Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice eager to cast your first line, deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach (PCB) offers an experience like no other. With crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and expert fishing charters, PCB is a top destination for anglers of all skill levels looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

👉 Wondering what it might cost?  Check out our full guide on How Much a Deep Sea Fishing Trip Costs to learn about pricing, trip types, and how to get the best value.

Why Choose Charter Fishing?

Charter fishing provides several advantages over traditional shore fishing:

• Expert Guidance: You’re guided by experienced captains and crews who know where the fish are biting, what techniques to use, and how to navigate the Gulf safely. They’ll help you maximize your chances of success while keeping the experience fun and stress-free.

• Access to Prime Locations: Offshore reefs, wrecks, and deep-sea canyons are inaccessible from the shore, but a charter takes you straight to the action.

• Top-Quality Equipment: Charters supply professional-grade rods, reels, bait, and tackle—perfectly suited for local fish species and saving you the cost and hassle of bringing your own gear.

• Comfort & Safety: Boats feature shaded seating, restrooms, life vests, air conditioning, and other safety gear. Even beginners can relax and enjoy the ride knowing they're in good hands.

Types of Charter Fishing in Panama City Beach

• Trolling: This method involves dragging baited lines behind the boat while cruising through the water. It's commonly used during the transit to and from fishing spots and is effective for catching fast-swimming pelagic fish such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, and bonito. Trolling is a fun and active way to fish that can yield exciting strikes while enjoying the scenery.

• Deep Sea Fishing: Head miles offshore into the open Gulf where the waters run deep and the fish run big. Target species include king mackerel, wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, and snapper. Trolling and bottom fishing are common techniques used in deep sea fishing.

• Inshore Fishing: Fish calmer waters near the coastline and bays. Ideal for families and those prone to seasickness. Target redfish, sheepshead, flounder, and speckled trout using light tackle.

• Bottom Fishing: A form of deep sea fishing that involves dropping lines to the ocean floor over reefs and wrecks to target species like red snapper, grouper, amberjack, and vermilion snapper. It's one of the most rewarding methods for catching strong, bottom-dwelling fish.

Seasonal Fishing Calendar

Knowing when to visit PCB can impact your fishing results:

• Spring (March–May): King mackerel, amberjack, triggerfish

• Summer (June–August): Red snapper season opens, mahi-mahi, shark, bonito

• Fall (September–November): Grouper, king mackerel, amberjack

• Winter (December–February): Sheepshead, black sea bass, redfish

Always check seasonal closures and regulations before booking your trip.

Choosing the Right Deep Sea Fishing Charter

There are multiple ways to experience deep sea fishing in PCB:

• Party Boats: Large boats with many people fishing at once. Low cost, less personal service, suitable for casual anglers.

• Private Charters: Book the entire boat for your group. Best for personalized service, families, celebrations, and those wanting peace and space.

• Split Trips: Share a private boat with another small group to split the cost without sacrificing the experience.

• Trip Length:
• 4-Hour Trips: Nearshore, trolling only. Fast-paced fun, ideal for kids and first-timers.
• 6-Hour Trips: Add bottom fishing to trolling. Reach more productive fishing spots.
• 8-Hour Trips: More time for targeting larger reef species and traveling further offshore.
• Overnight Trips: Sleep onboard and fish remote waters at sunrise and sunset for an epic adventure.

• Group Size: Consider boat type and licensing. Six-pack boats are limited to 6 guests. Reel Groovy’s 43’ vessel can carry up to 18 passengers under a federal permit.

Family-Friendly Deep-Sea Fishing

Fishing is a great bonding activity for families. With calm weather, smooth seas, and hands-on guidance from the crew, even young children can reel in their first fish. Parents can relax knowing the boat is safe, and kids love the excitement of seeing fish up close.

Bring snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, and prepare for laughs, high-fives, and lifelong memories.

Reel Groovy Experiences: What Sets Us Apart

At Reel Groovy Experiences, we combine professionalism with a laid-back vibe to create an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you're new to fishing or an avid angler, we tailor the experience to your comfort level and goals.

• Federally licensed to carry up to 18 passengers

• Experienced, friendly crew focused on safety, service, and FUN

• Flexible booking with private and split charter options

• Trips customized for sightseeing, dolphin watching, or sunset cruising upon request

Trip Options & What to Expect

Every trip over 4 hours includes trolling on the way out and back plus bottom fishing at the reef or wreck. You get a dynamic fishing experience with more opportunities to catch a variety of species.

• 4-Hour Nearshore Trolling Trip: Spanish mackerel, bonito, kingfish — fun and fast-paced

• 6-Hour Offshore Combo: Troll and bottom fish for snapper, triggerfish, kingfish

• 8-Hour Deep Sea Trip: Add time for grouper, amberjack, and mahi-mahi

• Overnight Expedition: Fish remote areas for trophy catches; perfect for hardcore anglers

• Shark Fishing: Day or night, exciting and unique

• Night Fishing: Cooler temps, less sun, and often more action. 👉 Read our full guide to night fishing in Panama City Beach

• Custom Charters: Combine fishing with sunset cruises or wildlife watching

What’s Included

• Captain Gary Ray Stanfill and a professional first mate

• Fishing licenses for all guests

• All bait, tackle, and rods provided

• Assistance with baiting hooks and handling fish

• Coolers and ice for drinks and your catch

• Live bait option: $10/person (cash or online add-on)

• Fish cleaning available at Captain Anderson’s Marina (small per-pound fee)

Boat Amenities

• Air-conditioned cabin with cushioned bench seating

• Shaded back deck for fishing comfort

• Private restroom onboard

• Live well to keep bait fresh

• Bluetooth speaker system so you can play your music

• U.S. Coast Guard safety-certified equipment

Preparing for Your Trip

• What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, small cooler with drinks/snacks, camera

• Motion Sickness: Take Dramamine or Bonine the night before and again the morning of your trip

• BYOB-Friendly: Alcohol permitted, drink responsibly

• Tipping: It’s customary to tip your crew. 18–20% is standard for excellent service.

What Our Guests Say

Ashley: "Captain Gary and deck hand Casey were nothing short of amazing. My family of 8 had the best experience on our 8 hour charter! We will definitely be booking with these guys again! My entire family hasn't stopped laughing and talking about how much fun we had while on our trip. We charter out of PCB every year and this was definitely one of our best experiences."

Book Your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure Today

Whether you want to fight big game fish offshore or introduce your kids to their first catch, Reel Groovy Experiences is ready to give you a legendary day on the water. With flexible options, knowledgeable crew, and a well-equipped boat, we’ll help you make the most of your time in Panama City Beach.

📅 Book your trip now and let Captain Gary Ray and crew show you why our guests come back year after year!

💡 Want to better understand trip pricing and what affects the cost of your charter?  👉 Read our full guide: How Much Does a Deep Sea Fishing Trip Cost

🎣 Ready to plan your adventure? Visit our Deep Sea Fishing page for detailed trip options, pricing, and easy online booking.