Top Fishing Destination: Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach Fishing

There are so many great towns to fish the Gulf of Mexico, it’s honestly hard to choose just one. And trying to narrow down which Florida city to fish the Gulf of Mexico?? Almost impossible. But there’s a reason that Panama City Beach is one of our top fishing charter destinations: Variety. Panama City Beach (or “PCB” as the locals around here refer to it as) offers nearshore fishing trips, offshore fishing trips, reef/wreck fishing, deep sea fishing, bow fishing, kayak fishing, shore fishing, pier fishing, and the list just goes on and on! And the fishing is year round - offering even more options to your endless list of possibilities! Pick a month, a day and time, and there’s bound to be anglers hitting the beautiful waters of PCB. Those who love to fish are drawn to Panama City Beach year after year. Whether it’s your first time picking up a rod, or you’re a lifelong angler, there’s room for everyone!

Panama City Beach fishing charters often are able to accommodate groups from 2 to 20 depending on the charter. Inshore trips on a bay boat are perfect for three anglers; or check out the local head-boats (or “party boats”) that can accommodate large groups of 25. Again, the variety of what is available from the Panama City Beach fishing charter community is unlike any other Gulf Coast city (okay, maybe Destin… but that’s for another post). Whether you live in the area, or visiting Panama City Beach with your family, there are an abundance of outdoor adventures available. Check out Shell Island, a 700-acre barrier island of undeveloped land. You can kayak around the intercoastal, or explore the freshwater wetlands. Our favorite outdoor activity while in Panama City Beach is obviously fishing... and with the plethora of afore-mentioned options we recommend booking with a : Whatever fishing charter adventure you’re looking for, their experience can handle!

What Fish are in Panama City Beach?

Once again, VARIETY is the key word when it comes to Panama City Beach fishing. And that goes for the several fish species available in these waters. Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a pier, a kayak or boat, here are some options for your angling adventures:

• Redfish
• King Mackerel
• Spanish Mackerel
• Bluefish
• Flounder
• Catfish
• Pompano
• Speckled Trout
• Cobia
• Mahi Mahi
• Red Snapper
• Ladyfish
• Gag Grouper
• Triggerfish
• Bonito
• Tarpon
• Trout
• Blackfin Tuna
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Vermillion Snapper
• Sheepshead
• Black Drum
• Jack Crevalle
• Amberjack
• Wahoo
• Blue Marlin
• Sailfish
• Shark

Keep in mind, some species do have seasons and/or bag/size limit regulations (Gag Grouper and Red Snapper are two that immediately come to mind) - we recommend fishing with a Professional Charter Captain or Fishing Guide that are familiar with all regulations and have the proper licensing and permits for your fishing adventure.

Best Season to Fish Panama City Beach

In Panama City Beach there are two main fishing spots: St. Andrews Park for pier fishing, or the Gulf of Mexico for shore fishing, nearshore, inshore, or offshore fishing trips. While fishing is available year round, not all species are available year round. Seasonal migrations of Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia, Trout, and others should be considered before setting out. Sportfishing in the Gulf is popular from late May to October, specifically for Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. Again, your FishAnywhere Charter Captain or Fishing Guide will know the seasonality of each species, and can guide you to a successful day of Panama City Beach fishing!

Popular Fishing in Panama City Beach

If you decide to opt for pier fishing or shore fishing in Panama City Beach, remember to grab your Florida fishing license. If you hire a PCB Fishing Charter Captain, their license covers your fishing trip. At the pier, make sure you have long, heavy gear; and weighted jigs help get your bait to the fish. We’ve seen kayaks, bay boats, skiffs, and even pontoons fishing the bays and inshore waters of Panama City Beach. Bottom Fishing, Fly Fishing, or Casting are popular in the shallow or nearshore waters. Out in the Gulf, deep sea fishing is the name of the game! The offshore fishing charters are great for longer trips (some up to 12 hours) and you can go trolling, deep sea fishing, or jigging for a variety of pelagic species. Fishing Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is part of the “Emerald Coast” - a stretch of land about 100 miles long from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Panama City, Florida that is known for its beautiful beaches, great family vacation spots, and even better outdoor recreation options. If you haven’t ever traveled to Panama City Beach, don’t pass up any opportunity to visit this great travel spot. And definitely book a Panama City Beach fishing charter while you’re here. The memories you’ll make fishing Panama City Beach are waiting - so start your search on FishAnywhere.com and book today!