Top 4 Panama City Beach Public Fishing Spots

If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience while visiting Panama City Beach, consider trying your luck at local public fishing spots. With plentiful fish and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, these top five locations are sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.

St. Andrews State Park Fishing

With stunning white sands and clear, turquoise water, the pristine beaches of St. Andrews State Park are just as inviting for fishermen as they are for swimmers and sunbathers. The fishing opportunities include jetties, shoreline, and small piers. Although Spanish Mackerel are the most common catch here, anglers often target flounder, redfish, and sea trout.

A Florida saltwater fishing license is required, and any harvested catch must meet current size regulations and bag limits. A concession stand on-site offers bait, snacks, some basic tackle, and canoe/kayak rentals. Overall, St. Andrews park is a great spot for vacationing families looking to drop a line and enjoy the pristine beaches that the area has to offer.

Frank Brown Park Fishing Pond

Frank Brown Park is a roughly 100 acre recreation complex featuring baseball fields, soccer fields, softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, several playgrounds, and more!

On the angling side, the park features a youth freshwater fishing pond that makes for a perfect afternoon outing. Find a shady tree, cast a line, and have a picnic. Being a "youth" designated fishing area, adults can fish as long as a member of their group is 16 years old or younger. This popular spot includes two ponds dotted with lily pads, reeds, and flowers making it a perfect place to search out bass and bluegill.

Panama City Beach Fishing Piers

Although St. Andrews State Park can be a fun family outing, and the Frank Brown Park lake can make for a relaxing afternoon, more serious anglers will likely want to check out the two main fishing piers that this area has to offer.

Russell-Fields Pier

Russell-Fields Pier is a roughly 1,500-foot long pier located at Pier Park, the area's main shopping and entertainment center. This bustling hot spot features bait and tackle on-site as well as an aquarium viewable from the observation deck. The most common catches include Spanish Mackerel and Pompano, with more sporting species such as Cobia and King Mackerel being landed on occasion as well!

The pier is open 24/7 365 days a year. Adults can expect to pay $7 to fish, while children 6 and under can access the pier for free. Military, senior citizens, and physically handicapped individuals pay $3 to fish.

M.B. Miller County Pier

The M.B. Miller County Pier is a concrete fishing pier, also roughly 1,500-foot long, located at the end of Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. This spot also offers bait and tackle plus sightseeing opportunities with pods of Dolphins often visible near the structure as well as the occasional Whale Shark. The most common catches include Spanish Mackerel, with larger fish such as Sharks and Cobia being landed on occasion.

The pier charges $3 for spectators, and $6 for anglers. Children 6 and under can access the pier free of charge, while military, disabled, and senior citizens will pay $3. Annual passes are also available for those who expect to frequent the pier often. Like the Russell-Fields Pier, the M.B. Miller County Pier is also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice fisherman out exploring the waters of Panama City Beach, these public fishing spots provide ample opportunities to create lasting memories – so don't forget your camera!