Inshore Fishing Charter in Panacea, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and troutAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included with tripCaptain Joel guides up to six guests in Panacea waters
Captain Joel knows these Panacea waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour inshore charter targets the flats and grass beds where redfish cruise and speckled trout hang out waiting for an easy meal. You'll fish the protected waters along Florida's Big Bend, where the Gulf stays calm and the action stays hot. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, Joel's got the patience and know-how to make sure you go home with bent rods and fish stories worth telling.
You'll launch from Panacea and head into some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast. The Big Bend area offers miles of shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that hold plenty of fish year-round. Captain Joel runs a clean, well-maintained boat that can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that you're working in 2-8 feet of water most of the day, so even if someone gets seasick easily, the calm conditions make this trip doable for pretty much everyone. Joel provides all the tackle, bait, and fishing licenses, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler if you want to take your catch home. The boat has a T-top for shade, but you'll still want to protect yourself from that Florida sun.
This is sight fishing and structure fishing at its finest. You'll be using live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures depending on what the fish are hitting that day. Joel typically sets up with medium-action spinning rods and reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line - perfect for the redfish and trout you'll be targeting. When you're working the grass flats, you'll be casting to visible fish or likely looking spots where the water color changes or you can see bait activity. Around the oyster bars and structure, it's more about putting your bait in the right zone and letting the fish come to you. Joel knows when to switch between live bait and artificials, and he'll teach you how to read the water so you can spot fish movement and feeding signs. The key to success in these waters is staying quiet, making accurate casts, and being ready when a red drum decides your shrimp looks like an easy target.
Redfish are the stars of the show in Panacea's inshore waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though you might hook into an oversized bull red that'll test your drag and your patience. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and love to cruise the grass flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so exciting is that you can often see them coming - their backs break the surface or you'll spot their tails when they're feeding head-down. When a slot red takes your bait, get ready for a fight that involves multiple runs and some serious head-shaking.
Cobia show up around Panacea typically from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can range from 20 pounds up to 40-plus, and they have zero quit in them. Cobia often cruise near the surface around structure or follow rays, so you'll sometimes get a shot at sight-casting to them. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a chance to drop a live bait or jig right in front of them. Landing a good cobia is like arm-wrestling with a truck - they dive hard and stay down.
Tripletail are one of the more unique catches you might encounter on this trip. These oddly-shaped fish like to hang around floating debris, channel markers, or crab trap buoys, basically acting like floating leaves themselves. They're ambush predators that can be tricky to hook because they're incredibly smart and spooky. But when you do connect with a tripletail, you're in for a treat - they're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight for their size. Most tripletail in these waters run 3-8 pounds, and they require a quiet approach and precise casting.
Bluefish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression. When a school of blues moves through, you can expect fast action with multiple hookups. These toothy predators will hit just about anything that moves, and they fight hard right up to the boat. Blues typically show up in schools during their seasonal migrations, and when Captain Joel finds them, you could be in for some of the fastest fishing of your life. Just watch those teeth when you're handling them.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene around Panacea. These bottom-dwellers can range from smaller "puppy drum" up to massive 30-40 pound fish that will absolutely punish your tackle. They're often found around oyster beds and structure, where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Black drum don't typically make long runs like redfish, but they use their weight and strength to stay deep and fight you all the way to the boat. Catching a big black drum is like pulling up a manhole cover that doesn't want to come up.
Captain Joel's inshore charters book up fast, especially during the cooler months when the fishing really turns on. This 5-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots and target multiple species without feeling rushed. The Panacea area offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast, and with someone like Joel who knows every grass bed, oyster bar, and creek mouth in the area, you're setting yourself up for success. Whether you
Captain Joel's 32-foot Jupiter center console is built for serious Gulf Coast fishing action. This 2006 beauty runs on twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 45 knots through Panacea's productive waters. The spacious center console layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines while targeting redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead in the shallows. Onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on the hot spots. When weather gets sketchy, the radar system ensures safe passage. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long battles with Gulf Coast gamefish. Whether you're casting to tailing reds in the grass flats or working structure for trout, this reliable fishing machine delivers the performance and comfort needed for productive days on Florida's Big Bend waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of our inshore waters around Panacea. These bottom-feeders typically run 5-20 pounds but can reach monster sizes up to 50+ pounds. You'll find them on oyster beds, muddy flats, and around structure in shallow to moderate depths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you can really get into them. What's cool about black drum is they make actual drumming sounds you can sometimes hear underwater. They're strong fighters that use their weight and power rather than speed. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare. Here's my go-to technique: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom with just enough weight to hold. The key is to be patient - drum are methodical feeders, so when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, let them take it before setting the hook. They'll mouth the bait first before committing.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish show up in our Panacea waters during the cooler months, typically fall through early spring. These aggressive predators run anywhere from 2-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find schools of them attacking baitfish in open water, around structure, and near tidal areas. They're not picky eaters - cut bait, live shrimp, and flashy spoons all work great. What makes bluefish fun is their aggressive strikes and strong fights, plus they're decent eating when prepared fresh (smaller ones taste better). The exciting part is when you find a feeding school - it's pure chaos with birds diving and baitfish jumping everywhere. Pro tip: when targeting blues, use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. Those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Also, be careful handling them - even small blues can give you a nasty bite that'll ruin your day.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches around Panacea's nearshore waters. These brown, shark-looking fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. They're usually found around structure like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet during spring and early summer when they're spawning. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any premium fish. They're also fantastic fighters, making powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. The cool thing about cobia is they're often solo travelers, so it's all about sight fishing when you spot one cruising near the surface. My best tip: when you see a cobia, don't cast directly at it. Instead, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your jig or live bait into its path. They're curious fish but spook if you plop a lure right on their head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore trips here in Panacea. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-30 inches and love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and marshes in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail and that bronze-red coloring. Spring through fall are prime times, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight like hell, pulling drag and making long runs even in shallow water. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. The key trick I share with guests is to look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water - when you see that tail sticking up, cast well ahead and let your bait drift naturally into their feeding zone. These fish spook easily, so quiet approaches win the day.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the coolest sight-fishing targets we get around Panacea. These flat, mottled fish average 2-5 pounds and have this unique habit of floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or dead grass. You'll find them around weed lines, channel markers, and floating structure from spring through fall. What guests love about tripletail is the visual aspect - you actually see the fish before you cast, making it like hunting. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat similar to snapper or grouper. The challenge is their spooky nature and acrobatic fight once hooked. Here's the local trick: when you spot a tripletail, don't cast directly at it. Cast 10-15 feet past the fish and slowly work your shrimp or jig back toward them. Let the fish come to the bait rather than dropping it on their head - they'll bolt if you're too aggressive with the presentation.
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