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Premium All-Skill Fishing in Panama City Beach

  • Published Date: September 27, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Panama City Beach
  • $1,250 price range

Summary

Hop aboard for an 8-hour fishing adventure in Panama City Beach that's perfect for anglers of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced captain will guide you to the best spots for Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, and Greater Amberjack. We'll use a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques, with all the gear you need provided. This private charter gives you plenty of time on the water to reel in some impressive Gulf catches. It's a great option for groups, families, or solo fishermen who want to combine steady action with some relaxed time enjoying the coastal scenery. You'll get hands-on experience and helpful tips throughout the day, making it both fun and educational. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check the Trips & Rates page for all the details before booking your spot with Combat Fishing.
Premium All-Skill Fishing in Panama City Beach

Gulf Fishing Action

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Gulf Fishing Adventure for Every Angler

Ready to hit the waters of Panama City Beach for some serious rod-bending action? This all-day charter is your ticket to targeting some of the Gulf's most prized catches. Whether you're just starting out or you've been fishing since you could walk, our experienced captain will make sure you're in the right spots to hook into Red Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, and more. We'll spend a full 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to perfect your technique and fill the cooler. With all the gear provided and a focus on both bottom fishing and trolling, you'll get a well-rounded Gulf fishing experience that's hard to beat.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we shove off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. We'll cruise out to some of the captain's favorite fishing grounds, where the action really heats up. You'll learn the ins and outs of bottom fishing, dropping baits down to entice those reef dwellers like Snapper and Grouper. When we're not working the bottom, we'll troll for pelagics like Mahi Mahi, giving you a taste of different fishing styles. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a sandwich or two. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Just remember, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life!

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, we're not messing around with lightweight tackle. We're going after some serious fighters, so we use heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with strong line. For bottom fishing, we'll often use circle hooks baited with squid or cut bait. The key is to feel for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. When we switch to trolling, we'll deploy spread of lures or rigged baits behind the boat. The captain will show you how to work the drags and fight these powerful fish effectively. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll walk you through every step, from baiting up to landing your catch. And for you seasoned anglers, our captain's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you land that personal best.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper is the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These crimson beauties are not only a sight to behold but put up a fight that'll test your arms. They typically hang out near structure in depths of 60 to 200 feet. When you hook one, be ready for a battle – they'll try to dive back to their rocky homes. The meat is prized for its sweet, nutty flavor, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Best time to target them is during the open season, which usually runs in the summer months.

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish can grow up to 50 pounds or more and are known for their hard-hitting strikes and determined fights. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, often in waters 60 to 250 feet deep. When you're reeling one up, be prepared for them to use their bulk to try and muscle their way back to the bottom. Grouper fishing is typically best in the cooler months, from fall through early spring. Their firm, white flesh is excellent for grilling or blackening.

Greater Amberjack, or "reef donkeys" as we like to call them, are the heavyweight champs of the Gulf. These fish are pure muscle and can easily top 100 pounds. They school around deep-water wrecks and reefs, usually in waters over 200 feet deep. When you hook an AJ, hang on tight – they're known for their initial runs that can strip yards of line off your reel in seconds. Amberjack season usually peaks in the spring and fall. While they're not as popular for eating as Snapper or Grouper, smoked Amberjack dip is a local favorite.

Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, are the acrobats of the open Gulf. These colorful fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We often find them near floating debris or weedlines, where they hunt for smaller fish. Mahi can grow quickly, sometimes reaching 30 pounds in their first year. They're most abundant in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Not only are they a blast to catch, but they're also delicious – perfect for fish tacos or grilled with a tropical salsa.

While not as common on offshore trips, we sometimes encounter Redfish, especially if we're fishing closer to shore. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail. Bull Reds, the larger offshore variety, can reach sizes of 40 pounds or more. They're often found near structures like oil rigs or artificial reefs. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to power away from the boat. They're available year-round but are especially active in the fall. Their firm texture makes them great for blackening or grilling whole.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who've been out with us know that it's more than just the fishing – it's the whole experience. From the moment you step on board, you're in for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, lots of fish. Our captain's been working these waters for years and knows how to put you on the fish, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Plus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling up a big Red Snapper or battling an Amberjack as the sun starts to set over the Gulf. It's the kind of day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of the Gulf's hardest-fighting fish, this is the trip for you. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the spots to make it happen. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to experience the thrill of big game fishing, we've got you covered. Remember, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime, don't wait – get in touch and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action!

