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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

Summary

Get ready for a relaxed day of fishing in the calm waters around Panama City Beach. This 4-hour trip takes you into St. Andrews Bay or Choctawhatchee Bay, where you'll cast lines for prized catches like Redfish and Trout. Depending on the season, you might also hook some smaller reef fish. The Bluewater Charter crew welcomes anglers of all skill levels - whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, you'll feel right at home on this laid-back excursion. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. As you drift along protected waterways, you'll soak in the natural beauty of Florida's coast while waiting for that next big bite. It's a great way to unwind, enjoy some friendly competition, and hopefully reel in a few keepers to show off back at the dock. Pack your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a fun day on the water!
Panama City Beach's Premier 4-Hour Inshore Fishing

Reels and Rods

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A fishing trip in FL

Epic catches in Panama City fishing

Spotted Weakfish caught in FL

Exciting fishing adventures await

A lone angler fishing in Panama City

Hooked a beauty in Panama City

A single Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, a 32-inch fish, caught while fishing in Panama City.

Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest

Gag grouper fishing in FL

Hooked a grouper in Panama City

One fisherman reeling in a 21-inch fish in FL

Reeling in big fish off Panama City

Scenic view of Panama City

Bluewater Charter Boat - Fishing in Style!

2 bull sharks fishing FL

PCB sharks fishing trips – your adventure starts

Five Spanish Mackerel fish caught while fishing in FL

Spanish mackerel bites in PCB waters

Gag Grouper, a 21-inch fish, caught while fishing in FL

Sunshine sea and big fish in PCB

A fishing trip in FL

Epic catches in Panama City fishing

Spotted Weakfish caught in FL

Exciting fishing adventures await

A lone angler fishing in Panama City

Hooked a beauty in Panama City

A single Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, a 32-inch fish, caught while fishing in Panama City.

Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest

Gag grouper fishing in FL

Hooked a grouper in Panama City

One fisherman reeling in a 21-inch fish in FL

Reeling in big fish off Panama City

Scenic view of Panama City

Bluewater Charter Boat - Fishing in Style!

2 bull sharks fishing FL

PCB sharks fishing trips – your adventure starts

Five Spanish Mackerel fish caught while fishing in FL

Spanish mackerel bites in PCB waters

Gag Grouper, a 21-inch fish, caught while fishing in FL

Sunshine sea and big fish in PCB

A fishing trip in FL

Epic catches in Panama City fishing

Spotted Weakfish caught in FL

Exciting fishing adventures await

A lone angler fishing in Panama City

Hooked a beauty in Panama City

A single Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, a 32-inch fish, caught while fishing in Panama City.

Fresh catch PCB fishing at its finest

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Reel in the Bay: 4-Hour PCB Inshore Adventure

Ready for a laid-back day on the water? Our 4-hour private inshore fishing trip is perfect for anglers looking to escape the crowds and hook into some of Panama City Beach's most sought-after species. We'll cruise the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay or Choctawhatchee Bay, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery is stunning. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and action-packed fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the stress melt away. The inshore waters around PCB are like a different world – peaceful, protected, and teeming with life. We'll hit up some of my favorite spots where redfish and trout love to hang out. Depending on the season, we might also target some smaller reef fish that call these waters home. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility – we can adjust our tactics based on what's biting and what you're most interested in catching. And with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to hone your skills or learn new techniques.

Fishing Know-How for Inshore Success

Inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll use light tackle and a variety of techniques to entice the fish. You might find yourself casting soft plastics along grass flats for trout, or working a popping cork near oyster bars for redfish. If the sheepshead are around, we'll break out the fiddler crabs and fish tight to structure. I'll show you how to detect those subtle bites and set the hook just right. Don't worry if you're new to this – by the end of the trip, you'll be handling that rod like a pro. And for you experienced anglers, I've got some local tricks up my sleeve that might just teach you a new trick or two.

Top Catches This Season

Panama City Beach's inshore waters are a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big schools of redfish cruise the flats, offering heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. As the water warms up, the trout bite heats up, and you might find yourself in a non-stop action with these feisty fighters. Summer brings in the Spanish mackerel, perfect for fast-paced trolling or casting to feeding frenzies. And let's not forget about the ever-present sheepshead – these striped bandits are a blast to catch and even better to eat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the sprinters of the inshore world. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel are a summer favorite. We typically find them chasing bait schools near passes and along the beaches. They're not picky eaters, so fast-moving lures or live bait will do the trick. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.

