Family Inshore Fishing Charter Panama City Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour family charter targeting redfish and seatroutAll bait, licenses, and gear included for convenienceLimited to 4 guests for personalized fishing experience
Picture this: you're drifting through the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay at 7 AM, coffee still warm in your hands, watching the sunrise paint the water gold while your kids get their first taste of what real fishing is all about. That's exactly what you'll get with Destin's Boggy Bayou Inshore Charters. This isn't some rushed tourist trap – it's a full 6-hour private charter designed specifically for families who want to experience Panama City Beach's legendary inshore fishing without the chaos of crowded boats or complicated techniques.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to take you to the sweet spots where redfish cruise the shallows and seatrout stack up around structure. We're talking about protected bayous and grass flats where the water stays calm even when the Gulf gets choppy. Perfect for kids who might get seasick on bigger boats, and ideal for beginners who need time to get their bearings. With just 4 guests max, everyone gets personal attention – no fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to cast. The boat launches right here in Panama City Beach, so you're fishing local waters with a guide who lives and breathes these flats. Monday through Saturday availability gives you flexibility, but don't wait too long to book because prime family slots fill up fast during peak season.
Forget about bringing your own gear – everything's included, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Your captain rigs everything up with live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures that match what the fish are hitting that day. We're talking light tackle inshore fishing here, which means even a 10-year-old can handle a nice redfish without getting worn out. You'll learn basic techniques like bottom fishing for black drum around docks and pilings, sight casting to tailing reds in shallow water, and working soft plastics along grass edges for seatrout. The beauty of inshore fishing is that it's not rocket science – your guide will show you where to cast, when to set the hook, and how to fight the fish properly. All fishing licenses are covered too, so you don't have to worry about paperwork or regulations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Panama City Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars throughout Choctawhatchee Bay. Spring and fall are prime time when schools of slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) patrol the grass beds looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs, rarely jump, and give kids a real battle without being too overwhelming. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Your captain knows exactly where to find them based on tides and weather conditions.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These silver torpedoes show up in schools during warmer months, especially around baitfish concentrations. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up – even a 5-pound jack will make you think you've hooked a much bigger fish. They're perfect for kids who want some serious action, and they're abundant enough that everyone usually gets a shot. Don't be surprised if your guide gets excited when he spots jacks busting bait on the surface.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that show up during spring and summer months, usually around structure and baitfish schools. These sleek predators have razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs that'll test your drag system. What's cool about Spanish mackerel is that they often feed near the surface, so you can see them coming. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner. Your captain will rig up wire leaders when these guys are around because they'll slice through regular mono in a heartbeat.
Bluefish are another hard-fighting species that frequents Panama City Beach waters, especially during cooler months. These voracious predators travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a favorite among anglers who like their fish with attitude. Smaller "snapper blues" are perfect for kids, while bigger fish can really test your skills. Just watch those teeth – blues can give you a nasty bite if you're not careful.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the inshore scene, often hanging around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they feed on crabs and shellfish. These bottom-dwellers can get surprisingly large – we're talking 20-30 pounders – but they fight more like a submarine than a speedboat. They're perfect for teaching patience and proper bottom fishing techniques. Kids love them because they're usually pretty cooperative once hooked, and the bigger ones make for great photos. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they move into shallow water to spawn.
This family-friendly charter hits all the right notes – experienced captain, calm protected waters, all gear included, and species that are fun to catch without being too challenging for beginners. Six hours gives you plenty of time to try different spots and techniques without rushing, and the 7 AM start means you'll be back by early afternoon with stories to tell and maybe some fresh fish for dinner. Panama City Beach's inshore waters are productive year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action with the most comfortable weather. Don't let this opportunity slip by – book your family fishing adventure today and see why locals have been fishing these waters for generations. Your kids will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite way to spend a morning on the water.
This fishing-ready motorboat comes powered by a reliable Suzuki 60HP engine that'll get you cutting through Panama City Beach's inshore waters at up to 30 knots. Perfect for working the shallow flats and tight bayous where redfish and seatrout love to hide. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those prime fishing spots without spooking your targets, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. GPS keeps you on course through Choctawhatchee Bay's winding channels and back bays. The live bait well keeps your shrimp and pinfish frisky, and there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings. Built for families and designed to handle the shallow coastal waters where the best inshore action happens. This setup gives you everything needed to chase drum around oyster bars, work grass flats for trout, and target sheepshead around the pilings.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, ranging from 5-30 pounds with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. These gray-black fish hang around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they root along the bottom for food. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but they'll pull steady and hard. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating. The secret is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When you feel that slow, heavy pull, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling steadily.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth that average 3-8 pounds in our waters. These blue-green fighters travel in schools and attack baitfish with legendary ferocity around jetties, surf zones, and open bay areas. Late summer brings the best action when "baby blues" move into our shallow bays - perfect for kids and beginners. Guests enjoy their hard strikes and strong fights, plus smaller blues make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Bigger ones can be strong-flavored, so most anglers focus on the 2-5 pound range. Always use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When they're feeding on top, almost any shiny lure will work, but cut bait on the bottom is deadly consistent.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - brassy colored fish that average 12-24 inches and pack serious muscle for their size. These aggressive feeders roam grass flats, sandy bays, and around structure like docks and jetties in schools. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign jacks are pushing bait to the surface. They bite year-round but really heat up in warmer months when baitfish are thick. Guests love them because they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're not great table fare, but the action more than makes up for it. Pro tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast - these fish are attracted to speed and aggressive movement, so don't be subtle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most popular targets in our shallow waters, typically running 20-30 inches and fighting hard when hooked. You'll spot them by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mud bottoms in 1-4 feet of water around Choctawhatchee Bay. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs and tail-walking jumps - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving and let it sit still. They spook easily, so patience pays off.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are silver speedsters with yellow spots that typically run 1-2 feet long and put on quite a show when hooked. These fast swimmers travel in schools near the surface around grass flats, jetties, and open bay areas. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're moving through our waters chasing baitfish. What guests love most is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, dive, and make blazing runs on light tackle. Plus they're outstanding eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key to consistent success is matching the bait size they're feeding on. When you see them busting bait on top, downsize your lures - sometimes a small spoon or jig works better than anything fancy.
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