%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F19233%2Fimages%2F1729549488883bluewater-logo.png&w=1200&q=100){kind=logo}
Premium 4-Hour Nearshore Trolling | Bluewater
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, Florida
- $400 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: November 19, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F5fd9e607-2012-4c2f-9508-67404d22169a%2Fratecard%2Fba7127b9-2bdc-4da9-ad14-7215c9480b71.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Nearshore Action Shots
null
null
null
null
null
null
Reel in the Big Ones: Nearshore Panama City
Get ready for a fish-filled morning just off the coast of Panama City! Captain Stephen Hess knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to tangle with some hard-fighting nearshore species. We'll be trolling for monsters like King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and maybe even a surprise Cobia or Wahoo. The best part? You don't have to venture far from shore to find the action.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll push off from the dock and cruise just a few miles out, where the fishing grounds are teeming with life. Captain Stephen's got all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on the fun part – reeling 'em in! Depending on the season, we might be chasing after speedy Spanish Mackerel in the early spring or targeting the smoker Kings that show up from April through September. Keep your eyes peeled for Cobia cruising by the boat or even the occasional Sailfish if we're really lucky. The nearshore waters off Panama City are like a fish buffet, and we're going to take full advantage!
Trolling Tips & Tactics
On this trip, we'll be using a tried-and-true method called trolling. It's a great way to cover water and find where the fish are biting. We'll set out multiple lines with lures or bait, cruising at just the right speed to make those offerings irresistible to our target species. Captain Stephen's got an arsenal of proven rigs – from spoons for Spanish Mackerel to ribbon fish for the big Kings. He'll show you how to work the rods and be ready for that sudden, heart-pounding strike when a fish decides to crash the party. Don't worry if you're new to this – the Captain's got patience in spades and loves teaching folks the ropes.
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel: These are the rock stars of nearshore fishing. "Smoker Kings" can top 40 pounds and will make your reel scream. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Kings typically show up in force from April through September, and they're absolute blast to catch. Nothing beats the feeling of a big King skyrocketing out of the water with your bait!
Spanish Mackerel: The speedy cousins of the Kings, Spanish Mackerel are a blast on light tackle. They school up in big numbers during the early spring, offering fast action and tasty fillets. These fish are perfect for anglers of all ages – they fight hard but aren't too big to handle. Expect some high-flying antics when you hook into a Spanish!
Cobia: Also known as "lemonfish" or "ling," Cobia are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting to them. Cobia put up an incredible fight, often making powerful runs and trying to wrap you around structure. They typically show up in the spring and can stick around into the summer. Landing a big Cobia is always a highlight of any trip.
Mahi Mahi: While we're focused on nearshore fishing, sometimes we luck into schools of Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) that venture in closer to shore. These beautiful, acrobatic fish are a favorite among anglers for their stunning colors and delicious meat. If we spot some floating debris or weedlines, we might take a detour to try for these oceanic travelers.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Panama City's nearshore waters are a fish magnet, plain and simple. The combination of structure, bait, and seasonally migrating fish creates a perfect storm for anglers. You've got the chance to tangle with hard-fighting game fish without having to venture way offshore. It's the best of both worlds – quick access to the fishing grounds and the potential for some real trophies. Plus, Captain Stephen runs a tight ship. He's always on top of the latest fishing reports and knows how to put his clients on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, you'll feel right at home on this charter.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Stephen's boat isn't going to fill itself! This 4-hour nearshore trip is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without dedicating a full day. It's great for families, groups of friends, or even a solo angler looking to hone their skills. Remember, all the gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready for some rod-bending action. The flexible departure times mean you can fit this trip into even the busiest vacation schedule. And with the chance to target multiple species, you never know what might end up on the end of your line. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for some reel excitement just off the shores of Panama City. The Kings are calling, and it's time to answer!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find in Panama City waters. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks or even following large rays. Spring and early summer are prime time as cobia migrate through. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch one, we'll sight-fish with live eels or large jigs. A local tip: when you spot a cobia, get your bait in front of it fast - they're curious but can spook easily. Once hooked, be ready for a long, dogged fight. Landing a big cobia is always memorable. Their firm, white flesh is delicious grilled or blackened. Don't be surprised if you get hooked on cobia fishing after your first one.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel are a prized catch off Panama City, typically ranging from 15-30 pounds. These speedy predators are found in depths of 40-150 feet, often near reefs or wrecks. April through September is prime King Mackerel season here. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their firm, flavorful meat also makes excellent eating. To boost your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often indicate feeding kings below. When you hook one, be ready for smoking runs - these fish can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. Landing a big King Mackerel is always a thrill, and they put up one heck of a fight all the way to the boat.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are some of the most beautiful and acrobatic fish you'll find offshore. They typically range from 15-30 pounds around here, with larger bull dolphin pushing 50+ pounds. You'll often spot them near floating debris or weed lines in the warmer months. Mahi are lightning fast and known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're a blast to catch on light tackle and make for excellent eating too. To target them, we'll troll ballyhoo or artificial lures, or pitch live baits if we spot them. A local trick is to keep the first Mahi you catch in the water - others in the school will often stick around. The vibrant blues and greens of a fresh-caught Mahi are something you've got to see. It's always a good day when we find the Mahi bite.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are one of our most popular nearshore targets here in Panama City. These sleek, speedy fish typically run 2-4 pounds, though larger ones up to 8 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in water 20-40 feet deep around bait pods. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting Spanish for their fast action and tasty fillets. To catch them, we'll troll small spoons or jigs, or cast to feeding schools. A local trick is to watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish are feeding below. When you hook one, get ready for some zippy runs and aerial acrobatics. Spanish Mackerel are great eating too, especially when grilled fresh. It's hard to beat a day of fast Spanish Mackerel action.
About the Bluewater
%2F%2Fusers%2F5fd9e607-2012-4c2f-9508-67404d22169a%2Fvehicle_picture%2F8915013d-fe39-442e-bc29-11513409391f.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
