%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F16576%2Fimages%2F1723101798887logoboggy2v2.png&w=1200&q=100)
Best Family Inshore Fishing in Panama City Beach
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City Beach
- $450 - $800 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fea27351c-5765-4bec-a5c8-7bdab522da4a%2Fratecard%2Fredfish-caught-fl.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Inshore Catches
Backwater bite, sea trout delight
Redfish caught near local bridge
Sunset fishing in Panama City Beach
Light tackle fun on PCB waters
Redfish action in Panama City Beach
Hooked up inshore – PCB style
Speckled trout from calm PCB waters
Big catch, shallow bayou waters
Family fishing day in PCB, FL
Trout smiles in Panama City Beach
Backwater bite, sea trout delight
Redfish caught near local bridge
Sunset fishing in Panama City Beach
Light tackle fun on PCB waters
Redfish action in Panama City Beach
Hooked up inshore – PCB style
Speckled trout from calm PCB waters
Big catch, shallow bayou waters
Family fishing day in PCB, FL
Trout smiles in Panama City Beach
Backwater bite, sea trout delight
Redfish caught near local bridge
Sunset fishing in Panama City Beach
Light tackle fun on PCB waters
Family Fishing Fun in Panama City Beach
Ready for a day of reeling in memories with the whole crew? Our 6-hour family fishing charter in Panama City Beach is perfect for anglers of all ages. We'll cruise through the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where the fish are always biting and the views never disappoint. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast or looking to land your personal best, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water!
What's in Store
We kick things off bright and early at 7 AM, when the fish are most active and the bay's at its prettiest. You'll hop aboard our comfy, family-friendly boat and head out to some of my favorite fishing spots. We keep things close to shore, so it's smooth sailing all the way. I'll set you up with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. And don't sweat the fishing license; I've got that covered too. We'll spend the day targeting a mix of fish like redfish, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead. These guys are fun to catch and tasty to boot if you want to take some home for dinner.
Fishing 101
Never fished before? No problem! This trip is all about learning the ropes in a laid-back setting. We'll start with the basics - how to bait your hook, cast your line, and reel in a fish. I'll show you how to use live bait and lures, and teach you to read the water for signs of fish. We might do some bottom fishing for sheepshead around structures, or cast for redfish in the shallows. As we move around the bay, I'll point out different techniques that work best for each spot. The goal is to have fun and hopefully put some fish in the cooler, but mostly to get you comfortable with a rod in your hand.
Top Catches This Season
Alright, let's talk fish! In Panama City Beach, we've got a great mix of inshore species that'll keep your rods bending all day long. Here's what you can expect to tangle with:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a fan favorite. They love to hang out near oyster bars and grass flats, often tailing in shallow water. Redfish put up a great fight, especially on light tackle. They're most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round. The "bull" reds can get up to 40 pounds, but most of what we catch are in the 5-10 pound range - perfect for both a good fight and a tasty dinner.
Crevalle Jack: These guys are like the bulldogs of the bay. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll hook. Jacks travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many. They're not the best for eating, but they're a blast to catch and release. Look for them busting bait on the surface - that's when the real fun begins!
Spanish Mackerel: Fast, feisty, and full of flavor, Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch. They're typically here from spring through fall, and they love to chase down fast-moving lures. These speedsters can really make your reel sing when they take off. They're also delicious grilled or smoked if you want to keep a few for the table.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are all about the chase. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Bluefish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most common in the spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round. While they're not everyone's first choice for eating, they're fantastic smoked or in fish dip.
Black Drum: The cousins of redfish, black drum are like the gentle giants of the bay. They can grow to over 50 pounds, but we usually catch them in the 5-15 pound range. Drum love to root around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp, so we'll often target them with natural baits. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they sure can pull when they decide to dig in. Black drum make for some good eating, especially the smaller ones.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing in Panama City Beach isn't just about what ends up on your hook - it's the whole package. As we cruise around Choctawhatchee Bay, you'll see why locals and visitors alike can't get enough of these waters. The early morning light on the bay is something special, and you might spot dolphins, ospreys, or even a manatee as we fish. It's a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and make some lasting memories with your family. Plus, there's nothing quite like the smile on a kid's face when they reel in their first fish. That's the kind of moment that keeps folks coming back year after year.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what do you say? Ready to wet a line and make some waves? This family fishing charter in Panama City Beach is the perfect way to spend a day on the water. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, improve your own skills, or just enjoy some quality time together, we've got you covered. With room for up to 4 guests, it's ideal for families or small groups. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). The fish are biting, the bay is beautiful, and your next great catch is waiting. Don't let this one get away - book your trip now and let's make some fishing memories!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These bottom-feeders average 5-30 pounds but can top 80. Look for them around oyster bars, pier pilings, and muddy flats in 3-6 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum give a steady, powerful fight and smaller ones make great table fare. Anglers enjoy the challenge of finding these often overlooked fish. For best results, use fresh crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. Work it slowly on the bottom. My top local tip: Listen for their distinctive croaking sound. On quiet days, you can actually hear big schools of drum grunting away underwater.
Bluefish
Bluefish are the pit bulls of our coastal waters. These aggressive predators average 2-5 pounds but can top 20. Look for them busting bait on the surface, especially in summer and fall. They'll hit just about any lure you throw, making for exciting topwater action. Blues fight hard and have razor-sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! Anglers love their savage strikes and aerial acrobatics. For best results, use metal lures or topwater poppers. Work them fast - blues love the chase. My local tip: When you see birds diving, that often means bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. Cast beyond the frenzy and retrieve quickly to get in on the action.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish usually run 3-5 pounds but can top 30. Look for them busting bait on the surface - you can't miss that golden flash. They hang around structures like jetties, bridges, and oil rigs. Jacks will hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for newcomers or kids. Spring through fall is prime jack season here. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and bulldog fights. For a real workout, try topwater lures or big poppers. My local tip: Watch for diving birds. That often means jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Cast beyond the frenzy and retrieve fast - these guys love the chase.
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite target in our shallow waters, typically running 20-30 inches. Look for them tailing in grass flats or cruising oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. They love structure, so focus on docks, mangroves, and jetties too. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are mild. Anglers prize redfish for their strong fights and tasty meat. That distinctive black spot near the tail? It's actually a false eye to confuse predators. For best results, use a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp imitation. Work it slowly along the bottom, mimicking their natural prey. My top local tip: On hot days, look for redfish pushing water in ultra-shallow areas where their backs are nearly exposed. Sight-casting to these fish is a real thrill.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are speed demons, averaging 2-4 pounds but capable of much more. These sleek predators roam our nearshore waters in large schools, especially in spring and fall. Look for them around inlets, piers, and just off the beaches. They're suckers for shiny lures - small spoons or jigs work great. Macks give a good fight on light tackle and taste fantastic when grilled fresh. Anglers love sight-casting to feeding schools as they tear through bait balls. My top tip: Use a long fluorocarbon leader. These toothy critters will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you see them feeding on the surface, cast just beyond the school and retrieve quickly to trigger strikes.
About the Boggy Bayou
%2F%2Fusers%2Fea27351c-5765-4bec-a5c8-7bdab522da4a%2Fvehicle_picture%2F3ac6649b-076e-4ac5-963b-f37ae707aff4.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60
