Captain
Stephen Hess

Member since June 2023 Panama City, United States
Background
My love of Saltwater Fishing started in Virginia, growing up fishing the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia and North Carolina. My journey took me inland to the Cumberland River system in Tennessee where My son and I chased trophy Striped Bass for a number of years(see photos!!) before ultimately deciding to move to my favorite waters in the Gulf! I have fished these waters since the mid 1990’s with friends and fellow Charter Captains here that eventually convinced me that this is where I needed to be.
Techniques
My favorite part of my job is taking those out new to saltwater fishing. Being able to teach and share my knowledge and love of the sport and being out on the water. My goal is to provide a positive experience!

Hey, I'm Captain Stephen Hess

Panama City, United States
Background
My love of Saltwater Fishing started in Virginia, growing up fishing the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia and North Carolina. My journey took me inland to the Cumberland River system in Tennessee where My son and I chased trophy Striped Bass for a number of years(see photos!!) before ultimately deciding to move to my favorite waters in the Gulf! I have fished these waters since the mid 1990’s with friends and fellow Charter Captains here that eventually convinced me that this is where I needed to be.
Techniques
My favorite part of my job is taking those out new to saltwater fishing. Being able to teach and share my knowledge and love of the sport and being out on the water. My goal is to provide a positive experience!
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
Stephen H.
Captain

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(85 reviews)
Angler's choice
Panama City
 Last booking: 3 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Angler's choice
Santa Rosa Beach
Trips from US $400

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 91 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (119)
4hr with Captain Stephen
4hr with Captain Stephen
Great day fishing!
+116
Angler rating
89
1
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
97%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 91 reviews
Jeremy W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Wayde was the best

VERIFIED   3 Hour Family Time Trip on September 10, 2025
Capt Wayde (Unorthadox Charters) did our trip. He put us on everything we were looking for.ย  And had a great attitude while...
Jeremy W. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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Daniel R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

The best first ocean fishing experience

VERIFIED   3 Hour Family Time Trip on August 29, 2025
Captain Steve was the best. He took great care with my 9 year old and gave us an adventure full of memories. He knows all the...
Daniel R. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

Drew B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip!

VERIFIED   4 hour Afternoon Trolling on June 16, 2025
Took my 14yo son and his best friend on a trolling trip for ther first experience salt water fishing from a boat. Stephen was...
Drew B. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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Christine N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Pleasant company!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Family Time Trip on September 23, 2025
My son and I really enjoyed our charter with Steve. He knows a lot about the area, wildlife and of course fishing! He was super...
Christine N. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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Dixon D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Stephen was amazing!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Inshore on October 7, 2025
Was so great with my two boys.ย  Did it right and made sure they were catching fish.ย  Knew the spots, didnโ€™t waste time,...
Dixon D. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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