Top-Rated Inshore Fishing Charters in Panama City

Fly Fish Panama City's Flats for Reds & Trout

Ready to stalk some tailing redfish on the flats of Panama City Beach? Our guided fly fishing trips put you right in the action, whether you're after bull reds or speckled trout. We've got half-day and full-day options to fit your schedule, and our Dolphin Super Skiff is perfect for sneaking up on fish in skinny water. Grab your fly rod and let's hit the grass flats!

What to Expect on the Water

Our trips kick off early to catch the best bite. We'll cruise out in our specialized flats skiff, designed to float in just inches of water. That means we can access those super shallow areas where big reds and trout love to feed. Expect to do a mix of sight fishing and blind casting, depending on conditions. We provide all the gear, from fly rods to leaders, so you just need to bring your sunscreen and camera. Half-day trips run about 4 hours, while full-day adventures give you a solid 8 hours on the water. Either way, you're in for some world-class inshore fly fishing.

Fly Fishing 101

New to fly fishing? No worries! We'll get you up to speed on the basics. We'll cover proper casting techniques, how to read the water, and tips for spotting fish. The key is a smooth, accurate cast - you don't need to chuck it a mile. We'll show you how to present the fly without spooking fish in clear, shallow water. Redfish and trout can be picky, so we'll also go over fly selection and retrieval techniques to entice strikes. Even if you're an experienced angler, the unique challenges of saltwater fly fishing make for an exciting day.

Top Catches This Season

Panama City's inshore waters are on fire right now. We've been seeing some monster bull reds cruising the flats, often in the 20-30 pound range. Nothing gets your heart pounding like watching a big red track down your fly! The speckled trout fishing has been stellar too, with lots of fish in the 2-4 pound class. Fall is prime time as fish fatten up for winter. We also run into jack crevalle, ladyfish, and the occasional snook to keep things interesting. No matter what's biting, you can bet on some drag-screaming action when you hook up on light tackle.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fly fishing, redfish (also called red drum) are the main target on our trips. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to over 40 pounds, though most fish we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. Redfish have a distinctive black spot on their tail, which makes them easy to spot when "tailing" in shallow water. They love to cruise grass flats and oyster bars looking for crabs and baitfish. Redfish put up a great fight, often making powerful runs when hooked. Fall and winter are prime seasons as big schools move into the shallows.

Speckled Trout: While not as glamorous as redfish, speckled trout (or spotted seatrout) are a blast on the fly rod. These silvery fish with distinctive spots can be found year-round in Panama City's waters. They typically range from 1-5 pounds, with anything over 20 inches considered a "gator trout." Specks love to ambush prey, so we often find them around grass edges, drop-offs, and other structure. They have soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Spring and fall are peak seasons when big fish move into the shallows to spawn.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about stalking fish in crystal clear shallows. You'll often spot your quarry before you cast, which adds a whole new level of excitement to fishing. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, putting you on fish and helping you improve your fly fishing skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fly fishing for the first time, the thrill of watching a redfish track down your fly never gets old. Add in the chance to spot dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife, and you've got a recipe for an unforgettable day on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to test your skills against Panama City's inshore gamefish? Our half-day and full-day fly fishing trips are booking up fast, especially for prime fall and winter dates. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish on the fly or you're gunning for that trophy speckled trout, we've got you covered. All gear is provided, so you just need to bring your sense of adventure. Don't miss out on some of the best inshore fly fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer - book your trip with Flats And Fathoms today and get ready to make some lasting memories on the flats!