About West Bay, FL

West Bay is a sizeable inshore bay located in Bay County, Florida. It is situated near the famous Laguna Beach, providing visitors the liberty to enjoy saltwater and freshwater activities. Compared to the Gulf of Mexico, West Bay is more shallow and surrounded by wetlands, often referred to as Bay County’s small Everglades. 

Although Panama City Beach drives most tourists to the area, West Bay has always been a well-kept secret among locals looking for a more peaceful recreational day. As compared to the nightlife activities offered by Panama City Beach, West Bay offers calmer and more serene waters, ideal for anglers looking for a laid-back fishing trip or kids looking for a great day under the sun. 

All About Fishing in West Bay, FL

West Bay is mostly marshlands with smaller waterways leading to other water bodies in the bay’s proximity. It has a significant amount of water vegetation that fish feed on and smaller fish that large fish like to target. Being an ideal location for fish to spawn, it has become a popular spot for anglers due to the abundance of fish species that takes refuge all around West Bay. Fish species in West Bay include bluegill, redfish, channel catfish, and spotted weakfish.

Due to the varying depths of West Bay, anglers use various fishing techniques depending on the depth of the water or if they are fishing from a boat, a kayak, or wading. The more common fishing techniques used are spinning, baitcasting, and handline fishing. Several creeks are feeding into West Bay, wherein their openings provide anglers with tremendous amounts of fish swept in by the current. Experienced anglers often hang out around these spots as red drum are most abundant there. Locals also usually prefer to cast their lines under West Bay Bridge along Highway 79. 

When the tides are low, anglers can wade around shallow areas and resort to handline fishing as fish tend to bite quickly in West Bay. Catching considerable-sized game fish such as speckled sea trout is possible through handline fishing. Since West Bay allows the use of very straightforward fishing techniques, it is an excellent location for anglers trying to practice different fishing techniques or those just starting. West Bay is frequented by anglers of all skill levels who are willing to help each other out. 

Fishing Seasonality

West Bay offers excellent fishing opportunities all year. However, fish are most abundant around Spring to Fall, around March to December of each year, which is ample time to plan a trip. In summer, the volume of tourists is denser as there are also a lot of water activities offered within West Bay. Despite the high volume of tourists, West Bay remains to offer significant amounts of fish to catch but will most likely require anglers to steer away from where the water activities are happening. With respect to the time of day, especially during the warmer months, setting up gears early in the morning is more ideal as the waters are calmer since there’s less disturbance underwater.  

Fishing Seasonality

West Bay offers excellent fishing opportunities all year. However, fish are most abundant around Spring to Fall, around March to December of each year, which is ample time to plan a trip. In summer, the volume of tourists is denser as there are also a lot of water activities offered within West Bay. Despite the high volume of tourists, West Bay remains to offer significant amounts of fish to catch but will most likely require anglers to steer away from where the water activities are happening. With respect to the time of day, especially during the warmer months, setting up gears early in the morning is more ideal as the waters are calmer since there’s less disturbance underwater.  

All About Fishing in West Bay, FL

West Bay is mostly marshlands with smaller waterways leading to other water bodies in the bay’s proximity. It has a significant amount of water vegetation that fish feed on and smaller fish that large fish like to target. Being an ideal location for fish to spawn, it has become a popular spot for anglers due to the abundance of fish species that takes refuge all around West Bay. Fish species in West Bay include bluegill, redfish, channel catfish, and spotted weakfish.

Due to the varying depths of West Bay, anglers use various fishing techniques depending on the depth of the water or if they are fishing from a boat, a kayak, or wading. The more common fishing techniques used are spinning, baitcasting, and handline fishing. Several creeks are feeding into West Bay, wherein their openings provide anglers with tremendous amounts of fish swept in by the current. Experienced anglers often hang out around these spots as red drum are most abundant there. Locals also usually prefer to cast their lines under West Bay Bridge along Highway 79. 

When the tides are low, anglers can wade around shallow areas and resort to handline fishing as fish tend to bite quickly in West Bay. Catching considerable-sized game fish such as speckled sea trout is possible through handline fishing. Since West Bay allows the use of very straightforward fishing techniques, it is an excellent location for anglers trying to practice different fishing techniques or those just starting. West Bay is frequented by anglers of all skill levels who are willing to help each other out.