Fishing isn't just something to do in Panama City—it's part of the coastal lifestyle.
With St. Andrews Bay on one side and the Gulf just beyond it, anglers can choose from quiet mornings fishing from shore, inshore trips through the bay, or full days offshore.
Whether you've lived in Bay County for years or you're visiting and want to spend a day with a rod in your hand, here's a simple guide to fishing around Panama City.
One of the best things about fishing here is variety.
You don't necessarily need a boat or expensive equipment to get started. Depending on what kind of experience you're looking for, you can fish from shore, a pier, around the bay or head offshore.
And because the environment changes as you move from protected bay waters toward the Gulf, the fishing experience changes with it.
That makes Panama City a place where beginners can have fun without making fishing complicated, while experienced anglers can find plenty of opportunities to get serious.
If spending an entire day miles offshore doesn't sound like your thing, start with inshore fishing.
St. Andrews Bay provides protected waters and plenty of opportunities to explore different fishing areas.
An inshore trip also lets you experience another side of Panama City. Instead of looking back toward shore from the beach, you're moving through the bays, waterways and coastal environment that make this area special.
For beginners, hiring a local inshore guide can make the experience much easier. A guide can provide equipment and help you understand where and how to fish based on the season and conditions.
Then there's the experience many people picture when they think about Florida fishing:
Heading into the Gulf.
Offshore trips take you farther from land and can range from shorter excursions to longer fishing days.
Panama City's access to the Gulf makes charter fishing a popular way for visitors and residents to experience offshore fishing without owning a boat or all of the necessary equipment.
If you're new to offshore fishing, a charter can be one of the easiest ways to try it.
Another advantage is licensing. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says passengers fishing from a properly licensed for-hire charter vessel generally don't need to purchase their own recreational saltwater fishing license.
Always confirm what's included with your charter before leaving the dock.
No boat? No problem.
One of the great things about living near the Gulf is that you don't necessarily have to leave land to enjoy fishing.
Shoreline, pier and jetty fishing can provide a much simpler way to spend a few hours outside.
It also makes fishing easier to fit into everyday life.
You don't have to plan an entire offshore trip. Grab your gear, check the weather and current regulations, and head out for a morning or evening by the water.
For families or people just getting interested in fishing, this can be a much less intimidating way to start.
St. Andrews State Park isn't only one of our favorite places for a beach day—it's also a natural destination for people who enjoy fishing and spending time around the water.
The park sits between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay, giving visitors access to distinctly different coastal environments.
It's one of those places where different Panama City activities come together. One person can fish while someone else enjoys the beach, explores the park or simply sits by the water.
That's pretty hard to beat.
The answer depends largely on what you're trying to catch.
Fishing conditions and species availability change throughout the year, and regulations can change by species, location and season.
That's why we wouldn't recommend choosing a fish based on an old online article and assuming the rules are still the same.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains current saltwater fishing regulations and updates for recreational anglers.
Before heading out, check the current regulations for the species you're targeting.
In many cases, yes.
Florida requires a recreational saltwater fishing license when attempting to catch saltwater species unless you qualify for an exemption. That includes catch-and-release fishing.
Florida residents who fish only from shore or a structure attached to shore can obtain a no-cost resident shoreline saltwater fishing license. That shoreline license does not cover fishing from a boat or from a location reached by boat.
Non-Florida residents generally need a non-resident saltwater license unless they're covered by an exemption, such as fishing aboard a properly licensed charter vessel or from a licensed fishing pier.
Certain types of fishing can also require additional permits or designations, including some reef fish and shore-based shark fishing.
Check current Florida fishing licenses and requirements with FWC
If you're going on a charter, ask what's provided before packing half your garage. Many trips may provide much of the fishing equipment you'll need.
For a DIY fishing day, your list will depend on where you're going, but some basics are worth remembering:
And don't underestimate the Florida sun. A beautiful morning on the water can turn into a very hot afternoon.
Part of enjoying Panama City's waters is protecting them.
Don't leave fishing line, hooks, bait containers, plastic or other trash behind. Fishing line in particular can create serious problems for birds and marine wildlife.
Follow current size and bag limits, properly release fish that aren't being kept, and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The goal is pretty simple: make sure the next generation gets to enjoy the same water we do.
There's one small side effect to falling in love with fishing.
You start accumulating stuff.
One fishing rod becomes four.
Then come the tackle boxes.
Then the coolers.
Then somebody decides you need a cast net.
Add beach chairs, life jackets, boating equipment and everything else that comes with living near the Gulf, and your garage can start looking like a sporting-goods store.
That's where Panama City Storage comes in.
We're a local Panama City business, and we understand that part of living here is having room for all the things that make coastal Florida fun.
If fishing gear, beach equipment, household belongings or business supplies are taking over your extra space, we're here when you need a little more room.
Spend less time trying to find your fishing gear—and more time using it.
Panama City Storage
1920 Sherman Ave
Panama City, FL
Call or text: 850-771-7676
Secure. Simple. Local.