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%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 91 reviews
Lyudmyla K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing experience

VERIFIED   Saltwater 101 on August 16, 2025
We had an amazing experience on the fishing trip, the captain knew what he was doing and the spots were great for fishing....
Lyudmyla K. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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Daniel J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Hess

VERIFIED   Saltwater 101 on July 23, 2025
Captain Hess is the greatest! He took the care and time to help our son to catch fish and teach him. He made sure we all had...
Daniel J. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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FishingBooker Member
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Stephen

5 Hour Captains Choice on March 26, 2025
This was an amazing day. Wayde was a fantastic captain. We trolled for fish in the bay and caught so much fish. Then we went...
FishingBooker Member recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Stephen Hess Captain replied

Clarence H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

November fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Captains Choice on November 14, 2025
Clarence H. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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Andrew V.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4hr with Captain Stephen

NEW  4hr Captains Choice on November 13, 2025
Andrew V. recommends Bluewater Charter 30A/PCB
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