Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Panama City
$890 - $2,580 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of fun on the water and beach? This 6-hour trip in Panama City is perfect for families or friends looking to mix fishing and relaxation. You'll start with some light tackle action, going after Jack Crevalle, Pacific Barracuda, Bonito, and Sierra Mackerel in the inshore and nearshore waters. It's a great chance to test your skills and maybe land a nice catch. After you've had your fill of fishing, the boat heads to Taboga Island for some beach time. Swim in the clear waters, soak up some sun on the sand, or just kick back and enjoy the scenery. It's a nice balance of activity and downtime, all wrapped up in one trip. With room for two guests, it's an ideal outing for a pair looking to sample a bit of everything Panama City's waters have to offer. The Pearl Island Charter Co. runs these trips, so you know you're in good hands for a day out on the water.

Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Panama City

Rods, Reels, and Relaxation

A group of 6 little tunny and dogtooth tuna fish caught in Panama

Offshore day in Panama City

Hooked up just off the coast!

Photograph of a greater amberjack fish caught while fishing in Panama City

Offshore action in Panama waters

Sunrise fishing in Panama City

Family Beach & Fishing Fun in Panama City

Get ready for a day of non-stop action and relaxation in Panama City! This 6-hour trip is the perfect mix of fishing thrills and beach chill time. You'll start off chasing some of Panama's most exciting inshore species before kicking back on the gorgeous Taboga Island. It's the ideal setup for families or friends who want a taste of everything Panama's waters have to offer.

What's On The Menu Today

We'll kick things off with some light tackle fishing that's sure to get your heart racing. We're talking about battling Jack Crevalle that'll make your arms burn, or outsmarting those toothy Pacific Barracuda. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our crew will show you the ropes. After we've worn out the fish (and ourselves), we'll cruise over to Taboga Island. This little slice of paradise is perfect for swimming, catching some rays, or just lounging on the sand. It's your day, so you call the shots!

Rods, Reels, and Beach Feels

For the fishing part of our day, we'll be using light tackle setups that are perfect for the inshore action. Think spinning rods paired with 20-30 lb test line – enough to handle the tough fighters we're after, but still light enough to feel every head shake and run. We'll be doing a mix of trolling and casting, depending on where the fish are biting. Once we hit the beach, it's all about kicking back. The soft sand and clear waters of Taboga are calling your name. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and maybe a good book!

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"We had a fantastic trip with Captain Rolando and his mate! The boat was in excellent condition, and the equipment was top-notch. With seven of us on board, there was plenty of space to fish comfortably and escape the sun when needed. Captain Rolando put in the effort, and it paid off — a great experience all around!" - John

Fish You'll Want to Tangle With

Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the sea. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in pure strength. Jacks love to hunt in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a whole bunch. They'll test your stamina as they make blistering runs and dive deep. The best part? They're around all year, so you've always got a shot at hooking into one of these powerhouses.

Pacific Sierra: Think of these guys as the Panama version of Spanish Mackerel. They're sleek, fast, and have a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. Sierra are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active during the dry season from December to April, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Watching a Sierra skyrocket out of the water with your lure is a sight you won't forget!

Pacific Bonito: These little rockets are part of the tuna family, and they fight like it too. Bonitos are speed demons that will make your reel sing. They're great fun on light tackle, often traveling in schools which means multiple hookups are common. While they're around all year, the bite really heats up from June to August. If you're into fast-paced fishing, you'll love tangling with these guys.

Pacific Barracuda: With their long, sleek bodies and mouthful of teeth, barracuda look like the ocean's version of a missile. They're ambush predators, known for their lightning-fast strikes and powerful runs. Barracuda love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting them near reefs and drop-offs. They're a year-round target, but the fishing really picks up from December to April. Watching a barracuda slash at a topwater lure is one of the most exciting moments in fishing!

Time to Get Your Feet Wet

This trip is the real deal for anyone looking to sample the best of Panama City's coastal offerings. In just six hours, you'll go from battling hard-fighting fish to lounging on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. It's perfect for families who want to keep everyone happy, or groups of friends looking for a mix of action and relaxation. The fishing is hot, the beach is cool, and the memories you'll make will last a lifetime. Don't let this chance slip away – book your spot now and get ready for a day you won't forget!

Customer Review

Fishin Bliss

We had a fantastic trip with Captain Rolando and his mate! The boat was in excellent condition, and the equipment was top-notch. With seven of us on board, there was plenty of space to fish comfortably and escape the sun when needed. Captain Rolando put in the effort, and it paid off — a great experience all around!

John A

January 7, 2024

Learn more about the animals

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jack are real bruisers, averaging 3-5 pounds but can hit 60 pounds or more. You'll find them in our inshore waters, hanging around reefs, grass beds, and even up in the mangroves. They're aggressive feeders, often pushing bait to the surface - watch for birds diving to locate a school. Spring and fall are prime times, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Jacks for their powerful runs and never-say-die attitude. To hook one, try fast-moving lures like silver spoons or topwater plugs. A local trick: when you see them feeding on the surface, cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through it. Just be ready to hold on tight when one slams your bait!

Pacific Barracuda

Pacific Barracuda are the speedsters of our nearshore waters. They average 2-3 feet long but can stretch to 5 feet and 18 pounds. You'll find them prowling around kelp beds and reefs, usually in the top 120 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons when the bigger adults move in. Cuda are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll sometimes leap clear out of the water. Anglers love their aggression and the challenge of fooling these sharp-eyed predators. To land one, try casting surface iron lures or live anchovies. Here's a pro tip: retrieve your bait with a slow, steady motion to trigger their chase instinct. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Pacific Bonito

Pacific Bonito are like mini tunas - fast, hard-fighting, and a blast to catch. They usually run 2-10 pounds but can hit 25. You'll find them schooling near the surface, from right off the beach to about 100 miles out. June through November is prime time, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Bonito for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're not picky eaters, so live anchovies, small lures, or even fly fishing gear will work. Here's a local trick: look for birds diving or bait fish jumping - that's often a sign Bonito are feeding nearby. Cast into the frenzy and hold on tight! These little powerhouses punch well above their weight class.

Pacific Sierra

Pacific Sierra are sleek, toothy predators that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 5-15 pounds but can reach up to 25. Look for them in coastal waters, often near the surface in depths under 50 feet. They love cooler temps, so early mornings or cloudy days are best. Sierra are prized for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat - perfect for ceviche. To target them, try slow-trolling shiny lures or live bait like sardines just below the surface. A wire leader is a must with those razor-sharp teeth. One tip: watch for diving birds, they'll often lead you right to a feeding school. Sierra put up a great fight on light tackle, so hang on and enjoy the ride!

About the BERTRAM 31'

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Sole Marine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 18

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 145

Get ready for a fun-filled day on the water and beach with this 6-hour trip that's great for families and friends. You'll start off with some exciting light tackle fishing, trying to catch popular fish like Jack Crevalle, Pacific Barracuda, Bonito, and Sierra Mackerel in Panama's coastal waters. After reeling in some fish, it's time to head over to beautiful Taboga Island for some beach relaxation. Swim in the clear water, soak up the sun on the sand, or just enjoy the island scenery. This trip gives you a nice mix of action-packed fishing and laid-back beach time, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're an experienced angler or just want to try fishing for the first time, you'll have a blast out on the water before unwinding on the island. It's the perfect way to experience the best of Panama's coastal attractions in one awesome day.