Panama surf & Pier

Panama City Fishing Report – October 18, 2026

NOEoutdoors Fishing Report | Surf, Pier, Inshore & Offshore Fishing

October fishing around Panama City and Panama City Beach has been producing some good fish, but the recent hurricane has definitely affected conditions around the area.

Hurricane Isaias moved through the Florida Panhandle on October 9, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, rough surf, and flooding. Some areas are still dealing with storm damage and cleanup, but anglers are beginning to get back on the water.

The biggest challenge right now is water clarity. All the rain has left portions of St. Andrews Bay stained, but that hasn’t stopped the fish from biting. Redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, and red snapper are all worth targeting as we move into the second half of October.

Surf Fishing – Panama City Beach

Surf fishing along Panama City Beach is getting into its fall pattern, with pompano, whiting, redfish, and black drum being some of the main fish to target.

Pompano rigs baited with fresh shrimp, sand fleas, or Fishbites are good choices. Look for deeper troughs, cuts in the sandbars, and areas where cleaner water is moving along the beach.

Don’t overlook the first trough close to shore. Whiting and pompano can feed surprisingly close to the beach, and a shorter cast can sometimes produce more fish than throwing your bait past the sandbar.

Redfish are another good possibility during October, especially when schools of mullet and other baitfish are moving along the beaches. Fresh cut mullet, shrimp, and blue crab are good options for anglers looking for larger fish.

The recent hurricane may have changed some of the sandbars and troughs along the beach. If you’re heading back to a spot you’ve fished before, take a few minutes to read the water before setting up.

Pier Fishing – Russell-Fields Pier & M.B. Miller Pier

October is a good time to fish the piers around Panama City Beach, especially when baitfish are moving along the coast.

Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, and redfish are all worth targeting this time of year.

For Spanish mackerel, Gotcha plugs, diamond jigs, and small silver spoons are good choices. Keep an eye out for birds diving and baitfish scattering near the surface.

Pompano and whiting can be targeted closer to the bottom using shrimp, sand fleas, and Fishbites.

King mackerel are another possibility when clean water and larger baitfish are around. Live bait can be productive when kings move within casting distance of the pier.

With Hurricane Isaias recently coming through the area, anglers should check the operating status of Russell-Fields Pier and M.B. Miller Pier before heading out. Current access at both piers has not been independently confirmed.

Also, watch for floating debris, strong currents, and changing water conditions.

Inshore Fishing – St. Andrews Bay

Inshore fishing has been one of the better options around Panama City lately, especially for redfish.

Recent local reports have included schools of upper-slot redfish holding around docks with deeper water nearby. The lower tides have been particularly productive.

Live shrimp, pinfish, and other natural baits have been good choices. Artificial lures can also catch these fish, but natural bait has been a little more consistent around the docks.

One good way to fish these areas is to position your boat up-current and let your bait drift naturally back toward the structure.

Speckled trout are also worth targeting around grass flats, deeper edges, and areas holding baitfish.

With the stained water from all the rain, topwater plugs, paddle tails, and other lures that create vibration can be good choices. Fish may have a harder time seeing your bait, so giving them something they can hear or feel can help.

Spanish mackerel have also been showing up around deeper sandy areas near the flats. Some of these fish have been good-sized, and bluefish have been mixed in as well.

If you’re fishing live bait on a light leader and suddenly start getting cut off, there’s a good chance Spanish mackerel or bluefish are nearby.

Another fish worth watching for is jack crevalle. Schools of large jacks have been moving across the flats, sometimes pushing noticeable wakes as they travel. If you spot them, try throwing a large topwater plug or swimbait.

Flounder are also around the bay, but remember that Florida’s recreational flounder harvest season closed October 15 and remains closed through November 30. Any flounder caught during this period must be released.

St. Andrews Pass – Redfish & Spanish Mackerel

St. Andrews Pass is another area to keep an eye on as we get farther into October.

Fall is a good time to target larger redfish around the pass, especially when baitfish are moving through with the tide.

Look for areas where current is pushing bait around channel edges, rocks, and deeper drop-offs.

Large swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and live or cut bait are good options when targeting bigger redfish.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish can also show up around the pass when bait schools are present. Small spoons and fast-moving jigs are worth keeping tied on.

The recent hurricane may have shifted some of the sand around the pass, so boaters should use extra caution around shallow areas and strong currents.

Offshore Fishing – Panama City

Offshore fishing is another good option during October, especially when the weather allows boats to make the run.

Red snapper are a big focus right now, with Florida’s fall recreational Gulf red snapper season open October 9 through October 22 for eligible private recreational anglers.

Additional weekends are scheduled later in October and November.

Recent local fishing reports have also described a strong red snapper bite in shallower water, with some fish in the 4- to 8-pound range being caught around structure in 15 to 30 feet of water.

Live pinfish, pilchards, and cut cigar minnows are good bait choices. Larger soft plastics on jig heads can also produce fish, especially around shallower structure.

Vermilion snapper are another option around offshore reefs and wrecks, along with other bottom species where harvest is permitted.

King mackerel are worth looking for around nearshore reefs and bait schools. Slow trolling live bait can be a good way to locate fish.

Greater amberjack harvest closed October 14 in Gulf federal waters, so make sure to check the current regulations for whatever species you’re targeting.

After the hurricane, pay close attention to marine conditions and possible floating debris before heading offshore.

Hurricane Isaias – Panama City Update

Hurricane Isaias brought damaging weather to Panama City and Panama City Beach earlier this month, leaving behind power outages, debris, and damage to some public facilities.

City crews have been working to clear roads, inspect storm drains, and address remaining hazards.

One important closure for local anglers is the Downtown Panama City Marina boat ramp. The city reports that the ramp is closed until further notice after both docks sustained storm damage.

In Panama City Beach, crews have also been dealing with storm debris and damage following the hurricane.

Anyone heading out should check for updates on boat ramps, beach access, and public fishing areas before making the trip.

The heavy rain has also affected water clarity throughout St. Andrews Bay. While stained water can make sight-fishing difficult, it can actually help anglers fishing topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, and other artificial lures that create vibration.

What to Expect Going Into Late October

Fishing around Panama City should continue offering some good opportunities as we move farther into October.

Redfish should remain a good target around docks, deeper shoreline structure, and the passes. Speckled trout should also become more active as water temperatures continue cooling.

Along the beaches, pompano and whiting should be worth targeting, especially once the surf settles down and the water begins clearing up.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish should continue following baitfish through the area, while offshore anglers will have more opportunities to target red snapper during the remaining scheduled season dates.

The biggest thing right now is paying attention to how the hurricane has affected different areas. Some places may still be stained or dealing with debris, while others could be fishing well.

If you’re heading out this week, check access conditions, watch the weather, and spend some time locating baitfish before settling into an area.

Good luck out there! If you’ve been fishing around Panama City, St. Andrews Bay, or Panama City Beach since the hurricane, let us know what the conditions are looking like and what you’ve been catching!

NOEoutdoors