Ready for a full day of rod-bending action in Panama City Beach? Captain Travis Rolan's 8-hour charter with Flats And Fathoms is your ticket to some serious inshore fishing. Whether you're after redfish, speckled trout, or black drum, this trip offers the time and expertise to put you on the fish. With an early 8 AM start and room for just two anglers, you're in for a personalized day on the water that caters to your skill level and target species. Let's dive into what makes this charter a must-book for any serious angler visiting PCB.
When you step aboard Captain Travis's boat, you're not just going fishing - you're getting a masterclass in inshore angling. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is the flexibility it offers. You'll have time to hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's working. Expect to cover a variety of habitats, from grass flats to oyster bars and maybe even some deeper holes. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be tapping into years of local knowledge. And with just two anglers on board, you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction to up your game.
Inshore fishing in Panama City Beach is all about versatility. You might start the day sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, then switch gears to drifting live bait for speckled trout over grass beds. As the day heats up, you could find yourself dropping jigs near structure for hefty black drum. The captain will have a game plan based on recent patterns, but be ready to adapt. That's the beauty of a longer trip - you've got time to try different approaches and really dial in on what's hot. Expect to use a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on conditions and target species.
Folks who fish with Flats And Fathoms rave about the experience. It's not just about the fish in the cooler (though there's usually plenty of those). It's the whole package - Captain Travis's easy-going nature, his knack for putting clients on fish, and the stunning backdrop of Panama City Beach. An 8-hour trip gives you time to really settle in, learn the area, and often results in those "I can't believe we caught that!" moments. Plus, with just two anglers, you're not fighting for space or attention. It's like fishing with a knowledgeable buddy who happens to own the boat.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among PCB anglers. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can be found year-round in Panama City Beach waters. In the shallows, you might spot them tailing - their backs breaking the surface as they root for crabs. When hooked, expect a fight that'll test your drag. Redfish in the 20-30 inch range are common, with some real giants lurking around structure.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are aggressive predators that put up a great fight on light tackle. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when reeling them in. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. The thrill of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, black drum are the bulldogs of inshore fishing. They use their downturned mouths to root out crabs and shellfish from the bottom, so fishing near structure is key. While they're not known for long runs, their sheer strength can surprise even experienced anglers. The cool thing about drum is their size range - you might catch a 2-pounder or a 20-pounder in the same spot. And for the table, smaller black drum are excellent eating.
An 8-hour trip with Flats And Fathoms isn't just a fishing charter - it's a full-day immersion in the best of Panama City Beach angling. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in on trophy fish or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, Captain Travis has got you covered. With top-notch equipment, years of local knowledge, and a passion for putting clients on fish, this is the kind of trip that creates lasting memories and fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer - book your Flats And Fathoms charter today and get ready to bend some rods!
Black Drum are real bruisers - they can grow up to 90 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in brackish waters. Spring is prime time, when they school up to spawn. These guys are bottom feeders, so live bait like crabs or clams work best. They put up a heck of a fight and make that distinctive drumming sound. Just be aware, the bigger ones over 15 pounds can get pretty tough and not as tasty. For the best eating, target the smaller ones. A local trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with shrimp and bounce it slowly along the bottom. The drum can't resist it. They might not be the prettiest fish, but landing a big one is always a thrill.
Redfish are a blast to catch - they're strong fighters and great eating too. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and old structures in 1-4 feet of water. They grow fast, hitting 28-33 inches in just 3-5 years. The biggest ones push 50 pounds! Spring and fall are prime seasons. Redfish will hit just about any lure, but topwater plugs in shallow water are exciting. That black spot near their tail? It's actually to fool predators. For a local trick, try a weedless jig with a shrimp imitation - work it slow along the bottom. Whether you're after a bull red or just want some action, these copper-colored beauties won't disappoint. Just mind the regulations - we want to keep 'em around for years to come.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters hit 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper water. These fish love to chase bait, so artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs work great. They're known for their delicate, mild flavor - just be careful not to overcook them. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons. Sea Trout put up a nice fight and often make multiple runs. Here's a tip: try trolling slowly along grass edges with a plastic shrimp lure. The trout can't resist ambushing it. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just want some light tackle action, Sea Trout are always a good bet.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70