Some of the Best Saltwater Fishing in the World

Whether you dream of catching dinner or landing a trophy catch, Panama City Beach is an Angler's dream come true. The inexperienced to the seasoned fishermen will revel in the abundance and variety of fish. The catch includes several species of grouper and snapper, scamp, redfish, amberjack, marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, flounder, sea trout, bonito, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead and bluefish, and shark. Panama City Beach is home to a large number of talented charter boat and fishing fleets manned by licensed captains and crews.

Spring. Fishing is a year-round pursuit in Panama City Beach but spring and fall offer the best angling opportunities. During March, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are sure to be found in the Bay. Trout, redfish and ladyfish are also found feeding in the fertile grass flats. Pompano, cobia and jack crevalle will be running the beaches, followed by smoker king mackerel in the 20 to 40 pound class. Due to light winter fishing pressure, the wrecks and reefs are allowed to restock with bottom species including snapper, grouper, triggerfish and amberjack. During the spring and fall, saltwater fish migrate including the Coba or Ling in early April. Panama City Beach charter boats pursue blue water trophies like tuna, sailfish, barracuda, tarpon, amberjack, wahoo, marlin, bonita, and dolphin. Seasoned captains and crews man the blue water charters.

Summer. The summer months are prime for trout and redfish in the Bay, especially early in the morning and late in the day. Surf fishing will yield catches of pompano, whiting and ladyfish. Inshore fishing enthusiasts will find king mackerel, mahi-mahi and bonito. Offshore excursions can yield wahoo, yellow fin tuna, sailfish and marlin. Schools of tarpon can be spotted without even leaving the beach.

Fall. The fall months present cooler water temperatures, triggering an urgency to feed. Trout and reds will aggressively attack top water baits. Flounder begins a migration to the Gulf and stack up on inshore structure. Pompano will again school along the beach. Mahi-mahi are still around and black fin tuna will be found under the schools of bonito. Inshore bottom fishing continues with cobia added to the catch while offshore fishing begins to slow.

Winter. During winter, trout and redfish move into deeper holes in the Bay with excursions to the flats on warm afternoons. Beach fishing yields an occasional whiting and bottom fishing can be great on the right days. Larger fish move to inshore structure during the winter.

Panama City Beach has over 27 miles of pristine white sand beaches, hundreds of acres of wadeable flats and three fishing piers extending into the Gulf of Mexico.

Bay Point Billfish Invitational

Annually the famous Bay Point Billfish Tournament draws record crowds to Panama City Beach to watch talented fishermen compete for record purses. Anglers are still telling the Fish Story of 2001 when a 1,046 pound Blue Marlin was caught, weighing in as the 14th largest in the world and breaking Florida's record. Additionally, there are ten fishing tournaments held yearly. In July, yachts vie for cash prizes in the Bay Point Billfish Invitational, the Gulf Coast's most prestigious and richest billfish tournament. Entry is by invitation only and each year sees the tournament hit new records.

Guests and visitors are welcome to attend the tournament events which are all open to the public. The Captains' Party kicks off the festivities.This landlubber party includes a live band, dancing, the ever famous Miss Bay Point Billfish Bikini Contest, and incredible edibles at the food fair. Guests can view the fishing fleet at the Bay Point docks as they prepare for the tournament competition and the fleets' eventual departure. The next day, thousands flock to Bay Point to see the first day's catch arrive. The following day is the final tournament weigh-in. Cash prizes are awarded during a party at the Bay Point Clubhouse.

Fresh Water Fishing anytime
Freshwater fishing is a year-round sport. Bay County's lakes and rivers are home to dozens of favorite Florida fish including some of the world's largest bass. The Florida largemouth bass occupy a special category in fishing records because of their enormous size. They are found throughout the area in freshwater lakes and streams.

Yachting
Bay Point is the ultimate home port and vacation spot. Surrounded by emerald green waters, Bay Point is the premier launching site for yachts and offers competitive fuel prices, security and flexible hours. While docked at Bay Point visit the elegant 30° Blue. A car is available upon request to taxi you to Northern Florida's hottest new restaurants; this is fine dining at its best.

Home to one of the country’s largest sport fishing fleets, Panama City Beach boasts multi-talented captains and crews. Visitors can choose from a 16-foot skiff to fish the shallowest flat or a million-dollar sport fishing yacht to explore offshore hot spots in luxurious comfort.

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