Real Trips. Real Catches. Real Experiences.
Bluewater Charter Reviews
Our fishing charter reviews from Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach guests reflect what matters most, an easy, guided experience and time well spent on the water. From families and first-time anglers to experienced fishermen, our goal is always the same: keep it simple, keep it enjoyable, and help you catch fish. Take a look at what others have shared about their time with us and what you can expect on your trip.
Don’t Take Our Word for It.
What Guests Are Saying
✔ Great with kids and beginners
✔ Friendly, patient captain
✔ Stress-free booking and trip experience
✔ Consistent action when conditions allow
✔ Memories worth repeating
Had a Great Time
5 Hour Big Fish Trip
September 6, 2026
“We booked the September big fish 5 hour trip. It was a great time with a very knowledgeable captain. Despite catching tons of our targeted fish we still caught many different species and had fun doing it. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to get back out!”
Trevor R.
The Best Time with Captain Hess
4 Hour Bottom/Trolling Combination Trip
August 20, 2026
Went fishing with Captain Hess, and we had an incredible experience from the moment we booked until the very end of our trip. We brought our 2- and 3-year-old boys along, and Captain Hess went above and beyond to make sure they felt special and had a great time.
He was determined to make sure the boys caught fish and that we brought home fish for dinner, just as we had promised them. Even when that meant trying a few extra spots and staying out a little longer, he didn't give up.
He ended up putting us on some Spanish mackerel, and we all had an absolute blast!
We truly can't say enough good things about Captain Hess and the experience he gave our family. He was patient, accommodating, and genuinely cared about making the trip memorable for our boys. These are memories we'll have for a lifetime.
Thank you, Captain Hess! We'll definitely be fishing with you again!
Mason T.
Perfect Intro Fishing Trip for the Kids!
3 Hour Family Salt Water 101 Trip
August 10, 2026
I took my kids, 10 and 15, on the 3 hour kid trip. We had an absolute blast! My kids love fishing back home, but had never done anything like this. Our captain Stephen was great! He took us out trolling for Mahi- Mahi and bottom fishing. No luck on the Mahi, that's fishing, but once we got out and started bottom fishing, it was on! Every line we dropped landed a fish, my son even had a shark steal one of his catches. He'll be telling that story for years to come! Stephen was excellent with the kids and made sure we had the best experience possible. This will definitely become a new tradition of ours. Thanks again for a great time Stephen! See you next year.
Alex G.
Great Trip!
4 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
August 6, 2026
“We did the 4 hour captains choice and it was perfect for our boys! We caught red snapper, trigger and mahi! Cpt. Steve made sure we were comfortable before getting so far out. He kept our hooks baited and the fish kept coming! Best part is he’ll clean your catch too! We will be booking again!”
Amanda R.
Fishing with Stephen
Party of 5 or 6 Trip
August 4, 2026
“What a great trip. Captain Hess was busy with another group so he sent us to Captain Wade's. He was a blast. All we wanted was enough for one good meal since in few days we would be taking flight back home. With in an hour we had enough keepers for two meals. There were 5 of us and we each caught easily 12 to 15 fish first hour. We then went to several other places and caught a variety of fish. Just a great trip and will definitely book here again.”
Betty G.
What an Awesome Trip and Great Captain!!!!
3 Hour Family Saltwater 101 Trip
July 25, 2026
“Me and my buddy came down from Mississippi and took this charter trip. it was awesome we will be back next year”
Bryan M.
6 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
July 13, 2026
“Captain Steve treated us to an amazing morning of fishing. I let him know we wanted to do inshore fishing targeting Redfish. My first cast produced a 20+ lb bull. We caught 10 more of the same within two hours. Steve was very attentive, recognized quickly our level of fishing experience and helped as needed based on that assessment. He is extremely knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. We will be back out with him and Bluewater Charter 30A soon. Can't recommend this experience more highly!”
Greg B.
