Get ready to test your skills on the productive inshore waters of Panama City with Flats And Fathoms. This four-hour charter is tailor-made for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. Captain Travis Rolan leads an intimate group of up to two guests, ensuring you get the personalized attention needed to land those trophy catches. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting - all while using techniques that separate the pros from the weekenders.
Kicking off at 8:00 am, we'll hit the water when the fish are most active. This isn't your average tourist fishing trip - it's a focused mission to put you on the fish. Captain Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about getting you to the hotspots where the big ones lurk. With all gear and bait included, you can focus on what matters: outsmarting those wily inshore species. Just remember, this trip is catch-and-release unless you're planning on a fish fry - we're all about sustainable fishing here.
On this charter, we're not just dangling bait and hoping for the best. We're talking about sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows, working topwater lures for explosive trout strikes, and maybe even some light tackle jigging if the conditions are right. Captain Travis will clue you in on reading the water, spotting subtle signs of fish activity, and selecting the right lure for the conditions. You might find yourself throwing soft plastics on a jig head one minute and working a popping cork the next. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
Panama City's inshore waters are a maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and hidden channels - prime real estate for a variety of gamefish. We'll be running and gunning, hitting multiple spots to find the action. One minute you might be casting along a mangrove shoreline, the next you're drifting a deep channel edge. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - both in terms of tactics and the fish you'll encounter. And with just two anglers on board, there's plenty of room to work those casting angles without getting tangled up with your buddy.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish are a top target for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow water or hanging around structure in deeper areas. They put up a great fight, often making powerful runs that'll test your drag. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round in Panama City.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing small about the fight these fish put up. Specks are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic leaps. They're most active in the cooler months, but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Early mornings often see them blasting bait on the surface - a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing.
Florida Pompano: These silver speedsters are a prized catch, known for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They're typically found in the surf and near passes, often in schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round. Pompano require a delicate touch and can be finicky eaters, making them a fun challenge for skilled anglers.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum are often overlooked but can provide some serious pull. They're bottom feeders, so we'll target them around structure with natural baits. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great eating, while the big ones can top 50 pounds and are best released. They're year-round residents but tend to be more active in cooler months.
Cobia: While not strictly an inshore species, cobia sometimes venture into the bays and can be a thrilling surprise catch. These powerful fish are known for their strong runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in spring and fall during their migrations. Sight-casting to cobia is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing - it's like hunting on the water.
Flats And Fathoms isn't just another charter service - it's a gateway to some of the best inshore fishing Panama City has to offer. Captain Travis doesn't just put you on fish; he shares the kind of local knowledge that can elevate your angling game. Whether you're looking to cross a species off your bucket list or just want to bend a rod on quality fish, this charter delivers. The focused, two-angler max setup means you're not fighting for space or attention. It's all about quality over quantity, and that's what keeps skilled anglers coming back season after season.
If you're ready to step up your inshore game, Flats And Fathoms' Panama City Inshore Skilled Anglers Fishing Charter is calling your name. Remember, with only two spots per trip, these charters fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of Panama City's most sought-after inshore species. Grab your fishing buddy, secure your spot with a deposit, and get ready for a morning of top-notch angling action. The fish are waiting, and Captain Travis is ready to put you on them. Book now and let's make some fishing memories!
Black Drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and brackish estuaries. They're bottom feeders with a taste for crabs and shellfish, which makes for some interesting fishing. Spring's your best bet, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and the distinctive drumming sound they make. For the best eating, target those under 15 pounds – the bigger ones can be tough and less tasty. Here's a local trick: use fresh crab or clam for bait, and fish it right on the bottom. Listen for that telltale drumming, and you might just land yourself a trophy catch. Just remember, these fish can live up to 50 years, so practice catch and release with the big ones.
Cobia are the bruisers of our nearshore waters. These brown torpedoes can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run smaller. You'll spot them cruising just below the surface, often mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin. They love structure, so check around buoys, wrecks, and reefs. Spring's the ticket, as they migrate along our coast. Anglers prize Cobia for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table quality. To hook one, sight-fishing is key – scan the water's surface and be ready to cast quickly. Try bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's a pro tip: when you see one, cast well ahead of its path and let the bait sink. Cobia can't resist an easy meal. Just be ready for a battle – these fish don't give up easily. With their solitary nature, every Cobia catch feels like a real trophy.
Florida Pompano are a prized catch in our local waters. These silvery, flat-sided fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 8-9 pounds. You'll find them cruising the surf zones and sand flats, especially during summer and fall. Pompano love to feed on small crustaceans and baitfish in shallow water, making them a blast to target on light tackle. Their hard-fighting nature and delicious, buttery meat make them a favorite among anglers. To hook one, try using small jigs or live bait like sand fleas. A local tip: bright colors like yellow or orange work well in clear water. Cast your line just beyond the breaking waves and slowly retrieve – pompano often strike as the bait drops. Their short life span means regulations are important, so always check current limits before keeping any fish.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our flats. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive tail spots typically run 28 to 33 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers go crazy for Reds because of their strong runs and their ability to be sight-fished. They're also excellent table fare with a light, sweet flavor. To target them, try topwater lures or jigs in shallow water. Here's a local secret: look for "nervous water" or mud boils – that's often a sign of feeding Redfish. These fish can live up to 40 years and tend to stay in the same area, so practice catch and release to keep our fishery strong.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them, are a staple in our inshore waters. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush prey, so look for them around structure or drop-offs. Winter's actually a prime time, as they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and mild, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs at dawn or dusk. Here's a local tip: when it's cold, slow down your retrieve and work deeper water. These fish are sensitive to overfishing, so we always encourage responsible catch and release, especially with the bigger spawners. Nothing beats the thrill of a topwater strike from a big Speckled Trout!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70