Sign In

Panama City Fishing Charters

Panama City fishing charters give anglers access to inshore bays, Gulf wrecks, and deep sea ledges teeming with snapper, kings, and pelagic action year-round.

Top Rated Charters in Panama City

Fishing
Now Open

Reel Screamer Charters

5550 N Lagoon Dr , Panama City Beach, FL
$800.00 - $1,200.00

TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Panama City, Florida —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Panama City, FL Fishing Guide

Fishing out of Panama City means quick runs to serious variety. Most inshore trips target the protected waters of St. Andrew Bay, where redfish, trout, and flounder hunt grass flats, docks, and drop-offs. Light tackle is standard, with popping corks, live shrimp, and soft plastics doing most of the work. These inshore trips usually run four to six hours and are perfect for families or anyone looking to stay close to shore.

For nearshore action, guides push out through the pass to work reefs, wrecks, and hardbottom just a few miles offshore. Snapper, triggerfish, king mackerel, and cobia are all in play, especially when the water warms. Expect to bottom fish with cut bait or jig vertically depending on the target. Spring cobia runs bring sight fishing opportunities along the beach—keep a rod rigged and ready.

Offshore charters from Panama City head 20–40 miles out to the Gulf’s deeper structure and ledges. Full-day and extended trips chase amberjack, grouper, mahi, wahoo, and the occasional tuna or billfish. Trolling skirted ballyhoo is common for pelagics, while deep-drop rigs and electric reels get used in 300–600 feet for snowy and yellowedge grouper when the season allows.

Most boats launch out of St. Andrews Marina or the Capt. Anderson’s Marina, right near the inlet, so you’re fishing within minutes. Summertime gets busy fast, especially during red snapper season, so booking ahead is smart. With so many charter options and species in play, Panama City offers something solid year-round, whether you’re tossing shrimp at docks or chasing blue water trophies.

Fishing Seasons in Panama City

Spring

As the Gulf warms, cobia migrate through the area, and Spanish mackerel show up in big numbers just outside the pass. Inshore fishing picks up for speckled trout and redfish, especially around the bay grasslines. Offshore boats start targeting amberjack and early-season kings.

Summer

Red snapper season is the main draw, with reefs and wrecks producing fast limits. Kingfish, mahi, and the occasional sailfish round out offshore trips. Inshore action stays consistent, though it’s best to fish early or late due to the heat. This is peak charter season, so boats book quickly.

Fall

Cooling temps trigger a strong bite inshore—trout move onto shallow flats and redfish school up around points and docks. Offshore, king mackerel school around the buoys and wrecks, and grouper fishing improves as waters cool. Bull redfish show up in the pass later in the season.

Winter

While offshore runs slow down due to weather, the bay stays productive. Sheepshead stack up on structure, and slot reds cruise the shallows. Trout hold in deeper channels and basins. It’s a great time for light tackle inshore trips and less boat traffic overall.

Gamefish in Panama City

  • Redfish – 18–30" Found year-round in the bay, especially near docks, points, and grass flats. Live shrimp or cut bait under a popping cork works well.
  • Speckled Trout – 15–25" Best in spring and fall. Target with soft plastics or live shrimp along grasslines and drop-offs.
  • Flounder – 12–20" Caught in sandy pockets and around bridges in fall. Use jigheads with soft plastics or bull minnows
  • Sheepshead – 2–6 lbs Wintertime favorite around pilings and jetties. Fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks get the bite.
  • Spanish Mackerel – 1–4 lbs Spring through fall nearshore. Fast trolling or casting spoons near bait schools.oweye Rockfish – Bright orange deepwater species. Often 10–20 lbs, known for their longevity and fight.
  • King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Peaks in summer and fall around reefs and wrecks. Slow trolling live bait or drifting with cigar minnows.
  • Red Snapper – 5–20 lbs Summer season. Found on reefs and hardbottom 5–30 miles offshore. Use cut bait or squid on bottom rigs.
  • Grouper (Gag & Red) – 10–30 lbs Caught year-round offshore. Drop live bait near structure or ledges in 100–300 feet.
  • Amberjack – 20–50 lbs Spring and early summer. Target deep wrecks with live bait or vertical jigs.
  • Mahi-Mahi – 10–25 lbs Summer offshore trips. Troll weedlines or floating debris 25+ miles out.

Panama City Fishing FAQs

Panama City offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters ranging from quick 4-hour bay trips to full-day runs into the Gulf for snapper, grouper, and pelagics.

Most boats launch from St. Andrews Marina or Capt. Anderson’s Marina, both located near the pass for fast access to the Gulf and bay.

Yes, fishing licenses are covered under the captain’s permit, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Red snapper season usually runs during summer, often June and July, but dates vary yearly and fill up fast—book early.

Absolutely. Inshore charters in Panama City are ideal for families and beginners, with calm waters and plenty of action.

Bring sunscreen, snacks, drinks, polarized sunglasses, and a small cooler for your fillets. Most gear and bait are provided.

Offshore charters often run 20 to 40 miles out, depending on the target species and weather conditions.

Yes, especially during the spring cobia migration or when chasing redfish on the flats with light tackle setups.

Captains typically clean and bag your catch at the dock, and many local restaurants offer cook-your-catch options.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.