Bluefish: Pound for pound, bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. These toothy critters show up in good numbers during the spring and fall. We'll often find them busting bait on the surface – a sight that gets any angler's heart racing. They'll hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Sheepshead: Ah, the convict fish. These black-and-white striped beauties are the ultimate challenge for light tackle anglers. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching them requires patience and a delicate touch, but the reward is some of the sweetest meat you'll ever taste. Winter and early spring are prime time for sheepshead.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted hunters are a staple of inshore fishing. They're ambush predators, often hanging out in deeper holes or along grass edges. The "gator" trout (the big ones) are prized catches, known for their subtle strikes and head-shaking fights. We can target them year-round, but the bite is especially good in the spring and fall.

Redfish: The rockstars of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring many anglers to PCB. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing on shallow flats or hanging near structure in deeper water. They put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs when hooked. The "slot" sized reds (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bulls offer an unforgettable catch-and-release experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about inshore fishing in Panama City Beach that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish in gin-clear water. Or perhaps it's the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary trout with the perfect lure presentation. For many, it's simply the peace and quiet of being on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of the beach crowds. Whatever your reason, I can guarantee that once you experience the quality of fishing we have here, you'll be hooked (pun intended).

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Panama City Beach has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. Our 4-hour trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the bay, we've got you covered. Don't let this fishing opportunity slip away – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now and get ready to make some memories on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Bluefish

Spanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These sleek, silver fish with gold spots typically run 2-4 pounds, but can reach 10+ pounds. They roam our nearshore waters in big schools, especially in spring and fall. Look for diving birds to find feeding frenzies. Spanish macks hit lures and live bait with incredible speed, often throwing hooks with acrobatic leaps. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the ticket. They're a blast on light spinning gear or fly rods. The meat is delicious but doesn't keep well, so eat it fresh. Local secret: troll small spoons behind planers to cover more water and find the schools. Once you're on 'em, get ready for non-stop action!

Bluefish

Redfish

Sea trout, or specks, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These spotted beauties usually run 1-3 pounds, with gator trout pushing 5+ pounds. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They're ambush predators, so work your lures with erratic retrieves. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly effective too. Fall and winter are peak seasons as big females move into the bays. Trout fight with head shakes and short runs, often throwing hooks at the boat. The meat is excellent but doesn't freeze well, so enjoy it fresh. Pro tip: fish topwater lures at first light for explosive strikes. There's nothing like seeing a big trout blow up on your lure!

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sheepshead are the dentists of the fish world, with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. These striped oddballs typically run 2-5 pounds, but can reach 15+. You'll find them around pilings, rocks, and other structure. They're masters at stealing bait, so a sensitive touch is key. Use small hooks, fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and feel for the bite. Winter is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. The fight is more about dogged determination than speed. But the real prize is on the plate - sheepshead are excellent eating. Local trick: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix. It's like ringing the dinner bell!

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Bluefish are like the bullies of the bay - aggressive, toothy, and always looking for a fight. These choppers average 2-5 pounds inshore, but can top 20 pounds. You'll find them busting bait on the surface, often in big schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Blues hit just about any lure or bait with reckless abandon. Their sharp teeth will shred your line, so use wire leaders. The fight is all attitude - expect drag-screaming runs and aerial acrobatics. They're not the best eating, but make good smoked fish dip. Insider tip: when you see birds diving and bait scattering, throw a topwater plug into the fray and hang on tight. It's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience!

Sheepshead

Spanish Mackerel

Redfish are a favorite around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches long, with big ones pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them prowling the shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in our bays, often in just a foot or two of water. They're aggressive feeders, crushing bait and lures with powerful strikes. Fall is prime time when schools of bull reds move in to spawn. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in clear shallows is a rush. They put up a great fight on light tackle too. The meat is excellent - mild and flaky. Pro tip: work topwater lures slowly along grass edges at dawn for explosive strikes. Just watch out for that tail - they can really throw some water when hooked!

Spanish Mackerel

About the Bluewater

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a chill day of fishing in Panama City Beach? This 4-hour inshore trip is perfect for kicking back and trying your luck in the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay or Choctawhatchee Bay. We'll be targeting tasty catches like Redfish and Trout, with the chance to reel in some smaller reef fish too, depending on what's biting. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, this laid-back adventure is all about enjoying your time on the water without any fuss. It's a great opportunity to unwind, soak up some Florida sunshine, and hopefully land a few nice fish along the way. Bring up to 3 friends or family members along for the ride - there's room for 4 guests total. So round up your crew, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a relaxing day surrounded by nature. Who knows, you might even catch dinner!
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Panama City Florida Fishing Charter

Don't miss your chance to experience an unforgettable fishing adventure with Captain Stephen Hess! Book your trip today and reel in the excitement of fishing in the beautiful waters of Panama City, Florida!

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