Panama City Beach Fishing Report for July 2024*
Welcome back to another thunderstorm filled summer fishing season in Panama City Beach. This month’s forecasts for Panama City Beach is similar to years past in that less than predictable sporadic weather forecast is making planning tricky. However, the forecasts haven’t always hit the mark, and we’ve seen several productive days each week. So, don’t cancel your plans based on a forecast alone. Rather plan based the stated availability on our website and keep an eye out for communication from your captain. There is no such thing as a perfect fishing opportunity, but our professional captains will do all they can to shoot you straight and give you the best possible option.
The inshore action around Panama City Beach has been steady. Grass flats and structures, such as docks and the 98 Bridge, have been reliable spots for catching trout and redfish. St Andrews Bay and the shoreline just outside the jetties has been our go to. For success on the grass flats, cast net for pinfish and menhaden (or hit up the bait man) then rig them beneath a popping cork so they sit just above the grass. Around docks and bridges, use a Carolina Rig to target fish close to the structure. Not only are the best bites typically early in the morning and during the evening on the grass flats but the mid-day inshore bite can be subdued this time a year due to all the rental boat traffic. To maximize your chances, consider booking an inshore guide on weekdays.
The king mackerel bite has been unpredictable due to the current full moon cycle, with most catches occurring early or late in the day and virtually no trolling action midday. With a few weeks remaining in snapper season, anglers have been finding success in deeper waters (150-300 feet) as temperatures rise. All the storms this year have produced lots of debris floating in the open waters. With this being the case keep an eye out for mahi and the occasional cobia taking advantage of the shade. A few more wahoo & barracuda have been caught closer to the 30A side of Panama City Beach. On the flipside the grouper bite has been consistently strong on the to the east around Port St Joe & Mexico Beach. However, recent weather has limited deep water fishing, resulting in fewer reports and only a few swordfish sightings.
Piers and Beaches
One of the advantages to pier and surf fishing in Panama City Beach has proven to be the flexibility with the weather. While rougher seas can make things more difficult for all fisherman, land-based anglers are affected the least. Anglers have been able to find large numbers of pompano and redfish tight off the beach. At the ends of the piers, the occasional tarpon as well as smaller sharks have kept hopeful lines in the water. King mackerel have been sporadic, much like nearshore and offshore, but there have been some catches. Spanish mackerel, hardtails, and ladyfish have been consistently biting on Gotcha lures. The key to success this month is finding good weather days and areas without too much grass. As the grass clears, conditions should improve significantly.
Stay tuned for more updates, and tight lines!
