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Showtime's Private Morning Bottom Fishing in PCB

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Panama City Beach
  • $550 - $3,250 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed morning of deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach! Our 6-hour bottom trip kicks off at 6 AM, perfect for early risers looking to catch the best bite. We'll head out up to 17 miles offshore, where you'll drop lines for a variety of sought-after species. Expect to target hard-fighting fish like Amberjack, Red Snapper, and Triggerfish, plus the chance at speedy swimmers like Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. This trip is great for beginners, as we'll show you the ropes of bottom fishing techniques. We'll hit productive offshore reefs and wrecks, giving you plenty of chances to feel that satisfying tug on your line. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get personalized attention from our experienced crew. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just the thrill of the catch, our morning bottom trip delivers a true taste of Panama City Beach fishing.
Showtime's Private Morning Bottom Fishing in PCB

Reeling in the Deep

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7 people fishing in FL

Reeling it in on the Gulf Coast!

Two fish caught in FL

Wahoooo!

11 little tunny and redfish caught in panama city beach

Lines tight in Panama City Beach!

Two people fishing in FL

Hooked up and loving it!

Six anglers with a great catch of fish at Panama City Beach

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One fisherman holding a big 29-inch fish in FL.

Hooked a memory today!

Two anglers with big 27-inch catch in FL

Salt life, best life!

8 sheepshead fish caught while fishing in Panama City Beach

Fishing fuel: sun + smiles!

10 wahoo fish and blacktip sharks caught fishing in FL

Another one for the cooler!

Six anglers fishing in FL with a great catch

Chasing bites, making memories!

7 people fishing in FL

Reeling it in on the Gulf Coast!

Two fish caught in FL

Wahoooo!

11 little tunny and redfish caught in panama city beach

Lines tight in Panama City Beach!

Two people fishing in FL

Hooked up and loving it!

Six anglers with a great catch of fish at Panama City Beach

null

One fisherman holding a big 29-inch fish in FL.

Hooked a memory today!

Two anglers with big 27-inch catch in FL

Salt life, best life!

8 sheepshead fish caught while fishing in Panama City Beach

Fishing fuel: sun + smiles!

10 wahoo fish and blacktip sharks caught fishing in FL

Another one for the cooler!

Six anglers fishing in FL with a great catch

Chasing bites, making memories!

7 people fishing in FL

Reeling it in on the Gulf Coast!

Two fish caught in FL

Wahoooo!

11 little tunny and redfish caught in panama city beach

Lines tight in Panama City Beach!

Two people fishing in FL

Hooked up and loving it!

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Hook, Line & Sinker: 6-Hour Morning Bottom Trip

Ready to get your hands on some of the Gulf's tastiest bottom-dwellers? Our 6-hour morning trip is your ticket to hauling in a cooler full of fish tacos. We'll cruise out to the prime spots within 17 miles of Panama City Beach, where the seafloor is teeming with snapper, grouper, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, our experienced crew will make sure you're dropping lines like a pro in no time.

What's On The Menu Today?

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll be casting off at the crack of dawn - 6 AM sharp. That early start means we beat the crowds and hit the water when the fish are hungriest. Our 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to get acquainted with the various bottom-fishing techniques, try your luck at different spots, and still be back in time for a late lunch (featuring your fresh catch, of course).

Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew is here to show you the ropes. We'll cruise out to some killer offshore reefs and wrecks, where the big boys like to hang out. You'll be using sturdy bottom-fishing gear, dropping your bait right where the fish are hiding. It's all about feeling that telltale tug and reeling in your prize.

Rigging Up For Success

Bottom fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll set you up with heavy-duty rods and reels, paired with strong line to handle those big boys lurking near the structure. You'll learn to use circle hooks - they're great for catch-and-release and make sure you hook 'em right in the corner of the mouth.

We'll show you how to rig up with weights to keep your bait where it needs to be, fighting against the current. And speaking of bait, we use a mix of live and cut bait to attract different species. Squid, cigar minnows, and pinfish are all on the menu - for the fish, that is!

As we drift over different spots, you'll get the hang of feeling the bottom and detecting those subtle bites. It's a game of patience and quick reactions, but man, is it satisfying when you start hauling them up!

Species You'll Want To Hook

Red Snapper: These guys are the crown jewels of bottom fishing in the Gulf. With their bright red scales and fierce fight, they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, so if we're lucky enough to hit it, you're in for a treat. They love structure and tend to hang out near reefs and wrecks. When you hook one, be ready for a battle - they'll try to dive back to their hidey-holes!

Greater Amberjack: Known as "reef donkeys" for their stubborn, powerful fights, Amberjack are the heavyweight champs of our waters. These bruisers can top 100 pounds and will test every bit of your strength and skill. They typically hang out near deep-water structures and wrecks. Landing a big AJ is a real badge of honor among Gulf anglers.

King Mackerel: While we're primarily bottom fishing, don't be surprised if we tangle with some "kings" along the way. These speedsters are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're often found near the surface, so we might do a bit of trolling if we spot them. Kings are seasonal visitors, with the best action typically in spring and fall.

