Panama inshore/surf/Pier

PANAMA CITY fishing report posted June 12, 2027

Beach Fishing Report

Fishing along the Panama City Beach shoreline continues to improve as summer patterns take hold across the Gulf Coast. Whiting remain one of the most dependable catches from the sand and are providing steady action for anglers fishing shrimp, sand fleas, Fish Gum, and Fishbites in deeper troughs and cuts.

Pompano are still being caught, although the bite has slowed compared to the spring run. Early mornings continue to provide the best opportunities before water temperatures and beach traffic increase.

Spanish mackerel and ladyfish are showing up along the beaches in better numbers, especially when schools of bait move close to shore. Anglers covering water with spoons and casting metals are finding plenty of action.

June grass has started appearing along portions of the beach, but conditions vary daily. Some stretches remain clean while others may see heavier grass depending on wind and current conditions.

Top 3 Beach Baits

1. Sand Fleas

2. Fish Gum or Fishbites Tipped with Shrimp

3. Silver Spoon

Beach Fishing Tips

• Focus on cuts, troughs, and areas with moving water.

• Fish early before crowds and afternoon heat arrive.

• Move if necessary to find cleaner water when grass is present.

Pier Fishing Report

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Russell-Fields Pier is beginning to come alive as summer fishing ramps up. Spanish mackerel are providing some of the most consistent action, with anglers catching fish throughout the day when bait schools move through the area.

King mackerel activity continues to improve, and anglers are starting to see more opportunities as larger fish move closer to the beaches. Bonito, ladyfish, and the occasional cobia are also showing up around the pier.

One of the biggest developments heading into June is the arrival of tarpon. Large fish are beginning to appear along the beaches and around the pier, and their numbers should continue increasing throughout June and July. Anglers visiting the pier over the next several weeks have a good chance of seeing giant tarpon cruising the coastline.

Top 3 Pier Baits

1. Live Cigar Minnow

2. Gotcha Plug

3. Silver Spoon

Pier Fishing Tips

• Fish early mornings for the most consistent Spanish mackerel bite.

• Keep a heavier rod ready for king mackerel and tarpon opportunities.

• Watch for bait schools, bird activity, and surface disturbances around the pier.

Inshore Fishing Report

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St. Andrews Bay, East Bay, West Bay, and the surrounding backwaters continue to produce good fishing as summer patterns develop.

Speckled trout are feeding around grass flats, sandy potholes, oyster bars, and shoreline structure during low-light periods. Early morning topwater fishing has been especially productive before water temperatures climb.

Redfish are being caught around docks, seawalls, grass edges, and oyster bars throughout the bay system. Flounder fishing continues to improve around passes, bridges, channel edges, and current breaks as more fish move into traditional summer locations.

Top 3 Inshore Baits

1. Paddle Tail Swimbait

2. Topwater Walking Bait

3. Suspending Jerkbait

Inshore Fishing Tips

• Fish around moving water during tide changes.

• Target grass flats early before the heat of the day.

• Focus on bridges, docks, and current breaks for redfish and flounder.

Offshore Fishing Report

Offshore fishing out of Panama City is entering one of the strongest periods of the year. Red snapper season is creating plenty of excitement, and anglers fishing reefs, wrecks, and artificial structure are finding quality fish throughout the area.

King mackerel are becoming more common around nearshore reefs and bait schools. Amberjack, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and grouper continue to provide additional opportunities around offshore structure when regulations allow.

Mahi-mahi activity is increasing around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore current breaks. Anglers making longer runs are also finding opportunities for tuna and wahoo when conditions line up.

Top 3 Offshore Baits

1. Live Cigar Minnow

2. Live Hardtail

3. Vertical Jig

Offshore Fishing Tips

• Focus on reefs, wrecks, and areas holding large concentrations of bait.

• Check weed lines and floating debris for mahi-mahi.

• Get offshore early before afternoon thunderstorms develop.

NOEoutdoors Outlook

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The Panama City area is entering one of the most productive stretches of the year. Beach anglers are finding action from whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel, and ladyfish. The pier bite continues to improve with Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and increasing tarpon activity. Inshore fishermen are catching trout, redfish, and flounder throughout the bay system, while offshore anglers are enjoying excellent opportunities for red snapper, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and a variety of reef species as summer settles into the Gulf.