Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City is a coastal gem that beckons anglers from around the world. With its clear waters, abundant marine life, and a range of fishing opportunities, this Florida panhandle destination has earned a well-deserved reputation as an angler’s paradise.
Panama City is a city of contrasts, where the echoes of history reverberate through its ancient streets, and the skyline points toward the future. Its unique blend of cultures, culinary delights, and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for travelers of all kinds.
Panama City’s fishing scene revolves around the rich bounty of the Gulf of Mexico. The warm waters teem with a diverse array of fish species, making it a prime location for both inshore and offshore fishing. Some of the most sought-after catches in the area include Red Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Flounder, Trout, and Redfish.
To really eperience the ultimate fishing experience, we made a selection of the best fishing charters in Panama City:
Quick Hook Charters
Looking for a fantastic fishing trip, beach day, or both? Quick Hook Charters’ passion is to provide the best fishing trip and beach day you can ask for!
The professional captain and his crew will ensure you have an excellent time. You can decide between trolling for Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, or Tuna, jigging for some Snapper or Grouper, casting for Mackerel, Jacks, Bonito, and several other species, or you can use live bait (seasonal) for fishing Roosterfish, Jacks, Snapper or Grouper. The captain will advise what will work better.
You’ll be fishing from a 33’ Donzi center console powered by twin 300 HP Mercury Verado outboards. This boat is at the top of our fleet, and it’s a 2005 hull that was fully restored and repowered in 2020, fully equipped with all the safety gear, VHF Radio, lights, bilge pumps, and wash-down system. You can set your favorite playlist with their Infinity Bluetooth sound system while you head out to the fishing spots. The boat also features several dry storages and a cabin to keep your bags safe.
Panama GEM Charters
The Viking 46’ offers the best navigation and a comfortable overseas fishing experience. With its famous deep V hull design, this vessel provides excellent performance and great fishing features such as full professional gear, large fish boxes on the floor, a fighting chair, tuna tubes, live baitwells, a fishfinder, and outriggers.
In its comfortable flybridge, you will have an excellent location to spot bait balls and general fishing indicators with seating space for a big-sized family.
In this boat, you can catch Panama’s famous big game fish like Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado, and much more. The Viking 46’ comes equipped with a complete set of professional fishing gear and a seasoned crew in big game fishing. In addition, the crew is certified and bilingual, so you’ll be able to communicate and have fun on your day on board!
The fun continues beyond there. Suppose you venture out to further destinations like Piñas Bay or the Explosives dumping area, which require an overnight stay. In that case, this vessel ensures you have a thoroughly comfortable trip.
Blue Lobster
Blue Lobster invites you to visit one of the most opulent fishing destinations in the world and explore it with them. If you’re not familiar with Panama’s fishing traits, all you need to know is that the name of nearby island Taboga means “abundant fish” in the indigenous language.
Captain Gustavo Moscoso is local to this area and he knows every hidden gem. He’ll give a helping hand to novice anglers and teach them a couple of tricks, but his main focus is for people to have fun on his trips and leave the boat smiling. He speaks both Spanish and English.
There are 2 main destinations to choose from. You can go to Taboga Island, which is only 20 minutes away from your launching spot. There’s a variety of fish species to catch there and it’s the best location you can go to if you’re a beginner because the action is slower than on the other island.
This brings us to Otoque island. You can catch big Yellowtail, Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda, Marlin, Roosterfish, Tuna, and lots more. It takes one hour to reach the spot but it surely pays off. The fish here grow to massive sizes and will always give a great fight.
You’ll be fishing from a 25’ Cobia center console that accommodates up to 7 anglers. The boat was newly restored in 2019 and has all the necessary navigational and safety equipment. There’s also a cooler on the boat to keep your drinks cold at all times.