Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Panama City Florida
$500 - $750 price range
Updated Date: October 25, 2025

Summary

Looking to try your hand at fishing in Panama City? Captain Travis Rolan's half-day trip is perfect for newcomers. You'll head out on the inshore waters for a 4-hour adventure, targeting local favorites like cobia and pompano. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance to build your skills. The 8 AM start gives you prime morning fishing time without taking up your whole day. All the gear is provided, so you can just show up ready to learn and have fun on the water. Captain Travis will teach you the ropes and help you land some great catches. It's a laid-back intro to Panama City fishing that lets you experience the local waters and wildlife. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're good to go before booking.

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Inshore Catches

One Gag Grouper caught while fishing in Panama City Beach

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Two blackfin tuna caught while fishing in Panama City Beach

Massive bluefin tuna catch!

Beginner's Guide to Panama City Inshore Fishing

Ready to wet a line in Panama City's rich inshore waters? Captain Travis Rolan of Flats And Fathoms has you covered with this beginner-friendly half-day trip. Whether you're new to fishing or just want to brush up on your skills, this four-hour adventure is the perfect introduction to the local hotspots. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance as you target some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at 8:00 AM, giving you prime time on the water when the fish are most active. Captain Travis will meet you at the dock, where you'll hop aboard his well-equipped vessel. Don't sweat the gear - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. As you cruise out to the fishing grounds, take in the stunning coastal scenery and keep an eye out for dolphins or sea birds.

Fishing 101: Inshore Basics

This trip is all about getting you comfortable with inshore fishing techniques. You'll learn how to read the water, spot promising structure, and present your bait effectively. Captain Travis will show you the ropes on everything from casting to setting the hook. You might try bottom fishing around oyster bars for black drum, or maybe sight-casting to redfish tailing in the shallows. The beauty of inshore fishing is its variety - one minute you could be working a topwater lure for sea trout, the next you're dropping a live bait for cobia.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Panama City's inshore waters are a fish-rich playground that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The sheltered bays and flats offer consistent action even when offshore conditions are rough. Plus, the diversity of species means there's always something biting. Regulars love the thrill of sight-fishing for redfish in crystal clear water or the sudden explosion of a sea trout smashing a topwater lure. And let's not forget the table fare - many of these inshore species are downright delicious.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Florida Pompano: These silvery speedsters are a favorite among light-tackle anglers. Pompano typically range from 1-3 pounds but punch well above their weight class. They're often found along sandy beaches and passes, where they feed on small crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime times to target pompano, and their firm, white flesh makes them excellent eating.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - black drum are hard-fighting and tasty fish. These cousins of the redfish can grow to over 100 pounds, but the smaller "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range are more common inshore. Look for them around structure like bridges and docks. Black drum are year-round residents but seem to be most active in cooler months.

Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these aggressive predators are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted bodies and prominent teeth. Sea trout love to ambush bait in grassy flats and around oyster bars. Early mornings often produce the best topwater action, which is incredibly exciting. While they can be caught year-round, fall and spring typically see the biggest concentrations.

Redfish: With their copper-colored bodies and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are an iconic inshore species. They're found in a variety of habitats, from shallow flats to deeper channels. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in clear water is a heart-pounding experience. Redfish are available year-round but tend to school up in larger numbers during fall and winter.

Cobia: These hard-fighting fish are migratory, typically showing up in Panama City waters from spring through fall. Cobia are curious by nature and often investigate anything floating on the surface - including boats! They can grow to over 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common inshore. Cobia are excellent eating and put up a memorable fight on light tackle.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or just want to experience the rich inshore waters of Panama City, this half-day trip with Flats And Fathoms is the perfect choice. Captain Travis's patient instruction and local knowledge will have you fishing like a pro in no time. Remember, with only two spots available per trip, these charters can fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Don't miss out on your chance to create lasting memories and maybe even catch dinner. Book your spot today and get ready for an awesome morning on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty fighters that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but the big ones can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. Spring is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers target them for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The meat gets tough in bigger fish. Black Drum make a distinctive drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear. For bait, they love crabs and shrimp. Here's a local trick: use a piece of fresh, peeled shrimp on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom, and be ready when that rod bends over!

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your gear and your arms. Adults typically hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, living up to 12 years. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures, often in 30 feet of water or less. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They're usually loners, so spotting one is exciting. To catch 'em, live bait like eels or crabs work great. For artificials, try big bucktail jigs or swimbaits. Here's a local trick: when you see one, get a bait in front of it fast. They're curious fish and will often investigate even if they're not actively feeding.

Florida Pompano

Florida Pompano are a prized catch around here, usually weighing 1-3 pounds but can get up to 8 pounds. You'll find them in the surf zone and along beaches, often in water less than 10 feet deep. These silver-sided fish with yellow fins put up a great fight for their size. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love targeting pompano for their tasty, buttery meat - it's considered a delicacy. To catch them, use small hooks since they have tiny mouths. Live bait like sand fleas works well, or try bright-colored jigs in clear water. A local tip: fish the troughs between sandbars on an incoming tide for your best shot at hooking into some pompano.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple on our inshore trips. They average 28 to 33 inches when full-grown, but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in 1 to 4 feet deep flats, around oyster beds and grass. They're most active in fall and spring. Anglers love targeting reds for their strong fights and that distinctive tail spot. The meat's great too - mild and versatile for cooking. These fish will eat just about anything, but live bait like shrimp or cut mullet works well. For artificials, try gold spoons or scented soft plastics. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their copper backs breaking the surface as they feed in shallow water.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore species here. They usually run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though some monsters hit 40 pounds. Look for them around grass flats and in shallow waters, especially at night. They love cooler water, so fall through spring is prime time. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their mild, flaky meat and the fun fight they put up. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures work great too. Try topwater plugs early morning or late evening for some exciting strikes. Here's a tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. Fan cast the area thoroughly before moving on.

About the Dolphin Super Skiff

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Hop aboard with Captain Travis Rolan for a laid-back half-day fishing trip in Panama City's inshore waters. Perfect for newcomers to fishing, this four-hour adventure accommodates up to two guests, giving you plenty of one-on-one attention. You'll set out at 8 AM to explore the local fishing spots, targeting species like cobia and pompano. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything you need is provided on board. As you cruise along, Captain Travis will share his local knowledge and teach you the ropes of inshore fishing. Whether you're looking to land your first catch or just enjoy a relaxing morning on the water, this beginner-friendly trip offers a great introduction to Panama City's fishing scene. Remember, while deposits secure your spot, they can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely!

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