Premiere 6-Hour Gulf Fishing Charter | Panama City

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Panama City Beach
$52 - $1,400 price range

Summary

This 6-hour combo trip packs a punch with both trolling and bottom fishing out of Panama City. You'll start by cruising the Gulf, lines out for Spanish and king mackerel, bonito, and maybe even a cobia if you're lucky. Then it's time to drop anchor and target the seafloor. Red snapper are in season, so you've got a great shot at landing these prized fighters. Triggerfish and other reef dwellers are on the menu too. With room for 6 guests, it's perfect for a group of friends or the family. The crew at Nautical Time Adventures knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in good hands whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your first offshore trip. Expect a full day of action, with plenty of fish stories to take home.

Premiere 6-Hour Gulf Fishing Charter | Panama City

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

Cloudy skies and morning rain can't dampen the thrill of bow fishing!

Bow fishing adventure in Panama City Beach's ever-changing weather!

Aiming for the best catch with bow fishing in PCB's mixed weather!

Rainy morning gives way to prime bow fishing conditions!

Panama City's Ultimate Combo: Trolling & Bottom Fishing

Get ready for a fishing experience that packs a serious punch! This 6-hour charter out of Panama City, FL, gives you the best of both worlds - fast-paced trolling action and the thrill of battling bottom dwellers. Whether you're chasing pelagics near the surface or dropping lines for snappers, this trip's got something for every angler. We'll stay within state waters, so you can focus on filling the cooler without worrying about federal regulations. It's the perfect way to sample the Gulf's bounty without committing to a full day offshore.

What's the Deal?

Hop aboard one of Nautical Time Adventures' sweet rides for a morning or afternoon of non-stop action. We'll start by trolling for the big boys - think Spanish and king mackerel, bonito, and maybe even a cobia if we're lucky. Once we've worn our arms out reeling in the speedsters, we'll switch gears and drop some lines to the bottom. Red snapper are the stars of the show (when in season), but there's plenty of other tasty critters down there too. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddies, or even a work team looking to bond over bent rods.

How We Roll

Trolling's the name of the game for the first part of our trip. We'll be dragging lures or live bait behind the boat, mimicking fleeing baitfish to entice the predators. Expect to hear some serious drag-screaming action when a king mackerel decides to join the party! For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over prime spots, dropping weighted lines with cut bait or jigs. It's all about feeling that telltale thump and setting the hook hard. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew's got you covered with tips and tricks to up your game.

Fish Tales

Ready to join the ranks of our happy anglers? Here's what a few recent guests had to say:

"Caught my first king mackerel AND my biggest snapper ever - talk about a perfect day!" - Mike S.

"The captain knew exactly where to find the fish. Non-stop action from start to finish!" - Sarah T.

"Brought the kids and they're still talking about it. Great with families and patient with beginners." - John D.

What's Biting?

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the rockstars of our trolling show. Known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, kings can top 40 pounds in our waters. They're at their peak from April through October, and there's nothing quite like the rush of a smoker king emptying your reel.

Mahi Mahi: While we don't always encounter them in state waters, when we do, it's a treat! Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these neon-colored beauties are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. They're most common in the warmer months and love to hang around floating debris.

Cobia: These bruisers are the prize of spring and early summer. Often mistaken for sharks at first glance, cobia are powerful fighters that can push 100 pounds. They've got a reputation for being unpredictable - one minute they're following the boat curiously, the next they're peeling off 50 yards of line!

Lane Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you - these tasty little guys put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're a year-round target and a favorite for fish tacos. You'll often catch them while fishing for their bigger red snapper cousins.

Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, these ruby-red beauties are as photogenic as they are delicious. The season's limited, but when it's on, it's ON. They love structure and can grow to impressive sizes - 20-pounders aren't uncommon. Just be ready for a battle when you're trying to winch one up from the depths!

Lock In Your Lines

So there you have it, folks - a Panama City fishing trip that gives you the best of both worlds. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to mix things up or a newbie wanting to sample different techniques, this charter's got you covered. With the season heating up and the fish moving in, now's the time to get your crew together and book your spot. Trust me, nothing beats the feeling of that first run of the day, knowing you've got hours of fishing ahead. So what are you waiting for? Give Nautical Time Adventures a call and let's get you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Red Snapper

King Mackerel

Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These hard-fighting fish typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, but monsters over 30 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structure in 30-600 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaks in summer. Anglers love targeting red snapper not just for the fight, but for their mild, sweet-tasting white meat that's prized in restaurants. To land a big one, try using live bait like pinfish or cigar minnows. My pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and steady to pull them away from the structure before they can break you off. Just remember, these beauties are carefully managed so always check the regs before keeping any.

Lane Snapper

Red snapper are the kings of Gulf bottom fishing. These hard-fighting fish typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but giants over 30 pounds are possible. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 30-600 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaks in summer. Anglers target red snapper for both the fight and their sought-after sweet, white meat. To land a big one, try using live bait like pinfish or cigar minnows. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and steady to pull them away from structure before they can break you off. Remember, these prized fish are carefully managed, so always check current regulations. When it's open season, there's nothing quite like bringing home fresh red snapper for the dinner table.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Cobia are one of the Gulf's most exciting gamefish. These powerful battlers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them near buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and early summer is peak season as they migrate along the coast. Cobia aren't just fun to catch - their firm white flesh makes fantastic eating too. They're often called "crab crunchers" because of their love for crustaceans. To target them, slow-troll live eels or big jigs around structure. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or eel lure right on its nose. Let it sink, then start a erratic retrieve. The cobia's predatory instincts usually kick in for an explosive strike. Just be ready for a long, dogged fight once you hook up.

Cobia

Lane snapper may not be the biggest bottom fish, but they're a blast to catch. These colorful little fighters usually run 10-14 inches and a few pounds, though they can reach 20 inches. You'll find them over reefs and rocky bottoms in 60-240 feet of water. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Anglers love targeting lanes for their scrappy fight and excellent table fare. Their pinkish-red color with yellow stripes makes for a pretty catch too. To get them biting, try small hooks with cut squid or shrimp. My go-to rig is a double dropper loop with #4 circle hooks. Fish it right on the bottom and be ready for quick, subtle bites. Lanes often hang with other snapper species, so you never know what you might pull up.

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