Learn more about the animals

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are tough customers that'll test your gear and your arms. These ambush predators love hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Most fish run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 50 pounds. Look for them year-round, with peak fishing in fall and winter as they move to shallower spawning grounds. Gags are prized for their hard-fighting ability and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll make a beeline for the nearest structure, so you've got to turn them quick. Live bait like pinfish or mullet is your best bet. Drop it right into their lair and hold on tight. Here's a local tip: when you feel that initial thump, don't set the hook immediately. Let the grouper take the bait and move off a bit. Then reel down and set it hard. You'll have a better chance of hooking them solidly in the mouth instead of just the lip.

Gag Grouper

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjack are the heavyweight bruisers of the reef. These powerful fish hang around wrecks and deep-water structures, typically in 60-300 feet of water. Most jacks run 20-50 pounds, but they can top 100 pounds. Spring and fall are prime seasons, especially around the full moon. Anglers love AJs for their brutal strength - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. They're also good eating when prepared right. Live bait like blue runners or speedos works best. Drop it down near the structure and hold on tight. When you feel the bite, lock down the drag and start cranking - AJs will race back to the wreck if you give them an inch. Here's a local trick: if the fish aren't biting, try jigging a butterfly jig or diamond jig near the bottom. The flash often triggers strikes from these aggressive predators. Just make sure you've got your fighting belt on - your arms will thank you later.

Greater Amberjack

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. These colorful speedsters are known for their wild aerial displays when hooked. Most fish run 15-30 pounds, but they can top 50 pounds. Look for them in blue water near weedlines, floating debris, or current edges. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Mahi are prized for their hard fights, stunning colors, and excellent eating. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the sea. To catch them, troll rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures near structure. When you spot a school, pitch out live bait or chunk fish to keep them interested. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water next to the boat. The rest of the school will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish. Just be ready for those crazy jumps - mahi can throw hooks in a heartbeat if you're not paying attention.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Red Snapper

Red snapper are a prized catch in the Gulf, known for their striking red color and tasty white meat. These bottom-dwellers typically hang around reefs and rocky structures in waters 30 to 620 feet deep. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, but they can grow up to 35 pounds. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. Anglers love red snapper for their hard-fighting spirit - they'll try to dive back to cover when hooked. To land one, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Live bait like cigar minnows works great, but cut squid or shrimp can do the trick too. When you feel that distinctive thump, set the hook hard and start reeling. Just watch out for their sharp teeth when you're unhooking them. The firm, mild-tasting fillets make for some fantastic eating too.

Red Snapper

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers with the trademark tail spot love cruising the shallows, often in water so skinny their backs are out of the water. Most fish run 3-10 pounds, but they can grow over 40 pounds in the right conditions. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight, often making long runs and bulldogging near the bottom. They're also fantastic eating. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves in 1-4 feet of water. Gold spoons, soft plastics, and live bait like shrimp or mullet all work well. Here's a tip: on calm days, cruise the flats looking for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Ease up quietly and make a cast just beyond them. The fight is on when they spot your lure.

Redfish

About the Center Console Boats

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for a full day of fishing fun in the beautiful waters off Panama City Beach! Our comfy, well-equipped charter boat has room for up to 6 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families. We'll spend 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to try your hand at catching prized Gulf species like Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our experienced captain will show you the ropes and help you improve your skills. And if you're already a pro, you'll have a blast putting your expertise to the test. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your sense of adventure. Whether you're trolling or bottom fishing, you'll get to soak in the gorgeous coastal scenery while waiting for that big bite. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, making memories and maybe even catching dinner!
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Ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Panama City Beach? Book your trip with Combat Fishing today and let Captain John guide you to the best fishing spots for a day full of excitement and big catches!

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