Panama City Beach, Florida Fishing Report for May 2025
Welcome back, Gulf Coast Sportsman!
We’re excited to bring you another fishing report from beautiful Panama City Beach — and what a month it’s been so far. Unlike the unpredictability of some past springs, May 2025 has brought calm seas and stable weather, making for excellent fishing across inshore, offshore, and surf zones. Don’t overlook the beaches and piers either — while Sheepshead are phasing out for the season, Pompano and Spanish Mackerel are keeping anglers busy and coolers full.
Inshore Action
Inshore fishing around Panama City Beach is thriving. Anglers have been focusing on docks, bridges, and structure-heavy areas to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and even the occasional Flounder. While Sheephead numbers have tapered off since their peak in February and March, the inshore bite remains productive.
Live shrimp and artificial lures perform well, especially twitch baits, topwater plugs, and golden spoons. As the water warms throughout May, expect to find larger Trout and Bull Reds pushing up onto grass flats and ledge drop-offs in the bays and intracoastal waters. Drift those areas or work the drop-offs with precision — this is prime time to hook into a trophy.
Nearshore & Offshore Bite
Nearshore trolling has kicked into gear with abundant Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel hot on their tails. Offshore structures and artificial reefs also hold solid numbers of fish.
If you’re targeting Cobia, stay alert near the beach, especially around Carillon and the 30A coastline. Look for grass mats, sea turtles, or floating debris to increase your odds.
May is also bottom fishing season at its finest. While Red Snapper season doesn’t open until June 1, Amberjack season officially opened on May 1, and the bite has been nothing short of fantastic. We landed a keeper within the first few minutes on our last pre-season trip, and the action didn’t let up all day.
In addition to Amberjack, anglers can expect to encounter Triggerfish, Grouper, and Vermilion Snapper (Mingos). There’s even a chance at Sailfish, particularly around the rigs — and those odds improve as the temperature climbs.
Beaches & Piers
If you’re a shore-based angler, you’re in luck. The surf and piers along Panama City Beach continue to produce steady action. Pompano, Whiting, and Redfish are hitting hard in the surf. Though Pompano season started a touch later this year, it’s expected to run strong through mid-May.
Use classic setups like Pompano rigs, Fishbites or Fish Gum, and live sand fleas or shrimp for the best results. For Redfish, cast your bait into the deeper troughs between the sandbars where they cruise.
On the piers, look for Spanish Mackerel, Hardtails, Whiting, and Ladyfish. And if you’re hoping to tangle with something bigger, shark fishing from the surf is still a real opportunity — just be aware of updated Florida regulations. Be sure to check the current rules before heading out.
Late afternoons and early evenings have been prime for shark activity. Bring your heavy gear and use bonita cut bait — you can catch it offshore or grab it frozen from local bait shops.
Final Word
With steady weather, strong bites across all zones, and early indicators pointing to another productive summer, now is the time to plan your next trip. Last year brought record catches, and 2025 is shaping up to be even better.
Call (850) 375-2223 to find the right captain for your perfect Panama City Beach fishing experience — or go ahead and book your trip now while the bite is hot!
