Panama inshore/surf/Pier

Panama City Fishing Report – Spring

Spring’s in full swing and the fishing’s getting better by the day. Whether you’re working the bays, walking the beach, or casting off a pier, there’s plenty of action right now. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s biting and how to catch it.

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INSHORE FISHING REPORT

What’s Biting:

• Redfish – Strong bite in St. Andrew Bay around grass flats, oyster bars, and docks. These fish are holding shallow, especially on incoming tides.

• Speckled Trout – Found over grassy flats in East Bay and Grand Lagoon. Best early and late with topwaters or shrimp under a cork.

• Flounder – Around sandy drop-offs, creek mouths, and channels. Slow bounce with a jig or live bait gets their attention.

• Sheepshead – Hanging near jetties, bridge pilings, and hard structure. Fiddler crabs and shrimp fished tight to the pilings will produce.

Gear & Bait Tips:

• 7’ medium spinning rods with 2500–3000 size reels

• 10–15 lb braid with 20 lb fluorocarbon leader

• Live shrimp, finger mullet, soft plastics, and popping corks

SURF FISHING REPORT

What’s Biting:

• Pompano – Showing up strong along the beach. Target sandbars and cuts near the shore. Fishbites, sand fleas, and fresh shrimp on a pompano rig are solid.

• Whiting – Steady bite along most beaches. Use small pieces of shrimp or Fishbites on a simple bottom rig.

• Redfish & Black Drum – Moving along the beach, especially during low-light hours. Soak cut mullet or shrimp on the bottom with a 2–3 oz sinker.

• Spanish Mackerel – Starting to make appearances when bait schools are thick. Cast spoons or Gotcha plugs fast and steady.

Setup:

• 10–12 ft surf rods with spinning reels

• 15–20 lb mono or braid

• Pyramid sinkers, pompano rigs, double drop leaders

• Best action is early morning or on a moving tide

FISHING PIER REPORT

(City Pier & County Pier)

What’s Biting:

• Spanish Mackerel – Picking up now with clearer water and warmer temps. Look for schools chasing bait around the pier. Gotcha plugs, silver spoons, and white jigs are go-to lures.

• Pompano – Good numbers caught closer to shore on the pier. Use sand fleas, Fishbites, or small shrimp on a double-drop rig. Keep it near the bottom in the first 30–50 feet of the pier.

• Sheepshead – Hanging around pilings and structure under the pier. Drop fiddler crabs or shrimp straight down with a small hook and just enough weight to keep it in place.

• Redfish & Black Drum – Some slot and over-slot fish cruising the pier. Cut bait or live shrimp fished on the bottom near the pilings has been productive.

Tips for Pier Anglers:

• Bring a variety of rigs: bottom rigs for pompano and whiting, heavy spoons for Spanish

• Have a landing net or pier gaff ready for bigger fish

• Watch the tide — fish tend to stack up on the side with the current

• Early morning and sunset hours are best, especially with less foot traffic

Final Tips for All Anglers

• Tides matter. Plan around moving water — both inshore and surf fish feed best when it’s running.

• Keep it quiet in the flats. Spooked fish are tough to catch.

• Stay legal. Make sure your license is current and check regulations for size and bag limits.

• Gear up. Polarized glasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water go a long way.

Whether you’re casting a jig in the bay, soaking bait on the beach, or walking the pier with a spoon tied on — Panama City is a great place to fish right now. The spring bite’s only getting better, and there’s a little something for everybody.