Bluewatercharter30a/PCB 

4.9/5 (120 reviews)
Recent reports
 
State licensed
 Maple Avenue 407, Panama City, FL 32401, United States

Bluewatercharter30a/PCB 

Up to 9 miles
Panama City, FL, United States
22 ft
4
4.9/5 (120 reviews)

Bluewatercharter30a!! We have simplified our trip menu so you don’t have to scroll through an endless list of options. Additional start times are available on most trips, just message before booking if you would prefer an earlier or later start time and we can adjust based on your schedule. Also, trip transparency and realistic expectations are very important so please read the trip description and make sure that is the trip you are looking for. If you are not sure, message me and i will typically respond promptly. The Captains Choice trips are highly recommended because we can target the best available bite for your particular trip.
For those staying in the 30a area the drive to the PCB area is well worth it. We typically have lines in the water within 20-30 minutes on most trips so you spend more time fishing and less time on a boat ride!
PLEASE NOTE: Red Snapper season opens May 22 and runs through July 31. IF you wish to target Red Snapper, a 5 or 6 hour trip is recommended to do so. The 4 hour trip can produce some Red Snapper early in the season, but this trip does not allow us to get down shore and out far enough to target these fish specifically!

Bluewatercharter30a!! We have simplified our trip menu so you don’t have to scroll through an endless list of options. Additional start times are available on most trips, just message before booking if you would prefer an earlier or later start time and we can adjust based on your schedule. Also, trip transparency and realistic expectations are very important so please read the trip description and make sure that is the trip you are looking for. If you are not sure, message me and i will typically respond promptly. The Captains Choice trips are highly recommended because we can target the best available bite for your particular trip.
For those staying in the 30a area the drive to the PCB area is well worth it. We typically have lines in the water within 20-30 minutes on most trips so you spend more time fishing and less time on a boat ride!
PLEASE NOTE: Red Snapper season opens May 22 and runs through July 31. IF you wish to target Red Snapper, a 5 or 6 hour trip is recommended to do so. The 4 hour trip can produce some Red Snapper early in the season, but this trip does not allow us to get down shore and out far enough to target these fish specifically!

Stephen Hess
Captain
Stephen Hess
11 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
3 Hour Family Saltwater 101
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
+4
US $525
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Inshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM)
Seabass (Black)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
+6
US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Bottom Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Red)
Triggerfish (Gray)
+2
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Bottom/Trolling Combination
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Snapper (Mangrove)
+4
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Captains Choice
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM)
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Captains Choice
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $875
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Captains Choice
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $1,050
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Captains Choice
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+6
US $1,450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
120 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (161)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (120)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 120 reviews
Greg Boland
Greg Boland
Member since 2026
5.0
New
Inshore Redfish
4 Hour Captains Choice on July 10, 2026

Captain Steve put us on huge Redfish on the first cast. We continued to catch 20+ lb bulls all morning. He is extremely knowledgeable and a great guy. He is all about making sure his guests have a great time and that they catch lots of fish, regardless of level of fishing experience. We will be back soon for another great day of fishing. We highly recommend heading out for a day with Steve. Greg and Deanna

Reported catch:
Redfish
Stephen Hess
Response from Captain

Thank you my friend!

Jennifer Glasscock
Jennifer Glasscock
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great trip!
3 Hour Family Time Trip Trolling on March 7, 20262 adults

My wife and I had an absolute blast! Captain Stephen went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of and having a great time from start to finish. We were catching endless snapper, grouper, sea bass, and triggerfish—the action never stopped. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we actually came back a few days later for a second trip! If you’re looking for a captain who knows the water and makes sure everyone on the boat is having a blast, this is your guy. We’ll definitely be back next season!

Reported catch:
Vermilion Snapper
Red Grouper
Gray Triggerfish
Stephen Hess
Response from Captain

Thank you!! I had a great time with you guys and I sincerely appreciate you. I will be checking in on you guys and your baby girl in August!!

Kyle Marsanick
Kyle Marsanick
us
Missouri, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend!
4hr Captains Choice - 11:00 AM on January 29, 20262 adults

We took a trip out with captain Steve Hess in Panama City beach, with little expectations since it's been no higher than 45 with below freezing at night,and 58 deg water temp. We had been waiting for a calm day so we could get out since there since we got hear last Saturday. So as we pulled out of the harbor Captain Steve put the hammer down and we cruised at 40 mph to his first spot. 1st drop from Tara and I both resulted in 2 large trigger fish , GAME ON. If we didn't catch 1 or even two at a time every drop to 70ft of water we were robbed of bait and had to reel them up and rebait. We ended up catching so many it started to get old, so off we went to the next spot and we caught either red snapper or red grouper and more triggers evey drop again . Off to the next spot were we we looking for some smaller fish to use for livebait,and again Every drop ended with about 30 Vermillion snapper back to back to back. I was wanting to go out further and go to an amberjack spot, hooked up one 10in. snapper and 5oz of lead and a 4/0 circle hook. The first drop to 80ft he was explaining to me how they bite and I said like this? FISH ON again 1st drop, we'll it broke off, 2nd drop FISH ON again, this one pulled off just as we saw color. Now I'm bummed losing 2 big fish, 3rd drop FISH ON this time we got it in and when I said we, I mean the Captain had to grab the rod tip so it wouldn't break the rod. He says they're not called reef donkeys for no reason. They pull like a Amish mule. 30lb amberjack Long story short I have never had a trip like this before, what a blast!!! Thanks to Captain Steve for creating a more than memorable trip.

