Meet the Captain
Captain Stephen Hess
Panama City, Florida Fishing Charter
At Bluewater Charter in Panama City, Florida, Captain Stephen Hess delivers guided fishing trips designed around hospitality, personalization, and flexibility. Unlike many local fishing guides, he offers solo charters as well as family-friendly trips, making him a top choice for first-time anglers and parents introducing kids to saltwater fishing. With a service-first mindset shaped by his years as a Ford service manager, Captain Stephen treats every guest like a friend, ensuring that each fishing trip feels welcoming, comfortable, and never rushed. Whether you’re booking a private 2-, 4-, or 6-hour fishing charter, his focus is always on creating a laid-back experience tailored to seasonal conditions and your preferences—whether that means chasing redfish inshore, targeting grouper offshore, or enjoying the quieter months of late summer and fall for snapper.
Specializing in Panama City fishing charters across both inshore and nearshore waters, Bluewater Charter offers everything from light tackle trips for redfish and speckled trout to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, plus trolling for king mackerel and other pelagic species. With decades of experience fishing the Gulf Coast, Outer Banks, and Tennessee freshwater lakes, Captain Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to every outing. His calm, hands-on approach makes him a favorite among beginners, seasoned anglers, and families alike. Conveniently located near Santa Rosa Beach and serving the Emerald Coast, Bluewater Charter combines professional service with local expertise to provide safe, memorable, and customized fishing adventures for anglers of all skill levels.