What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Panama City, Florida for the first time?

I would tell you this trip was not worth the money. I did tip them but overall I would not suggest them to your customers. He did not want to take credit card at first. Saying he usually deals in cash. I did not have the money in cash to pay him. Then when we did fish they made us feel like crap because we did not know what to do. They kept saying how much there fishing gear cost and how expensive fuel was for the boat. I had to finally shop fishing because I hated to mess his expensive real up. Overall riding out and back in was better than fishing. If you want nice folks just driving around great trip. If you want help fishing don't go because they are to proud of there equipment. Even after tipping captain he did not ever say bye to us. Never again. Guess u have to tip before. He deals in cash he told me. Guess when I used credit card it was down hill from there. He said I have to pay taxes on price. Maybe that should have went into his tip. He was personable but to proud of his items and made us feel like we should not fish just ride the boat. I would not book again.

Bottom fishing is the way to go this time of year. It was chilly, and a lot of fish were out of season, but we were put on a ton of vermilion snapper and grouper to keep. We released some beautiful Red Snapper, trigger fish, and Grouper that were out of season or too small. We caught a lot of fish and had a great time.

Make sure you know if you are trolling or bottom fishing we had 11 people on board and only 4 got to fish at a time which was very disappointing to therest waiting here turn. We did not know this was how we would befishing. My experience in previous trips was everyone got a poleand everyone got to fish no waiting for your turn.

Understand that weather can change, and the captain has no control. We had a great experience on our trip. Even if we had not been able to go as far out, Justin knew spots within the bay for us to catch other fish such as trout or catfish. Be willing to take the trip no matter the conditions because it will still be a great time.

Great. Everything seemed to be biting but there are only a few species open in May. If your looking for keepers I would suggest June. Grouper and Snapper (best eating) are off limits until June. If you are just catching and releasing then May would be fine. Landed quite a few groupers and a snapper but had to put them back.

Get a good guide like Florida Panhandle Charters and Captain Justin Driscoll to take care of everything for you!

Be patient. Go with an experienced guide. Let the guide take you where the fish are. Just have fun even if you do not get your desired fish or any keepers,

Consider a private charter, you'll never be disappointed. Try not to book for a few days after a bad storm.

Bring food, drinks, sunscreen and the crew will handle the rest. Let them do their job and you will have a great time!

Determine what type of fish you want to ketch, contact Captain in advance, and make plans accordingly.

Go with a small charter instead of the large boats full of people. It's a little more expensive, but you'll be glad you did.

The wrecks got busy later in the morning on Friday . I bet when red snapper season opens it pretty crazy out there.

Know the difference between a State Licensed Captain and a Federally Licensed Captain. Will recommend Federally Licensed every day.

A great time to catch Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper, Amber Jack and more. Nice for families that don't care as much about catching Red Snapper, and the weather is absolutely perfect most days.

Too cold in March but captain made it not so bad I would wait unless u like the cold

I have seen people have great fishing trips in Panama City... I was just on a bad boat today...

Do your research and ask a lot of questions. Dont go by what the selling ads say.

Pack sun screen and sunglasses and maybe even a big sun hat and be ready to have a blast!

Yes. It's a good trip for nearshore. Plus you don't have to compete with other people on the boat.

Bring your sunscreen. If your outside catching fish, you don’t realize how quick you can burn

Check the current snapper dates for catch-and-release and catch and keep in June

The small charter boats are better for first timers. The crew can give more individual attention. We had a very good time. I recommend fishing in Panama City to anyone.

Bring a jacket. Its not quite warm yet and just be ready for a light shower. Luckily the fish don't mind.

Contact Brian Sullivan (Capt. Sully). He will answer any questions and even make other accommodations if weather is iffy.

Check when the seasons are open for different species...seems like it changes year to year. Otherwise I'd recommend bottom fishing for people looking for all day action.

We were first timers, taking a 5 year old out, and had a great time with in shore fishing! We even had several close visits with dolphins!

Yes for sure. This was my family's first Deep Sea Fishing trip and will definitely be doing this again!!

Read posts from previous individuals that have used the charting services, look at experience of captain and crew on website.

Look at radar...but it's always hit and miss..but the crew was awesome thru rain and all....but they all caught fish..they knew were to go

Recommend they come and try it because we live in Tennessee and this was a great experience. We seen different types of fish, and dolphins on our fishing tour