Panama City Beach Fishing Guide to Top Charters and Tips

With a Gulf of Mexico location in northwest Florida, Panama City Beach attracts water lovers who enjoy sandy beaches and lots of sunshine. In addition to playing on the beach, visitors can fish year-round with friendly guides who best know the area. These charters know secret spots, the best places for deep-sea adventures and where to cast in the bay. Read more about Panama City Beach fishing and what to expect.

Top 8 Panama City Beach Fishing Charters for Big Catches

panama city beach fishing marina

Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife

Capt. Anderson’s Marina

Try deep-sea fishing with Capt. Anderson’s Marina, home to several head boats and daily tours, ranging from five to 12 hours. In addition, large groups up to 30 can book one- or two-day trips or an eight-hour nighttime adventure. The marina also offers private fishing charters, ideal for smaller groups, families and more intimate lessons.

Catches depend on the season, but in spring and summer expect to see cobia, Spanish mackerel, different snapper species and more. Visitors and locals alike love Capt. Anderson’s Marina, as it also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.

Captain Mike Charters

Also located at Captain Anderson’s Marina, anglers will find Capt. Mike Charters. This top Panama City Beach fishing trip specializes in bottom fishing, trolling and sport style.

Visitors can book four- to 12-hour trips, accommodating as many as 14 passengers. Those trolling and sport fishing should expect to see king and Spanish mackerel, while bottom fishers will see snapper, tuna and sand sharks. Capt. Mike’s provides everything needed, but bring a cooler full of snacks and drinks.

Jubilee Fishing

Hop aboard the double-deck party boat offered by Jubilee Fishing for deep-sea fishing. Jubilee hosts four- to eight-hour trips for fishing and fun. The charter provides rods, tackle and bait.

Guests also enjoy air conditioning, an upper sun deck, and a snack bar with food and drinks. Those fishing with Jubilee should bring a small cooler and ice to store fish.

panama city beach fishing charters

Last Local Guide Service

With a focus on light tackle and sight fishing, Last Local Guide Service offers inshore and offshore trips. Inshore options explore the best of the backcountry with catches including shrimp, trout and redfish.

For a more challenging adventure, try catching king mackerel and grouper off-shore. Either way, visitors have a custom experience packed full of sunshine and fish. This option best suits groups of one to four anglers, with trips lasting four to six hours.

Miss Kelley

For three generations, Miss Kelley Charters has delighted fish lovers of all ages. Board the 52-foot Miss Kelley for an action-packed day on the water.

Miss Kelley accommodates groups as large as 16, with trips lasting four to 12 hours. The charter provides bait, tackle and rods, but guests should bring food and drinks, coolers for catches, and sunscreen.

panama city beach fishing vacation

Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife

Reel Contender Fishing Charter

Owned and managed by Florida natives, The Reel Contender offers a more intimate experience suitable for one to five people. Visitors head out on the 28-foot Contender, suitable for both near-shore and off-shore fishing excursions.

The Reel Contender provides bait, tackle and licenses, and trips last five to 10 hours based on guest preference and weather conditions. Those fishing should bring sunscreen, snacks, drinks and a cooler to store fresh catches.

Reel Commocean Fishing Charters

Another popular deep-sea excursion is hosted by Reel Commocean, which offers fishing and trolling trips. Spring ranks as a prime-time fishing season as Spanish mackerel, bluefish and Pompano populate the waters.

Reel Commocean offers fishing adventures for one to 15 people, with trips that last four to 12 hours. In addition, the company has a full schedule available, so families can plan exactly what they need.

Stingray Fishing Charters

Another top pick for Panama City Beach fishing charters is Stingray, which offers both near shore and off-shore trips. Capt. Ray Tyson has been fishing the Panhandle for more than 50 years and takes anglers out on the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay.

Fishing trips range from four to eight hours, accommodating groups up to four. Two additional guests are allowed for an additional fee. The Stingray boat also has state-of-the-art electronics for a day full of adventure.

Ready to fish in Panama City Beach? Here’s what to bring for a successful trip:

  • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
  • Non-slip shoes
  • Cash for tips
  • Lots of water
  • Make sure the charter allows a cooler with drinks and snacks and an iced cooler for catches
  • Camera for taking photos
  • A sense of adventure and a smile!

After a day of fishing, fill up at these Panama City Beach seafood hot spots.

Or start planning your Panama City Beach vacation and fishing adventure!