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.

The weather this week wasn’t very cooperative, but Steve still made sure we had an awesome time. He even changed our trip to a different day so we could get out on the water. His knowledge of the gulf was impressive. He knew exactly where to find the fish, and we were reeling them in one after another. If you’re looking for a guide who goes the extra mile and knows how to put you on fish, I highly recommend Steve.

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!

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.

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!!!!