Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fishing Info

Find clear answers to your top Panama City Beach charter questions and learn exactly what to expect before stepping aboard your private flats excursion.

What is included in a private fishing charter with Flats and Fathoms?

Every private shallow-water excursion is fully inclusive of all premium fishing gear, rods, reels, and custom terminal tackle tailored to your skill level. Flats and Fathoms provides your comprehensive Florida recreational fishing license, a large cooler stocked with ice and fresh bottled water, and all necessary safety equipment. At the end of your productive day on the water, Captain Travis will personally clean and fillet your legal catch, packaging it up so it is completely ready for the dinner table.

How much does a full-day fishing charter cost in Panama City Beach?

A full-day technical charter with Flats and Fathoms offers eight hours of dedicated shallow-water scouting and costs $900. For anglers balancing a tighter vacation schedule, a half-day, four-hour excursion is available for $600, while a six-hour 3⁄4 day trip is priced at $750. Because Captain Travis specializes exclusively in high-end, personalized two-person charters, these rates cover the entire boat for up to two guests, ensuring true one-on-one coaching without the crowds.

Where in Panama City do we meet our guests?

We meet at Panama City ( Panama City, FL, USA )

Do I need to bring my own fly rods or spinning gear on the boat?

You do not need to bring any personal fishing equipment, as the skiff comes fully rigged with top-tier gear, including custom Aubut rods and high-performance Quantum spinning and fly reels. However, if you have a favorite technical fly rod or a specific light-tackle setup you are eager to test on local Redfish, you are more than welcome to bring it along; just let Captain Travis know before launching so he can clear space on the casting deck.

What is the absolute best time of year to fish the flats in Northwest Florida?

While our protected bays offer highly productive shallow-water action twelve months a year, the absolute best time of year to fish depends heavily on your target species. Late spring through summer brings heavy migratory Tarpon and explosive early-morning topwater Speckled Trout action. If you are hunting for massive, schooling bull Redfish in the shallow grass flats or want to target Flounder, the crisp autumn months of September through November offer unmatched visibility and bite consistency.

Are the shallow-water trips with Flats and Fathoms safe for kids and beginners?

Yes, absolutely. Our specialized bay and flats excursions are engineered to be entirely family-friendly and highly accessible for novice anglers. Because we fish the protected waters of St. Andrews Bay and West Bay rather than the rough open ocean, the water is consistently calm, eliminating any risk of seasickness. Captain Travis is a patient, Orvis-endorsed instructor who takes great pride in teaching children and beginners proper casting mechanics in a safe, controlled environment.

What should I bring along for my private Panama City Beach fishing excursion?

To ensure you stay comfortable out on the water, we highly recommend bringing high-quality polarized sunglasses (which are essential for sight-casting to fish on the shallow flats), a protective wide-brimmed hat, non-marking boat shoes, and your preferred sunblock. You are also welcome to pack your favorite snacks, lunches, or specialty refreshments, which can be stored directly inside the boat's insulated cooler alongside our complimentary ice and water.

Where does the Flats and Fathoms skiff pick up guests for the trip?

Our standard departure point is located at the public boat ramp at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, which provides immediate, direct access to the region's most productive shallow grass flats and bays. Depending on current weather patterns, wind directions, and real-time fish movements, Captain Travis may occasionally adjust the launch location to a different local ramp to ensure you spend less time traveling and more time actively casting.

Does Flats and Fathoms offer corporate outings or large group charters?

Because we strictly operate a technical 16-foot Dolphin Super Skiff designed to float in inches of water, our vessel is strictly limited to a maximum of two guests per trip to maintain safety, stability, and high-quality instruction. Flats and Fathoms does not offer large group or multi-boat corporate charters; our entire business model is built around delivering an elite, quiet, and hyper-personalized shallow-water guiding experience for one or two anglers.

For further questions, please visit our Contact Us page.