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

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Panama City Beach

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Justin Nugent
Hawesville, KY
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Redmon's Light Tackle on July 25, 2023
We had an absolute blast!! For 3 of us, it was the first time deep sea fishing and it was amazing!! Justin Redmon is top notch and excellent at what he does!! Took us out and we caught our limit of red snapper with 20-25 minutes. He then put us on some mahi-mahi. Caught 11 of them!! This guy knows his stuff!! If I could give him 100 stars I would. This fishing trip was worth every penny!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Redmon’s Light Tackle Guide Service!! You won’t be disappointed!!

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Kelly Martin
Fulton, MS
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water on June 16, 2019
Go out on a "state" boat which typically remains within sight of land (+/- 10 miles out) to be sure your not prone to sea sickness. I've fished both near coast and off shore (deep sea) on several occasions in multiple states and would rate my overall experience fishing in Panama City as average. Typically a 6 hour (half day) trip results in 2-3 hours of actual fishing. If not already included and/or given the option by your captain, purchase live bait on your way out. Bring cash for tips and live bait purchase. Fish cleaning is not included but can be processed at a reasonable priced once you return to the dock Bring sunscreen, hat, camera, sunglasses, snacks and drinks.

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David Fuller
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Long Shot Charters – F/V Big Shot on July 11, 2024
June is probably the best time as early season as possible, but there was still a decent amount of fish on the reefs in mid July. The count on these species are definitely up this year. You just have to go out a little further. But it was a really good family fishing trip. And we did very well.

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Brett Michener
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll on July 2, 2024
If you want a more personal and memorable experience. I would recommend a boat like the Billistic II with Blue Water Connection. Nice comfortable air condition cabin. And just you and your family or friends. Well worth every penny.

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Thomas McCormack
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Dauphins Charter Fishing II on June 26, 2024
Bring some water. Even though it was bay fishing water was a bit rough due to the weather. This does not bother me but for some I could possibly see taking a Dramamine prior to going might help. Great time.

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Timothy Jenkins
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Florida Panhandle Charters on June 15, 2024
We had so much fun with Captain Justin. Caught my first red snapper on my first drop of the line! He was friendly and attentive to bait my hooks. I hope we can go out again with him soon. Thanks for everything! Lisa Jenkins

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Kyron Crites
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Dauphins Charter Fishing II on June 4, 2024
Yes 100% Don was an amazing teacher easy to get along with. For this being our first time fishing he didn’t get mad when we had no idea what we were doing instead he took his time explaining how to cast and the little things like how to hold ur pole how to real what techniques and he know some great fishing spots where you will catch fish fast!! 10 out of 10 recommended

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Megan Padgett
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Double W Charters on May 23, 2024
I’d definitely start out with a shorter trip to get your toes wet. That’s what our captain recommended and I’m glad we did it. Next time I think we’d probably book a longer trip since we now know how everyone does being offshore.

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Kent Leach
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Blue Water Connection – Reelistic on March 12, 2024
March was a comfortable time to go fishing, but you can't keep the red snapper or grouper until summer. We had to throw back at least a dozen or more red snapper. If you catch your limit of vermillion snapper within 4 hours, spend the last hour or two going after amberjack and grouper. These big fish are a fun fight.

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Larry Killion
Houston, Texas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Let's Go Fishing – PCB on October 8, 2023
Bring sun screen; sun gloves; hat; sunglasses; long pants and long sleeve shirt; gator for the neck--otherwords, have a great time but don't get sun burned! Remember water reflection as significant as the overhead sun. Water is excellent and variety is great! Get a guide...they know where the big ones are.

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Elena Malysheva
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with B&B Charters - Panama City Beach on October 4, 2023
Very nice trip. We caught two blacktip sharks, one towards the beginning and one closer to the end of the trip. The wait was relatively long but it was well worth it. Captain was very professional with equipment cleaned and ready to go. Boat was clean as well.

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Ronald Haire
Panama City, FL
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Able Fisherman Charters on July 3, 2023
Book early if coming for snapper season. first timers should probably start with a 6 hour bottom fishing trip or 4 hour trolling just to check sea legs. If comfortable then go for the longer trips in deeper water.

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Eric Artis
Columbus, MS
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Black’s Fishing on June 17, 2023
Check the forecast for sea states. We came in right after a storm and the water was very rough. Our trip was planned well in advance so we could not have predicted the water states but be mindful that a fishing trip can be rescheduled if seas are rough.

