Captain Black’s Fishing offers one of the best ranges of trips out there, in one of the best fishing areas in the world – the amazing waters around Panama City, FL. Captain John Black has been fishing since the age of 4, so you can rest assured that he’ll show you all of his secret spots and honey holes in the area.

Captain Black’s 40’ Buskens saltwater fishing boat is the perfect vessel for the range of trips he offers. Powered by a 320 HP Caterpillar engine, it comes with everything you will need on your fishing adventure. There are outriggers, a live bait tank, lures, and top quality tackle for a variety of techniques including light and heavy tackle, trolling, spinning and drift fishing.

Trips range from a quick 3 hours inshore trolling before work, to a 16-hour blue water odyssey targeting big game monsters such as Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Mahi Mahi. There’s an awesome selection of trips in between including the 10-hour “prospector” trip where you go scouring uncharted fishing waters for great new spots and the opportunity to name them yourself!

Capt. John runs a family-oriented business and welcomes anyone – young or old, novice or master – for some great fishing and fun times. He aims to impress with his amazing trips and vast wealth of local knowledge and experience.

All trips include ice, bait, and licenses for everyone on board. His boat is also wheelchair accessible and very child-friendly. The captain operates a strict catch and release policy on all Billfish. Please give the captain a call or text the day before to verify your trip, and receive any last-minute instructions.

Join Captain Black’s Fishing and explore some of the most productive waters in this part of the world for an amazing fishing experience!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Spring
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Apr 30
    $900
    Go trolling for a variety of pelagic fish! You'll use artificial lures or live bait when available to reel in Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and more, depending on the season.
  • Private trip
    4hr near shore spring trolling
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 10:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - May 31
    $900
    We will be in the near shore, golf or bay waters, trolling for species, such as Spanish mackerel, bluefish, etc. It’s a fishing time on this trip. Generally good results.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
  • Private trip
    4hr Spring Trolling
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:30 PM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - May 31
    $900
    Trolling for such species as Spanish mackeral, King, mackeral, bluefish, etc.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Summer I
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 31
    $1,000
    Go trolling for a variety of pelagic fish! You'll use artificial lures or live bait when available to reel in Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and more, depending on the season.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Midday Reef Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - May 31
    $1,440
    The 6-hour trip will take you bottom fishing for Red Snapper and other reef fish.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Morning Reef Spring
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - May 31
    $1,440
    The 6-hour trip will take you bottom fishing on the area's closest live and artificial reefs for Red Snapper, Jack, King, Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper, and more! Departure also possible at 6:00 a.m.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Morning Reef Summer
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 31
    $1,500
    The 6-hour trip will take you bottom fishing on the area's closest live and artificial reefs for Red Snapper, Jack, King, Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper, and more! Departure also possible at 6:00 a.m.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing Spring
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - May 31
    $1,920
    The crew's 8-hour trip allows for extended fishing time and the ability to fish a variety of spots. These may include natural bottom reefs or artificial man-made structures. Dead and live bait are common on these trips and a broad variety of fish can be caught.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing Summer
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 31
    $2,000
    The crew's 8-hour trip allows for extended fishing time and the ability to fish a variety of spots. These may include natural bottom reefs or artificial man-made structures. Dead and live bait are common on these trips and a broad variety of fish can be caught.
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip – The Prospector Sprin
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - May 1
    $2,400
    The captain loves looking for new spots and a couple of hours of this trip are specifically dedicated to finding and trying new spots. The value is that you never know what you are going to catch. You'll have a chance to reel in some incredible fish on this trip and if you happen to nail a great catch, the captain will allow you to name it!
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip – The Prospector (Sum)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Mar 1 - May 31
    $2,500
    The Captain loves looking for new spots and a couple of hours of this trip are specifically dedicated to finding and trying new spots. The value is that you never know what you are going to catch. You'll have a chance to reel in some incredible fish on this trip and if you happen to nail a great catch, the Captain May even allow you to name it!
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Trip – The Hunt Spring
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Apr 30
    $2,880
    Twelve hours allows you and the crew to extend your range and possibilities. The likes to mix things up on this trip and expose you to as many types of fish as possible, or just focus on something you have always wanted to catch. Some exceptional catches are possible on this trip and many have had their fish of a lifetime caught.
  • Private trip
    12 Hour Trip – The Hunt Summer
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    12 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 31
    $3,000
    Twelve hours allows you and the crew to extend your range and possibilities. The likes to mix things up on this trip and expose you to as many types of fish as possible, or just focus on something you have always wanted to catch. Some exceptional catches are possible on this trip and many have had their fish of a lifetime caught.
  • Private trip
    14 Hour Trip – Deep Water Spring
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    14 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Apr 30
    $3,360
    Did you ever want to fish really deep water? This Trip travels to the deepest waters we fish on bottom. By going to this depth of water fishing pressure is lower and great catches are had. You should experience this once in your life.
  • Private trip
    14 Hour Trip – Deep Water
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    14 Hour Trip, starts at 4:00 AM
    $3,500
    Did you ever want to fish really deep water? This Trip travels to the deepest waters we fish on bottom. By going to this depth of water fishing pressure is lower and great catches are had. You should experience this once in your life.
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FAQs about Captain Black’s Fishing

