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About Blue Sky

Looking for a great day fishing on the Gulf? Blue Sky Fishing 30A is a 2022 Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice award recipient and the charter for those wanting a fun, family-friendly deep-sea fishing experience. Our services span the sugar-white sandy beaches of Santa Rosa to the cool and clear waters of Panama City Beach, Florida. We'll put you on the fish, clean out your catch, and send you home with fish for dinner (4-hour trip) or loot for freezing (6-hour trip). 

Blue Sky is based out of Santa Rosa Beach on Watercolor way. We pick up at the closest marina - JDF Marina, 312 Bay Shore Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. 

Ready to have a blast on the water? Book your trip today! 

Your Captains

Capt. Nick Dorado

 

Capt Nick grew up fishing and spearfishing with his dad during the early 2000s in Panama City Beach. This adventurous dad and son water-loving duo also did a variety of inshore and offshore diving on the reefs. As he grew older his passion and love for the water and fishing never waned. Capt Nick worked as a divemaster on a dive boat for five years, and by 2015, started guiding independently.
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Blue Sky FishingCaptin Nick Dorado holds fish

"When I'm out on the water I turn everything else off and separate what’s going on out on the land. It’s the challenge of finding fish and getting on a good bite, and then seeing the joy on people's faces when they catch something--especially the first time they reel in that really big fish!" -Capt Nick

It's the joy and excitement many encounter fishing that keeps this patient captain out on the water. The stories they've only read and heard about, Capt Nick works hard to bring to life through deepsea fishing on the Gulf of Mexico.​ 

"It's a unique experience and there’s nothing on land quite like it...it's the unknown element of fishing that makes it so much fun. What’s on the end of your reel? What is the bite? What’s so cool is that you never know what you’re bringing up! Even if you lose one, you’ll always wonder: what was that? Sometimes fish break off and you lose them. But even then it's fun and you think about it all day long. The story stays with you. The experience lasts a lifetime." Capt Nick

Capt. Josh Sapp

 

A Tallahassee native and outdoor enthusiast, Captain Josh Sapp grew up alongside Captain Nick fishing and diving in the Gulf. Their life-long friendship and mutual love for the water make these two seasoned anglers a skillful team ready to share their enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing with others. An all-around good sportsman fisher for everything in the game, Capt Josh brings an element of fun and excitement to your charter experience. ​ 

Capt Nick Dorado and father on a boat holding fish
Capt Nick Dorado and father hold red snapper on a boat in the ocean

The early days. Capt Nick with his dad

Nickolas Dorado Sea School Certificte of Training Photo
Capt Josh Sapp catches a big fish siting by a girl on boat in the ocea

Out on the water. Capt Josh lands a big one!

Capt Nick and Josh's family-friendly approach to fishing, good-natured manners, and love for children has made them a local favorite and helped Blue Sky Fishing 30A garner 150 'excellent' reviews on Tripadvisor!

Capt Josh Sapp holds two fish

Capt. Daryl Paul
 
Captain Daryl Paul grew up on the beach here in Panama City Beach and is a true local!  He has always had a passion for fishing and exciting adventures.  Capt Daryl and Captain Nick met each other in their younger years lifeguarding for Walton County, and Capt Daryl even became part of the fishing family! 

He is married to Capt. Nick's sister, Cierra, and has expanded the family's legacy of spearfishing, diving, and fishing.  He is a seasoned captain, an off duty EMT and firefighter, and we are so thankful for his love of adventure, family, and serving community.  His fun laid back approach and excitement for the catch is unrivaled! 

Captain Daryl.jpg

Capt Daryl dives for a prize Red Snapper!

Capt. Riley Syfrett
 
Captain Riley has captained 40 ft vessels off the beautiful shores of Hawaii.  He is retired millitary with a love for all things fishing and the water.  His kind, laid back mannerisms make him a pro teacher and you can often find him sharing expert safety, wildlife, and fishing knowledge especially with the kids!

Riley is married to Shannon and they have two daughters and a grandson.  He enjoys being out on the water in his spare time with his family and is truly a jack of all trades with boat maintenance and home renovation projects!  His flexibility has been a major asset to our team always stepping up and stepping in to help!

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Capt Riley helps customer snag a winning King mackerel!

Read what other's are saying

"Excellent Family Fishing Experience." 

"Capt Nick did a first class job for our family (3 kids under 9 years old). He knew exactly what we needed and how to serve a family with kids. He made it an enjoyable experience. He made sure we had an enjoyable experience. I’d recommend him to any family looking for a fun fishing experience." Tripadvisor review by Michael from California

"The best!"

"Throughout the years I’ve used a variety of charter companies in this area for trips. This company has been the only one I use as of 2018. Captain Nick has helped me with successful trips ranging from family or friends to new business prospects. Each trip has been well catered too. The captain almost always seems to have a way of knowing where the bite is along with a wealth of other knowledge of these waters. The only thing i regret is not finding this service sooner" Tripadvisor from Roana618 

"Great & Stress-Free 30A Fishing with Capt Nick."

"Earlier today we had a great fishing outing with Capt. Nick Darado of Blue Sky Fishing. Although the late December weather wasn’t ideal, Capt. Nick was outstanding - great customer service, very friendly & engaging, super-responsive and reliable. We had a very fun time, and caught lots of fish! I’d definitely put Capt. Nick and Blue Sky Fishing at the top of any recommendation list while in the PCB / 30A area as he was great for a day out on the water!" Tripadvisor review by MLSwitz

It's good fishing and Southern hospitality.

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