Nighttime Inshore Fishing | Panama City Charters

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Panama City, FL
$400 - $1,450 price range

Summary

Ready for a night fishing adventure in Panama City? Join us for a 4-hour trip after sunset, where the waters come alive with new possibilities. We'll head out inshore, perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers looking for a different kind of fishing experience. Our captain knows all the best spots to find fish active at night, from redfish to speckled trout. You'll get to use specialized gear and techniques for night fishing, with help from our crew every step of the way. It's a great chance to see Panama City's coastline in a whole new light – or lack thereof! With room for 4 guests, it's an ideal outing for a small group or family. Don't worry about the darkness; we've got all the lights and safety equipment needed. So grab your friends, pack some snacks, and get ready for a unique fishing trip under the stars with Nautical Adventures.

Nighttime Inshore Fishing | Panama City Charters

Nighttime Catches

Sheepshead fish caught on a fishing tour in FL

Red Snapper Blast In Panama City

Fun Panama City Florida Fishing Charters

A pair of anglers enjoying a fishing tour in FL

Panama City Florida Fishing Charters

Buddies In Fishing Trips Panama City Florida

Night Fishing in Panama City: 4 Hours of Excitement

Hey there, angler! Ready for a night on the water you won't forget? Our 4-hour night fishing trip in Panama City, FL is the perfect way to escape the heat and hook into some serious action. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll head out to where the big ones are biting. Whether you're itching to try your luck inshore or want to venture offshore, we've got you covered. Night fishing isn't just about avoiding sunburn - it's a whole different ballgame with unique challenges and rewards. So grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and let's hit the water for a nighttime adventure!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: you're out on the water as the last light fades, the air cools down, and the fish start getting frisky. That's what you're in for with our night fishing trip. We'll cruise out from Panama City, either sticking close to shore or heading further out depending on what you're after. The boat's fully rigged with all the gear you need, plus some fancy lights to attract the fish (and help you see what you're doing). You've got 4 hours to fish your heart out, with room for up to 4 people. It's perfect for a group of friends or a family outing - just remember, no meals included, so pack some grub to keep your energy up!

Fishing After Dark: What to Expect

Night fishing is a whole different animal. First off, forget about sight fishing - it's all about feeling those bites and listening for the splashes. We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's working best. Expect to do some bottom fishing for grouper, or maybe we'll troll for mackerel if they're running. The key is to be patient and stay alert - when a fish hits at night, it can really get your heart racing! Don't worry if you're new to this - our experienced guides will show you the ropes and help you land that trophy catch.

Why Night Owls Love This Trip

Let me tell you, there's something special about being out on the water at night. The stars are out, the water's calm, and it feels like you've got the whole Gulf to yourself. Plus, some fish are more active after dark, giving you a shot at species that might be tougher to catch during the day. Our regulars love the peace and quiet, broken only by the excitement of a big catch. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights of landing a monster fish under the moonlight.

Fish That Go Bump in the Night

Scamp Grouper: These guys are the ninjas of the reef. They love to hide in rocky areas and ambush their prey. At night, they get a bit bolder, venturing out to feed. They're not huge - usually 5-15 pounds - but they put up a good fight and taste amazing. Best of all, they're active year-round, so you've always got a shot at hooking one.

Red Grouper: The bullies of the bottom, red grouper are aggressive feeders that can't resist a well-presented bait. They're typically larger than scamp, often hitting 20 pounds or more. Night fishing for these guys is all about patience - drop your bait to the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

Atlantic Bonito: These speedsters are like miniature tuna, and they're a blast to catch at night. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're fast and strong for their size (usually 2-10 pounds), making for an exciting fight on lighter tackle. Look for them from fall through spring, especially around bait schools near the surface.

Greater Amberjack: AJs are the heavyweights of our night fishing trips. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. They hang around wrecks and reefs, and they hit like a freight train. Night fishing for AJs is all about using big baits and being ready for a serious workout. They're at their peak in the spring and fall, but you can find them year-round.

Cero Mackerel: These sleek predators are the perfect target for light tackle enthusiasts. They're similar to their cousin the Spanish mackerel, but they grow larger (up to 15 pounds) and fight even harder. At night, we'll often find them near the surface, chasing bait schools. They're fast and acrobatic, known for wild runs and jumps that'll test your skills. Look for them in the warmer months, especially late spring through early fall.