One of the Best Charters I’ve Been on
6 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
July 8, 2026
“Captain hess, was great very friendly and knowledgeable had a blast caught some good fish.”
David P.
Good Day On The Water
4 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
July 3, 2026
“Took my two boys out and had a good time reeling in snapper and hooked a few other things as well. Amberjac didn't want to bite, but it was still a good day out.”
Rich T.
Great Trip Out
4 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
June 25, 2026
“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.”
James K.
Captain Was Awesome
3 Hour Family Time Trolling Trip
June 16, 2026
“Unfortunately we hit pretty bad weather and didn’t get to enjoy the trip. My son did catch a fish though and was super happy about it. The captain was awesome and great with the kids!”
Erik R.
A Good Time
5 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
June 10, 2026
“Had the best experience! We just recently moved here, and we had some family come down and it was there birthday present to go fishing! We caught many fish and saw a zillion dolphins!!!!!”
Charli S.
Tough Bite, Great Captain
4 Hour Offshore Trip
June 2, 2026
“Captain went above and beyond to get us on fish. Bite was a little tough but two sharks, a trout, and an eel and countless "here we go" moments make it a success. 10/10 recommend.”
Stephenie S.
Great Day On The Water
4 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
June 2, 2026
“Captain Steve was awesome about communicating with the weather being questionable for off shore. We were able to catch a ton and had a great time. Will definitely be booking again!”
Adam M.
We Caught Fish
4 Hour Bottom Fishing Trip
May 21, 2026
“Would recommend this Captain to anyone. we caught more snapper and trigger fish than we wanted to take off the hook.”
Silas C.
Caught So Many Fish-Great Guys !
6 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
May 13, 2026
“Best trip for fishing there could be!”
Ryan T.
Best Trip EVER!
3 Hour Saltwater 101 Family Trip
May 9, 2026
“Steve was amazing if you don't book with him your missing out. I came down with my two kids not knowing anything about sea fishing. Steve helped us feel welcomed. I couldn't have ask for a better experience. I can't wait to book with him again.”
Nessa K.
Bluewater
4 Hour Captain’s Choice
April 29, 2026
“Captain Stephen had equipment issues and asked Captain Wade to pick up the baton and take our group in his boat. Stephen suggested a different day to fish because of weather concerns which was much appreciated. Worked perfectly. Both captains worked together and put us on fish. They were friendly and easy to fish with. My group had a great time. I would fish with them anytime!”
Evan C.
Catch Some Fun
4 Hour Spring Break Bottom/Trolling Trip
April 3, 2026
“Had a great trip, captain was very knowledgeable of the waters, caught lots of Mackerel which is what was running. Recommend to everyone.”
Lisa B.
Perfect Family Trip
3 Hour Family Time Trip Trolling Trip
April 1, 2026
“Our 3-hour trolling trip with Captain Stephen was perfect for our family with two teens. He was patient and engaging. We told him we were rookies, and he helped us catch a lot of fish. It was the highlight of our trip! I highly recommend for any and all experience levels.”
Chris M.
Great trip!
3 Hour Family Time Trip
March 7, 2026
“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!”
Jennifer G.
Highly Recommend!
4 Hour Captain’s Choice Trip
January 29, 2026
“We took a trip out with captain Steve Hess in Panama City beach… 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.”
Kyle M.
Simple. Fun. Fully Guided.
Our Most Popular Fishing Trips
If you’re not sure where to start, these trips are a great place to begin. They are designed to provide a balance of action, fun, and flexibility, making them ideal for most visitors.
Inshore Trolling
3 Hour Kids Fishing Trip
Family Time Charter
Captain’s Choice Fishing Trip
Offshore Fishing Charter
Scalable. Flexible. Fun.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Choose your trip, pick your date, and get ready for a fishing experience that’s easy, exciting, and memorable. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning again, we’ll make sure your time on the water is well spent.