Top-Rated Panama City Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Panama City
$890 - $2,580 price range

Summary

Grab your friends and family for a day of fishing in Panama City's beautiful bay! This trip is great for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned anglers. You'll be targeting a variety of fish like Mahi Mahi, Jack Crevalle, Roosterfish, and Sailfish in the calm inshore and nearshore waters. The Pearl Island Charter Co. provides everything you need for a fun day on the water. With room for up to 10 guests, it's perfect for small groups or families. Expect plenty of action as you reel in Bonito, Lane Snapper, and Sierra Mackerel. The calm waters make for a comfortable trip, so you can focus on fishing and enjoying time with your group. Whether you're after a big catch or just want to relax on the water, this full-day trip has something for everyone. It's a great way to experience Panama City's rich marine life and make some lasting memories.

Top-Rated Panama City Inshore Fishing Adventure

Reels and Rods

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

Panama City's Premier Full-Day Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Ready for an epic day on the water? You're in for a treat with this full-day fishing trip right here in Panama City. We're talking about some of the best inshore and nearshore action you can find, perfect for anglers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered. Picture this: calm waters, a variety of fish species, and the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Panama. It's the kind of day that'll have you hooked (pun intended) on Panama City fishing for life!

What's the Deal?

Alright, let's break it down for you. We're setting sail for a full day of fishing fun, targeting some real beauties like Mahi Mahi, Jack Crevalle, Roosterfish, Sailfish, Bonito, Lane Snapper, and Sierra Mackerel. The Bay of Panama is our playground, and trust me, it's teeming with fish. We've got room for up to 10 people, so bring your crew, your family, or make some new fishing buddies on board. Just a heads up – we don't provide meals on this trip, so pack some snacks and stay hydrated. The focus here is on the fishing, and boy, do we deliver!

Rods, Reels, and Techniques

Now, let's talk fishing. We're not messing around with any fancy, complicated setups here. We keep it simple and effective. Depending on what we're after, we might be doing some light trolling, bottom fishing, or even some sight casting if the conditions are right. For the Mahi Mahi and Sailfish, we'll likely be using medium to heavy spinning gear or conventional setups. When we're targeting snappers, lighter tackle comes into play. Don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with quality rods and reels. Your job? Just be ready to reel 'em in when they bite!

Fish Tales from Panama City

You know, the best part of my job is seeing the grins on people's faces when they land a big one. Just last week, we had a family out – mom, dad, and two kids who'd never fished before. The youngest, barely tall enough to see over the gunwale, hooked into a feisty Jack Crevalle. You should've seen the determination on that kid's face! It was touch and go for a while, but with a little coaching, he brought that Jack to the boat. I swear, his smile was wider than the fish! That's what it's all about – making memories and maybe even sparking a lifelong passion for fishing.

The Big Ones We're After

Let's chat about some of the stars of our show, shall we? First up, the Roosterfish. These guys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. With their distinctive dorsal fin that looks like, you guessed it, a rooster's comb, they're a sight to behold. Roosterfish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active in the warmer months, so summer trips are your best bet for hooking one of these beauties.

Next, we've got the Mahi Mahi, or as some folks call 'em, Dorado. These are the supermodels of the ocean – stunningly beautiful with their electric blue and golden colors. Mahi are fast growers and can put up one heck of a fight. They're often found near floating debris or weed lines, and when you find one, you usually find a whole school. The best part? They're delicious if you're into keeping a few for dinner.

Now, if you're looking for a real challenge, the Indo-Pacific Sailfish might be your target. These billfish are the speedsters of the sea, capable of incredible bursts of speed. Watching a sailfish light up with those vibrant purple and blue colors when they're excited is a sight you'll never forget. They're more of a seasonal visitor, with the best action typically in the late fall and winter months.

Don't overlook the Pacific Bonito. These little powerhouses might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighters out there. They school up and when you find them, it can be non-stop action. Bonito are great for anglers who want consistent action and a good workout!

Last but not least, the Lane Snapper. These guys might not be the glamour fish of the bunch, but they're reliable and tasty. Found near reefs and structures, Lane Snappers are perfect for bottom fishing. They're available year-round, making them a great target when other species might be less cooperative.

