World-Class Offshore Fishing in Panama City, FL

Published Date: November 20, 2025
Fishing

$450 - $1,400 price range
Updated Date: November 21, 2025

Summary

Looking for a solid day of offshore fishing in Panama City? This 6-hour charter hits the sweet spot. You'll be targeting the Gulf's prized bottom dwellers – snappers, groupers, and when they're running, amberjack and b-liners too. The boat takes up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Choose from an early bird 6 AM start or sleep in for the 1 PM trip. Don't sweat the gear – your license, tackle, and bait are all covered. Just remember to pack some water, non-spray sunscreen, and shades. A few beers are cool, but leave the hard stuff and glass at home. Keep in mind, some fish might be catch-and-release depending on the regs. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying offshore for the first time, the crew at Unorthodox Charters will get you on the fish and show you the ropes of Gulf bottom fishing.

World-Class Offshore Fishing in Panama City, FL

Gulf Bottom Bounty

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Big bites and calm Gulf water in Panama City FL

Hooked up and smiling in Panama City FL

7 Cero Mackerel and Bluefish caught during fishing tours in Panama City

Gulf Coast Mackerel action in Panama City FL

Reel in the Big Ones: Panama City FL Offshore

Get ready to battle some serious fish on this full-day offshore adventure out of Panama City. We're talking about a 6-hour trip that'll have you dropping lines for some of the Gulf's most prized catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to land some impressive fish. We'll be targeting the reef dwellers that make Florida's offshore waters famous - snappers, groupers, and when the season's right, those hard-fighting amberjacks.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off from the docks early, with two trip options to fit your schedule - a sunrise special kicking off at 6 AM or an afternoon run starting at 1 PM. The boat's set up to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Don't sweat the small stuff - your fishing license, all the gear you'll need, and bait are included in your booking. Just remember to pack some non-spray sunblock (we don't want any slick spots on deck), your shades, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. And if you want to crack a cold one while you're out there, go for it - just leave the hard stuff and glass bottles at home.

Techniques for Offshore Success

We'll be doing some serious bottom fishing on this trip. That means dropping baits down to where the big boys hang out near structure and reefs. We'll set you up with heavy-duty rods and reels, spooled with strong line to handle the pressure when a big grouper decides to head back to its hole. You'll learn the feel of a bite transmitted up the line and how to set the hook with authority. Be ready for some arm-burning action - these fish don't come up easy! We might mix it up with some drift fishing too, letting the current do the work as we present baits to fish holding over productive spots.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf. They put up a great fight and taste even better. Red snappers love structure and can grow to impressive sizes - we're talking 20-30 pounders! The bite is typically best in the warmer months, but regulations can be strict, so we'll make sure you're up to date on what we can keep.

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Gags are known for their powerful first run - when they hit, hold on tight because they're heading straight for cover. They can top 50 pounds and put even experienced anglers to the test. Fall is prime time for gags, but we catch them year-round.

Greater Amberjack: We call 'em "reef donkeys" for a reason. Amberjacks are like the offensive linemen of the sea - big, strong, and ready to wear you out. They school up around deep wrecks and reefs, and when they're in season, they're a top target for anglers looking for a serious workout. The fight with a 40+ pound AJ is something you won't forget.

Skipjack Tuna: These speedsters might be on the smaller side compared to their tuna cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Skipjacks are fast, acrobatic, and travel in schools. When we find them, it's often non-stop action that'll have everyone on board hollering with excitement.

Redfish: While we're primarily fishing offshore, sometimes we'll cross paths with schools of bull reds. These copper-colored fighters are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. They put up a stubborn fight and can reach impressive sizes in the open Gulf. Landing a big red is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Panama City's offshore waters are a fish-filled playground that keeps anglers coming back for more. The diversity of species means you never know what might end up on the end of your line. One minute you could be reeling up a tasty snapper, the next you're locked in battle with a goliath grouper (which we'll have to release, but what a thrill!). The camaraderie on board, the salty breeze, and the chance to bring home some of the best-eating fish in the sea - it all adds up to an experience that's hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and test your skills against some of the Gulf's finest, this is your chance. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hands and we're all about making sure you have a safe, fun, and productive day on the water. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sun hat, your sense of adventure, and let's go make some fishing memories in the beautiful waters off Panama City!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are one of our hardest-fighting bottom fish. Adults average 2-3 feet and 20-30 pounds, hanging around rocky reefs and ledges in 60-250 foot depths. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure. Gags bite best in cooler months from fall through spring. Their fight is what makes them fun - they'll try to drag you into the rocks, so keep your rod tip up and reel fast. Live bait like pinfish works great, or try slow-pitch jigging. The meat is excellent, with a mild, sweet flavor. One tip: when you feel that first thump, reel quick and lift your rod to pull them away from their hole. Otherwise they'll wrap you up before you know it. Always check the regs, as seasons can be short for these guys.

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjack, or AJs, are bruisers of the offshore reefs. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 150-300 feet. Spring and fall are best, as they move deeper in summer. AJs are known for brutal fights - be ready for screaming runs and dogged endgame. Live blue runners or speedjigs work well. Their firm, white meat is great grilled or blackened. One tip: when you hook up, get the fish moving up fast. If you let them run, they'll wrap you in the wreck every time. Crank hard and pray your arms hold out. Always check the regs, as seasons can be short. But pound-for-pound, these are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the Gulf.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are prized catches in our Gulf waters. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though big ones can hit 35 pounds. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 100-300 foot depths. They put up a strong fight and taste great, with a mild, nutty flavor. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action in summer. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right on the structure. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work well. Watch out for their initial run - they'll try to break you off in the rocks. Get 'em up quick and you'll have some tasty fillets for dinner. Just remember size and bag limits can change, so check the regs before your trip.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 3-10 pounds in the bays, but big bulls over 20 pounds show up in fall. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising oyster bars and dock pilings. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch them year-round. They put up a great fight on light tackle and taste excellent. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in clear water is a rush. Use live shrimp or small crabs, or try gold spoons and soft plastics. One trick: on calm days, look for their copper-colored backs pushing a wake in skinny water. Cast ahead of them and hang on - that first run is something else. Remember, there's a slot limit, so check the regs before keeping any.

Skipjack Tuna

Skipjack are fast, hard-fighting tuna that school up in our offshore waters. They average 2-3 feet and 10-20 pounds, but can hit 40 pounds. Look for them in open water, often with birds working above. They like warm water, so summer and early fall are prime. These fish are pure muscle and will smoke your drag. Light tackle makes for a fun fight. Troll small lures or live bait at 6-8 knots to find the schools. Once you do, casting poppers or metal jigs into the frenzy is a blast. The meat is dark and strong-flavored, great for smoking or sushi. Pro tip: when you see them busting on top, run up, cut the engines, and cast. The commotion of the boat often draws them in close for some crazy topwater action.

About the Unorthodox

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for an awesome day of fishing in Panama City? Hop aboard our comfy charter boat for 6 hours of non-stop action targeting some of the Gulf's tastiest catches. We'll cruise out to prime offshore spots where you can drop lines for snapper, grouper, and seasonal favorites like amberjack. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our experienced crew will show you the ropes and help you reel in the big ones. We provide all the gear, bait, and even your fishing license, so just bring yourself, some sunscreen, and cold drinks. Choose from morning or afternoon trips to fit your schedule. Fair warning: once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked! Some fish may need to be released due to regulations, but there's plenty of action to go around. Gather up to 5 friends and get ready for a fun day on the water filled with fish tales and memorable catches.

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