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Amberjack
Red Grouper
Gray Triggerfish
+1
Stephen Hess
Response from Captain

Thank you my friend! I had a great time with you guys and I sincerely appreciate the kind words and the fact that you chose to book with me. Hopefully we get the chance to donit again someday. Maybe i can meet you in Tennessee and put you on sime of those big Stripers!

Robert Bridges
Robert Bridges
Repeat angler
us
Iowa, US
Member since 2022
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Fishing Trip With Capt. Stephen
3 Hour Family Time Trip Trolling on October 7, 20253 adults

Great fishing trip with my daughter and her boyfriend. We did some off shore ocean trolling and some bay fishing. We caught a nice 31" King Mackrel which fed the whole family. We also caught a variety of smaller fish and a small shark that were no keepers. Great day on the boat! Capt. Stephen was great. Very knowledgeable, helpful an fun. Easily the best Captain we have had Gulf Coast fishing. I would highly recommend him for family type 2-3 hour trips-like ours. Also he is quite experienced-so if you like full day off shore fishing, I'm sure he would be great at that also.

Reported catch:
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Stephen Hess
Response from Captain

Thank you very much! I enjoyed spending some time on the water with you all and I appreciate you!!

Molly Mazur
Molly Mazur
Member since 2025
5.0
Combo Tour with Captain steve!!!
4hr Couples Trip on August 11, 2025

This fishing trip was an absolute blast! When looking to book for my family of 4 (2 kids 9,13) I had multiple questions and before even booking Steve was so nice and took time out to call and answer the many questions and was looking forward to talking fish with my youngest. We weren't sure about weather leading up and he stayed in continual contact incase there was a problem luckily we were able to get out there. When it comes to his kindness and patience with enthusiastic kids he has phenomenal! I would absolutely come back and recommend him to everyone! Extremely knowledgeable, nice, safe and patient with everyone! If its for adults or especially families he is my #1 recommendation! Thank you Captaon Steve!!!!

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+1
Stephen Hess
Response from Captain

Thank you so much! I had a blast with you guys and I look forward to having the opportunity to hang out with you all again!

FAQs about Bluewatercharter30a/PCB

Bluewatercharter30a/PCB offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Family Saltwater 101 (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Family Saltwater 101 - 8:00 AM (3 hours)
  • US $525 per group - 3 Hour Family Saltwater 101 - 9:00 AM (3 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Inshore - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom Fishing - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom Fishing - 8:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom/Trolling Combination (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom/Trolling Combination - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Bottom/Trolling Combination - 8:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Captains Choice (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Captains Choice - 7:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Captains Choice - 8:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $875 per group - 5 Hour Captains Choice (5 hours)
  • US $1,050 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - 6 Hour Captains Choice (6 hours)
  • US $1,450 per group - 8 Hour Captains Choice (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Bluewatercharter30a/PCB, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Bluewatercharter30a/PCB include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (We typically will not spend charter time fishing for live bait. Live bait may be purchased at a small additional charge and added to the final cost)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Availabe at no charge, but tips accepted!)
  • Fishing license (Fishing license provided for your trip)
Bluewatercharter30a/PCB offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (St. Andrews Bay and Choctawatchee Bay)
  • Nearshore fishing (State licensed boat to 9 miles out)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
Bluewatercharter30a/PCB offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle (Lost rods/reels are charged to customer)
  • Heavy tackle (Lost rod/reels are charged to customer)
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Bluewatercharter30a/PCB include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Your captain

Stephen Hess
Stephen Hess
Stephen Hess

Panama City, Florida, United States

16 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
120 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2023
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

My resume goes back to my youth fishing the Coastal waters or Virginia and North Carolina, to chasing trophy Stripers on the Cumberland River System in Tennessee. I have fished the Gulf since the early 1990's and am full time on the Emerald Coast these days. I am an old school fisherman using tried and true methods to catch fish here that we have used for years. Whether it's trolling for Kings and Mahi to bottom fishing for Amberjack, Grouper and a variety of Snappers, we have trips that will provide plenty of action.

Our Team
Stephen H.

Stephen H.

Captain

16 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
120 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2023
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

My resume goes back to my youth fishing the Coastal waters or Virginia and North Carolina, to chasing trophy Stripers on the Cumberland River System in Tennessee. I have fished the Gulf since the early 1990's and am full time on the Emerald Coast these days. I am an old school fisherman using tried and true methods to catch fish here that we have used for years. Whether it's trolling for Kings and Mahi to bottom fishing for Amberjack, Grouper and a variety of Snappers, we have trips that will provide plenty of action.

Our Team
Stephen H.

Stephen H.

Captain

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2023
Boat manufacturer
Key West
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
St. Andrews Bay and Choctawatchee Bay
Nearshore Fishing
State licensed boat to 9 miles out
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Lost rods/reels are charged to customer
Heavy Tackle
Lost rod/reels are charged to customer
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
We typically will not spend charter time fishing for live bait. Live bait may be purchased at a small additional charge and added to the final cost
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Availabe at no charge, but tips accepted!
Fishing license
Fishing license provided for your trip

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Children six and under MUST wear a life jacket!
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

 Checks

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Panama City right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Triggerfish (Gray)Triggerfish (Gray)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Bluewatercharter30a/PCB
Bluewatercharter30a/PCB
State licensed
4.9
(120)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $700

Recent fishing reports


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