Why You Need to Get Out There

Look, I could go on all day about the fish, the techniques, and the thrill of it all. But here's the bottom line: this trip is about more than just catching fish. It's about the salt spray on your face, the anticipation of the next bite, and the stories you'll be telling for years to come. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing spot or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Panama City's waters, this full-day trip has got it all. The Bay of Panama is calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's go fishing! Book your spot now and get ready for a day you won't forget. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Indo-Pacific Sailfish

Sailfish are the showstoppers of our offshore waters. These magnificent billfish average 6-8 feet long and 80-120 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. You'll find them in blue water, usually within the top 100 feet. They're here year-round, but peak season is December to April. Sailfish are prized for their incredible speed – they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean – and their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They'll test even experienced anglers with long, blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. We typically target them by trolling with rigged ballyhoo or live bait like blue runners. Here's a pro tip: when a sail takes the bait, give it a few seconds to really get it in its mouth before setting the hook. The fight and the photo op with these beautiful fish make for unforgettable moments on the water.

Lane Snapper

Lane Snapper are one of our tastiest bottom-dwelling targets. These colorful fish usually range from 1-3 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 7-8 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, rocky bottoms, and grass flats in depths from 20 to 200 feet. They're here year-round, but fishing picks up in spring and summer during spawning season. Anglers enjoy targeting lanes for their eagerness to bite and their excellent table fare. They put up a decent fight for their size, especially on light tackle. To catch lane snapper, use small hooks baited with cut squid, shrimp, or small live baitfish. Here's a tip: they tend to feed more actively at night, so evening trips can be productive. If you're after a tasty dinner and some light tackle fun, lane snapper are a great species to target.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are some of the most colorful and exciting fish you'll find in our waters. These fast-growing pelagics average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50+ in our area. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines offshore, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Mahi are most active here from April through October when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic fights, stunning colors, and excellent table fare. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit a variety of baits and lures. One local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water – the rest of the school will often stick around. Toss out some live bait or small lures to pick off more from the curious bunch. Fast-paced action and delicious fillets make Mahi a top target for our guests.

Pacific Bonito

Pacific Bonito are like the pocket rockets of our local waters. These small tuna relatives usually run 2-10 pounds, packed with speed and energy. You'll find them schooling near the surface, often following bait balls in both nearshore and offshore waters. Bonito are most abundant here from June to November. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature – pound for pound, they put up an impressive battle. They're also great for introducing newer anglers to faster-paced fishing. To catch bonito, try casting small, shiny lures or trolling with feathers behind a bubble float. Here's a local trick: look for diving birds to find feeding schools. While some folks consider bonito just okay for eating, they make excellent bait for larger game fish. Fast action and fun fights make bonito a blast to catch.

Roosterfish

Roosterfish are a unique inshore game fish, easily recognized by their distinctive "rooster comb" dorsal fin. These powerful fighters typically range from 20-80 lbs, with some monsters hitting 100+. You'll find them cruising sandy bottoms and around rocky structures, often in water less than 200 feet deep. They're aggressive predators, feeding on smaller fish like mullet and sardines. The best time to target roosters is during the warmer months, from May to November. Anglers love 'em for their spectacular topwater strikes and strong, determined fights. To increase your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet near the surf line. When a rooster hits, be ready – they're known for explosive runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your tackle and your skills.

About the Make it Happen 37'

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10

Manufacturer Name: Cox

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Grab your rods and sunscreen for an awesome day of fishing in Panama City! We'll cruise the calm waters of the Bay of Panama, where both beginners and seasoned anglers can reel in some impressive catches. You might hook Mahi Mahi, Jack Crevalle, Roosterfish, or even a majestic Sailfish. The waters are also teeming with Bonito, Lane Snapper, and Sierra Mackerel, so there's always something biting. With room for 10 people, it's perfect for a group outing or family adventure. Whether you're after a relaxing day on the water or hoping to land the big one, this trip has you covered. The gentle waves and abundant marine life make for a laid-back yet exciting fishing experience. So round up your crew, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of laughs, memories, and hopefully some impressive fish tales to share!