%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F16576%2Fimages%2F1723101798887logoboggy2v2.png&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Guided Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City Beach
- $450 - $800 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fea27351c-5765-4bec-a5c8-7bdab522da4a%2Fratecard%2F204728318_4036247556482613_800921778609526759_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Bay Fishing Highlights
Family Fishing Charter in Florida, Redfish 2024
First Redfish catch, snatch! PCB Inshore fishing!
Reeling in memories one redfish at a time.
Fishing redfish: where patience becomes a virtue.
null
null
null
null
null
Redfish Fishing: Big catch, Big smile.
Family Fishing Charter in Florida, Redfish 2024
First Redfish catch, snatch! PCB Inshore fishing!
Reeling in memories one redfish at a time.
Fishing redfish: where patience becomes a virtue.
null
null
null
null
null
Redfish Fishing: Big catch, Big smile.
Family Fishing Charter in Florida, Redfish 2024
First Redfish catch, snatch! PCB Inshore fishing!
Reeling in memories one redfish at a time.
Fishing redfish: where patience becomes a virtue.
Reel In the Big Ones: Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing
Hey there, anglers! Ready to spend a full day chasing some of the best inshore action Choctawhatchee Bay has to offer? Our 8-hour trip is the real deal for anyone looking to hook into some trophy redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and more. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp, giving you plenty of time to experience the bay's hot spots and hidden gems. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert captains know exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them.
What's the Scoop?
Picture this: You're cruising through the crystal-clear waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, rod in hand, with the sun rising over the horizon. That's how we kick off every trip. We'll spend the day hitting prime fishing spots, from grass flats to oyster beds and everything in between. Our captains have been fishing these waters for years, so they know all the sweet spots where the big ones like to hang out. And don't worry if you're new to this – we're here to show you the ropes and make sure you're reeling in fish like a pro by the end of the day.
Tactics and Terrain
Alright, let's talk strategy. In Choctawhatchee Bay, we mix it up depending on what's biting and where. Some days we'll be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, other times we might be working jigs along drop-offs for trout. We've got light tackle setups that'll give you a real fight with these inshore bruisers. Expect to throw soft plastics, live bait, and maybe even fly if that's your thing. The bay's got a mix of grass flats, channels, and structure that hold fish year-round. We'll hop from spot to spot, keeping on the move to find the most active fish.
Top Catches This Season
Man, the fishing's been on fire lately! We've been putting clients on some monster redfish – talking about bulls over 30 inches that'll make your drag sing. The trout bite has been steady too, with plenty of gator trout in the 20-inch range coming to the boat. Black drum have been showing up in good numbers, and they're always a blast to catch. Don't sleep on the sheepshead either; these striped bandits are tricky to hook but delicious on the plate.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the stars of the show:
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Choctawhatchee Bay. They love to hang around structure and grass flats, often tailing in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the pull of a big red on light tackle!
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a blast on topwater lures. They school up over grass beds and along channels. Early morning and late evening are your best bets for the bigger ones. They're known for their subtle bite, so stay alert!
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish can grow to enormous sizes. They love hanging around bridges and deeper holes. Look for them to really turn on in the cooler months. When you hook a big one, hold on tight – they pull like a freight train!
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so a light touch is key. You'll find them around pilings and oyster bars. Winter is prime time for these toothy critters.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're itching to get out on Choctawhatchee Bay and tangle with some of Florida's top inshore species, this is your chance. Our 8-hour trip gives you the time to really explore what the bay has to offer. We're talking about a full day of non-stop action, with the potential for some serious bragging rights. Don't miss out on this chance to create some lasting memories and maybe even land your personal best. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in one of Florida's best-kept secrets. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Redfish are a favorite target in Choctawhatchee Bay. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 20-30 inches, but can grow over 40 inches in the right conditions. Look for them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster beds, grass flats, and manmade structures. They love to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time as redfish school up to spawn. They put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor. To hook into one, try slow-rolling a gold spoon or bouncing a jig tipped with shrimp along the bottom. Keep an eye out for their distinctive tail wakes in skinny water - that's a dead giveaway you're in the right spot. Just remember to ease up to them quietly or you'll spook the whole school.
Redfish
Black drum are the bulldogs of Choctawhatchee Bay. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds but can reach over 90 pounds. You'll find them in shallow muddy areas, around oyster beds, and near pier pilings where they use their strong jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time as drum gather to spawn, often in large schools. Anglers love the heavy pull when a big drum takes off - it's like hooking a Volkswagen. Their meat is good eating when smaller, but gets tough in larger fish. To target drum, use fresh peeled shrimp or cracked crabs on the bottom. Fish slowly and be patient - when you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and hang on for a battle royale.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of Choctawhatchee Bay fishing. These silver beauties usually run 14-20 inches but can reach over 30 inches. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and deeper holes, especially near moving water. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures and live bait. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the trout move into shallower water. Anglers love their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're delicious on the dinner table. To up your odds, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass flats. Or work a soft plastic jerk bait with a erratic retrieve - trout can't resist the wounded baitfish action. Early mornings and evenings are often the most productive times to target these speckled beauties.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are an odd-looking but tasty fish that hang around structure in the bay. They typically run 2-5 pounds but can get up to 15 pounds or more. You'll find them near docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans with their strange human-like teeth. Winter and early spring are the best times to target sheepshead as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers - you've got to be quick on the rod to catch them. Their firm white meat is excellent eating too. For best results, use a small sharp hook with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Fish it right up against pilings or rocks and wait for that telltale nibble before setting the hook hard.
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
