Panama City Fishing Vacations

Panama City fishing is abundant and exciting, starting with 27 miles of shimmering white sand beaches along the warm Gulf Stream waters. You need go no further than the beach for superior fishing at Panama City! In addition, there are six historic wrecks and several artifical reefs awaiting the offshore angler.

More fishing vacations destinations nearby: Panama City fishing vacations are just a short drive southeast from Destin, Florida, on State Road 98. Continuing south along the coast you'll find great fishing opportunities at Apalachicola Bay.

Panama City Florida offers up some spectacular saltwater fishing in the waters of St. Andrew Bay. Sheepshead, Freshwater fish are plentiful, too, landed at several nearby Florida State Parks. The weather in Panama City is balmy more often than not, the water is invitingly clear, and Panama City angling awaits you!

Check out the awesome fishing variety at....

Panama City fishing begins with the Waterfront Parks:

Oaks by the Bay Park is found on St Andrew Bay area of Panama City. It's a fairly new 5-acre waterfront park on the southern end of Beck Avenue. Majestic oak trees provide shade, and the park has a one-of-a-kind four-headed palm tree. Take a stroll along the boardwalk down to the bay, or relax in the gazebo. There's even an observation platform complete with benches to relax and enjoy the sights of the bay.

Carl Gray Park, one of the more popular parks for Panama City fishing, is located a little north of the community college on Collegiate Drive. This waterfront park has long been a top choice for boaters, anglers, and family picnicing. A boat launch ramp is provided, as well as many sheltered picnic tables to spread out your feast and enjoy the day. The ramp is open 24 hours a day, and there isn't a launch fee, either!

Asbell Park, on East Beach Drive and East Caroline Boulevard, has picnic tables and a view of the bay. Fishing is plentiful at nearby Lake Caroline.

Lake Huntington Park is a favorite fishing spot of the locals. If you enjoy bridge fishing, be sure to go by this park, situated by the Lake Huntingon Bridge, on the 3400 block of W. 15th Street. The park has easy accessability to St. Andrews Bay, too.

Venetian Sunset Parkis a quiet neighborhood park on the bay, and is found in the Venetian Villa subdivision at the end of Calabria road. A gazebo and benches offer solitude for beautiful sunsets viewed over the bay.

Adams Park offers up a nice view of St Andrew Bay. Found in the Cove area of Panama City on Bunkers Cove Road, this scenic, shady waterfront park is perfect for the angler seeking quiet Panama City fishing.

Call (850)872-7272 for additional information about Panama City fishing in city parks, and public boat ramps, too.

St Andrews State Park

With a mile and a half of white sugar-sand beaches on the Gulf and the Grand Lagoon, this 1260 acre coastal park near Panama city, fishing opportunities are numerous for popular fish like redfish, cobia, and sheepshead. Surf fishing is plentiful on the gorgeous beaches of St Andrews State park , as well as two fishing piers and a deep-sea jetty for those prefering to stay ashore. The bay side pier is well into the Grand Lagoon, which brings you closer within reach of seatrout, reds, and Spanish mackerel in the summer months. The pier on the Gulf side is popular for the Spanish mackerel and pompano fishing during the spring and summer months. When you're visiting Panama City, fishing at St Andrews State Park is something you don't want to miss!

There's just something about fishing near others on the pier or on the beach, relaxing in the sunny breeze, with an ear tuned to catch the sound of the first reel singing when a school comes by, that never gets boring....There's also a boat ramp located on the Grand Lagoon that serves mariners wishing to put out into the bay waters.

In recent years, Kayaking has become an environmentally-sound method of fishing for inshore species, as well as a great way to see beautiful birds close up.

If camping is your preference, the park has 176 full-facility campsites, along with a concession stand and fishing supplies. Be sure to catch a boat tour to Shell Island if you're visiting the park in the spring or summer seasons.

