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Gulf's Ultimate 12-Hour Bottom Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Panama City Beach
  • $400 - $2,520 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of serious bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico? This 12-hour trip aboard the 40' Henrique is all about chasing those prized Grouper species. We're talking Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, and Scamp, plus a good mix of Snapper and other tasty bottom dwellers. With Dauphins Charter Fishing, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and really dial in your technique. It's perfect whether you're an experienced angler looking to land some big ones or just eager to feel the pull of a quality Gulf fish. The captain knows these waters well and will put you on the fish. Expect a busy day of dropping lines, feeling bites, and hopefully hauling up some impressive catches. There's room for up to 6 guests, so bring your fishing buddies or make it a family adventure. Just be ready for some sore arms by the end of the day – that's how you know it's been a good one out on the Gulf!
Gulf's Ultimate 12-Hour Bottom Fishing Adventure

Gulf Bottom Bonanza

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7 fish caught during fishing trip at Panama City Beach

Solid red snapper haul!

9 fishing in FL

Red snapper success!

5 fishing rods with 6 people in FL

Fired-up red snapper lineup!

Eleven grey snapper, sooty grunter, and mutton snapper fish caught in Panama City Beach

Loaded with red snapper!

Ten grey snapper and african pompano, 24 inches, fishing in FL

Loaded with red snapper and African pompano!

8 grey snapper fish caught on fishing trip in FL

Stacked with red snapper!

9 fishing trip in Panama City Beach

Colorful red snapper haul!

Angler with a huge Atlantic Sailfish at Panama City Beach

Massive sailfish catch!

8 fishing in florida

Epic red snapper and blackfin tuna haul!

6 african pompano and king mackerel fish caught in panama city beach

Massive red snapper and wahoo day!

7 fish caught during fishing trip at Panama City Beach

Solid red snapper haul!

9 fishing in FL

Red snapper success!

5 fishing rods with 6 people in FL

Fired-up red snapper lineup!

Eleven grey snapper, sooty grunter, and mutton snapper fish caught in Panama City Beach

Loaded with red snapper!

Ten grey snapper and african pompano, 24 inches, fishing in FL

Loaded with red snapper and African pompano!

8 grey snapper fish caught on fishing trip in FL

Stacked with red snapper!

9 fishing trip in Panama City Beach

Colorful red snapper haul!

Angler with a huge Atlantic Sailfish at Panama City Beach

Massive sailfish catch!

8 fishing in florida

Epic red snapper and blackfin tuna haul!

6 african pompano and king mackerel fish caught in panama city beach

Massive red snapper and wahoo day!

7 fish caught during fishing trip at Panama City Beach

Solid red snapper haul!

9 fishing in FL

Red snapper success!

5 fishing rods with 6 people in FL

Fired-up red snapper lineup!

Eleven grey snapper, sooty grunter, and mutton snapper fish caught in Panama City Beach

Loaded with red snapper!

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12-Hour Bottom Fishing Bonanza in the Gulf

Ready to spend a full day hauling in some of the Gulf's most prized fish? Our 12-hour Grand Slam Bottom Fishing trip is where the real action's at. We're talking serious deep-sea fishing for monster Grouper and tasty Snapper that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. This ain't no quick trip – we're giving you the time to really get after it and land some impressive catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to reel in something big, this is the trip that'll scratch that fishing itch and then some.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard our 40' Henrique, a beast of a boat that'll get us out to the prime fishing grounds in no time. We're headed deep into the Gulf of Mexico, where the big boys hang out. This is a private charter, so it's just you and up to five of your buddies – perfect for some friendly competition. We'll be dropping lines anywhere from 60 to 200 feet down, depending on where the fish are biting. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you can bet we'll be on the fish.

Fair warning: this is an all-day affair. We're talking 12 full hours on the water, so come prepared. Bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler for your catch. Speaking of catch, we're targeting some real beauties – Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper, and Red Grouper are all on the menu. These aren't your average fish – we're talking about battling some real fighters that'll give your arms a workout.

Bottom Fishing 101

If you've never been bottom fishing before, you're in for a treat. We use heavy-duty rods and reels with braided line to get our bait down deep where the big fish live. The key is feeling for that bite and then setting the hook hard – these fish don't mess around. We'll be using a mix of live and cut bait, maybe some squid or cigar minnows, whatever's working best that day.

The technique is pretty straightforward: drop your line, let it hit bottom, and then reel up a crank or two. Then it's all about patience and being ready for that telltale tug. When you feel it, give it a good yank and start reeling. But be ready – these bottom dwellers have some serious pull, and they're not afraid to use it. Don't be surprised if you're sweating by the time you get your catch to the surface.

Top Catches This Season

Folks have been pulling up some real beauties lately. Just last week, Jim from Texas landed a 30-pound Gag Grouper that had the whole boat cheering. And Sarah, a first-timer, managed to reel in a Red Snapper so big we had to get a picture for the wall of fame. The fishing's been hot, and we're expecting it to stay that way. Remember, it's not just about size – even the smaller Scamp Grouper put up a fight that'll have you grinning.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These guys are the celebrities of the Gulf. With their bright red scales and white bellies, they're as pretty as they are tasty. Red Snapper typically run 5 to 15 pounds, but we've seen some push 30. They're known for their initial strong run, so be ready when you hook one. Best part? They're delicious – flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling.

