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Gulf's Best 5-Hour Private Fishing | Bluewater Charter
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, Florida
- $400 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: September 14, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Lines Tight
Reel in the Action: Panama City Inshore Charter
Ahoy, anglers! Get ready for a top-notch fishing adventure right here in Panama City. We're talking about a 5-hour private trip that'll have you switching between bottom fishing and nearshore trolling faster than you can say "fish on!" Captain Stephen Hess knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the hottest bite. Whether you're itching to battle a hard-fighting Amberjack or looking to fill the cooler with some tasty Triggerfish, this trip's got you covered. And hey, don't be surprised if you end up hooking into a speedy King Mackerel or even a acrobatic Mahi while we're at it. Best part? We've got all the gear and licenses sorted, so you just need to show up ready to fish!
What to Expect on the Water
Listen up, folks - this ain't your average fishing trip. We're talking about a Captain's Choice experience, which means we're going where the fish are biting. Late summer and early fall around here? That's prime time for a mixed bag of inshore and nearshore action. We'll start by dropping lines for some bottom dwellers, then switch it up with some trolling runs. It's like getting two trips in one! And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Stephen's got the patience of a saint and the know-how to get even first-timers hooked up. With room for four anglers, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Just remember to bring your own grub - we'll be too busy fishing to worry about meal breaks!
Techniques That'll Get You Hooked
Alright, let's break down how we're gonna put fish in the boat. For bottom fishing, we're talking about dropping baits down to structure where the big boys hang out. We'll use heavy tackle and braid line to muscle those Amberjack and Triggerfish up from their rocky lairs. It's a workout, but man, is it worth it when you feel that thump! Then we'll switch gears and do some trolling. We'll be pulling lures or rigged baits behind the boat, mimicking fleeing baitfish. This is how we'll target those speedsters like King and Spanish Mackerel. And if we're lucky enough to find some floating debris, we might even score some Mahi. Captain Stephen's always scanning for birds and bait schools, so be ready to reel at a moment's notice!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy critters are the sprinters of the sea. They'll hit a lure so fast it'll make your head spin! Averaging 2-4 pounds, they're not the biggest fish out there, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. Plus, they're delicious on the grill. We typically see them schooling up near the surface, especially around bait pods. Spring through fall is prime time for Spanish, but they can stick around as long as the water stays warm.
King Mackerel: Now we're talking about the big brothers of the mackerel family. Kings can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. These guys are the reason we bring heavy tackle - they'll smoke a reel if you're not careful! Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're typically a bit further offshore than Spanish, but we often find them within range on our trolling runs. Fall is fantastic for Kings, as they migrate through our waters.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, these are the beauty queens of the ocean. With their vibrant colors and high-flying antics, Mahi are a blast to catch. They're usually found near floating debris or weedlines, and they travel in schools. While we're primarily inshore, we might luck into some smaller "peanut" Mahi if conditions are right. They're incredible eating fish, known for their firm, white meat.
Greater Amberjack: Buckle up, buttercup - AJs are the bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish will test your arms and your back. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be dropping baits near wrecks and reefs. Amberjack can grow over 100 pounds, but even a 30-pounder will give you a run for your money. They're most active in the warmer months, making them a perfect target for our late summer and early fall trips.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a fishing trip that gives you a little bit of everything, this is it. Bottom fishing for tough-as-nails Amberjack, trolling for lightning-fast Mackerel, and the chance to tangle with a Mahi? That's what I call a good day on the water. And with Captain Stephen at the helm, you're in for a world-class experience. Remember, we've got room for four, so grab your fishing buddies or bring the family. All the gear's provided, the fish are biting, and the Gulf is calling. Don't let this opportunity slip away like a big one off the hook. Book your spot now and get ready for some real Panama City fishing action!
Learn more about the species
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack, or "AJs," are bruisers of the reef, typically running 20-50 pounds around Panama City. You'll find these powerful fish near offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-250 foot depths. They're most active in spring and fall. Anglers target AJs for their brutal fighting power – they're like underwater freight trains when hooked. To catch one, drop live bait or heavy jigs near structure. Here's a tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and hard to pull them away from the wreck before they can break you off. Be ready for a long, tough battle. AJs often make several powerful runs before coming to the boat. Bigger specimens can take 20-30 minutes to land. While not the best table fare, smaller AJs can be good eating if prepared right. Most folks release the big ones to fight another day.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or "Kings," are prized gamefish here in Panama City. These sleek predators typically run 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in 30-150 foot depths around reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Kings are most active in summer and fall as water warms. They're famous for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Anglers target them for the exciting fight and tasty fillets. To catch Kings, slow-troll live bait like blue runners or mullet. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two treble hooks to counter their slash-and-dash strikes. Wire leaders are a must – those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. When a King hits, let it run before setting the hook. Be ready for multiple sizzling runs before you get it to the boat. Kings make for some of the best-eating fish in these waters when grilled or smoked.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi light up our waters with their electric blue and gold colors. These acrobatic fighters usually run 15-30 pounds around here. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris and weed lines, often 5-20 miles offshore. Late summer and early fall are prime Mahi season as they follow warm currents. Anglers love Mahi for their spectacular aerial displays and delicious white meat. To catch 'em, troll ballyhoo or small lures near floating structure. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others – Mahi often travel in schools. They're not picky eaters, so experimenting with different baits and lures can pay off. Mahi put up a great fight on light tackle, making multiple runs and jumps. Fresh Mahi steaks on the grill are hard to beat after a day on the water.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a popular target in Panama City, usually weighing 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around bait pods in depths of 20-80 feet. They're fast swimmers with a streamlined body and distinctive yellow spots. Late summer and early fall are prime times to catch them as they migrate. Anglers love Spanish Mackerel for their quick, aggressive strikes and tasty meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers. A local trick: when you spot birds diving, idle up quietly and cast into the frenzy with a flashy lure. Spanish Mackerel hit hard and fast, so be ready to set the hook quickly. Grilled fresh, they make for some mighty fine eating.
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
