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Expert-Guided 6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, Florida
- $400 - $850 price range
Summary
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Reels and Rods in Action
Epic catches in Panama City fishing
Exciting fishing adventures await
Hooked a beauty in Panama City
Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest
Hooked a grouper in Panama City
Reeling in big fish off Panama City
Bluewater Charter Boat - Fishing in Style!
PCB sharks fishing trips – your adventure starts
Spanish mackerel bites in PCB waters
Sunshine sea and big fish in PCB
Epic catches in Panama City fishing
Exciting fishing adventures await
Hooked a beauty in Panama City
Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest
Hooked a grouper in Panama City
Reeling in big fish off Panama City
Bluewater Charter Boat - Fishing in Style!
PCB sharks fishing trips – your adventure starts
Spanish mackerel bites in PCB waters
Sunshine sea and big fish in PCB
Epic catches in Panama City fishing
Exciting fishing adventures await
Hooked a beauty in Panama City
Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest
Reel in the Action: 6-Hour Nearshore Adventure
Get ready for a jam-packed day of fishing that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Our 6-hour private charter gives you the best of both worlds - trolling for fast-moving predators and bottom fishing for tasty reef dwellers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll hit the sweet spots where the fish are biting, and you'll be in for a real treat as we target some of the most sought-after species in these waters.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we shove off, you'll feel the excitement building. We'll start by trolling for speedy swimmers like Spanish and King Mackerel. Picture yourself holding on tight as a King skyrockets out of the water, your reel screaming as it peels off line. Then we'll switch gears and drop lines to the bottom, where you'll feel the distinctive thump of a snapper or the powerful pull of an amberjack. With room for up to four guests, it's the perfect setup for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Just remember to pack your own grub - we'll be too busy reeling 'em in to worry about meals!
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
We don't just fish - we fish smart. When we're trolling, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, moving at the perfect speed to entice those mackerel and cobia. We might even break out the planers to get our baits down deeper where the big boys hang out. For bottom fishing, we'll be using heavy tackle and dropping cut bait or live pinfish right into the strike zone. I'll show you how to feel for that telltale bite and when to set the hook for maximum success. And don't worry if you're new to this - I'll be right there to guide you every step of the way, from baiting your hook to landing your catch.
Top Catches This Season
Spring and summer are prime time for this trip. The mackerel are running, and if we time it right, we might just intercept some cobia on their annual migration. As for bottom fishing, it's a year-round affair, but certain species like red snapper have specific seasons we target. The reefs and wrecks we fish are like underwater buffets, attracting a smorgasbord of species. One minute you might be reeling up a colorful triggerfish, the next you could be locked in battle with a bruiser amberjack. That's the beauty of this trip - you never know what's going to take the bait next!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of bottom fishing. Known for their firm, white flesh and sweet flavor, red snapper put up a good fight and make for fantastic table fare. They typically hang around structures in depths of 60 to 200 feet. The season for these guys is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on! Expect to catch snapper in the 5 to 15-pound range, with some real monsters lurking out there.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. They can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 50 pounds, though most catches are in the 10 to 30-pound range. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. We target them by trolling with live bait or artificial lures, often using downriggers to get our offerings to the right depth. The thrill of a king mackerel strike is something every angler should experience.
Redfish: While we might not specifically target them on this trip, redfish are a common and welcome catch in nearshore waters. These copper-colored drum fish are known for their distinctive black spot near the tail. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs and head shakes. Redfish in the 5 to 15-pound range are common, but big "bull reds" over 30 pounds are not unheard of. They're excellent eating fish, with a mild, sweet flavor that's great on the grill.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), these are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their iridescent blues, greens, and yellows make them a sight to behold. Mahi are acrobatic fighters, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, which means they're a sustainable choice for anglers. We often find them near floating debris or weedlines when trolling. Expect catches in the 5 to 20-pound range, with some bulls pushing 40 pounds or more.
Greater Amberjack: Affectionately known as "reef donkeys" for their stubbornness and strength, amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the reef. These powerful fish can grow over 100 pounds, though most catches are in the 20 to 50-pound range. When you hook into one, be prepared for a workout! They're often found near deep-water structures and wrecks. Amberjack have a relatively long season, making them a reliable target for much of the year. Their firm, pinkish-white flesh is excellent for grilling or smoking.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, let me tell you - this trip is the real deal. Where else can you experience the rush of trolling for speedsters like Spanish and King Mackerel, then switch gears and drop lines for bottom-dwelling bruisers? It's like getting two trips in one! And with the changing seasons bringing different species into play, no two trips are ever the same. Plus, with a max of four guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and time on the rod. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of the catch, this trip delivers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a big one that got away. Our 6-hour nearshore trip is a customer favorite for a reason, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best our waters have to offer, this trip is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. So grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's go fishing! Book now and get ready to make some memories (and maybe break some personal records) out on the blue. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner!
Learn more about the species
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack, or "AJs," are bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are best as they move to shallower waters. AJs are famous for their brute strength - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. They're also good eating, with firm white meat. To target them, drop large live baits like blue runners to the bottom. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound gear isn't overkill. A local trick is to "yo-yo" a heavy butterfly jig near the bottom. When an AJ hits, hang on and start cranking. These fish will try to dive back to the wreck, so you've got to turn their heads fast. It's a true test of angler vs. fish, and your arms will feel it the next day!
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are speed demons. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, often near reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall are best as they migrate. Kings are popular for their blistering runs - hook one and hold on tight! They're also great eating, with firm white meat. To target Kings, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. My go-to rig is a stinger setup with two treble hooks. Lets you hook 'em even if they short-strike the bait. When a King hits, it's like lightning. Be ready for screaming drags and spectacular aerial displays. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi-Mahi, or Dolphinfish, are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 60. You'll find them in open water, often around floating debris or weed lines. Summer is prime time when the water warms up. Mahi are famous for their acrobatics - they'll jump and shake trying to throw the hook. They're also great eating, with firm white meat. To catch 'em, troll small ballyhoo or squid near the surface. Look for frigatebirds circling - they'll lead you right to the fish. A local trick is to keep the first Mahi you hook in the water. The others in the school will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish. When you see that electric blue and gold flash in the water, get ready for some fast action. Mahi fight hard and look spectacular doing it.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a prized catch around here, typically growing to 1-2 feet and 10-15 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs and wrecks in waters 30-600 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move to shallower waters. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious white meat. To land a big one, use heavy tackle with live bait like cigar minnows or squid. Drop your line right to the bottom - that's where these guys like to hang out. Just watch out for their strong initial run when hooked. They'll try to dive back into structure, so be ready to put some muscle into the fight. It's all worth it when you get 'em to the boat though. Nothing beats fresh snapper on the grill after a day on the water.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. Also called Red Drum, they typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 40+. You'll find 'em in shallow bays, flats, and around oyster bars - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Reds are known for their strong, determined fights and copper-colored scales with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're also excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try sight-fishing with light tackle and live bait like shrimp or mullet. A local trick is to look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path. When a big red takes off, it's like hooking a freight train. Just be ready to chase 'em if they head for the mangroves!
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
