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Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, FL
- $300 - $400 price range
Summary
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Reel Action Moments
Crystal waters, solid hookups
Center console cruising the bay
West Bay fishing with the family
Panama City FL inshore redfish
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Fish on! Inshore style fun
Redfish landed, smiles all around
Full stringer, happy anglers
Catching memories in Panama City
Crystal waters, solid hookups
Center console cruising the bay
West Bay fishing with the family
Panama City FL inshore redfish
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null
Fish on! Inshore style fun
Redfish landed, smiles all around
Full stringer, happy anglers
Catching memories in Panama City
Crystal waters, solid hookups
Center console cruising the bay
West Bay fishing with the family
Panama City FL inshore redfish
Panama City's Perfect Inshore Charter for Beginners
Looking to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing? West Bay Fishing Charters has you covered with our half-day morning trip that's tailor-made for first-timers and families. We'll cruise the calm waters of Panama City, giving you a shot at some of the Gulf Coast's most popular gamefish without the intimidation factor of deep sea angling. Whether you're a total newbie or just want a laid-back day on the water, our local pros will show you the ropes and put you on the fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Our inshore trips are all about keeping things simple and fun. We'll head out early to beat the heat and hit the prime fishing spots around Panama City's bays and flats. No need to worry about seasickness here – the waters are calm and the scenery is beautiful. Your guide will set you up with light tackle gear that's easy to handle, perfect for reeling in redfish, trout, and more. We provide everything you need, from rods and reels to live bait and lures, so all you have to do is show up ready to learn. And don't sweat the license – we've got that covered too.
Fishing 101: Inshore Edition
If you've never fished before, don't worry – our guides love teaching the basics. We'll start with how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch. Inshore fishing is all about finesse, so we'll show you techniques like working a popping cork for trout or slow-rolling a jig for redfish. You might try bottom fishing for flounder or sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows. The best part? You'll be using the same light tackle setups that the pros use, giving you a real taste of what inshore fishing is all about.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the rockstars of inshore fishing in Panama City. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They hang out near structures like oyster bars and docks, often giving themselves away with their signature tail waving above the water as they feed. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round.
Spotted Seatrout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are another top target. These silvery fish with spots are known for their acrobatic jumps and delicate bite. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught all year. Trout love to ambush bait in grass flats and around drop-offs, making them perfect for learning how to work artificial lures.
Southern Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty fillets. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. We often catch them around creek mouths and deeper holes in the bay. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they move towards the Gulf to spawn.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, though we usually catch "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we often use shrimp or crab to entice them. You can catch drum year-round, but spring is especially good as they gather to spawn.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like human teeth, are a unique catch. These structure-loving fish are experts at stealing bait, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons when they gather around pilings and reefs to spawn.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our inshore trips are perfect for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of saltwater fishing without the commitment of a full day offshore. Families love how easy it is to get kids involved – there's always action, and the variety of species keeps things interesting. Plus, the calm waters and shorter trip length mean everyone stays comfortable. Many of our first-time guests get hooked (pun intended) and come back year after year to improve their skills and try for bigger catches.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to test the waters of inshore fishing? Our Panama City charter is the perfect way to start. With expert guides, all the gear you need, and some of the best inshore fishing spots in Florida, you're set up for a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn the basics, entertain the kids, or just enjoy a relaxing morning outdoors, we've got you covered. Remember, we only take cash or CashApp on the day of the trip for the remaining balance. Don't miss out on the chance to make some fishing memories – book your trip with West Bay Fishing Charters today!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often weighing 5 to 30 pounds, but can hit 90 pounds in rare cases. Look for them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish waters. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws perfect for crushing shellfish. Spring's the hot season when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these big boys put up, especially on light tackle. For the best eating, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds – the big ones can get tough. Here's a local trick: use fresh crab or shrimp for bait, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Black Drum make a croaking sound, so listen up – you might hear them before you see them.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a prized catch in our shallow coastal waters. They typically run 28 to 33 inches when mature, but can grow much larger. Look for them in super shallow water, often with their backs exposed, around oyster beds and grass flats. Fall's the prime season as they feed aggressively before winter. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. They're also fun to sight fish in clear shallows. Here's a local trick: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of them and hang on. When hooked, Redfish often make strong runs, so be ready for some drag-screaming action. Just remember to release the big breeders to keep the population healthy.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Winter's a great time as they school up in deeper holes. Trout are known for their soft, delicate meat and the fun fight they put up on light tackle. They're aggressive feeders, making them perfect for both live bait and artificial lures. Here's a local tip: try using a popping cork with a shrimp imitation about 18 inches below. Work it with sharp jerks to mimic fleeing bait. The surface commotion often triggers strikes from nearby trout. Remember, they have soft mouths, so use a light drag and steady pressure when reeling them in.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish," are known for their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches long. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs – anywhere with barnacles. Spring's prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their challenging bite and excellent table fare. They're notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Here's a tip: use a small, strong hook with fresh fiddler crab or oysters. Get your bait right up against the structure and be patient. When you feel a slight tick, give it a sharp hook set. It's a game of finesse, but landing a big sheepshead is always rewarding.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat and the challenge of hooking these crafty ambush predators. To catch one, try using live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig. Cast near structure and drag your bait slowly along the bottom. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook – flounder often grab prey and hold it before swallowing. It's all about patience and timing with these flat fish.
About the West Bay
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Johnson
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