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): Another bonus catch on our bottom trips, Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the sea. Their electric blue and yellow colors are a sight to behold. They're also acrobatic fighters and absolutely delicious on the grill. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines, so keep your eyes peeled!

Wahoo: The speedsters of the deep, Wahoo are like the Ferraris of the fish world. While not a primary target on bottom trips, we occasionally hook into these guys, especially if we do some trolling between spots. They're known for their incredible speed - their first run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds!

Vermilion Snapper: These smaller cousins of the red snapper are abundant and tasty. Often called "beeliners" by local anglers, they're a great target when the big boys aren't biting. They school up over rocky bottom areas and are perfect for fish tacos.

Triggerfish: With their distinctive "trigger" fin and powerful jaws, these oddball fish are a fun catch. They're known for their light, sweet meat and are a local favorite. Triggerfish require a bit of finesse to catch - they're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset!

Time To Get Your Fish On!

Look, there's nothing quite like the feeling of hauling up a big ol' snapper or grouper from the depths. Our 6-hour morning trip is the perfect taste of what Gulf bottom fishing is all about. You'll learn new skills, experience the thrill of the catch, and hey, you might even go home with dinner!

Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to sample the best of Panama City Beach's offshore action, this trip fits the bill. We keep our groups small - max of 6 people - so you get plenty of personal attention and fishing time.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, your kids, or just treat yourself to a morning on the water. The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book now and get ready for some rod-bending, drag-screaming action!

Learn more about the species

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjacks are bruisers - they grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find these powerful fighters around deep reefs and wrecks, usually 60-240 feet down. We target them year-round, but April-May is prime spawning season. Anglers love AJs for their hard-pulling, never-say-die fights. Fair warning - they'll try to dive back to structure and break you off. For bait, nothing beats a live blue runner. Drop it down with heavy tackle - 50-80 pound gear. My tip is to crank fast and steady once hooked. Give an inch and they'll take a mile. Land one of these beasts and you've earned some serious bragging rights.

Greater Amberjack

King Mackerel

Red snappers are prized catches around here, growing up to 3 feet long and 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near reefs and wrecks in waters 30 to 600 feet deep. These bottom-dwellers put up a good fight when hooked. We typically target them May through October during spawning season. Folks love red snapper for their tasty, mild white meat - it's a local favorite. To land a big one, use heavy tackle with fresh bait like squid or small live fish. My tip is to get your bait right on the bottom where the snappers are feeding. Be ready for them to make a run for cover when hooked. With some patience, you might just catch yourself a trophy red snapper to brag about.

King Mackerel

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are colorful fighters we chase in warmer months. They average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 90. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in open water. These acrobatic fish will leap and tail-walk when hooked. Mahi are prized for their fight and their delicious mild, white meat. To catch one, troll near structure with rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures that mimic flying fish. My secret is to always have a pitch bait ready - when you hook one mahi, others often follow. Keep the hooked fish in the water to hold the school around the boat. With some luck, you might fill the cooler with these beautiful eating fish.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Red Snapper

King mackerel are the speedsters of our nearshore waters. These sleek predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for them from the beach out to about 150 feet deep, usually near bait schools. Fall is prime kingfish season as they migrate through. Anglers love kings for their smoking runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. To catch one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Use wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono. My tip: when a king skyrockets with your bait, let it eat before setting the hook. These toothy critters make great smoked fish dip too.

Red Snapper

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are speed demons - they can hit 60 mph in short bursts. These sleek, striped fish average 3-5 feet long but can reach 8 feet. We find them in open water, often near drop-offs or floating debris. Fall is prime wahoo season here as they migrate through. Anglers prize wahoo for their blistering runs and delicious meat. To catch one, you've got to match their speed. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the ticket. Use lures that can handle the speed - I like dark-colored jet heads. My tip: when a wahoo hits, don't slow down. Keep that lure moving or they'll throw the hook. Land one of these rockets and you're in for some fantastic eating.

Wahoo Fish

About the Ocean Yachts

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 375

Get ready for an awesome morning of deep sea fishing off Panama City Beach! Our 6-hour bottom trip takes you up to 17 miles offshore to some prime fishing spots. We'll head out at 6 AM to catch the best bite, targeting a variety of tasty fish like amberjack, mahi mahi, red snapper, triggerfish and more. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, you'll have a blast dropping lines over reefs and wrecks teeming with fish. Our captain knows all the hotspots to put you on the action. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Get ready to feel that tug on your line and reel in some impressive catches! The beautiful Gulf waters and chance to land a trophy fish make for an amazing day on the water you won't soon forget.
Showtime Fishing Charter

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Panama City Beach Fishing Reels

Embark on an exhilarating fishing adventure with Showtime Charters, the premier choice for outstanding fishing trips in Panama City Beach, FL. Led by the seasoned expertise of Captain Ashton Lewis, Showtime Charters offers anglers of all experience levels the opportunity to reel in trophy fish amidst the stunning backdrop of Panama City Beach's pristine waters. Committed to exceptional customer satisfaction and fueled by a deep passion for fishing, Showtime Charters promises an unforgettable day on the water, brimming with excitement, camaraderie, and cherished memories.

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