World-Class Inshore Fishing in Panama City, FL

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Panama City, FL
$474 - $675 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing in Panama City's inshore waters. You'll head out at 8 AM on a well-equipped 20' Skeeter, perfect for navigating the bays and bayous. The boat's got everything you need - GPS, fish finder, and even a wireless trolling motor. There's room for 3 anglers, so bring your buddies. You'll be targeting a variety of fish like Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Mangrove Snapper. The captain will adjust techniques based on what's biting, whether it's light tackle, fly fishing, or drift fishing. It's a comfortable 8-hour trip, so don't forget the essentials like sunscreen and shades. You can even bring your own tunes - the boat's got Bluetooth. At $675 for the day, it's a solid chance to explore Panama City's fishing grounds and hopefully land some nice catches. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so check the details before booking.

World-Class Inshore Fishing in Panama City, FL

Inshore Catches

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

Reel in the Action: Full Day Panama City Inshore

Get ready to hit the calm waters of Panama City for a full day of inshore fishing action! We're talking 8 hours of non-stop angling on board Panama Jeff's 20' Skeeter, chasing after some of the Gulf's most prized inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is your ticket to hooking into redfish, snapper, jacks, and more. With room for up to three anglers, it's the perfect way to spend a day on the water with friends or family.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at 8 AM, ready to make the most of our day. Our 20' Skeeter is decked out with all the bells and whistles – GPS, fish finder, wireless trolling motor, and a livewell to keep our bait fresh. The 150 HP Yamaha engine will get us to the hotspots quick, giving us more time to fish. We'll be exploring Panama City's bays and bayous, where the water's calm and the fish are biting. Depending on what's running, we might be light tackle fishing, fly fishing, or even trying some popping action. And hey, don't forget to bring your tunes – we've got Bluetooth on board to keep the vibes right while we're waiting for that big bite.

Techniques That Land Fish

On this trip, we're all about versatility. We'll switch up our tactics based on what's working that day. If the redfish are tailing in the shallows, we might do some sight fishing with light tackle or flies. For snapper, we could be dropping bait near structure or working soft plastics. When the jacks are busting bait on the surface, get ready for some heart-pumping topwater action. We'll also do some drift fishing over productive flats, letting the current do the work while we present our baits naturally. The key is staying flexible and reading the water – that's how we put you on the fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sheepshead: These striped convicts are a favorite among locals. Known for their strong fight and delicious meat, sheepshead hang around structure like pilings and oyster beds. They've got a mouth full of teeth that can crush crabs and barnacles, so when you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard! Best targeted in cooler months, sheepshead fishing is as much about finesse as it is about strength.

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring anglers back time and time again. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster bars. They put up a stubborn fight, often making long runs that'll test your drag. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round in Panama City.

Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, look no further than the jack crevalle. These aggressive predators often hunt in schools, creating exciting topwater blowups that'll get your heart racing. They're not the best for eating, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. Jacks can show up any time of year, but they're especially active in warmer months.

Lane Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – lane snapper pack a punch in both fight and flavor. These tasty little guys are usually found near bottom structure and respond well to small jigs or cut bait. They're available year-round but seem to bite best in the summer months. Landing a few of these for the dinner table is always a highlight of any trip.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. Catching them requires a keen eye and a delicate touch – you'll need to detect their subtle bite and set the hook quickly. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they move to deeper waters, but we can target them throughout the year. Their flaky white meat makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Panama City's inshore waters are a fisherman's playground, and this full-day trip lets you experience it all. From the thrill of sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water to the sudden rush when a school of jacks erupts on your topwater lure, every trip brings something new. The diversity of species means you're always in for a surprise – one minute you're finessing a sheepshead off a piling, the next you're locked in battle with a bull red. And let's not forget the scenery – calm waters, diverse ecosystems, and the chance to spot dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife make this more than just a fishing trip. It's a full-on Florida adventure.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? For $675, you and two buddies can spend a full day chasing inshore slams and making memories that'll last a lifetime. Remember, we provide all the gear, but you'll want to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket – the weather can change quick out there. Oh, and don't forget to swing by the store for your fishing license before we head out. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Panama Jeff a call, and let's get you hooked up with some of the best inshore fishing Panama City has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first big red on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock!

Learn more about the animals

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the bay. These powerful fish average 3-5 pounds but can top 30. Look for their signature forked tail and golden flanks. They hunt in wolf packs, terrorizing bait schools near the surface. When jacks are busting bait, it's a sight to behold - birds diving, bait spraying, water churning. They'll hit just about any lure or bait that moves. Throw a topwater plug or spoon into the fray and hang on tight. Pound for pound, jacks fight harder than almost anything in the bay. They're not great eating, but man are they fun to catch. Best time is late summer through fall when big schools push into the bays. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast beyond the school, retrieving through the frenzy.

Lane Snapper

Lane snappers are the candy canes of the reef. These pink and yellow beauties average 10-14 inches but can reach 20. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. They're aggressive little fighters that punch above their weight class. Lanes are opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp, cut bait, or small jigs all work well. They're often mixed in with other snapper species, so you never know what you'll pull up. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore to spawn. Here's a local trick: if you're having trouble finding them, look for large schools of bait on your fish finder – lanes are usually hanging around underneath.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of our flats. These copper-colored beauties with their signature tail spot love cruising in skinny water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. Most are in the 20-30 inch range, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them year-round in bays, around oyster bars, and grass flats. They'll eat just about anything, but love crabs, shrimp, and mullet. Sight fishing for tailing reds is a rush - you can often spot that bronze flash or waving tail. They pull like freight trains, so hang on tight. Fall is prime time when big schools push bait up against the shorelines. For a fun challenge, try topwater lures early morning - there's nothing like watching a red explode on a surface plug.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddball of inshore fishing. These striped convicts have a mouthful of human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. You'll find 'em around any structure with shellfish - docks, bridges, jetties. Most run 1-8 pounds but can hit 20. Spring's prime time as they spawn offshore. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. Use small, strong hooks and bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - sheepshead are masters at stripping bait. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. The meat is sweet and flaky, but cleaning them is a chore with those tough scales. Still, many consider sheepshead a delicacy worth the effort.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are the ninjas of the flats. These flat ambush predators can change color to match the bottom, making them nearly invisible. Most run 15-18 inches, but we occasionally see doormat-sized ones over 5 pounds. Look for them around sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and inlets. They love to hang out near drop-offs and creek mouths. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder aren't known for their fighting ability, but they make up for it on the dinner plate – some of the best-eating fish out there. Live bait like bull minnows or finger mullet works best. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that distinctive 'thump', wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait sideways before turning it to swallow.

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

Hop aboard this nimble 20' Skeeter for a full day of fishing fun in Panama City's scenic bays and bayous. With room for you and two buddies, this boat's got everything you need for a productive day on the water. The 150 HP Yamaha engine gets you to the hotspots quickly, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best fishing grounds. Light tackle and various techniques like fly fishing or drift fishing let you target redfish, flounder, jacks, snapper and more. The wireless trolling motor allows for stealthy approaches, and there's a livewell to keep your bait fresh. Don't forget to bring some tunes - the Bluetooth stereo lets you DJ your own fishing soundtrack as you cast lines and reel in catches under the Florida sun. Pack the sunscreen and shades for a great day out on this well-equipped fishing machine.

Sitemap