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Expert-Led Inshore Fishing Charters in Panama City
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Panama City Florida
- $500 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: October 25, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Catches
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!
Reel in the Action: Panama City's Half-Day Hotspot
Hey there, fellow fishing fanatics! If you're itching to wet a line in Panama City, boy do I have a trip for you. Captain Travis Rolan and the crew at Flats And Fathoms have cooked up a four-hour fishing frenzy that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this Panama City fishing charter is the real deal. With room for just two lucky anglers, you're in for some serious one-on-one action. The early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish – so we'll be pushing off at 8 AM sharp. Trust me, you don't want to sleep on this one!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: you're cruising the crystal-clear waters of Panama City, rod in hand, with Captain Travis at the helm. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a tailor-made adventure just for you and your buddy. We're talking four solid hours of non-stop fishing action, targeting everything from the feisty Florida Pompano to the bruiser Black Drum. The best part? With only two guests max, you'll get all the attention you need to dial in your technique and land that trophy catch. No need to pack a lunch – we're here to fish, not feast. But trust me, the only thing you'll be hungry for is more time on the water.
Top Catches This Season
Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the flats or jigging for cobia around structure. Captain Travis knows these waters like the back of his hand, so be ready to switch it up at a moment's notice. We'll be using light tackle setups – think 7-foot rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels spooled with braided line. For you bait enthusiasts, we'll have a mix of live shrimp, finger mullet, and some killer artificial lures. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Travis will have you casting like a pro in no time.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these Panama City waters. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the waves as you're reeling in a monster trout. Or perhaps it's the rush of adrenaline when a school of pompano starts busting bait right next to the boat. Whatever it is, folks can't get enough of it. And with Captain Travis's eagle eyes spotting fish that seem invisible to the rest of us, you're in for a day of non-stop action. It's not just about the fish, though – it's about the stories you'll take home, the skills you'll sharpen, and the memories you'll make out on these beautiful waters.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Florida Pompano: These silver speedsters are the prize of the flats. Known for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious flavor, pompano are a favorite among local anglers. They typically range from 2-5 pounds and love to cruise the sandbars and cuts. Spring and fall are prime times to target these beauties, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. When a pompano hits your jig, hold on tight – they'll give you a run for your money!
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – these bruisers are a blast to catch. Black drum can grow to over 50 pounds in these waters, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range. They're bottom feeders with a sweet tooth for crabs and shrimp. Look for them around oyster bars and bridge pilings. The best part? They're not the brightest fish in the sea, so even novice anglers have a great shot at landing one.
Sea Trout: Ah, the spotted sea trout – a Panama City staple. These guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Trout love to hang around grass flats and drop-offs, especially during the cooler months. A 2-3 pounder is a good catch, but don't be surprised if you hook into a gator trout pushing 5 pounds or more. The fight is fantastic, and they're mighty tasty on the grill, too.
Redfish: If there's one fish that'll test your drag, it's the redfish. These copper-colored brutes are the ultimate inshore gamefish. We target them year-round, but fall is when things really heat up. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water is about as exciting as it gets. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to topwater lures. Most of our reds fall in the 3-8 pound range, but don't be shocked if you tie into a 20+ pound bull red that'll have you seeing stars.
Cobia: Last but certainly not least, we've got the cobia. These curious creatures are like the puppies of the sea – they'll come right up to the boat to check things out. Cobia season kicks off in spring when these bruisers migrate through our waters. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but boy can they fight. A 20-30 pounder is common, but 50+ pound fish aren't unheard of. Sight-casting to cobia is an adrenaline rush like no other – it's you versus the fish in a battle of wits and strength.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen up, folks – this isn't just another day of fishing. This is your chance to experience the best of what Panama City has to offer, guided by a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new tricks, or just soak in the beauty of the Gulf Coast, Flats And Fathoms has got you covered. With only two spots per trip, these charters fill up fast. So what are you waiting for? Grab your lucky hat, round up a fishing buddy, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are calling, and Captain Travis is ready to put you on the bite of a lifetime. Don't let this one slip away – book your Panama City fishing adventure today!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are bruisers that'll test your gear. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge - 30-pounders are common, and 90-pound monsters aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, mudflats, and channel edges. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom is your best bet. Spring's the prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight, using their weight to bulldoze straight down. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, with sweet, flaky meat. The big ones can be tough and wormy, so we usually release those. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - it's how they earned the nickname "Big Uglies." Here's a tip: If you're fishing deep water, try putting a piece of oyster shell on your hook. The crunching noise attracts drum like crazy.
Cobia
Cobia are like the prize fighters of our waters. These sleek, powerful fish average 30-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll spot them cruising just under the surface, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. They love structure, so we target them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs. Spring's the prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia hit hard and fight dirty - be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps. They're curious fish, so sometimes just leaving a bait near them is enough to trigger a strike. Live eels or large jigs are top producers. These fish are prized for their firm, white meat - some of the best eating in the Gulf. Here's a local trick: always keep a heavy rod rigged with a bucktail jig. You never know when a cobia might swim by, and you'll want to be ready to cast quickly.
Florida Pompano
Florida Pompano are a prized catch around here. These silvery, flat-sided fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see some pushing 8-9 pounds. You'll find them cruising the surf zones and sandy flats, often in schools. Spring and fall are prime times as they migrate along the coast. Pompano put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste fantastic - their buttery meat fetches top dollar at restaurants. To target them, we'll look for clean water and use small hooks with live bait like sand fleas or pieces of shrimp. Jigs in bright colors work well too. A local trick is to "tickle" the bottom with your bait, mimicking their natural prey. These fish have small mouths, so setting the hook quickly is key. Landing a few pompano makes for a fun, rewarding day on the water.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in the shallows, but big bulls over 40 inches lurk in deeper water. You'll find them tailing in grass flats as shallow as a foot deep, often giving themselves away with their spotted tails poking above the surface. They're suckers for live bait like shrimp or mullet, but artificial lures work great too. Topwater plugs can lead to explosive strikes. Reds put up a stubborn, powerful fight - get ready for some screaming drags. They're also fantastic eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, look for their copper sides flashing in clear water. Sight-casting to a big red is as exciting as it gets.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple in these waters. Most run 14-24 inches, though we occasionally see some pushing 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near deeper channels. They're ambush predators, so look for moving water and structure. Spring and fall are prime, but winter can be great too when they school up in deeper holes. Sea Trout hit lures aggressively - topwater plugs at dawn and dusk can be a blast. They've got soft mouths, so a steady retrieve beats a hard hookset. These fish make for excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, look for subtle V-wakes on the surface. That's often a trout chasing bait, and a well-placed cast can lead to an instant hookup. It's sight-fishing with a twist, and it's a ton of fun.
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
