Get ready for a full day of serious offshore action with our 12-hour deep sea fishing trip out of Panama City Beach. We're talking about heading way out - up to 45 miles into the Gulf where the big boys play. This isn't your average half-day cruise; we're going after the real trophies that call the deep water home. From monster Amberjack to acrobatic Sailfish, you'll have a shot at some of the Gulf's most prized catches. So grab your sunscreen and sea legs, because we're in for one heck of a ride!
We'll be shoving off bright and early at 6 AM, so you might want to grab that extra cup of joe. This trip runs from September 1st to May 10th, prime time for a lot of our target species. Once we clear the pass, we'll be making tracks to some of my favorite offshore honey holes. We're talking deep water reefs, underwater structure, and open Gulf hunting grounds where the big pelagics roam. You'll get to try your hand at a mix of bottom fishing and trolling techniques as we search for the day's hot bite. With 12 full hours on the water, we've got time to really work different spots and tactics to put you on the fish.
Out here in the deep, we've got a few go-to methods that consistently produce. For bottom fishing, we'll be dropping heavy tackle and live bait to tempt those reef dwellers like Snapper and Grouper. When we're after the speedsters like Wahoo or King Mackerel, we'll switch to trolling with a spread of lures or rigged baits. I'll show you how to work a deep-drop rig for those bulldogging Amberjack, and if we're lucky enough to spot a Sailfish, get ready for the fight of your life on light tackle. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through each technique and make sure you're comfortable before we start fishing in earnest.
"Captain Ashton Lewis of Showtime Charters made our fishing trip absolutely unforgettable! His expertise and friendly demeanor ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend!" - Michelle
Atlantic Sailfish: These acrobatic beauties are the prize of any offshore trip. Known for their incredible aerial displays when hooked, Sailfish can reach speeds of up to 68 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the sea. We typically see them more in the warmer months, and catching one is an experience you'll never forget. The thrill of watching a Sailfish light up with vibrant colors as it greyhounds across the surface is unmatched in the fishing world.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these toothy speedsters are a blast to catch. They make blistering runs and can grow to over 5 feet long. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits near the surface. Kings are most abundant in our waters during the spring and fall migrations, but we can find them year-round. Their aggressive strikes and powerful fights make them a favorite among our anglers.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful fish you'll ever see. With their vibrant blues, greens, and yellows, they're like swimming rainbows. Mahi are known for their acrobatics and their delicious meat. We often find them near floating debris or weedlines, and they're suckers for trolled ballyhoo or artificial lures. They're typically more plentiful in the warmer months and can be caught in good numbers when you find them.
Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the sea. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving us a chance to sight-cast to them. Cobia put up a stubborn, powerful fight and can grow to over 100 pounds. We see them most often in the spring as they migrate along our coast, but they can be caught year-round. They love live eels or large jigs, and once hooked, prepare for a battle royale.
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf bottom fishing scene. With their firm, white flesh, they're not just fun to catch but also fantastic eating. Red Snapper season is highly regulated, so when it's open, we make the most of it. We target them over natural and artificial reefs using heavy tackle and live or cut bait. The bigger ones, which we call "sow" snapper, can top 20 pounds and will test your arms and your drag.
Look, if you're after a serious day of offshore fishing that gives you a real shot at some trophy catches, this is the trip for you. We're not messing around with the small fry here - we're going where the big fish live. With 12 hours on the water, we've got the time to really explore and find the hot bite. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with some Gulf giants or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes of deep sea fishing, I'll make sure you have a day to remember. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out there for some world-class Panama City Beach deep sea fishing. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit out in the deep blue, you'll be hooked for life!
April 7, 2023
Atlantic Sailfish are showstoppers out here. These speedsters can hit 68 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the sea. You'll find them in our warm Gulf waters, usually 30 to 65 feet down but sometimes as deep as 650 feet. They're most active in winter, especially in the Florida Keys. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. A typical sailfish is about 7.5 feet long and 50 pounds, but the biggest ones can top 140 pounds. When you hook one, be ready for a fight. They'll dive, jump, and do everything to shake free. My tip? Use bright pink and white tube flies or poppers - sailfish can't resist 'em. And keep your grip firm when they bite; they'll try to shake it off right away. These beauties put up an unforgettable battle and make for some great photos before release.
Cobia are brutes, plain and simple. These brown battlers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures, usually in 30-70 feet of water. They migrate through our area in spring, following rays and turtles. Cobia are prized for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll make long, determined runs and even try to wrap you around structure. Sight fishing for them is a blast - look for their distinctive shark-like profile just under the surface. To land a big one, try a live eel or a large bucktail jig. My tip? When you see a cobia, don't hesitate. They can be curious at first but spook easily if you give them too much time to think about it. Cast fast and hang on tight!
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are one of our most exciting catches. These sleek predators typically weigh around 30 pounds but can hit 90 pounds or more. You'll find them in depths from 40 to 150 feet, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Kings are fast and aggressive, known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're most abundant here from spring through fall as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love targeting Kings for their challenging fight and tasty meat. To catch one, try trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A local trick is to use a stinger rig - it'll help you hook those Kings that tend to strike the back half of your bait. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them; they're razor-sharp!
Mahi Mahi, also called Dolphinfish, are a favorite for good reason. These colorful fighters average 15-29 pounds but can reach over 80 pounds. You'll spot them near floating debris or weed lines in our offshore waters. Mahi are fast-growing and quick to mature, so we can target them year-round, with peak season in summer. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic jumps, hard runs, and those stunning colors - greens, blues, and yellows that seem to glow in the water. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To catch Mahi, keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to a school. Troll near floating objects with ballyhoo or squid, or cast live bait if you spot them. Once you hook one, get it in quick - the whole school might follow it to the boat!
Red Snapper are the Gulf's crown jewels. These ruby-colored beauties typically run 5-10 pounds but can grow over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, with peak season in summer. Anglers love Snappers for their hard-fighting nature and world-class taste. When hooked, they'll dive for cover, so you need to muscle them up quick. For bait, nothing beats fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish. Here's a local trick: when you find a good Snapper spot, drop a chum bag to keep them interested. Just remember, these guys are closely regulated, so always check current limits before your trip. Trust me, the fight and the flavor make Red Snapper well worth the effort!
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Captain Ashton Lewis of Showtime Charters made our fishing trip absolutely unforgettable! His expertise and friendly demeanor ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Highly recommend!