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Expert-Guided 6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, Florida
- $400 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: November 19, 2025
Summary
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Offshore Catch Showcase
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Reel in the Big Ones: Panama City Nearshore Adventure
Get ready to chase some serious fish just off the coast of Panama City! This 6-hour private charter with Bluewater Charter is your ticket to hooking into some of the Gulf's most exciting gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Stephen Hess has got you covered. We'll be mixing it up with both trolling and bottom fishing, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish and a day packed with action.
What's Biting Out There?
Depending on when you hop aboard, we could be chasing different species. In the spring and summer, we'll be trolling for Spanish and King Mackerel. These speedsters will give your arms a workout! If we time it right in spring, we might even tangle with some hard-fighting Cobia as they migrate through. When we switch gears to bottom fishing, we'll drop lines over reefs and wrecks. This is where the real muscle comes in - we're talking Snapper, Triggerfish, and the bruiser Amberjacks. Don't be surprised if we hook into more Cobia down there too. The variety is what makes this trip a fan favorite!
Fishing Know-How for Everyone
No worries if you're new to this - Captain Stephen's got years of experience and he'll show you the ropes. We provide all the bait, tackle, and even your fishing license. For the seasoned anglers, you'll appreciate the chance to try different techniques in one trip. We might start by trolling with live bait for those toothy mackerel, then switch it up and drop some heavy jigs for the reef dwellers. It's all about maximizing your time on the water and putting you on the fish.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love this trip because it's like getting two charters in one. You're not stuck doing the same thing all day, and that variety keeps things exciting. One minute you're watching your line zip off the reel as a King Mackerel hits, the next you're locked in a tug-of-war with a bull Amberjack from the depths. It's this mix of action that has anglers booking return trips before they even hit the dock. Plus, with a max of 4 guests, you're getting that personalized attention that can make all the difference between a good day and a great one.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the pride of the Gulf. They put up a great fight and make for some of the best eating around. We typically find them hanging around structures in 60-250 feet of water. The bigger ones can top 20 pounds, and they're known for that initial run back to the bottom that'll test your arms and your gear. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on!
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these sleek predators are built for speed. They can zip through the water at over 40 mph, which makes for some heart-pounding strikes when you're trolling. Kings can grow over 5 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds, though most are in the 15-40 pound range. When they hit, be ready for screaming reels and acrobatic jumps. They're at their peak in the warmer months, making them a summer favorite.
Redfish: While we often catch these inshore, the big boys (called Bull Reds) move offshore and can be a blast to catch. They're known for their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs. They're available year-round but really shine in the fall. The taste? Let's just say there's a reason they're featured in so many Gulf Coast restaurants.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), these are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their electric blue, green, and gold colors are a sight to behold. Mahi are famous for their acrobatics once hooked, often leaping and tail-walking across the surface. They're usually found near floating debris or weed lines, and catching them is as much a visual treat as it is a fishing thrill. Plus, they're delicious!
Greater Amberjack: Pound for pound, these might be the toughest fighters in the Gulf. Anglers call them "reef donkeys" for good reason - they're stubborn and strong. AJs, as they're often called, like to hang around deep wrecks and reefs. When you hook one, be prepared for a battle. They'll try to break you off in the structure, and your arms will feel like jelly by the time you get them to the boat. The bigger ones can top 100 pounds, giving you a fishing story you'll be telling for years.
Time to Get Your Line Wet
Look, whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or just want to feel the pull of a big fish, this trip's got you covered. With Captain Stephen at the helm, you're in for a day of non-stop action and maybe even some new personal bests. The best part? You don't have to choose between techniques - we're doing it all in one awesome day on the water. So grab your buddies (remember, up to 4 can join), slap on some sunscreen, and let's hit the Gulf. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel excitement off Panama City!
Learn more about the species
Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjack, or "AJs" as we call 'em, are the bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish typically run 20-50 pounds, but can top 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the 70s. Anglers love AJs for their brute strength - hooking one is like picking a fight with a freight train. They're also good eating, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling. To target AJs, try jigging or dropping live bait near structure. A local tip: use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class gear isn't overkill. These fish will head straight for cover when hooked, so you need the muscle to turn them. Watch your depth finder for marks holding near structure - that's often a good sign AJs are home.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are speedsters of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. These torpedo-shaped fish average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in 30-150 foot depths, often near dropoffs or structures that concentrate baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action usually in summer when water temps climb into the 70s and 80s. Kings are a blast to catch - their aggressive strikes and powerful runs make for an exciting fight. They're also good eating, with a rich, firm meat that's great on the grill. To target kings, try slow-trolling live baits like blue runners or mullet. A local tip: use a stinger rig with two treble hooks to combat short strikes. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Keep an eye out for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to the action.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their stunning colors and high-flying antics. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in open water, often near floating debris or weed lines. Summer is prime time when water temps climb into the 80s. Anglers love mahi for their spectacular aerial displays and their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. To target mahi, try trolling with ballyhoo or small lures near floating structure. A local tip: once you hook one, keep the boat near the school - mahi are curious and will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish. Watch for frigate birds diving - they'll often lead you right to a school of mahi feeding on the surface.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are a prized catch in Panama City waters. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds, though trophy-sized 30+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are in that 60-75°F sweet spot. Anglers love red snapper for their hard-fighting nature - they'll give you a real battle on the line. The meat is top-notch too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. To up your odds, try fishing the bottom with live bait like cigar minnows or squid. A local trick is to use a double-hook rig with a circle hook - it helps prevent deep hooking and makes for an easier release if you're catch-and-release fishing. Just be sure to check regs, as seasons can be tight.
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite inshore target here in Panama City. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, though bull reds over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and near grass flats in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and their willingness to hit a variety of baits and lures. They're also excellent table fare, with a mild, sweet flavor. To target reds, try sight-fishing with live shrimp or topwater lures in skinny water. A local trick is to look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows - it's called "tailing" and it's a dead giveaway. Just remember to fish quietly - these guys can be spooky in shallow water.
About the Bluewater
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
