Looking for an enjoyable, relaxing day on the water in the Santa Rosa Beach/30A/Panama City Beach area? Bluewater-Charter offers inshore and nearshore trips to suit your needs.

These waters are known for, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Red Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Gray Triggerfish, and more – with any luck, it won’t take long to hook into some. You’ll target your catch by light tackle fishing, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Looking to get the whole family outdoors? Kids are absolutely welcome! If you don’t have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there’s one on board. Also, remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty belly!

You’ll be dropping lines from a 21’ Key West center console with a capacity for 4 passengers. It comes with downriggers and all the essentials. Capt. Stephen has rods and reels for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but you should ask the captain whether you’ll be catching it yourself.

There’s no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more. Don’t leave home without sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Bluewater-Charter will make it easy for you to go fishing in the Panama City Beach area, just contact them below!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Spring Break Special Afternoon
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Apr 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $400
    Spring Break season is when the Spanish Mackerel arrive for some fun, fast paced trolling action in the Bay and Pass. Trips fill up fast this time of year so it is never to early to book yours!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
  • Private trip
    Spring Break Special Mid Day
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Apr 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $400
    Spring Break season is when the Spanish Mackerel arrive for some fun, fast paced trolling action in the Bay and Pass. Trips fill up fast this time of year so it is never to early to book yours!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
  • Private trip
    Spring Break Special morning
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - Apr 15
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $400
    Spring Break season is when the Spanish Mackerel arrive for some fun, fast paced trolling action in the Bay and Pass. Trips fill up fast this time of year so it is never to early to book yours!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
  • Private trip
    Fall Captains Choice Special
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Dec 1
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $550
    Some of the best fishing of the year is after the summer crowds are long gone. During the transition to cooler weather a number of target species are available and the fishing can be on fire. The Captains Choice allows us to put together a trip for you based on the best available bite at the time of your visit. Contact us and get your trip on the schedule now!!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Triggerfish (Gray)
    Gray Triggerfish
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $600
    Thos trip is for those anglers looking for calmer waters. We will typically fish in St. Andrews Bay or the Choctawhatchee Bay and target Redfish, Trout as well as some smaller reef fish, depending on the season.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    4hr Near Shore Bottom Afternoon
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    Depending on the season these trips will include bottom fishing near shore reefs and wrecks for a variety of species of Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper and Amberjack.
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Cobia
    Cobia
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Jack (Almaco)
    Almaco Jack
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Snapper (Lane)
    Lane Snapper
  • Private trip
    4hr Near Shore Bottom Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    Depending on the season these trips will include bottom fishing near shore reefs and wrecks for a variety of species of Snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper and Amberjack.
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Cobia
    Cobia
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Jack (Almaco)
    Almaco Jack
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Snapper (Lane)
    Lane Snapper
  • Private trip
    4hr Nearshore Trolling Afternoon
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    This is a seasonal trip where we will troll near shore for Spanish Mackerel in April, King Mackerel from April-September. Although not as common, it is possible to pick up a Cobia, Wahoo or occasional Sailfish while on this type of trip. This is a seasonal trip. Most start times and trip lengths may be adjusted to suit your schedule. Dont see a trip that works for you?! Contact us and let us know what you are looking to do.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    4hr Nearshore Trolling Morning
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    This is a seasonal trip where we will troll near shore for Spanish Mackerel in April, King Mackerel from April-September. Although not as common, it is possible to pick up a Cobia, Wahoo or occasional Sailfish while on this type of trip. This is a seasonal trip. Most start times and trip lengths may be adjusted to suit your schedule. Dont see a trip that works for you?! Contact us and let us know what you are looking to do.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Captains Choice
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $750
    Late summer and early fall are prime for big Amberjack and Triggerfish as the main bottom species. Nearshore trolling for Big Kings, Mahi and Spanish are is still hot this time of year as well. This trip will include a little of both types of fishing!
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Triggerfish (Gray)
    Gray Triggerfish
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Nearshore Trolling/Bottom
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $900
    Combination of trolling and bottom fishing. Some fishing inside the jetties and pass are also a possibility with this trip. We will troll for Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel in the early spring and summer. Cobia show up in the spring and are a possibility as well. Bottom fishing around the nearshore reefs and wrecks will produce a variety of Snapper, Triggerfish, Amberjack and Cobia. The season often dictates what species are available and/or in season.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Trolling
    Targeted fish
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Triggerfish (Gray)
    Gray Triggerfish
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 30 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (25)
Fantastic Family Trip
Fantastic Family Trip
First ocean fishing experience!
+22
Angler rating
30
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
97%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 30 reviews
Jon B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Family Trip

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Inshore on September 7, 2024
My wife, son (10), and I booked the 4hr captain choice. The weather was looking bad up to the moment of the trip and then opened...
Jon B. recommends Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

Craig S.
Lutz, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day w/ Capt Stephen

4hr Near Shore Bottom Fishing on January 27, 2024
I was on a business trip last weekend and and had only enough time to do a half day (whish I had more time to do a full day)....
Craig S. recommends Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

Nga T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What an amazing first time chartering!

VERIFIED   Summer Kickoff Special on June 5, 2024
We had an amazing time chartering with Captain Stephen. He took it nice and slow since it was out very first charter. We had...
Nga T. recommends Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

John O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip and great Captain

VERIFIED   4hr Nearshore Trolling Morning on June 3, 2024
Captain Stephen took us to several spots to catch a variety of fish for a fun half day of fishing. He was a great Captain for...
John O. recommends Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

Grace S.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip with Captain Steve

4 Hour Inshore combo trip on March 24, 2024
Our fishing trip with Captain Steve was the best charter experience I have ever had!  The professionalism and knowledgeable...
Grace S. recommends Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

FAQs about Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A

Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - Spring Break Special Afternoon (3 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Spring Break Special Mid Day (3 hours)
  • US $400 per group - Spring Break Special morning (3 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Fall Captains Choice Special (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Inshore (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4hr Near Shore Bottom Afternoon (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4hr Near Shore Bottom Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4hr Nearshore Trolling Afternoon (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4hr Nearshore Trolling Morning (4 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Captains Choice (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 6 Hour Nearshore Trolling/Bottom (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A 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 (Cleaning and filleting available)
  • Fishing License (Fishing license provided for your trip)

Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A 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

Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Bluewater-Charter PCB/30A include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Meet the Captain

Stephen Hess
Panama City, Florida, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
31 Customer reviews
Response time 1 hour
Member since June 2023
Check us out at Bluewater Charter PCB/30A and Bluewater Charter Inshore. Captain Stephen grew up fishing the Coastal waters of Virginia and North Carolinas Outer Banks, spent 20 years chasing Trophy Stripers in Tennessee and now call the inland and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico home.
Our Team
Wayde Z.
Captain

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper

Boat specs

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
21 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

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

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
Cleaning and filleting available
Fishing License
Fishing license provided for your trip

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Children are welcome! Typically recommend the shorter 4 hour trips.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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.

Panama City Fishing Calendar

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