To get to St Andrews State Park from Hwy 98, about halfway between Panama City Beach and Panama City, you'll find Hwy 3031, also known as Thomas Drive. Drive southsouth to Hwy 392, and turn left off of 392 into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St, and continue about 3 miles east to the park.

Grayton Beach State Park

This is a neat park to explore, if you should ever tire of Panama City fishing, featuring a lake with brackish waters that support both fresh and saltwater species of fish. On the sugar sand beaches of Gulf side, surf fishing rewards the angler with saltwater varieties. A boat ramp is available for lake access. There's full-facility camping, with plenty of trees and shrubs providing privacy and shelter between each campsite. If you're simply not into roughing it, despite the amenities for campers, well, the park also has some nice cabins, too, to make your stay there fully enjoyable.

While you're there, be sure to explore the nature trail through a coastal forest - the magnolias and scrub oaks have been twisted and bent over time by salt winds, giving an almost-mystical "Lord of the Rings" look and feel to the woods. Don't miss it!

Grayton Beach State Park is found west of the usual Panama City fishing scene, on U.S. 98, about halfway to Destin. From U.S. 98, take County Road 283 south to the stop sign at 30A. Travel about a half-mile east on C.R. 30A to the park's entrance on the right side of the road.

T.H. Stone Memorial Saint Joseph Peninsula State Park

Located near Port St Joe, this State Park has one of the most popular white sand beaches in the U.S, covering 10 miles of shoreline. Needless to say, surf fishing is a favorite beach activity! Bluefish, whiting, Flounder, Red Drum, and Speckled Trout are a few of the species caught around the St Joseph Peninsula park. There are 119 full facility camping sites, as well as 8 cabins that sleep 7 people each. Bring your kayaks and canoes for some excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities. Scallops are found in the clear waters of St Joseph Bay, and you may harvest during the season of July 1 thru September 10, if scallops are to your liking!

To get there from Panama City, take 98 east to SR30-A, continue east to SR30-E, turn and follow the signs to the park.

Deerpoint Lake

Some of the best Panama City fishing is found at Deer Point Lake, known for freshwater fishing at its finest. Deerpoint Lake is a short 7-mile drive just north of Panama City off US 231 and SR 77 near Southport. Deer Point Lake has great shellcracker and bream fishing in the springtime (better known as readear sunfish and bluegill for non-locals). The famous Florida largemouth bass is best fished in the spring to early summer. The bass action slacks off during the hot summer months, and picks back up again as the water temperatures cool down in October and November. The lake access ramp is found by traveling US 231 for 1 1/2 miles north from Panama City to C2321 West, to a right-turn onto C2311. Follow C2311 for about 3 and half miles and you'll find the ramp on the left.

There's two Panama City fishing camps on Deer Point Lake:

Tharp's Camp 4405 Huckleberry Lane (off Resota Beach Rd) Panama City, Florida Phone (850)265-2330

Cherokee Landing 10035 County Road 2301(on County Road 2301 at the bridge crossing) Youngstown, FL 32466 Phone (850) 722-4902

What kind of fish are landed in the waters of St Andrew Bay? Inshore, you'll find redfish, or red drum; cobia, sheepshead, mackerel and seatrout; farther out offshore you'll catch dolphin, flounder, bonita, bluefish, and pompano.

Some types like the cobia are found around wrecks and reefs; others like the redfish and spotted seatrout prefer grass beds. Reef and wreck fishing is quite rewarding, as those habitats provide shelter for the little fish that the bigger fish - the ones you're hoping to land! - are seeking for their dinner.

Live shrimp, sand fleas, cigar minnows and other baitfish are popular live baits used. Trolling lures and jigs work well, too. Bottom fishing, drifting, surface plugs and sight fishing are a few of the methods used when fishing in the waters of Panama City.

No doubt about it, Panama City fishing is top-knotch!

