Southern Dawn Charters offers expertly guided bottom fishing and trolling trips just offshore Panama City, Florida, delivering consistent action on red snapper, amberjack, and wahoo. Discover what makes these Gulf Coast waters a top choice for anglers of all levels.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–12 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in moderate physical condition, comfortable standing for long periods, and able to manage fishing gear and movement on boat decks.
Wildlife
History
Panama City developed as a fishing and shipping hub in the early 20th century, with Gulf waters historically vital for commercial and recreational fishing.
Conservation
Southern Dawn Charters practices catch-and-release for undersized or protected fish and adheres to Gulf Coast fishing regulations to preserve fish stocks.
Southern Dawn Charters
Southern Dawn Charters offers expertly guided bottom fishing and trolling trips just offshore Panama City, Florida, delivering consistent action on red snapper, amberjack, and wahoo. Discover what makes these Gulf Coast waters a top choice for anglers of all levels.
Southern Dawn Charters is a Panama City, Florida-based fishing charter operator offering a range of guided bottom fishing and trolling trips aboard two vessels, The Patriot and Miss K-C.
Trips run from 4-hour trolling excursions to extended 12-hour bottom fishing days, with options specifically listed at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours. The Patriot trips include 4-hour trolling for up to 6 passengers and longer bottom fishing trips; The Patriot bottom trips and trolling trips accommodate groups targeting snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sharks.
Miss K-C trips include 4-hour trolling accommodating up to 15 passengers plus 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-hour bottom fishing options, targeting snapper species, amberjack, red grouper, white snapper, vermilion snapper and high-speed trolling species such as mahi and wahoo. Each listed trip specifies targeted species and duration so anglers can select the right experience for their skill level and schedule.
Southern Dawn Charters operates out of Panama City, offering inshore-to-offshore access to Gulf fishing grounds and a variety of day-trip formats for families, groups and dedicated anglers. The fleet’s publicly listed trips provide clear expectations for duration, species and passenger limits. Prospective customers can choose from eleven distinct trips focusing on bottom fishing and trolling in the Panama City area to match experience level, time availability and preferred target species.
Southern Dawn Charters is featured on The Adventure Collective, where the eleven listed trips and concise trip summaries are published for anglers planning Panama City fishing charters and day trips on Gulf waters regularly.
Location
Panama City, FL
Operating from Panama City marinas
Durations
4–12 hours
Short and extended day trips available
Max Capacity
Up to 15 passengers
Vessel capacities vary by trip
Trips Offered
11 trips
Bottom fishing and trolling options
Select a 4–12 hour bottom fishing or trolling trip and secure seats aboard The Patriot or Miss K-C today.
Book early to secure your preferred trip length
Popular 12-hour and shorter bottom fishing trips fill quickly during peak seasons.
Bring sunscreen and layered clothing
Even with air conditioning below deck, the open vessel decks expose anglers to sun and sea breeze conditions.
Complimentary fishing gear is provided, but bring your favorite tackle
Most guests use Southern Dawn’s equipment, though personal rods can be used with prior notice.
Communicate dietary or medical needs before departure
Longer trips may include snacks and drinks; informing the crew helps ensure a comfortable outing.
Wide-brimmed hat
Protects face and neck from prolonged sun exposure while on deck.
summer
Non-slip boat shoes
Ensures safety on wet and slippery boat surfaces.
Light fishing gloves
Helps with grip and prevents line cuts during hooks and reel-in.
Motion sickness medication
Recommended for those prone to seasickness, especially on longer offshore trips.