Fishing Charters in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is home port for the PCB Florida charters. Boats head out from Grand Lagoon every morning to the reefs, wrecks and open water of the Gulf.
Fishing around Panama City Beach
Most PCB Florida charter boats dock at marinas on Grand Lagoon, on the east end of the beach near St. Andrews State Park. From there it's a short run through St. Andrew Bay Pass to the Gulf, which is one reason so many charters are based here.
Not ready for a boat? Panama City Beach has two long fishing piers, the jetties at St. Andrews State Park and miles of beach for surf fishing. Pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and redfish are common catches from shore. You'll need a Florida fishing license to fish from shore unless you qualify for an exemption.
Getting to the charter docks
If you're staying in Panama City Beach, the charter docks on Grand Lagoon are usually a 5 to 25 minute drive, depending on which end of the beach you're on. Leave extra time on summer mornings, when Front Beach Road and Back Beach Road get busy.
The PCB Florida charters we've featured both fish out of Panama City Beach:
Popular guides for Panama City Beach visitors
Deep Sea Fishing
Bottom fishing on reefs and wrecks, trolling for kings and mahi, and how trip length decides how far offshore you go.
Read the guide
Red Snapper Fishing
Why Panama City Beach is a red snapper town, how the season works and what a snapper trip looks like.
Read the guide
Planning Your First Charter
What to bring, how to avoid seasickness, private vs. shared trips, and tipping the mate. Everything first-timers ask.
Read the guideWhat to look for in a charter
Licensed, experienced captains
We look for charters run by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains with years of local experience, backed by mates who know how to help first-timers.
Clear trips and pricing
You should know the trip length, what's included, what you can keep and what happens if weather cancels, before you step on the boat.
They know these waters
The best captains know the reefs, wrecks and seasons off Panama City Beach, and they move until they find fish.
Safe, well-kept boats
Clean boats, good gear and safety equipment on board, with a captain who won't take you out when the Gulf isn't safe.
Panama City Beach fishing questions
Where do fishing charters leave from in Panama City Beach?
Most leave from marinas on Grand Lagoon, on the east end of Panama City Beach. Your captain will give you the exact dock and slip when you book.
Can I fish from the beach in Panama City Beach?
Yes. Surf fishing, the city and county piers and the St. Andrews jetties are all popular. You'll need a Florida fishing license unless you're exempt.
What can I catch on a Panama City Beach charter?
Red snapper, grouper, triggerfish, amberjack, king mackerel, cobia, sharks and more, depending on the season and trip length.
Know a charter captain doing great work?
We're always looking for local fishing charters to celebrate. Captains can reach out to be featured, too.