St Andrews Marina
3151 West 10th Street
Panama City, Florida 32401
Phone (850)872-7240
Marine Radio VHF Channel 16
Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am - 5pm

This historic seaport is popular with folks looking to buy freshly caught shrimp directly from the shrimpers calling St Andrews their homport. It's also an interesting place to hang out and watch the fishers offloading their daily catch.

If you're planning on docking your own boat at the marina and trying some Panama City fishing, the St Andrews Marina offers accommodations for boats with 110/220 power and cable. You can reach St Andrews Marina crew on VHF channel 16. There's a store to stock up on supplies, shower and laundry facilities, and even internet access for your convenience. There are plenty of restaurants and other services nearby, and even a trolley service to transport you around town.

The marina is on the Intercoastal Waterway at Mile Marke 287 (Red #6), and is open 7 days a week; fuel service is 24 hours a day.

Panama City Marina
1 Harrison Avenue
Panama City, Florida 32402
(850) 872-7272
Marine Radio VHF Channel 16
Hours: 7 am - 5pm Daily

Another marina we recommend is the Panama City Marina, conveniently located on the Intercoastal Waterway, a block from downtown Panama City. The marina was renovated recently, and can accommodate all classes of vessels from 30 to 120', and drafts up to 10', and 110/220 power with cable TV service at each slip. Give them a call to make reservations; it's on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There's lots to do within walking distance of the Marina; or catch a bus on weekdays to ride out to the mall and other shopping centers. Or you can ride a bicycle without charge while leaving your boat in the care of the nighttime security guards.The new Marina Store is fully stocked and has clean showers and laundry facilities and fax and copier service. Bicycles are also available for daily usage without charge. The marina also has a nighttime security guard service from 9:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.

Bridge fishing

For more Panama City fishing action, there's the out-of-commission Dupont bridge over East Bay, just east of Panama City on Hwy 98. Reds and sheepshead are regularly caught fishing the deeper waters of the Intracoastal Waterway from the bridge. You can walk on to the bridge from either end. Another popular bridge is the Hathaway bridge on Hwy 98 spanning St Andrews Bay.

More Fishing Piers

M. B. Miller Park (County Pier)
12213 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach

Located not far from Panama City, just a couple miles west past Panama City Beach on 98 (also known as Rt 30). There's lighted parking and restrooms - and if you've got kids you're thankful for restrooms! - and of course the sugar sand beach.

Dan Russell City Pier
16101 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach

The Dan Russell City Pier is just a short drive up the beach, west of the M.B. Miller pier.

Both piers are known for superior pompano, cobia, and Spanish mackerel fishing in the spring and summer.


Check out our Florida Fishing Piers in Northwest Florida page for a complete listing of fishing piers, both saltwater and freshwater, in the northwest Florida region.

Shell Island

Shell Island is a natural island that lies between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, FL. As mentioned, there are daily tours to the island from St Andrews State Park, which we recommend for a lovely trip. A large number of Bottlenose Dolphins call the waters off Shell Island home; bring plenty of film for your camera!

The island is about 7 miles long and variable widths of as little as 200 yards to 3/4 mile across. Sand dunes, numerous wildlife, sugar sand beaches, and plentiful fishing all contribute to a day well spent. The continual wave action along the Gulf beach side of Shell Island carry in and reveal new shells regularly. The tidal action leaves many ocean treasures behind for your discovery. It's a great snorkeling location, too; especially when searching the Bay side of the island. Be advised that there are no restroom facilities or concessions on the island, so plan accordingly if you visit during your Panama City fishing vacation!

Shipwreck Island Water Park
12201 Middle Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone (850)234-3333
http://www.shipwreckisland.com/

This exciting outdoor waterpark offers rides to everyone from young to old(er)! Offering rides that are tame to wild to a lush tropical setting, be sure to stop by to cool down and have fun!

Open daily 10:30 am - 5:30 pm in July and August; limited operating hours late April and May, and also August and early September. Check their site for details.

Thanks for visiting! We hope you've enjoyed our review of the many opportunities Panama City fishing vacations offers the angler.

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