The waters off Panama City Beach attract avid fishermen from all
parts of the world. The Gulf of Mexico, St Andrew's Bay and
inland fresh water opportunities abound here. An estimated
quarter of a million visitors come to Panama City Beach Beach
each year just for the fishing.
One of the largest sport fishing fleets in the country is based
in the area. The variety and abundance of catches offer
fishermen of all levels of expertise the opportunity to catch
some big ones. Catches include red snapper, grouper, scamp,
Spanish and King mackerel, redfish, flounder, sea trout, bonito,
mahi mahi, sheepshead, and bluefish, as well as amberjack,
marlin, sailfish and shark.
The avid fisherman can enjoy saltwater fishing in the Gulf of
Mexico and St. Andrew Bay. Fresh water lake and river fishing is
just a few miles away. Bay fishing has become increasingly
popular. Panama City Beach boasts three piers, including the
Gulf of Mexico's longest pier, Dan Russell Municipal Pier (City
Pier), stretching 1,642 feet in length.
Large and small vessels are readily available at several marinas
to take you deep-sea fishing three to twenty miles out. party
boats carry 50 to 70 passengers into the Gulf of Mexico and
anchor over fishing "holes" in search of the famous bottom
feeders - red snapper, grouper and amberjack. Charter boats also
make 4 to 12 hour trips with up to 20 passengers, dependent upon
the boat's size and equipment carried. All vessels carry U.S.
Coast Guard approved safety equipment.
