Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Panama City, FL
$474 - $675 price range
Updated Date: September 15, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of inshore fishing in Panama City? Join Captain Jeff on his 20' Skeeter for an 8-hour adventure in the bays and bayous. You'll be targeting a mix of species like Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, and Mangrove Snapper using light tackle and various fishing techniques. The boat's well-equipped with GPS, fish finder, and a wireless trolling motor to put you on the fish. There's room for up to 3 anglers, so bring a couple friends along. Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen – the Florida sun can be intense out on the water. The $675 charter price covers everything you need for a solid day of fishing. While you're casting lines, you can even enjoy some tunes through the boat's Bluetooth setup. It's a great way to experience the local waters and hopefully land some nice catches.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Inshore Action Shots

Stunning landscape with palm trees and cloudy sky in FL

Focused bridge fishing under calm Florida waters

Fishing adventure in Panama City with 2 people

Awesome Redfish lesson in calm backwaters.

Productive setup for Sheepshead and Redfish!

Smiling with a sleek Spanish Mackerel

Full Day Inshore Fishing Adventure in Panama City

Get ready to hit the inshore waters of Panama City for a full day of non-stop fishing action! On this 8-hour trip with Panama Jeff's Inshore Charters, you'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after species like redfish, flounder, and snapper. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter is the perfect way to experience the rich marine life of Florida's Panhandle.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be cruising the bays and bayous of Panama City aboard a sleek 20' Skeeter, powered by a 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots in no time. This boat's decked out with all the bells and whistles - GPS, fish finder, wireless trolling motor, and a livewell to keep your catch fresh. With room for up to 3 anglers, it's ideal for a small group or family outing. The skipper's got a tackle box full of techniques up his sleeve, from light tackle and fly fishing to spinning and drift fishing, so you'll always be using the best method for the conditions and the fish we're after.

Gearing Up for Success

No need to stress about equipment - we've got you covered with all the fishing gear you'll need for a productive day on the water. Just remember to pack your sunglasses and sunscreen, 'cause the Florida sun can be brutal out there on the flats. And hey, if you want to set the mood with some tunes, the boat's equipped with Bluetooth so you can be your own DJ while you're reeling in the big ones. Just keep an ear out for the captain's tips - he knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on the fish faster than you can say "tight lines!"

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rockstars of inshore fishing in Panama City. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and that distinctive black spot on their tail. They hang around structure and grass flats, and when they're tailing in shallow water, it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look.

Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but these flatfish are masters of camouflage and put up a surprisingly good fight. They're ambush predators, lying in wait on the bottom to snatch up passing baitfish. The Southern Flounder in these parts can grow to impressive sizes, and they're absolute dynamite on the dinner plate. Look for them around drop-offs and sandy bottoms, especially during their fall migration.

Jack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the bay. These hard-fighting fish will test your stamina and your tackle. They travel in schools and when they're busting bait on the surface, it's a frenzy you won't forget. Jacks aren't known for their table fare, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with inshore.

Mangrove Snapper might be on the smaller side, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. These wily fish hang around structure and require a bit of finesse to catch. They're a year-round target and make for excellent eating. When the bite is on, you can fill the cooler with these tasty critters in no time.

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, are a unique catch. They're structure-oriented fish that love to munch on barnacles and crustaceans. Catching them requires precision and patience, as they're notorious bait stealers. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on hunting these "convict fish."

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Panama City's inshore waters are a fisherman's playground, offering a mix of species and fishing styles that'll keep you on your toes. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, jigging for flounder along channel edges, or battling a school of jacks in open water, there's never a dull moment. The diversity of the fishery means you can experience several different types of fishing all in one trip. And with a full 8 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to try different spots and techniques until we find what's working.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this full-day trip with Panama Jeff's Inshore Charters is your ticket. At $675 for up to 3 anglers, it's a solid deal for a private charter where you'll have the undivided attention of a local expert. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Whether you're looking to score your personal best redfish or just want to spend a day on the water with friends or family, this trip's got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and the captain's waiting - all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action in the inshore waters of Panama City!

Learn more about the animals

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Panama City's waters. These powerful fish, usually 3-15 pounds, are found both inshore and offshore. Look for them around bait schools, often giving themselves away with surface commotion. They're most active in warmer months. Anglers love jacks for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature - they'll test your tackle and stamina. While not great table fare, they're a blast to catch. To hook one, watch for birds diving on bait. Cast topwater lures or silver spoons into the fray and retrieve fast. Be ready for a screaming drag when a jack hits. Pro tip: Bring heavy tackle, these guys don't give up easily.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewels of Panama City's offshore fishing. These bright red beauties typically range from 5-20 pounds and love hanging around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Summer's the prime time, especially during the short federal season. Anglers prize them for their hard fighting ability and excellent table quality. To catch 'em, you'll need stout tackle and heavy weights to get baits down. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work great. Once you hook up, get 'em off the bottom fast to avoid break-offs. Here's a local trick: if you're marking fish but not getting bites, try reeling up a few cranks. Sometimes they suspend just off the bottom.

Redfish

Redfish are a Panama City favorite, known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. You'll find them in shallow bays and flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They average 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up. Anglers love redfish for their strong runs and hard fights, especially in skinny water. They're also excellent eating. To catch them, try sight fishing on clear days - look for their tails breaking the surface as they feed. Soft plastics work well, but nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the edges of grass flats and oyster bars, and be ready for explosive strikes.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch around Panama City's structures. These crafty fish, usually 1-8 pounds, love hanging around docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring's the best time to target them, as they form big spawning groups. Anglers enjoy the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. They put up a good fight and taste great too. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Get your bait right up against pilings or structure. When you feel a nibble, set the hook fast and hard. These convict-striped fish can be tricky, but landing a big one is always satisfying.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in Panama City's waters. These flat fish, usually 1-5 pounds, blend right into sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and around jetties, especially as they move to spawn in fall. Anglers love flounder for their unique look and delicious, mild flavor. They're not hard fighters, but the challenge is in finding and hooking them. To catch flounder, try drifting or slow trolling with live bait like bull minnows or finger mullet. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive 'thump' when a flounder grabs it. Here's a tip: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait.

About the Panama Jeff's Inshore Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing in Panama City's inshore waters! You'll be cruising on a sweet 20' Skeeter boat with a powerful 150 HP Yamaha engine. This rig is dialed in for catching fish, with all the gear you need - GPS, fish finder, and a wireless trolling motor to sneak up on those trophy catches. There's room for you and two buddies to spread out and cast comfortably. Over 8 hours, you'll hit the bays and backwaters targeting a mix of hard-fighting species like redfish, flounder, sheepshead, jacks, and mangrove snapper. Your guide will set you up with light tackle and show you different techniques to match what the fish are biting on that day. Bring your shades and sunscreen, and feel free to crank some tunes on the Bluetooth stereo while you're reeling 'em in. At $675 for the whole boat, it's a great way to spend a day on the water chasing Panama City's inshore gamefish.

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