Ready for a solid day on the water without the full-day commitment? Captain Jason Shingler's got you covered with this 6-hour inshore fishing charter out of Panama City Beach. You'll be casting lines just 15 minutes from the dock, giving you plenty of time to target some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. Whether you're after the acrobatic leaps of Mahi Mahi or the bulldogging fight of a big Red Snapper, this trip's got something for everyone. Bring your A-game and let's hit the water!
This isn't your average half-day trip - we're talking 6 full hours of prime fishing time. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be on the fish in no time. All the gear's provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just remember to pack your sun protection (trust me, the Florida sun doesn't mess around) and a good attitude. We'll be targeting a mix of inshore and nearshore species, so be ready for anything from the light-tackle finesse of trout fishing to the arm-burning runs of a big King Mackerel.
On this trip, we'll be using a variety of fishing techniques to put you on the fish. Depending on what's biting, we might start with some light tackle action for trout and redfish in the grass flats and oyster bars. As we move out to deeper water, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, or maybe even some trolling for kings and cobia. Captain Jason's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so don't be surprised if we mix things up to find the hot bite. The beauty of this 6-hour trip is we've got time to try different spots and methods until we dial in on what's working.
Panama City Beach is a year-round fishing destination, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, we've been crushing it with Mahi Mahi - these acrobatic fighters are always a crowd-pleaser. King Mackerel have been running strong too, providing some serious drag-screaming action. Red Snapper season is always a big draw, and for good reason - these tasty bottom-dwellers put up a great fight and make for some excellent table fare. Cobia, often called "man in the brown suit," have been showing up around structures and are known for their powerful runs. And let's not forget about the ever-reliable trout and redfish - these inshore staples are perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
King Mackerel: These speedsters of the Gulf are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Kings typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're most active in the warmer months and love to chase fast-moving baits. When a king hits, hold on tight - these fish can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds!
Sea Trout: A staple of inshore fishing, speckled trout are fun to catch and great to eat. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars. Trout have soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting these fish.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dolphinfish, these colorful pelagics are a summertime favorite. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and beautiful colors. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds inshore, and they're often found near floating debris or weed lines. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits and lures.
Cobia: These powerful fish are often called "crab eaters" due to their fondness for crustaceans. Cobia migrate through our waters in the spring and fall, often following large rays or hanging around structures. They're known for their strong initial runs and their tendency to circle the boat, making for an exciting fight.
Red Snapper: The poster child of Gulf bottom fishing, red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. They typically inhabit reefs and wrecks in deeper water. Snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's some of the best fishing you'll experience. These fish can grow to over 20 pounds and are known for their strong initial run towards the bottom.
If you're looking for a trip that gives you more time on the water without eating up your whole day, this 6-hour charter is the way to go. It's perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to maximize their fishing time. With Captain Jason's local knowledge and our fully-equipped boat, you're in for a day of top-notch fishing action. Remember, the early bird gets the worm (or in this case, the fish), so don't wait to book your spot. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and make some memories on the water!
Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are some of the most exciting fish to catch around here. These acrobatic fighters average 15-29 pounds but can get up to 50 pounds or more. Look for them near floating debris and weed lines in the warmer months. They're fast growers and quick to take a bait, making for non-stop action when you find a school. Anglers love mahi for their stunning colors, aerial displays when hooked, and excellent eating quality. To catch them, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, or casting jigs and live bait around floating structure. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others - mahi are curious and will often stay with their hooked buddies. The meat is mild and versatile in the kitchen, perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red snapper are prized catches in the Gulf, known for their brilliant red color and tasty white meat. These bottom-dwellers typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, though trophy fish can reach 35 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-600 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time, when they're spawning and most active. Anglers love targeting snappers not just for their excellent table fare, but also for the fight they put up - these fish will try to dive back to structure when hooked. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish. Here's a local tip: chum the water to get them fired up, then present your bait right in the feeding frenzy. Just watch the size limits and seasons - regulations can be strict on these popular fish.
Red snapper are prized catches down here, known for their brilliant color and tasty white meat. You'll typically find them 1-2 feet long, under 10 pounds, though trophies can hit 35 pounds plus. They hang around rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-600 feet. Late spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning and most active. Anglers love targeting them for the excellent table fare and the fight - these fish dive for cover when hooked. Use heavy tackle and bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish. Here's a local tip: chum to get them fired up, then drop your bait right in the frenzy. Just watch those strict size and season regulations. The delicious, flaky meat makes red snapper one of our most popular targets year after year.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These silver-sided fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in 3-15 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best fishing as they move into shallower water. Anglers love trout for their willingness to hit lures and tasty, flaky meat. To catch them, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Here's a pro tip: fish the moving tides, especially the first of the falling tide, when trout are most active feeding. When you find one, there's usually more - they often school up by size. Just be careful not to overcook them - the meat can get mushy if you're not paying attention at the grill.
Cobia are powerful fighters that'll test your gear and skills. These solitary fish average 6 feet long and 100 pounds when full-grown. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer is prime time as they migrate inshore to spawn. Sight fishing for cobia cruising just under the surface is a real thrill. Anglers target them for their aggressive strikes and excellent meat. To hook one, try drifting live eels or tossing big jigs and swim baits. A local trick is to look for rays - cobia often follow them hoping for an easy meal. When you hook up, be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. These fish put up an awesome fight all the way to the boat. Just make sure you've got a sturdy gaff to land the big ones safely.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150