Time to Get Your Night Fishing On!

Alright, folks, if you're itching to try something different and maybe land the catch of a lifetime, our 4-hour night fishing trip in Panama City is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there's nothing quite like the thrill of fishing under the stars. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the hotspots - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler of your favorite beverages). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. Give us a call or hop online to reserve your spot today. Trust me, once you try night fishing, you'll be hooked!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito are speedy fish that travel in big schools. They're silver with dark stripes and can reach 12 pounds, though most are smaller. Look for them in coastal waters, often near the surface. You might spot them chasing bait, with birds circling overhead. Bonito are fun to catch - they hit lures hard and fight well above their weight class. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Try trolling fast with small lures or casting into feeding frenzies. Metal jigs work great if it's windy. Bonito aren't prized for eating around here, but they make excellent bait for larger game fish. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there quick and cast right into the action. These fish move fast, so you've got to be ready to run and gun.

Cero Mackerel

Cero mackerel are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with sharp teeth. Most weigh 5-10 pounds and put up a zippy fight on light tackle. You'll find them near reefs in clear, coastal waters, usually within 60 feet of the surface. They're not schooling fish, so you might only catch one or two in a spot. Ceros are fast and will chase down lures, especially topwater poppers. They're great eating too - often used for sushi. You can catch them year-round, but spring through fall is best. Try chumming over patch reefs to get them fired up. Once they start feeding, they'll hit just about anything. Local tip: use a light fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor teeth. When you see one following your lure, speed up the retrieve to trigger a strike.

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjack are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and your muscles. They can top 100 pounds, but 20-40 pounders are more common. Look for them around wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. AJs are aggressive and will hit live bait, jigs, or poppers. They're known for powerful runs and dogged fights. The meat is good eating too. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move to spawning grounds. Bring heavy tackle - 50 pound test minimum. AJs often hang near structure, so be ready to horse them away quickly. Local tip: try vertical jigging with butterfly jigs. Let it flutter down, then rip it up fast. The amberjacks can't resist chasing it. Just hang on tight when they hit - it'll feel like you've hooked a freight train.

Red Grouper

Red grouper are stocky fish with a rusty-red color that fades to pink on the belly. Most weigh 5-10 pounds, but they can reach over 40. You'll find them near reefs, ledges and wrecks in 10-300 feet of water. They're aggressive predators, so they're not too picky about bait. Shrimp and crab work well. Red grouper put up a tough fight, so bring sturdy tackle. The meat is moist and flaky with a mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are great times to target them. One tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast and lift your rod tip to pull them away from structure before they can dive back in. Red grouper are known for their strength, so be ready for a workout when you hook into one of these tasty fish.

Scamp Grouper

Scamp grouper are prized catches in our area, usually weighing 4-6 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them hiding around rocky bottoms and reefs in 75-300 feet of water. They put up a good fight when hooked. Scamp have delicious white meat that many consider the best-tasting in the grouper family. Spring through fall is prime time to target them. Use heavy tackle and live bait like pinfish or sardines. A local trick is to use a fish finder to locate structure, then drop your bait right on top of it. Scamp can be wary, so sometimes a more natural presentation with lighter gear works better in shallower water. Just be ready for a battle - these fish are strong swimmers that will try to wrap you around the nearest obstacle.

About the Pro-Line (Cuddy cabin)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Johnson

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Get ready for a nighttime fishing adventure like no other in Panama City, FL! As darkness falls, we'll head out for 4 hours of exciting angling action. Whether you prefer the calm inshore waters or want to venture offshore, we've got you covered. The night brings a whole new dimension to fishing - imagine reeling in your catch under the stars! Our experienced captain knows all the best spots where fish are active after sundown. You might hook snapper, redfish, or even some nocturnal species rarely seen during day trips. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't worry about gear - we provide everything you need. So grab your friends, pack some snacks, and join us for an unforgettable evening on the water. Who knows what you might catch when the sun goes down? Book your nighttime fishing trip now and discover the magic of Panama City's waters after dark!

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