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Premier 2-Hour Inshore Fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Panama City, Florida
  • $400 - $850 price range

Summary

Ready for some fall fishing without the all-day commitment? This 2-hour trip on Choctawhatchee Bay is perfect for squeezing in some angling action. You'll be casting for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Spanish Mackerel in the scenic waters of the bay. It's a great option whether you're an experienced fisherman or just looking to wet a line and enjoy being out on the water. The Bluewater Charter crew welcomes up to 4 guests, so bring some friends or family along. You'll get all the excitement of inshore fishing - the anticipation of a bite, the thrill of reeling one in - set against the beautiful backdrop of Choctawhatchee Bay. It's an ideal way to experience the local fishery without taking up your whole day. The fall season often brings some great fishing, so don't miss your chance to get out there and see what's biting. Pack your sunscreen, grab a hat, and get ready for a fun few hours on the bay!
Premier 2-Hour Inshore Fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay

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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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Fall Fishing Frenzy: 2-Hour Inshore Adventure

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for a quick fishing fix this fall? I've got just the ticket. Hop aboard our 2-hour inshore trip on Choctawhatchee Bay, where we'll be chasing after some of the hottest fish in these parts. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Spanish Mackerel – the trifecta of fall fishing fun. This trip's perfect if you want to squeeze in some quality time on the water without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we'll make sure you have a blast out there.

What to Expect on the Water

First things first – we'll meet you at the dock, get you settled on the boat, and head out onto Choctawhatchee Bay. This place is a fishing paradise, with its mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and structures that fish love to hang around. We'll cruise to some of my favorite spots where the bite's been hot lately. You'll get to try different techniques, from working soft plastics along the bottom for trout to sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. And don't worry if you're new to this – I'll show you the ropes and make sure you're comfortable before we start casting.

Gear and Techniques

We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. We'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for inshore fishing. Depending on what's biting, we might use live bait like shrimp or mullet, or throw some artificial lures. I'll teach you how to work a popping cork for trout, or how to slow-roll a spoon for those hard-fighting redfish. If the Spanish mackerel are running, we might even do some trolling along the edges of the bay. The key is to stay versatile – that's how we put fish in the boat.

Top Catches This Season

Fall is prime time on Choctawhatchee Bay. The water's cooling down, and the fish are feeding up for winter. Here's what you can expect to see on the end of your line:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Speckled Trout: These guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. They're known for their spotted patterns and their willingness to hit topwater lures, which makes for some exciting fishing. In the fall, they start schooling up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They average 1-3 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a gator trout over 5 pounds!

Redfish: Also called Red Drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and they pull like freight trains when hooked. Fall is when the bigger ones, known as "bull reds," start moving into the bay. They can push 30 pounds or more, so hang on tight if you hook one of these!

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters show up in good numbers in the fall, chasing bait schools through the bay. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Catching them on light tackle is a blast – it's like hooking into a mini torpedo. Plus, they're delicious if you want to take a few home for dinner.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I never get tired of it. There's something special about Choctawhatchee Bay in the fall. The crowds have thinned out, the weather's perfect, and the fish are biting. It's not just about catching fish, though that's a big part of it. It's about being out on the water, feeling the breeze, and maybe seeing a dolphin or two swim by. It's about learning new tricks, swapping stories, and making memories. That's why folks keep coming back – it's an experience you can't get anywhere else.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a quick fishing fix this fall, this 2-hour trip is hard to beat. We've got the perfect combo of location, timing, and target species to make your time on the water count. Whether you're a local looking for an after-work escape or a visitor wanting to sample what Choctawhatchee Bay has to offer, we've got you covered. Remember, we can take up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or make it a family outing. Just don't wait too long to book – these fall trips fill up fast as word gets out about the hot bite. So what do you say? Ready to wet a line and see what's biting? Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. The fish are waiting, and so are we. Let's make some fall fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite around here, known for their copper color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big boys can hit 40+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and structure. Fall's prime time as they feed heavily before winter. Anglers love 'em for their hard fight and excellent table fare. To land one, try working topwater lures or jigs in the shallows, especially early morning. My go-to trick is sight-fishing - look for their tails breaking the surface as they feed. Move in slow and quiet, then drop your bait right in front of them. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to tangle with a hard-pulling inshore brawler, Redfish deliver an experience you won't forget.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Spanish Mackerel are lightning-fast swimmers that'll test your skills. These silver torpedoes usually run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds. You'll find them in big schools near the surface, often around structures in open water. Fall's a prime time to target them as they migrate. They put up an exciting fight and make great eating too - mild flavor that's not too fishy. To catch 'em, try trolling with shiny spoons or casting jigs from the pier. Live bait like shrimp or small fish works well too. My local tip: Look for birds diving - that often means Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. These fish move quick, so be ready to cast as soon as you spot activity. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just want to tangle with a speedy opponent, Spanish Mackerel deliver plenty of action.

Sea Trout

Spanish Mackerel

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a blast to catch in Choctawhatchee Bay. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with a sleek, spotted body. You'll find them around grass flats and in deeper channels, especially in cooler months. They're known for their soft, white meat - tasty but don't overcook it. Fall's a great time as they school up to feed. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. To hook one, try working soft plastics or live shrimp around grass edges or drop-offs. My local tip: fish the tide changes, when trout are most active. Use light tackle for more sport. Whether you're after a delicious dinner or just want to feel that distinctive trout bite, these fish offer consistent action and excitement for anglers of all levels.

Spanish Mackerel
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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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