Captain Black’s Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • $900 per group - 4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Spring (4 hours)
  • $900 per group - 4hr near shore spring trolling (4 hours)
  • $900 per group - 4hr Spring Trolling (4 hours)
  • $1,000 per group - 4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Summer I (4 hours)
  • $1,440 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Midday Reef Trip (6 hours)
  • $1,440 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Morning Reef Spring (6 hours)
  • $1,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip – Morning Reef Summer (6 hours)
  • $1,920 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing Spring (8 hours)
  • $2,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing Summer (8 hours)
  • $2,400 per group - 10 Hour Trip – The Prospector Sprin (10 hours)
  • $2,500 per group - 10 Hour Trip – The Prospector (Sum) (10 hours)
  • $2,880 per group - 12 Hour Trip – The Hunt Spring (12 hours)
  • $3,000 per group - 12 Hour Trip – The Hunt Summer (12 hours)
  • $3,360 per group - 14 Hour Trip – Deep Water Spring (14 hours)
  • $3,500 per group - 14 Hour Trip – Deep Water (14 hours)

When you book a trip with Captain Black’s Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS Furuno/Northstar
  • Fishfinder Furuno
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen
  • Multimedia System
  • Ice Box
  • Radar Furuno

Trips booked with Captain Black’s Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License

Captain Black’s Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing

Captain Black’s Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Captain Black’s Fishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grouper (Scamp)
  • Redfish
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Shark (Tiger)
  • Snapper (Lane)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)

About the Charter Operator

Captain Black's Fishing
Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
19 Fishing Reports
ID & License verified
115 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2016
I began fishing at the age of 4. My parents were avid anglers and took me to the water every day during the summer months. My older sister also took me fishing, as I was a total addict. I have always had an appreciation for the experience of fishing and being there either alone or with people I wish to share my passion with. I have fished this area for 48 years and it has been a pure joy because you never know what is going to swim up to you. I would love to share my experience and help you make some memories with your family and friends. I always strive to treat each trip as though I were taking my friends and family fishing.

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper
Grouper (Scamp) Scamp Grouper

Boat specs

Buskens (Saltwater fishing) originally built in 1994, and restored in 2020. Powered by a 320HP Caterpillar engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 18 knots.

Length
40 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Fishing techniques

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

Amenities

Toilet
Air Conditioning
Fighting Chair
GPS
Furuno/Northstar
Fishfinder
Furuno
Bed

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
First Mate
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No Smoking
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory
All Billfish
Disabled Accessible

Payment

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

Panama City Beach Fishing Calendar

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Recent Fishing Reports

Black Magic on the fish!
Black Magic on the fish!
May 9, 2023
Captain Blacks Fishing and the "Black Magic" run by Jacob Goodroe hits pay dirt with a nice catch of Spanish Mackerel! A 4 hour trolling trip that occurs in primarily calm waters for these very tasty fish.
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 79 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (101)
6 hour trip
Great day of catching
Fishing with John
+98
Angler Rating
68
6
1
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Catch intended fish
93%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 79 reviews
Jamie P.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hour trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Midday Reef Trip on July 26, 2022
Couldn’t have been happier with this fishing trip.  Expect to spend about half trolling for the big fish and the other half...
Jamie P. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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David P.
Rossville, GA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

8 Hours with Captain Black

VERIFIED   8 Hour Trip – Reef Fishing Summer on July 14, 2022
We had booked an eight hour trip from the website with no problem.  We arrived early for our departure and Captain Black was...
David P. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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Les L.
Birmingham, AL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 hour trolling trip with Captain Black

VERIFIED   4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Summer I on June 17, 2022
Captain Black tried his hardest to fulfill my request of finding some Mahi to check one off my bucket list, unfortunately the...
Les L. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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  Captain Black's Fishing Charter Operator replied

Jason D.
Cartersville, Georgia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic Captain & Crew

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip – Morning Reef Summer on June 5, 2022
We did a 6-hour trip with Captain Black and his deck hand Tyler.  They are the absolute best and did not disappoint.  Our...
Jason D. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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Jason D. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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Cody B.
Oblong, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Black trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour–Nearshore Trolling Summer I on August 10, 2022
Captain Blacks crew was very knowledgeable and extremely nice.  They made our family trip very enjoyable and we will for...
Cody B. recommends Captain Black’s Fishing
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