Fishing in Panama City Beach Florida
Discover the best fishing in Panama City Beach. Charters, pier spots, and public fishing all year long on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Your Complete 2025 PCB Fishing Guide
Few places in Florida offer fishing quite like Panama City Beach. Known for its crystal Gulf waters and year-round action, PCB is home to world-class deep sea fishing charters, offshore adventures, pier fishing, and even affordable public fishing spots for beginners. Whether you’re casting from St. Andrews State Park, hopping aboard a party boat, or going after sharks right off the beach, Panama City Beach is an angler’s paradise. Check out our PCB live cams and see it to believe it.
Best Fishing Charters in Panama City Beach
Booking a fishing charter is the easiest way to experience the Gulf’s bounty. Top-rated operations like Capt. Anderson’s Marina, Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing, Hook’em Up Charters, and Kelley Girl Charters provide everything you need—from tackle to bait to local expertise.
You can choose between 4-hour deep sea trips, 6-hour offshore excursions, or full-day fishing charters targeting species like Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Amberjack, and King Mackerel.
Pro Tip: For families or first-timers, the party boat fishing trips are both affordable and fun, offering shared charters with experienced deckhands to help everyone reel in a catch. Check out our list of things to do in Panama City Beach.
Public & Cheap Fishing in Panama City Beach
You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the thrill of fishing here. There are several public access fishing spots where anglers can cast right from the shore, piers, or jetties.
Popular locations include:
Russell-Fields City Pier (MB Miller Pier) – Known for Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish.
St. Andrews State Park – Ideal for both surf and jetty fishing.
County Pier – Great for catching Flounder and Whiting.
Budget Tip: Bring your own gear for cheap fishing in Panama City Beach, or rent a rod locally for less than $25 a day.
Best Time and Species to Catch
Fishing in PCB is great all year, but peak seasons vary by species.
Fish Species
Best Time to Catch
Red Snapper
June–August
King Mackerel
April–October
Grouper
Year-round
Amberjack
May–October
Pompano
Spring & Fall
Flounder
Late Summer–Fall
Fly fishing, surf casting, and kayak fishing are also popular ways to catch Redfish and Jacks, especially near inlets and calm backwaters.
Fishing Rules and Regulations
Before casting your line, make sure you’re up to date on Panama City Beach fishing regulations. Most anglers aged 16 or older need a Florida fishing license, except when fishing from licensed piers or on a registered charter boat (license included).
Get your fishing license online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
⚠️ Disclosure: Fishing laws, seasons, and bag limits in Florida change frequently based on conservation data and regional management. For the most current and accurate information, always refer directly to the official FWC website before planning your trip.
Off-the-Beach & Shark Fishing Adventures
For thrill-seekers, off-the-beach shark fishing is one of PCB’s most exciting experiences. Companies like K.M. Shark Fishing Charters specialize in land-based shark fishing, where anglers can catch species like Blacktip, Bull, and Hammerhead sharks right from the sand.
These excursions often run at night and make for an unforgettable story (and photo op).
People Also Ask
Is Panama City Beach good for fishing?
Absolutely. Panama City Beach is one of Florida’s top fishing destinations, offering pier, surf, deep sea, and inshore options for all experience levels.
Do I need a license to fish in Panama City Beach?
Yes, unless you’re fishing on a licensed charter or pier. Most visitors can get a temporary license online in minutes.
How much does it cost to fish in Panama City Beach?
Expect to pay around $70–$150 for shared charters and $400–$900 for private trips. Pier fishing costs roughly $7 per angler per day.
What kind of fish can you catch off the pier in Panama City Beach?
You can catch Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, King Mackerel, Flounder, and Whiting depending on the season and tide.
Plan Your 2025 Panama City Beach Fishing Adventure
From cheap pier fishing to luxury offshore charters, Panama City Beach delivers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Bring your family, book a local guide, and see why some of the best Florida fishing happens right here on PCB’s sugar-white shores.
📜 Note: Always double-check local fishing regulations with the FWC’s official site for the latest rules and updates before heading out.