Panama inshore/surf/Pier

Panama City Beach Fishing Report

July 17

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Panama City Beach is fishing well right now, with plenty of opportunities whether you’re on the beach, fishing the Russell-Fields Pier, or heading offshore. Water temperatures are in the mid-80s, baitfish are thick along the beaches, and predators are following them. The best fishing is still happening from daylight until about 9 a.m. and again during the last couple of hours before sunset. If you’re fishing in the middle of the day, expect to slow your presentation or move into deeper water. 

Surf Fishing

The surf bite has been steady, especially during the early morning hours. Focus on the deeper cuts between the sandbars instead of trying to cast as far as possible. Many fish feed surprisingly close to shore, especially when schools of baitfish move through.

What You Can Expect to Catch

• Whiting

• Pompano (a few are still being caught)

• Spanish mackerel

• Bluefish

• Ladyfish

• Redfish

• Black drum

• Jack crevalle

• Tarpon cruising the beaches

• Sharks after dark 

Artificial Lures

• Paddle tail swimbaits

• Metal casting spoons

• Bucktail jigs

• Jerkbaits

• Topwater walking baits

• Casting jigs

Surf Fishing Tips

• Fish the first and second troughs instead of casting as far as you can.

• Watch for birds diving and baitfish jumping before choosing where to fish.

• Retrieve spoons and casting jigs quickly when Spanish mackerel are feeding.

• Cloudy mornings and a light chop on the water often improve the bite.

• Move often if you’re not seeing bait or getting bites.

Russell-Fields Pier

The Russell-Fields Pier has been producing some of the best action on the Gulf Coast this month. Schools of bait are moving through daily, bringing in everything from Spanish mackerel to king mackerel. If you’re paying attention to the water instead of blindly casting, you’ll catch more fish.

What You Can Expect to Catch

• Spanish mackerel

• King mackerel

• Bonito

• Bluefish

• Jack crevalle

• Ladyfish

• Redfish

• Pompano

• Tarpon

• The occasional cobia

• Sharks after dark 

Artificial Lures

• Silver spoons

• Casting jigs

• Diamond jigs

• Paddle tail swimbaits

• Heavy bucktail jigs

• Topwater plugs during low-light conditions

Pier Fishing Tips

• Keep a fast-moving lure ready because schools of Spanish and kings can show up without warning.

• Cast beyond the bait school and retrieve through it instead of throwing directly into it.

• Pay attention to birds and bait around the pier before making your first cast.

• Early morning is usually your best opportunity before swimmers and boat traffic increase.

• If king mackerel show up, make long casts and keep your retrieve steady.

Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing has been excellent this month. Artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural bottom are producing quality fish, while blue water anglers are finding plenty of pelagic species farther offshore. Trolling between bottom spots has also been producing good catches.

What You Can Expect to Catch

• Red snapper

• Vermilion snapper

• Red grouper

• Scamp grouper

• Amberjack

• King mackerel

• Mahi-mahi

• Little tunny

• Blackfin tuna

• Triggerfish when seasons allow 

Artificial Lures

• Vertical jigs

• Butterfly jigs

• Bucktail jigs

• Paddle tail swimbaits

• Deep-diving plugs

• Trolling plugs

• Skirted trolling lures

Offshore Fishing Tips

• Find the bait first. If your electronics aren’t showing bait, keep moving.

• Drop vertical jigs when fish are stacked under the boat.

• Troll between reef spots. King mackerel and mahi often show up while you’re covering water.

• If you find floating debris or weed lines, work the area thoroughly. Mahi, tripletail, and other pelagic fish often hold around floating structure.

• Watch for birds offshore because they’ll often lead you directly to feeding fish.

Overall Outlook

Panama City Beach is offering excellent fishing opportunities this July. The beaches are producing Spanish mackerel, whiting, redfish, and jack crevalle, while the Russell-Fields Pier continues to see steady action from Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bonito, and other predators following schools of bait. Offshore remains outstanding, with snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and mahi keeping anglers busy.

The pattern is simple this time of year. Get on the water early, stay around the bait, and don’t waste time fishing empty water. The anglers who keep moving and let the conditions tell them where to fish are putting the most fish in the cooler.