Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the waters of Panama City Beach for some serious fishing action? Our 4-hour private trolling charter is just the ticket. We'll be cruising the Gulf, lines in the water, on the hunt for some of the most exciting gamefish around. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience the thrill of offshore fishing without committing to a full day.
We kick things off bright and early, shoving off at 6 AM sharp. Trust me, those early morning hours are prime time for fish activity, so it's worth the early wake-up call. We'll be using light tackle, which means you'll feel every tug and run of the fish - it's a blast! Don't worry if you're new to this; our expert crew will show you the ropes. We'll be trolling, which means we'll have lines in the water as we cruise along, mimicking the movement of baitfish to attract the big ones. It's a laid-back style of fishing that gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and chat with your buddies between strikes.
Trolling is all about presentation and patience. We'll be using a mix of lures and live bait, dragging them behind the boat at various depths. The key is to make our offerings look like an easy meal for the predators we're after. We use specialized trolling rods that can handle the constant pressure and sudden strikes. Our reels are loaded with strong, thin diameter line to cut through the water and give the fish a good fight. Keep an eye on those rod tips - when they start bouncing, it's game on! We'll show you how to work the fish and bring it to the boat like a pro.
"What an incredible fishing adventure with Showtime Charters! Captain Ashton Lewis's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend!" - George
Spanish Mackerel: These speedy swimmers are a blast to catch. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Typically weighing 2-4 pounds, Spanish Mackerel put up a great fight on light tackle. We often find them in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more action! They're most abundant from April to October, making them a staple of our summer trips.
Skipjack Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Skipjack are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They usually weigh between 5-20 pounds and are most common in our waters from late spring through fall. Skipjack are known for their tasty meat, perfect for sashimi or grilling.
King Mackerel: Also known as "Kingfish," these toothy predators are prized for their size and fight. Kings can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15-30 pound range. They're famous for their smoking runs and aerial displays. King Mackerel season typically peaks from April to October, but we can find them year-round in our Gulf waters. Landing a big King is always a highlight of any trip.
Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their electric blue and gold colors are a sight to behold. Mahi are incredible fighters, known for their aerial acrobatics and stamina. They typically range from 5-30 pounds in our area. We target them primarily from April to September when the waters warm up. Mahi are also excellent eating fish, so be sure to keep a few for the grill!
Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph! These streamlined predators are a prized catch, known for their blistering first run that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Wahoo typically weigh between 15-40 pounds in our area, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. We find them year-round, but the best action is usually from late summer through fall. Landing a Wahoo is always cause for celebration on the boat.
Our 4-hour trolling trips are a customer favorite for good reason. First off, the timing is perfect - long enough to get into some serious fishing, but short enough that you're not wiped out for the rest of the day. It's great for families or groups with mixed fishing experience. The early start means we're out there when the fish are most active, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish.
Panama City Beach's waters are teeming with life, and our experienced crew knows exactly where to find the hot spots. We use top-notch gear and our boat is equipped with the latest fish-finding technology to put you on the action. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the rush of a big fish striking your line while you're trolling - it's addictive!
Plus, this trip is seasonal, running from September 1 to May 10. This means we're fishing when the conditions are prime and the target species are at their most active. Whether you're after the acrobatic Mahi Mahi, the lightning-fast Wahoo, or the hard-fighting King Mackerel, we've got you covered.
This season has been on fire! We've been seeing some monster King Mackerel, with several fish over 40 pounds hitting the deck. The Mahi Mahi action has been non-stop, with many trips limiting out in no time. We've even had a few lucky anglers tangle with some big Wahoo - always a thrill when one of those speedsters decides to play.
But it's not just about size - the numbers have been impressive too. Many trips are coming back with full coolers of Spanish Mackerel and Bonito, perfect for fish tacos or smoking. And let's not forget the Skipjack Tuna - these little powerhouses have been showing up in force, providing non-stop action for anglers of all skill levels.
Remember, fishing is always unpredictable, but that's part of the excitement. Every trip is different, and you never know when that fish of a lifetime is going to strike!
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some world-class trolling action, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 4-hour charters are perfect for both seasoned anglers looking for a quick fishing fix and newcomers wanting to try their hand at offshore fishing. With a capacity of 6 guests, it's a great option for families, groups of friends, or even a team-building outing.
Remember, we're running these trips from September 1 to May 10, so plan accordingly. The low-rate deposit makes it easy to secure your spot without breaking the bank. Don't wait too long, though - prime dates tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your lucky fishing hat, and get ready for an unforgettable morning on the water. We can't wait to show you why Panama City Beach is a top-rated fishing destination. Book your trolling charter today and let's make some fishing memories!
March 17, 2023
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish, are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They're known for their vibrant blue-green and gold colors. Most run 15-30 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in open water, often near floating debris or weed lines. Summer and early fall are peak seasons here. Mahi are fast growers and great fighters - watching them change colors as they jump is amazing. They're also excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. Trolling with ballyhoo or small lures works well, but my favorite trick is to keep a live bait ready when you hook one. Mahi often travel in pairs or small schools, so you can sometimes catch several from the same stop. Just remember, they lose those brilliant colors quickly after being caught, so snap your photos fast!
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean. These long, slender fish can hit 60 mph in short bursts. Most weigh 20-40 pounds, but they can get much bigger. You'll find them in deep, open water, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime time as they follow warm currents. Wahoo are prized for both their fighting ability and their delicious, firm white meat. High-speed trolling with lures is the go-to method - these fish love to chase. My top tip: use wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight - their initial run is explosive! It's a real rush when you see that electric blue fish come up beside the boat after a long fight.
King Mackerel, or "Kings," are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear. These speedsters average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them in depths of 40-150 feet, often near reefs or wrecks. Kings migrate, so fall is prime time here as they move south. They're aggressive predators - watching them sky out of the water chasing bait is a real thrill. Trolling with live bait like blue runners works well, but my top tip is to slow-troll a live bluefish if you can get one. Kings make good eating when prepared right, but watch out for high mercury levels in bigger fish. The lightning-fast runs and aerial acrobatics of a hooked King make them a favorite target for many anglers.
Spanish Mackerel are a blast to catch on light tackle. These speedy little guys usually run 1-2 feet long and put up a great fight for their size. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often near piers or jetties. They love to chase baitfish, so look for diving birds to spot a school. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Trolling with small spoons or jigs works well, but my favorite trick is to cast a silver spoon and reel it in fast - they can't resist chasing it down. Spanish Mackerel make excellent eating too, with firm white meat that's great grilled or fried. Just be careful of those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375
What an incredible fishing adventure with Showtime Charters! Captain Ashton Lewis's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend!