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Panama City Beach's Premier 4-Hour Inshore Fishing
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, Florida
- $400 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: October 29, 2025
Summary
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Bay Fishing Action
Reel In the Action: Panama City Inshore Fishing
Get ready to wet a line in Panama City's prime inshore waters! This 4-hour trip with Bluewater Charter puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Stephen's got you covered. We'll cruise the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay or Choctawhatchee Bay, targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Redfish, bluefish, speckled trout – they're all on the menu. And the best part? Everything you need is included, from bait and tackle to licenses. So kick back, enjoy the ride, and let's see what's biting in Panama City!
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your average day at the office. We'll load up the boat and head out to some of Captain Stephen's favorite fishing spots. The inshore waters here are calm, making it perfect for families or folks who might get a little green around the gills in choppy seas. We'll set you up with light tackle, perfect for battling everything from scrappy bluefish to hard-pulling redfish. Don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's always happy to show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to landing that trophy catch. And if you're an old salt? Well, Captain Stephen's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you dial in your technique.
Techniques That Land Fish
We keep things simple but effective out here. Depending on what's biting, we might do some drift fishing over grass flats, toss lures along oyster bars, or set up near drop-offs where the big ones like to hang out. Light spinning gear is the name of the game – sensitive enough to feel the slightest nibble, but with enough backbone to wrestle in a chunky redfish. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, adapting our approach based on what the fish are in the mood for that day. And here's a pro tip: when that rod tip starts bouncing, don't set the hook too hard. A smooth, steady pull is all you need to turn that bite into a catch.
Top Catches This Season
Panama City's inshore waters are teeming with life, and we've got our sights set on some real crowd-pleasers. Spanish mackerel are like the speedsters of the bay – they'll make your reel sing when they hit. Bluefish are always a blast, chomping down on lures with their razor-sharp teeth. If you're looking for a real tussle, the redfish here will give you a run for your money. And don't overlook the humble sheepshead – they might look funny with those human-like teeth, but they're crafty fighters and tasty to boot. As for sea trout, well, they're the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. There's nothing quite like the 'pop' of a trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These silver bullets are a blast to catch. They school up in the warmer months, and when you find them, it's non-stop action. They're fast, they're acrobatic, and they'll test your reflexes. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill. Look for them around bait schools – if you see birds diving, chances are there's Spanish mackerel below.
Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you – bluefish punch well above their weight class. These toothy critters are aggressive feeders and will absolutely smash a topwater lure. They're around most of the year, but really fire up in the spring and fall. Just watch those fingers when you're unhooking them – their teeth are no joke!
Sheepshead: Ah, the convict fish. Named for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are the masters of bait-stealing. They hang around structure like pilings and jetties, using those weird human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They're tricky to hook, but man, are they good eating. Winter is prime time for sheepshead.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the darlings of inshore fishing. They're beautiful, they're plentiful, and they're not too shabby on the dinner plate either. We catch them year-round, but they really turn on in the cooler months. Early morning or late evening with a popping cork rig? That's sea trout heaven right there.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats. Redfish, or red drum if you're feeling fancy, are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They love to cruise in shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is about as exciting as it gets. Fall is trophy red season, but we catch 'em all year long.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. It's about the whole package. The way the sun comes up over the bay, turning the water to liquid gold. The thrill of watching your line go tight and feeling that first head shake. The stories and laughs shared on the boat. Captain Stephen's been doing this for years, and he knows how to put together a day you won't forget. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some time on the water, this trip delivers. And hey, there's something special about fishing waters where you can see the skyline of Panama City in the distance – one minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're back in civilization with a fresh fish dinner on your mind.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Panama City's finest, this is your ticket. Captain Stephen's got the know-how, the spots, and all the gear you need for a killer day of inshore fishing. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to sample what the Gulf Coast has to offer, you can't go wrong here. Four hours, calm waters, and fish that'll make your drag sing – sounds like a perfect day to me. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go make some memories on the water. The fish are waiting, and the bite is on!
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that typically range from 2 to 20 pounds. You'll find them cruising in schools near the surface, often in coastal waters and bays. They're most active in summer and early fall when water temps are warmest. Anglers love bluefish for their aggressive strikes and strong fights - they'll attack just about anything that moves. Their oily flesh has a strong flavor that some folks love. To catch bluefish, try casting topwater plugs or metal lures and retrieving fast. They often go on feeding frenzies, churning up the water surface. A local tip: if you see birds diving and bait fish jumping, that's a good sign bluefish are feeding below. Cast into the commotion and hang on tight. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them - they're razor sharp!
Redfish
Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite inshore species. They typically range from 3-15 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near structure in bays and estuaries. They're active year-round but really turn on in fall. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and copper-colored scales with a distinctive black spot near the tail. To catch them, try live bait like shrimp or cut mullet, or artificial lures like gold spoons. A local tip: look for "tailing" redfish in really shallow water - their tails stick up as they root for crabs in the bottom. Approach quietly and make an accurate cast just ahead of them. When you hook up, be ready for some drag-screaming action. There's nothing quite like battling a big red in skinny water!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a popular inshore game fish. They usually run 1-4 pounds but can reach up to 10. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near drop-offs in bays and estuaries. They're active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall. Anglers love sea trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, white meat. To catch them, try soft plastics or topwater lures early in the morning or at dusk. A local tip: look for "slicks" on the water surface - areas of calm, oily water. That often means trout are feeding below, regurgitating oils from their prey. Cast near those slicks for your best shot at hooking up. Just remember to set the hook gently - sea trout have soft mouths and can tear free easily.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 2-8 pounds but can get up to 15. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Spring is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching sheepshead - they're notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth. But they're also great eating, with sweet, white meat. To catch them, use small hooks with natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead like to nibble before fully committing. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on targeting these crafty fish.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a fast-swimming, streamlined fish that typically run 1-8 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structures like reefs or wrecks. They're most active in warmer months, especially spring and fall as they migrate. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their tasty white meat also makes them great for the dinner table. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local tip: watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish Mackerel are feeding on bait fish below. When you spot that action, cast a shiny lure right into the frenzy and hold on tight. These fish hit hard and run fast, so be ready for an exciting fight on light tackle.
About the Bluewater
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
