Night Fishing Panama City Offshore Snapper Trip

Anglers fishing in FL with big 38-inch catch

Two people fishing on the beach in Panama City Beach

Three people enjoying a fishing trip in Panama City Beach

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Night Fishing Panama City Offshore Snapper Trip

Panama City Beach

What you will be catching:

Cobia
King Mackerel
Lane Snapper
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Red Snapper

6-hour night fishing trip targeting snapper, mackerel, cobia, mahi
All tackle, bait, equipment provided for up to 6 guests maximum
Expert Captain Chris guides offshore Gulf waters from 7PM departure

Trip Pricing and Availabilities :

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

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Bowfishing vibes after dark

arget locked in Panama City

PCB night bowfishing magic

Half Day Night Fishing Trip In Panama City

There's something magical about fishing under the stars in Panama City's Gulf waters, and Captain Chris knows exactly where to find the action. This 6-hour night adventure aboard The Duchess puts you right in the heart of some of the best offshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. We're talking snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and mahi mahi - all species that really come alive when the sun goes down. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough room to spread out when the bite gets hot.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Chris runs a tight ship, but the vibe is always relaxed and welcoming. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, he'll get you dialed in fast. The Duchess is set up for serious offshore work - we're talking quality electronics, plenty of deck space, and all the gear you need to handle whatever decides to grab your bait. The 7:00 PM departure from 101 W Government St gives us perfect timing to hit the productive waters just as the fish start their evening feed. Night fishing here isn't just about luck - it's about knowing the structure, reading the currents, and putting baits where hungry fish are prowling in the darkness.

Techniques and Tackle

We run a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting best. The bottom rigs are perfect for those Panama City snappers that love to hug the hard bottom and artificial reefs scattered throughout our fishing grounds. When we're after kings and mahi, we'll pull baits behind the boat, covering water until we find the schools. Captain Chris provides all the tackle, from heavy conventional reels for the big stuff down to lighter spinning gear for the smaller snappers. Fresh bait is always on board - we're talking live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait that these Gulf species can't resist. The key to night fishing success is staying patient and keeping your baits fresh, and Chris has that routine down to a science.

Top Catches This Season

Red snapper are the bread and butter of Panama City night fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders once the sun sets, moving up from deeper structure to hunt in 40-80 feet of water. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, and a good red snapper makes for some of the best table fare you'll find in the Gulf. Most fish we're seeing range from 3-8 pounds, with the occasional teen-pound fish showing up to make things interesting.

King mackerel patrol these waters year-round, but night fishing gives you a real edge on these speed demons. They hunt baitfish along the thermoclines and drop-offs, making long screaming runs when hooked. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, with fish ranging from 10-30 pounds common on our trips. The fight is pure adrenaline - these fish are built for speed and they'll test every knot on your rig.

Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it with attitude and numbers. These fish school up heavy at night, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're perfect for newer anglers to cut their teeth on, and they're absolutely delicious in the pan. Most lanes run 8-14 inches, but they fight like fish twice their size.

Cobia are the wildcards of Panama City fishing - you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These chocolate-colored bruisers are curious fish that often follow other hooked fish to the boat. Summer months are best for cobia, with fish ranging from 20-50 pounds. They're tough fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to test your tackle to the limit.

Mahi mahi are the golden tickets of our night trips. These brilliant fish are fast, acrobatic, and absolutely gorgeous when they come to the boat. They're typically found around floating debris or temperature breaks in deeper water. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with most fish in the 10-25 pound range. When a mahi lights up and starts jumping, there's nothing quite like it in fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

This isn't your typical sunset cruise - this is serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Captain Chris has built his reputation on putting clients on fish while keeping things safe and fun for everyone aboard. The combination of productive night fishing grounds, top-notch equipment, and expert local knowledge makes this trip a standout option for anyone looking to experience Panama City's world-class fishing scene. With only 6 spots available per trip, these popular night adventures fill up fast, especially during peak season. Everything's provided except your fishing license and the stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Learn more about the animals

Cobia

Cobia are the bulldogs of the Gulf - dark brown, powerful fish that can hit 100 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're loners, cruising around structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll venture deeper. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What makes them special is that aggressive take and bulldogging fight - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is outstanding too, firm and white like a cross between grouper and shark. Here's a local trick: look for them just under the surface near structure. A bucktail jig bounced near bottom usually does the trick, and color doesn't matter much.

King Mackerel

King mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average around 30 pounds, though we've seen some pushing 50+ pounds out here. These silver torpedoes cruise the 40-150 foot range, often following baitfish along current breaks and structure. They're most active during warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling. One key tip: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, let your bait skip on the surface to trigger that predatory instinct.

Lane Snapper

Lane snappers are those pretty pink and silver fish with yellow-striped fins that show up as bonus catches on our night trips. They're smaller than their red snapper cousins, usually running 10-14 inches and 3-7 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with good vegetation in 70-230 feet of water. Night fishing is when they really turn on, and March through September is prime time during spawning season. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Here's the thing about lanes - they're not shy about hitting your bait, so use smaller hooks than you would for reds. Shrimp and cut squid work great.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs that light up like a rainbow when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-29 pounds, though we catch bigger ones. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm surface waters. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What guests love most is their aerial show - mahi jump and thrash like crazy when hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that's perfect for tacos. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, there's usually more nearby, so get multiple lines in the water fast.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, with those classic red sides and that determined fight that makes them a favorite among anglers. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't uncommon around deeper structure. You'll find them on reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet of water. Summer months during our night trips are perfect since they feed more actively after dark. The fight is classic - they'll try to get back to structure and test your drag. The table fare is legendary too - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and keep steady pressure to prevent them from wrapping you up in the structure.

About the The Duchess

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Meet The Duchess, your floating command center for night fishing adventures in Panama City's Gulf waters. This sturdy offshore vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast lines without bumping elbows. Captain Chris keeps her well-maintained and equipped with everything you need for a productive evening on the water - quality rods, reels, bait, and tackle are all included. The boat's design handles Gulf conditions with ease, letting you focus on hooking snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and mahi mahi instead of worrying about rough seas. Navigation lights and safety gear ensure smooth sailing during those 6-hour night trips that start at 7 PM. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, The Duchess provides a solid platform for making the most of Panama City's excellent fishing opportunities. No need to pack gear - just show up ready to fish.

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