Hey there, offshore enthusiasts! Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Showtime Fishing Charter's 14-hour deep sea adventure out of Panama City Beach is the real deal. We're talking serious offshore action, heavy tackle, and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish. This isn't your average day on the water – it's an all-out fishfight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
We kick things off bright and early at 6 AM, so grab your coffee and let's hit it. This full-day trip takes you up to 55 miles offshore, where the big boys play. We're not messing around with dinky inshore catches – we're after the heavyweight champs of the deep. Amberjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, red snapper, wahoo – these bruisers are all on the menu. Our expert crew knows exactly where to find 'em, and we've got the gear to make it happen. With room for up to 6 anglers, you can bring your buddies or make some new fishing friends on board.
Listen up, because this ain't no light tackle affair. We're talking heavy-duty rods, big reels, and line that could tow a truck. You'll be dropping baits way down or trolling for pelagics, depending on what's biting. Our crew will show you the ropes if you're new to this game, but seasoned anglers will appreciate our top-notch gear and local know-how. We might switch it up between bottom fishing for snappers and groupers, then run-and-gun for surface feeders like mahi. It's all about maximizing your chances at hooking into something massive.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are like the drag racers of the sea. They'll hit your bait like a freight train and peel off line faster than you can blink. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, and they can push 50 pounds or more. Nothing beats the sight of a smoker king skyrocketing on a surface bait.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these neon acrobats are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They hunt in packs near floating debris or weedlines. When you hook one, leave it in the water – its buddies will often stick around, giving you a shot at multiple hookups. Peak season is late spring through summer.
Wahoo: If you want to test your drag system, pray for a wahoo. These torpedoes can hit 60 mph and will make your reel scream. They're usually a bit further offshore, but when we find them, hold on tight. Fall and winter are your best bet for these toothy missiles.
Cobia: These brown bombers are the bulldogs of the Gulf. They fight dirty, using every trick in the book to shake your hook. Spring is cobia season as they migrate along the coast. Sight-casting to these bruisers as they cruise near the surface is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Red Snapper: The Gulf's signature bottomfish, red snapper are hard-fighting and delicious. They love structure and will test your ability to muscle them away from their hidey-holes. Summer is prime time, but regulations can be strict, so we'll make sure you're fishing them legally.
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and there's a reason our regulars can't get enough. It's not just about filling the cooler (though we do that plenty). It's about that moment when your rod doubles over and you're locked in a tug-of-war with something big and mean. It's about the stories you'll tell for years – "the one that got away" or "the biggest fish I've ever seen." And let's be honest, it's about bragging rights at the dock when you come in with a monster hanging on the gaff.
Alright, folks – if you're still reading, you know this is the real deal. Our 14-hour deep sea trips out of Panama City Beach are the stuff of legend, and spots fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for your next wall-hanger or a newbie ready to test your mettle against the Gulf's finest, we've got you covered. Don't sit on the sidelines watching other people's fish pics – get out here and make some memories of your own. Give us a shout, pick your date, and let's go put a bend in some rods. The fish are waiting – are you ready?
Cobia are the curious bruisers of the coast. These brown battlers, often mistaken for sharks, can top 100 pounds. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and any floating structure in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and early summer are best as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are known for their powerful, dogged fights and their excellent table fare. They're often spotted on the surface, following rays or turtles. For a fun challenge, sight-cast to them with live eels or large jigs. A local trick: chum with cut menhaden to bring them up, then pitch a live bait their way. Be ready for a tug-of-war when they hit.
King Mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, often cruising at 40 mph. These silver bullets with dark blue backs average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, especially near structures like reefs or wrecks. Summer and fall are prime seasons when they're chasing bait schools. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hooking one is like strapping into a rollercoaster. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat. To up your odds, try slow-trolling live blue runners or cigar minnows on wire leaders. Keep an eye out for birds working the surface - that often means kings are feeding below.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado, are the chameleons of the deep. These colorful fighters light up like neon signs underwater, flashing electric blues and greens. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach 60+. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines in blue water, usually within the top 100 feet. Spring and summer are best, when they're chasing flying fish. Mahi are a blast to catch - they'll skyrocket out of the water and make blistering runs. Plus, they're top-notch eating with a mild, sweet flavor. For a sure-fire tactic, troll rigged ballyhoo or small lures near any floating objects you spot. Once you hook one, keep the boat moving - there's often a whole school following.
Red Snapper are the crimson kings of the bottom. These tasty fighters average 5-10 pounds but can hit 30+. You'll find them hugging reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-300 feet. Summer's the prime time, especially during the short federal season. Snapper are beloved for their hard-pulling fight and their sweet, white fillets. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. For best results, use heavy weights to get your bait down fast. Live pinfish or cut squid work great. Here's a local tip: when you find a good spot, mark it and hit it again on the way back in - snappers often regroup quickly after being fished.
Wahoo are the drag-screaming torpedoes of the offshore world. These sleek, striped speedsters can hit 60 mph and grow to 100+ pounds, though 30-50 is more common. They roam the open blue water, often hanging around drop-offs and underwater structures 100-400 feet deep. Fall and winter are prime seasons here. Wahoo are prized for their incredible first run - it'll test both you and your gear. Their white, flaky meat is also top-notch eating. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots using wire leaders and lures like Rapala X-Raps or Yo-Zuri Bonitas. The bite often comes on the turn, so be ready when you change direction.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375