Gag Grouper: Now we're talking about some bruisers. Gag Grouper can easily top 50 pounds, and they fight like their life depends on it (which, I guess, it does). These guys like to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs. When you hook one, be prepared for a battle – they'll try to dive back into their hidey-holes, so you've got to turn their heads fast. The meat is firm and white, great for sandwiches or fish tacos.

Scamp Grouper: Don't let their smaller size fool you – Scamp Grouper punch above their weight class. Usually running 5 to 15 pounds, these fish are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor. They're quick to bite but just as quick to head for cover, so you've got to be on your toes. Scamp are considered by many to be the best-tasting of all the Groupers.

Red Grouper: These copper-colored beauties are a staple of Gulf bottom fishing. They average 10 to 20 pounds but can get much bigger. Red Grouper are known for their strong, steady pull – it's like trying to reel in a medium-sized dog that really doesn't want to come with you. Their meat is moist and flaky, perfect for blackening or frying up for some fish and chips.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of battling a big Grouper or Snapper from the depths. It's you against the fish, and when that line starts singing, your heart starts racing. Every trip is different – that's the beauty of it. One day you might be hauling in Snapper left and right, the next it's all about the Grouper grind. But that's fishing, and that's why we love it.

Our regulars come back because they know we put them on the fish. We're not just out for a boat ride – we're here to fill the cooler. And with 12 hours to work with, we've got plenty of time to find the hot spots and really get after it. Plus, there's something special about being out on the Gulf all day, watching the sun move across the sky, feeling the salt spray on your face. It's not just fishing – it's an experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're still reading, chances are you're itching to get out on the water. And I don't blame you – this 12-hour trip is the real deal. We're talking about a full day of hardcore bottom fishing for some of the Gulf's most prized catches. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or just want the thrill of the fight, this is the trip for you.

Remember, we can only take six anglers max, so spots fill up fast. And trust me, once word gets out about a hot bite, those spots disappear quick. So if you're ready for a day of bent rods, screaming reels, and fish stories you'll be telling for years, it's time to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online – we'll take care of the rest. Just bring your game face and maybe some sunscreen. The fish are waiting, and they're not going to catch themselves. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are one of our most popular bottom fish. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight and flavor. You'll find them around rocky areas and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Most are 20-30 inches long, but they can grow up to 50 inches and 80 pounds. These guys are ambush predators, so they love structure. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs. They're here year-round, but the bite is best in cooler months. Gags put up a stubborn fight, often trying to dive back into their hidey-holes. Live bait like pinfish or mullet is your best bet. Here's a local tip: if you're fishing near stone crab traps, drop your bait nearby. Gags love crab and often hang around these areas. Just be careful not to snag the traps!

Gag Grouper

Red Grouper

Red Grouper are a staple of Gulf bottom fishing. They're easy to spot with their rusty red color and white spots. Most weigh 5-10 pounds, but they can grow up to 50 pounds. You'll find them in rocky areas and reefs from 30 to 300 feet deep. These fish are aggressive feeders, which makes them fun to catch. They're here year-round, but avoid fishing for them from January to April during spawning season. Red Grouper put up a good fight and are known for their excellent eating quality. Their meat has a sweet, mild flavor that's hard to beat. When targeting Red Grouper, live bait like pinfish or squid works well. Here's a local trick: if you're having trouble getting bites, try chumming with cut bait. This often brings them out of their hidey-holes and gets them feeding.

Red Grouper

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are a prized catch in the Gulf, known for their bright red color and tasty white meat. You'll find these beauties hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 30 to 600 feet of water. Most weigh 5-10 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 30+ pounds. They put up a great fight, especially the big ones. Snappers are aggressive feeders, so fresh bait like cigar minnows or squid works well. May through October is prime time, when they're spawning. Many anglers love targeting them not just for the fight, but because they're considered one of the best-eating fish out there. One trick I've learned over the years: when you feel that telltale thump on your line, don't set the hook right away. Give it a few seconds to really take the bait, then reel down and lift. You'll hook 'em solid that way.

Red Snapper

Scamp Grouper

Scamp Grouper might not be as well-known as some other groupers, but they're a favorite among locals. These tasty fish usually weigh 4-6 pounds and rarely exceed 3 feet. You'll find them in deeper waters, typically 75-300 feet, around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks. Scamps are known for their strong fight and excellent table fare – some say they're the best-tasting of all groupers. They're most active during warmer months, with spawning peaking in early March. When targeting scamp, use live bait like pinfish or sardines. Here's a pro tip: use a longer leader than you might for other groupers. Scamps can be a bit more line-shy. And be ready for a battle – they may be smaller than some groupers, but they fight hard for their size.

Scamp Grouper

About the 40' Henrique

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cummins

Maximum Cruising Speed: 24

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 315

Get ready for an epic day of bottom fishing aboard our 40' Henrique! This private 12-hour trip takes you deep into the Gulf of Mexico for a serious angling adventure. We're targeting the big boys - Grouper and Snapper - along with other prized bottom-dwellers. With a full day on the water, you'll have plenty of time to find the hot spots and reel in some impressive catches. Our spacious boat comfortably fits up to 6 guests, so bring your fishing buddies or family for a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to land your first big Gulf fish, our crew will make sure you're in on the action. We provide all the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. From Red Grouper to Gag Grouper, Scamp to Snapper, the variety of species we target keeps things exciting all day long. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the deep water for some serious bottom fishing fun!
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