Inshore Fishing in Panama City Beach, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead in Panama City watersCaptain provides all fishing equipment and handles licensing requirementsSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests maximum
Ready to get your lines wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Double C Charters is here to put you on fish with our top-rated 4 and 5-hour inshore fishing trips right out of Panama City Beach. These aren't your typical tourist fishing rides – we're talking serious angling in the shallow flats, grass beds, and structure-rich waters where big reds, fat trout, and sneaky flounder love to hang out. Captain and crew handle all the gear and licensing headaches, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. Just bring your appetite for action, some snacks and drinks for the ride, and get ready to see why Panama City Beach consistently ranks among the Gulf Coast's premier fishing destinations.
Your inshore adventure kicks off in the protected waters behind Panama City Beach, where crystal-clear shallows meet endless miles of productive fishing grounds. We're talking about fishing depths ranging from 2 to 15 feet, where you can actually see the fish you're targeting – it's that clear out there. The boat stays comfortable with a maximum of 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to work their presentation and fight their fish without tangling lines. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the grass flats near Shell Island to the deeper channels around the jetties where bigger fish cruise for easy meals. Weather plays nice most of the year here, but when conditions get choppy outside, these inshore spots stay fishable and productive. You'll spend your day moving between different types of structure – shallow grass beds, oyster bars, drop-offs, and sandy potholes – each holding different species depending on the tide and time of day.
Double C Charters runs you with light to medium spinning gear perfectly matched to inshore conditions – think 7-foot rods paired with smooth-drag reels spooled with 15 to 20-pound test. Depending on what's biting, you'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic paddle tails bounced along the bottom. The captain switches up techniques based on conditions: sight fishing the flats when water's calm and clear, working deeper grass beds with jigs when wind picks up, or targeting structure with live bait when fish are finicky. Circle hooks are standard for live bait presentations, while you'll use traditional J-hooks for artificial lures. The boat carries a full spread of terminal tackle, from egg sinkers for bottom fishing to split shot for subtle presentations. Fresh and live bait stays on ice – premium shrimp, finger mullet, and sometimes live pinfish for the bigger predators. When fish are actively feeding, topwater plugs and spoons can absolutely light them up, especially early morning or late afternoon when baitfish schools get active.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Panama City Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers will test your drag system every single time. These fish run anywhere from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to monster bulls pushing 40+ inches and 20+ pounds. Reds patrol the shallow flats year-round but really fire up during fall months when they school up for their offshore spawning runs. What makes them so exciting is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to dog you in shallow water. Plus, they're not picky eaters, taking live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm.
Speckled trout bring finesse fishing to the table, and Panama City Beach grows some true wall-hangers. These spotted beauties average 14 to 18 inches, but 20+ inch "gator trout" show up regularly, especially around deeper grass edges and channel drop-offs. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, though summer early-morning bites can be absolutely phenomenal. Trout have soft mouths, so light drag and steady pressure are key – but their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps make every hookup exciting. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families wanting to take dinner home.
Flounder might be the most underrated fighters in these waters, and Panama City Beach holds some true doormat-sized fish. These ambush predators lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure, and when they grab your bait, the initial run will surprise you every time. Summer months produce the biggest fish as they prepare for their offshore migration, with 3 to 5-pound fish common and occasional 6+ pounders showing up. They're notorious for short strikes, so patience and proper hook-setting technique pay off big time. Nothing beats the satisfaction of fooling a big flounder with a perfectly presented jig and shrimp combo.
Sheepshead earn respect as the "convict fish" with their black stripes and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These structure-loving fighters hang around pilings, rocks, and oyster bars, using their human-like teeth to crush crustaceans and mollusks. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action as they move shallow to spawn, with 2 to 4-pound fish standard and occasional 5+ pounders showing up. They're incredibly finicky biters requiring small hooks, light line, and perfect presentations – but their strong runs and excellent eating quality make them worth the extra effort.
Panama City Beach inshore fishing delivers consistent action year-round, but the best trips book up fast, especially during peak spring and fall seasons. Double C Charters has built a reputation on putting customers on fish while providing the kind of personalized service that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. With all gear, tackle, and licenses included, plus the local knowledge that only comes from fishing these waters daily, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species
Get ready to chase redfish and trout aboard our restored 22' Cape Horn bay boat! This speedy vessel packs a 250HP Yamaha engine that'll have you cruising at 30 knots to the best fishing spots around Panama City Beach. Built for performance and comfort, she handles up to 4 anglers with ease. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats for those prized redfish. GPS navigation ensures we hit the productive waters, and the icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Recently restored in 2020, this reliable fishing machine is perfect for targeting trout, flounder, and sheepshead in the productive inshore waters. Whether you're casting live bait or working artificial lures, this bay boat delivers the stability and speed needed for a successful day on the water.
Panama City