With its waterfront location and warm Gulf waters, Panama City Beach is an obvious choice for avid fishermen in search of their next big catch. Whether you plan a DIY fishing excursion from the pier or set out on a full-day deep sea fishing adventure, the fishing opportunities in Panama City Beach will not disappoint. Here are some possibilities to consider for your upcoming journey of Panama City Beach Fishing!
Fishing from the Pier
Panama City Beach is home to four fishing piers – three that extend into the Gulf and one that juts into the Grand Lagoon. Russell-Fields Pier and M.B. Miller Pier, also referred to as the City Pier and County Pier, are the longest in length, each stretching 1,500 feet into the sea. The piers are popular for those looking for a scenic stroll as well as for fishermen. For anglers who want a casual day of fishing in Panama City Beach without the commitment and expense of a boat charter, a few hours of fishing on the pier can be the perfect solution. The cost to fish from either pier is $6, which includes your mandatory daily fishing license. Fishing gear can be rented from Half Hitch, the nearby bait and tackle shop.
Rent a Pontoon Boat for Panama City Beach Fishing
Plan a DIY fishing excursion and rent a pontoon boat from Adventures at Sea. These boats can accommodate up to ten passengers, making it a great activity for family or friends. Bring along your fishing gear and drop a line in St. Andrews Bay or in the surrounding waters. You can also make a day of it with dolphin sighting, snorkeling, or boating to Shell Island to explore!
Book a Fishing Charter
For the serious angler, a fishing charter is the way to go. Charter companies such as The Reel Contender will get you out into inshore and offshore waters, where you have the best chance of landing a prized catch. Many of these excursions are full day, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the best Panama City Beach fishing experience. The Reel Contender is owned by a licensed captain who grew up just minutes from Panama City Beach and offers a firsthand knowledge and understanding of the species that can be found off Panama City Beach’s coastline and the best times of year and places to catch them. Any level of experience is welcomed, from families looking for a day of fun on the water to experienced anglers aiming to land a prized catch.
Spearfishing
Those with Scuba diving certification and experience may enjoy the adventure of spearfishing. Panama City Diving offers a spearfishing adventure for advanced divers with experience using nitrox. After a half-day of learning proper shooting technique, fish identification, tactics, predator management, and other useful skills, you will head with your guide to deep offshore wrecks to try your hand at spearfishing. Spearfishing is a great option for the adventurous angler!
Enjoying Your Fresh Catch with Panama City Beach Dining
Once you’ve had a successful Panama City Beach fishing experience, you’ll be ready to make the most of your fresh catch! When you book a vacation rental with us at Vacations Perfected, you’ll enjoy amenities such as a full kitchen equipped with all the cookware and appliances you’ll need for preparing and enjoying meals. With select rentals also offering a barbeque grill, you’ll have several options for enjoying your fresh catch from the comfort of your Panama City Beach vacation rental. If you’d rather leave the preparation, cooking, and cleanup to someone else, consider heading to one of Panama City Beach’s restaurants that offer hook & cook where you bring the fish, and they do the rest! Check with Runaway Bay or Bayou on the Beach for their hook & cook options and live like a local when you enjoy your fresh catch for dinner!
Seasonal Guide to Panama City Beach’s Fish Species
Heading to Panama City Beach on a fishing excursion comes with good news – there’s no bad season here for fishing. Though species vary by month and season, there are always worthy fish waiting to be caught in the waters off Panama City Beach. Species that can commonly be found year-round include redfish, bonito, and speckled trout. In spring months you’ll also find cobia, jack crevalle, amberjack, tripletail, bluefish, and pompano. When the warmer months of summer come around, expect to catch species such as tarpon, jack crevalle, amberjack, red snapper, king mackerel, blacktip shark, tripletail, bluefish, and pompano. Though red snapper can be found at other times in the year, summer is the only time when fishermen are not required to catch and release. Fall months bring flounder, king mackerel, and amberjack. Every season is great for fishing in Panama City Beach!
Panama City Beach Fishing Guides
Base your stay in one of these Panama City Beach vacation rentals, where you’ll have plenty of square footage and amenities to relax at the end of your day of fishing in Panama City Beach! With close proximity to Panama City Beach’s best fishing charters and waterways, you’ll be able to keep fishing at the forefront of your vacation. Our Panama City Beach vacation rentals range from upscale condos with all the amenities to private beach homes. Browse our listings and make your booking online or Contact us today to learn more.