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Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City Florida
- $500 - $750 price range
Summary
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Inshore Catches & Views
Beautiful marlin release!
Huge yellowfin tuna catch!
Fresh red snapper haul!
Big red snapper catch!
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Massive bluefin tuna catch!
Giant swordfish catch!
Massive bluefin tuna haul!
Beautiful marlin release!
Huge yellowfin tuna catch!
Fresh red snapper haul!
Big red snapper catch!
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Massive bluefin tuna catch!
Giant swordfish catch!
Massive bluefin tuna haul!
Beautiful marlin release!
Huge yellowfin tuna catch!
Fresh red snapper haul!
Big red snapper catch!
Panama City's Ultimate Beginner Fishing Charter
Ready to wet a line in Panama City's fish-rich waters? Flats And Fathoms has got you covered with a beginner-friendly inshore fishing trip that'll have you hooked in no time. Captain Travis Rolan knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's all about helping newbies land their first big catch. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or just want a laid-back morning on the water, this four-hour trip is the perfect intro to Panama City's legendary inshore fishing scene.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts bright and early at 8 AM when you'll meet Captain Travis at the dock. He'll get you set up with all the gear you need – no need to worry about bringing your own rod or tackling the tackle shop. This trip is all about learning the ropes, so expect plenty of hands-on instruction as you cruise the inshore waters. With a max of two guests per trip, you'll get tons of one-on-one time with the captain to perfect your casting, learn how to read the water, and get the inside scoop on where the fish are biting.
Inshore Fishing 101
Inshore fishing is all about working the shallow waters close to shore where some of Panama City's most prized catches hang out. You might find yourself drifting along grass flats, casting near oyster bars, or working the edges of channels. Captain Travis will show you how to use light tackle effectively, teaching you techniques like sight fishing, popping corks, or bottom fishing depending on what's biting. You'll learn how to read the tides, spot fish movement, and choose the right bait for your target species. It's a crash course in coastal angling that'll set you up for future fishing success.
Top Catches This Season
Panama City's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of game fish that'll put your new skills to the test. Here's a rundown of what you might be reeling in:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Florida Pompano: These silvery speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They love hanging out in the surf zone and around sandbars. Pompano put up a great fight for their size, often leaping out of the water when hooked. Spring and fall are prime times to target these tasty fish.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are one of the most fun inshore species to target. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers pushing 100 pounds! You'll usually find them around structure like bridges or in deeper holes. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect for beginner anglers.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a Panama City staple. They're aggressive feeders and love to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting visual strikes. Sea trout are most active in the cooler months and early mornings. Landing a "gator" trout (over 20 inches) is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are prized for their hard-fighting nature and copper-colored scales. You'll often spot them "tailing" in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up for their annual spawn.
Cobia: While technically a migratory offshore species, cobia often venture into inshore waters during their spring run. These curious fish are known to follow boats and even sharks! Cobia grow big – 30 to 50 pounds is common – and put up an epic fight. Hooking one of these bruisers from an inshore boat is the stuff of fishing legend.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Flats And Fathoms isn't just about catching fish – it's about creating memories and building skills that'll last a lifetime. Captain Travis has a knack for making even complete novices feel comfortable on the water. He'll share local knowledge, fishing stories, and maybe even a secret spot or two if you're lucky. By the end of your four-hour trip, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing techniques and a new appreciation for Panama City's aquatic playground.
More Than Just Fishing
While the focus is on catching fish, don't forget to soak in the stunning coastal scenery. Panama City's waters are home to dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds. Captain Travis is always happy to point out wildlife and share interesting tidbits about the local ecosystem. It's a chance to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of this unique coastal environment.
Gearing Up for Success
One of the best parts about this beginner-friendly charter? You don't need to stress about equipment. Flats And Fathoms provides all the necessary gear, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Captain Travis uses quality light tackle setups that are perfect for inshore fishing and easy for beginners to handle. He'll show you how to work the gear effectively, from tying knots to setting the hook when a fish strikes.
Weather Watch
Panama City's weather can be unpredictable, but that's all part of the fishing game. Captain Travis keeps a close eye on conditions to ensure a safe and productive trip. Morning departures often mean calmer waters and active fish, but he'll adjust tactics based on the day's forecast. If the weather looks iffy, he might suggest working protected areas or focusing on structure fishing. Flexibility is key to a successful day on the water.
Catch and Release or Dinner Plans?
While many anglers practice catch and release, Panama City's waters offer some fantastic eating fish. If you're interested in keeping your catch for dinner, let Captain Travis know. He'll make sure you're up to date on local regulations and help you properly clean and fillet your fish. There's nothing quite like enjoying a meal of fresh-caught fish to cap off a great day of fishing.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to cast off on your Panama City fishing adventure? Flats And Fathoms' beginner inshore charter is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of coastal angling. With expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and some of the best inshore fishing grounds right at your fingertips, you're in for a treat. Remember, these trips are limited to just two guests, so they fill up fast – especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to learn from a local pro and possibly land the catch of a lifetime. Book your spot with Captain Travis today and get ready to make some waves in Panama City!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful fights and distinctive drumming sound. These bruisers can top 90 pounds, but 5-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds, pilings, and mudflats. Black Drum use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of crabs and oysters are prime spots. Spring is the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for the challenge - they pull like freight trains when hooked. The smaller ones make great eating too, with firm, white meat. For bait, it's hard to beat a fresh blue crab or piece of cut shrimp. My local tip: fish your bait right on the bottom and be patient. When a Black Drum takes it, you'll know - just hold on tight!
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that show up in our waters during spring and summer. These dark brown fish can top 100 pounds, though 20-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks due to their similar profile. They're aggressive predators, feeding on crabs, squid, and smaller fish. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To catch them, try sight-fishing with large jigs or live eels. My local tip: when you spot a cobia, don't hesitate - they can be curious at first but spook quickly. Make a long cast beyond the fish and retrieve your bait right past its nose. When they eat, hold on tight - you're in for one heck of a fight!
Florida Pompano
Florida Pompano are a prized catch in our local waters. These flat, silvery fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though you might luck into a 5-pounder. Look for them in shallow water along beaches and inlets, especially over sandy bottoms. Pompano love to cruise the surf zone, feeding on small crustaceans and baitfish. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Anglers enjoy targeting pompano for their strong, acrobatic fights and excellent table fare - the meat is mild and buttery. To up your odds, try using small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. Fish these baits right along the bottom, as pompano often feed by digging in the sand. A light setup with 10-15 lb test line works well for presenting baits naturally. When you hook one, get ready for some fun - pound for pound, pompano put up an impressive battle.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored beauties usually run 3-10 pounds inshore, but can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges, often in water just a foot or two deep. Redfish are aggressive feeders, crushing crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Reds for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To catch them, try sight-fishing with soft plastics or live bait like finger mullet. My local tip: on sunny days, look for their copper backs reflecting in shallow water. Move slowly and make long casts - these fish can be spooky in skinny water. When you hook one, be ready for a drag-screaming run!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers here. These silver-sided fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels, especially at dawn and dusk. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are mild. Anglers love targeting trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch them, try using soft plastic jigs or topwater lures worked with a slow, twitching retrieve. My local tip: on cooler days, fish deeper water and slow your presentation way down. Sea Trout metabolism slows in colder water, so you've got to make it easy for them to grab that bait.
About the Dolphin Super Skiff
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
