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Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City, FL
- $300 - $400 price range
Summary
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Family Fishing Fun
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
null
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
Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun in Panama City
Get ready for a laid-back morning on the water that's perfect for the whole family. This half-day inshore fishing trip in Panama City, FL is all about having a good time and maybe reeling in a few fish along the way. Whether you've never held a rod before or you're teaching the kids, our local captain will make sure everyone's comfortable and having a blast. We'll cruise the calm bay waters, drop some lines, and see what's biting. It's fishing made easy – we've got all the gear, bait, and know-how you need. Plus, we'll clean your catch so you can focus on making memories.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're out on a comfy boat, the sun's warming up, and the bay's as smooth as glass. That's the scene for our family-friendly fishing trip. We keep things simple and fun, perfect for kids or anyone new to fishing. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will take you right where the fish are biting. We use light tackle – nothing too fancy or complicated – just right for hauling in some of Panama City's favorite inshore fish. You might land a chunky redfish, a crafty flounder, or a speckled trout. The best part? Everyone gets a chance to reel one in, with the captain there to lend a hand or share a tip.
Fishing 101: Bait, Cast, Reel
Don't sweat it if you're not sure which end of the rod to hold – we've got you covered. This trip is all about learning the ropes of inshore fishing. We'll start with the basics: how to bait your hook (usually with live shrimp or small baitfish), the right way to cast your line, and the telltale signs that you've got a fish on the hook. Light tackle fishing is our go-to method here. It's perfect for the calmer inshore waters and makes even smaller fish feel like a big catch. Your captain will show you how to work a popping cork for trout or bounce a jig along the bottom for flounder. By the end of the trip, you'll be casting like a pro and maybe even giving the kids a run for their money.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite around here. They put up a good fight and can grow to over 40 inches long! Redfish love hanging around structures like oyster beds and grass flats. When you hook one, get ready for some excitement – they're known for their strong runs and head shakes. The best part? They're great eating fish, so if you catch a keeper, you're in for a treat.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Catching flounder is like a treasure hunt – you've got to work your bait slowly along the bottom to tempt them. They might not fight as hard as some other fish, but the challenge of finding and hooking them is part of the fun. Plus, they're absolutely delicious, making them a prized catch for many anglers.
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a blast to catch. They're quick strikers and will often hit topwater lures, making for some exciting visual strikes. Trout tend to school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. They love hanging around seagrass beds and drop-offs. While they're not the biggest fighters, their tasty flesh makes them a popular target.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, but the smaller ones are what we usually catch inshore. They're bottom feeders with sensitive barbels that help them find crabs and shrimp to munch on. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is always fun for kids to hear. They're strong fighters for their size and make for good eating when they're under 15 pounds.
Tripletail: These oddball fish are a real treat to catch. They got their name from their rounded fins that make them look like they have three tails. Tripletail are ambush predators that love to hang out near floating objects, often looking like a piece of debris themselves. They're not the easiest to spot, but when you do hook one, you're in for a good fight. Tripletail are considered excellent table fare, with a sweet, delicate flavor.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love our family fishing trips because they're just plain fun. There's something special about being out on the water together, away from screens and distractions. Even if the fish aren't biting like crazy, you're still making memories that'll last a lifetime. Kids get a kick out of feeling the tug on their line and seeing what they've caught. And let's be honest, adults have just as much fun. Our trips are laid-back enough that you can relax and enjoy the ride, but with enough action to keep everyone interested. Plus, with our captain handling all the nitty-gritty details, you can focus on what matters – spending quality time with your family and maybe catching dinner while you're at it.
Top Catches This Season
Panama City's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in some impressive catches, with redfish being the star of the show. We've seen some real beauties in the 20-30 inch range, perfect for a photo and release. The speckled trout bite has been consistent, especially around the grass flats early in the morning. Flounder have been showing up in good numbers too, with some doormat-sized ones surprising lucky anglers. Black drum have been hanging around structure, giving kids a thrill with their strong pulls. And for those with sharp eyes, tripletail have been spotted lounging near buoys and channel markers, offering a unique catch for those quick enough to spot them.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a fun, easy-going fishing trip that the whole family can enjoy, you've found it. Our half-day inshore charter in Panama City is the perfect way to introduce kids (or yourself) to the joys of fishing without any of the hassle. We provide everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and licenses. All you have to do is show up ready for a good time. Remember, these trips are popular, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to book. Give us a call or shoot us a message to lock in your date. We can't wait to show you and your family what Panama City fishing is all about. See you on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champs of the drum family, packing a punch at 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. They love shallow spots, sometimes with their backs poking out of the water. Spring's your best bet for catching them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig Black Drum for their powerful fights and the deep, croaking sound they make. For the table, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds – the big guys can be tough and not as tasty. Here's a local trick: use fresh, peeled shrimp or blue crab for bait. Fish it right on the bottom with just enough weight to hold it in place. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook. These guys put up a great fight, so hold on tight!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive tail spot usually run 28-33 inches, but can grow much bigger. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangroves. Fall's prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land one, try sight-casting in the shallows with topwater lures or gold spoons. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. Approach quietly and make a precise cast just ahead of them. When that Red crushes your lure, hold on tight – they'll give you a run for your money!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love hanging around structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. Fall and spring are prime times, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for Sea Trout because they're fun to catch and tasty on the plate. Their white, flaky meat is mild and delicious. To hook one, try using live shrimp under a popping cork or toss artificial lures like jigs or topwater plugs. Here's a tip: when the water's cool, slow down your retrieve. These fish can be finicky, so vary your presentation until you find what works. Keep an eye out for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to a school of hungry trout.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are crafty bottom-dwellers, usually hanging out in sandy or muddy areas of bays and estuaries. These flat fish grow to about 15-18 inches, but can reach up to 33 inches if you're lucky. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the seafloor to ambush prey. Best fishing is in fall when they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these stealthy fish. To catch 'em, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Use a single-hook rig with a slip lead to keep your bait near the bottom. Remember, they're left-eyed, so cast your line to the left side of structure. Patience is key – flounder often take their time before committing to the bait, so resist the urge to set the hook too quickly.
Tripletail
Tripletail are the oddballs of inshore fishing, and that's what makes them so fun. These olive-colored fish with a weird, boxy shape usually run 18 inches and 2-13 pounds, but can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them floating near the surface, often mimicking debris or hanging around buoys and markers. Summer's prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love Tripletail for their acrobatic fights and excellent eating quality – some say they're as good as snapper. To catch one, try sight-fishing with live shrimp or small crabs. Here's a pro tip: approach slowly and cast past them, then slowly drag your bait into their field of view. They're ambush predators, so they'll often smash the bait without hesitation. Be ready for some high-flying action when they hit – these odd-looking fish can really jump!
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
