bronze-striped bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds on our deeper structures. Look for them around wrecks, ledges, and high-relief bottom in 80-200 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive. What makes them special? The sheer power - they'll head straight down and test every bit of your tackle. The meat's excellent too, firm and clean-tasting. Fair warning though - larger ones can carry ciguatera, so we typically keep the smaller ones. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line and live bait. When you hook up, pump and wind - don't let them get their head down or they'll wrap you in the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll make your drag scream. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds in our Gulf waters. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep along temperature breaks and current lines, especially spring through fall when bait schools move through. They're pure adrenaline - nothing beats that initial run when a king hits your bait. The meat's great too, though it's got some oil to it. We target them trolling with live bait or spoons, but here's the key: rig two hooks on a wire leader. Put one through the bait's nose, let the second hook ride free near the tail. Kings love to bite the back half of their prey, so that trailing hook will nail them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see out here, flashing gold, blue, and green before fading when boated. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our deeper blue water. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially around floating sargassum. What guests love? The acrobatic fight and amazing table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're also curious fish that'll often show up in small schools. My tip: once you hook one, keep a few baits ready. The commotion often brings others to the boat, and you can land multiple fish if you work fast and keep them fired up.
Panama City Beach, FL