Get ready to spend a full day on the water with our 8-hour inshore fishing adventure in Panama City, Florida. We'll cruise the calm bay waters, targeting some of the area's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Our experienced captains know all the local hotspots, so you'll have the best shot at landing a memorable catch. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to fish!
Our day starts bright and early at the marina. We'll load up the boat with all the gear you need, then head out into the pristine waters of St. Andrew Bay. As we cruise to our first fishing spot, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake or ospreys diving for their breakfast. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be casting near grass flats, the next you could be drifting past oyster beds. We'll use different techniques throughout the day to target various species, from bottom fishing for grouper to sight-casting for cobia. Don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers and will have you fishing like a pro in no time.
On this trip, we'll use a mix of light and medium tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. We'll start with some bottom fishing, dropping live bait or jigs to tempt grouper hiding in underwater structure. As the day heats up, we might switch to trolling for king mackerel, dragging lures behind the boat as we cover more water. For amberjack and cobia, sight-casting is the name of the game. We'll scan the surface for these hunters and try to place our bait right in their path. All the gear is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky fishing hat)!
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the bay. Gags love to hang around structure, so we'll target them near reefs and wrecks. They put up a heck of a fight, often diving for cover as soon as they're hooked. The challenge? Stopping them before they wrap your line around something down there. Gags are most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for big catches.
Red Grouper: Cousin to the gag, red grouper are just as tasty but often found in slightly deeper waters. They're known for their beautiful reddish-brown color and white-tipped fins. Red grouper are ambush predators, so we'll use techniques like slow-jigging to entice them out of their hidey-holes. These guys can grow up to 50 pounds, though a more typical catch is in the 5-15 pound range.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. We'll troll for them with live bait or artificial lures, often spotting them as they slash through schools of baitfish on the surface. Spring and fall are peak seasons for kings in Panama City, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Greater Amberjack: Affectionately called "reef donkeys" by local anglers, amberjack are prized for their hard-fighting ability. These powerful fish often hang around wrecks and deep reefs, so we might need to venture a bit further out to find them. When you hook one, hold on tight – amberjack are known for their stamina and can wear out even experienced anglers. The satisfaction of landing one of these brutes is hard to beat.
Cobia: These curious fish are a favorite among Panama City anglers. Cobia have a unique habit of following large animals like sharks, rays, and even boats, making them a prime target for sight-fishing. We'll scan the water for their distinctive dark bodies near the surface. Cobia are strong fighters and known for their unpredictable behavior once hooked. They start showing up in spring, with peak season running through early summer.
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Panama City. Maybe it's the way the morning sun glints off the calm bay as we head out. Or the thrill of watching your rod bend double as a big grouper takes the bait. Our guests often tell us it's the variety that keeps them coming back – where else can you target such a diverse range of fish in a single day? Plus, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie that develops over eight hours on the water. Swapping stories, learning new techniques, and cheering each other on as fish come over the rail – it's what fishing is all about.
Ready to experience the best inshore fishing Panama City has to offer? Our 8-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to really dig into what these waters have to offer. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our experienced guides. We provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm (and maybe a sandwich or two – fishing builds an appetite!). Whether you're dreaming of battling a big amberjack or filling the cooler with tasty grouper, this trip delivers. Don't let another fishing season pass you by – book your Panama City inshore adventure today and get ready to make some serious angling memories!
Cobia are one of our most unique catches - they look like a cross between a shark and a catfish. These bronze bruisers cruise the surface near structure in 20-100 foot depths. Most are 20-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish, often following boats or swimming with rays and sharks. Sight fishing for them is a blast. Live eels or big jigs work well. My go-to trick is to always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig - you never know when one will pop up. The meat is excellent, with a sweet flavor similar to swordfish. Cobia fight hard with powerful runs and jumps. Landing a big one is something you'll remember for a long time.
Gag Grouper are tough customers, usually hanging out near rocky bottoms and reefs 30-300 feet deep. These bruisers can hit 50 pounds, though most are in the 10-30 pound range. They're ambush predators, so look for structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move inshore. Gags put up a heck of a fight and make great eating too. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for fish tacos. When targeting gags, use heavy tackle and stout leader. Live bait like pinfish or cut squid works well. My go-to trick is to use a sliding sinker rig to keep bait near the bottom. Once hooked, reel fast and steady to pull them away from their hidey-holes. It's a real rush when you feel that first big headshake!
Greater Amberjack are brutes of the offshore world, usually hanging around wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. These powerhouses average 20-50 pounds but can top 100. Spring and fall are best as they move to shallower structure. AJs are famous for their dogged fights - be ready for a workout! They hit hard and dive deep, often breaking off in the wreck. Heavy tackle is a must. Live bait like blue runners works great, or try big jigs. My local tip: once hooked, gain line fast or they'll rock you. The meat is firm and flavorful, excellent grilled. Watching a big amberjack crush a topwater lure is a sight to behold. These fish will test your gear and your arms, but landing one is incredibly satisfying.
King Mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, often cruising in 30-150 foot depths. These sleek predators average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them near bait schools, especially around structure. Kings are famous for their blistering runs - hang on tight when one hits! Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Most folks troll with large spoons or live bait like blue runners. My favorite local trick is slow-trolling live bait on downriggers near the surface - kings can't resist. The meat is oily and strong-flavored, great for smoking. Be careful handling them though - those teeth are razor-sharp! Nothing gets the heart pumping like a king skyrocketing on your bait. It's an awesome sight you won't soon forget.
Red Grouper are a prized catch in these parts, usually lurking around reefs and wrecks 60-300 feet deep. Most weigh 5-15 pounds, but big ones can top 30. They're not the prettiest fish, with a mottled reddish-brown color, but man can they fight. Red grouper are ambush predators, so we target structure and use heavy gear. Live pinfish or squid are top baits. These guys are notorious for diving back into their holes, so you gotta horse 'em up quick. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and sweet. Best fishing is spring through fall when they move closer to shore. My local tip: if you're having trouble getting bites, try a knocker rig with a sliding sinker. It'll keep your bait right in the strike zone.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Johnson
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225