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Erik Rayburn
Strasburg, VA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Charter Boat Gotta Believe on June 15, 2023
Weather can be unpredictable (Florida), so if you have a couple days alloted, you increase your chance of a good fishing day. Bring sunscreen even on a cloudy day. You can still get burned. Bring water.

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James Tipton
Knoxville, TN
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Blue Water Connection- Billistic ll on June 7, 2023
Before choosing a guide, make sure you address your desires up front! Milk runs are the norm and small mixed variety fish is to be expected unless you find the quality captains. Expect to pay for experience.

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Joseph Montag
Mabelvale, Arkansas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Florida Panhandle Charters on March 7, 2023
Amazing time to get out and enjoy fishing on the gulf coast. One thing I would say is that you should talk to your guide and ask what the best thing to go for is. They'll be able to give you more insight on what will give you the best luck!

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Don Norman
Willard, MO
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Too Hot 2 Handle Charters on June 10, 2021
Go with an experienced guide. They can put you on fish the only problem would be them over fishing spots. Several of the spots that we went to there were already anglers there. The red snapper were biting but trigger fish were a problem when it came to stealing bait. We also got into some dolphins that would take our fish once we caught them and were reeling them in.

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Charles Williams
United States
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with B&B Charters - Panama City Beach on June 10, 2021
We have older children 10 and 13, I wouldn't recommend an offshore trip for younger kids it does take awhile to get to the fishing locations and if they aren't good swimmers I would stay more inshore. Bring plenty of water to drink, it gets hot and you need to stay hydrated. Wear shoes with good traction, as the boat can be slippery and be ready to get splashed if the water is choppy.

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Bobby Ross
North Augusta, SC
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Kayak Fishing – Panama City on June 5, 2020
In my initial review I was honest about the issues I encountered. However, not more than 30 minutes after the review posted, the Owner of the company called me to express his apology and concern. He honestly cared. I told him it is because he called that I will use his business again should the need arise. He offered to take my Wife and I out at no charge. Thank you.

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Cindy Fuglio
Marietta, GA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Kickback Sportfishing Charters on June 11, 2019
It's too hot for troll fishing by mid morning.....the fish were not biting much at all. Don't expect much, and maybe you will be blessed with more. But DON'T have high hopes of catching quite a few for dinner!

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Brian Young
Clay, WV
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Deal Charters – Deep Water on June 13, 2019
Book early in your week so if the weather changes, you will have time and windows for them to shift and reschedule you. And your fish may processed the next day (depending on when you get back to dock) so plan your departure accordingly.

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Nicolas Weiskopf
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Addiction 2 Charters on July 5, 2025
Get a highly rated captain and be honest about what you want out of the day. Then listen to the capitan

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Jim Sanders
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Reel Therapy Charters on June 16, 2025
Easy to get with the captain and the fish cleaners were great! Captain knew where the fish were biting and fun anbd exsciting.

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Joe Benson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Blue Water Connection – Reelistic on June 25, 2025
Know whether you’d rather chase big fish or lots of fish. Captain will ask you as it changes where they will take you. Bring cash with you to buy bait fish out in the bay as well

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James Johnston
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Let's Go Fishing – PCB on June 25, 2025
If you’re with the right captain you can catch fish, but it’s fishing not catching. So just do your best and the captain will do his

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Chad Hardin
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Charter Boat Gotta Believe on June 25, 2025
Call ahead of your trip and see how the fishing is. What there catching and how good the bite is before going out.

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Kim Pham
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Salty C’s Charters on June 24, 2025
Weather is nicer on the water than on land, but a lot of water and sunscreen is a must. Keep in mind the busy marina makes the waves a little bit choppy exiting and entering the spot.

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Chris Shadbolt
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Panama City Guide Fishing on June 24, 2025
If you are wanting the red snapper trip and have the time I suggest you book a longer trip than the 4 hour.

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Greg Hamrick
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Golden Legacy Charters, LLC on June 18, 2025
If you want a good amount of fish, do an 8 or 10 hour trip. Listen to the captain and crew, they are good at what they do. They want you to have a good time and want you to catch fish!

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Brannon Howell
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with GulfCoast Guide Fishing & Adventure on June 12, 2025
Don’t bring spray sunblock, it can damage the boat and makes the deck too slippery. Plan to get wet!!