Where to Spend Your Awesome Emerald Coast Fishing Adventure
With its 24-mile stretch of white sand beaches, there is no shortage of gorgeous, picture-perfect spots on the Emerald Coast. While admiring the view of lapping turquoise waves on the sand, you may ask yourself, “What else can I do on a Panama City Beach vacay besides dolphin watching, parasailing, and jet skiing?” Well, how about fishing?! Fishing is not only a fun outdoor activity but also an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There’s nothing like slowing down to wait for that big catch to nibble on your line. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just an easygoing, curious traveler looking for new things to try, you’ll enjoy reeling in your own dinner while hanging out with your friends and family on your Emerald Coast fishing adventure! Check out where you can go fishing during your next visit to the Emerald Coast.
What Fish Can I Catch on the Emerald Coast?
Emerald Coast’s rich waters are home to thousands of fish species, making it an ideal destination for your fishing escapade. Here are just a few of the most common catches from these diverse fishing grounds:
1. Redfish
The tough-fighting redfish is the most popular catch found around the Gulf of Mexico. No doubt about it, it’s the top go-to species of inshore anglers on the Emerald Coast. Thriving in the shallow waters of the back bays and waterways of the St. Andrew Bay System, redfish can be caught year-round and feed mostly on shrimp, snails, and crabs. While this delicious creature is always in season, you’re most likely to catch a “bull” redfish weighing 10 to 30 lbs, during the fall season in the deeper Panama City Pass.
2. King Mackerel
Also known as Kingfish, the King Mackerel is a migratory fish found both inshore and offshore. It is one of the most common, largest, and fastest members of the Mackerel family. It grows up to 40 lbs and travels with others in “schools” of Kingfish. The Kingfish is an oily meat that tastes best when smoked or grilled. Although this tasty fish is usually caught by trolling, you can also try your hand at using live baits, such as sardines, pogies, and blue runners.
3. Cobia
The cobia is also called “Lemonfish” and is found along the sandbars in the spring time. To catch aggressive anglers, like the cobia, it’s best to use live baits such as crabs and shrimp, or lures like plastic eels and colorful jigs. This fish is known for its firm and mild-tasting meat that remains pinkish when raw and white when cooked. Most locals eat this buttery saltwater fish grilled, smoked, deep-fried, pan-seared, or even raw!
How to Prepare for Your Emerald Coast Fishing Trip
Whether you want to go solo or join a bunch of other anglers and tourists on your Emerald Coast fishing trip, you’ll surely find excellent fishing spots in the area. But before you head out, be sure to check the latest fishing reports, identify alternative fishing locations, confirm that the weather is ideal, and of course, pack your fishing essentials with lures and baits ready to go. Don’t have your own fishing gear? Not a problem! If you decide to join a fishing charter, most of the fishing equipment you’ll need should be provided.
Where Can I Go Fishing on the Emerald Coast?
There are many ways to cast your line on the Emerald Coast! You can choose to go pier fishing, surf fishing, or boat fishing. While they are all very different experiences, you’ll have fun no matter which way you go.
Shore Fishing
Shore fishing is land-based fishing where you basically fish from anywhere along the shoreline, including from beaches, rock jetties, or even fishing piers. During your trip to the Emerald Coast, you can choose to fish from many of these spots! It is typically the easiest and most cost effective way to go fishing because you can easily cast your line directly off of one of our local fishing piers, or wade into the shallow surf zone of one of our sandy beaches! However, be sure to bring all of your own fishing gear or rent locally!
For surf fishing, just stake your claim on a good spot along the shore, and be on the lookout for Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, Sheepshead, Whiting, or even a local shark species, too! Anglers are usually great for surf fishing during sunrise, sunset, or at night.
To go pier fishing, you can head out to the 1,500-feet-long Russell-Fields City Pier, M.B. Miller County Pier, or St. Andrews State Park Pier, where you can expect to catch Amberjack, Tuna, Cobia, or Sailfish.
Want more of an adventure out in nature? Try kayak fishing at St. Andrew Bay, West Bay, or Hathaway Bridge, and relish the peaceful joy of paddling through the calm bay waters on your angling adventure.
Charter Boat Fishing
What’s the best thing about joining a fishing charter? It’s a professional operation with folks that make it as convenient as possible for you to just show up and start fishing! Going on a fishing charter usually offers the best value for money because they provide all the fishing gear, required fishing licenses, transportation to great spots in the ocean or bay, and most importantly, professional coaching! All you have to do is show up and focus on reeling in your big catch with the support of their expert crew who can give fishing tips and techniques on the spot. Check out these recommended fishing charters you can board for your Emerald Coast angling escapade.
1. Florida Panhandle Charters
Hook into a trophy catch with Florida Panhandle Charters, which offers inshore, nearshore, and bottom fishing for $700 to $1,000 per charter. Are you a newbie? No problem! You can join their Captain’s Recommendation fishing charter, designed for beginners who get the benefit of the captain’s personal fishing advice while on board. When you book their inshore trip, you can expect to catch some Speckled Trout, Redfish, and more. Their nearshore fishing trips go out in the morning or in the afternoon, and you can troll for a variety of saltwater species, including Mackerel and Jack Crevalle.They also offer seasonal Shark fishing, where you will use light tackle and rods to lure in Blacktip, Spinner, Bonnethead, and Hammerhead sharks.
Want a fun activity for your family to bond over? Reserve your slot on one of Florida Panhandle Charters’ 4-hour bottom fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can also enjoy nature watching, seeing different varieties of fish, like Red Snapper, Triggerfish, and Grouper, gather around their natural and artificial reef habitats. Bringing kids with you on your Emerald Coast fishing escapade? Be sure to book their 3-hour Fishing for Kids experience, which teaches youngsters how to inshore fish.
To guarantee your reservation, you will need to pay a 30% deposit fee using your credit card. You can pay off your balance in cash or by check sent directly to the charter coming on or before your scheduled trip. To cancel or modify your booking free of charge, be sure to notify them at least 3 days before your trip. But be aware that your credit card will be charged 100% of the total deposit in the event of a no-show or late cancellation.
Pricing:
| Activity | Cost per Group | Schedule/Max Number of Persons |
|---|---|---|
| Captain’s Recommendation | $700 | 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. 4 persons |
| 4-hr In-shore Fishing | $700 | 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 5-hr In-shore Fishing | $850 | 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 6-hr In-shore Fishing | $1000 | 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 4-hr Near-shore Fishing | $700 | Up to 4 people |
| 5-hr Near-shore Fishing | $850 | Up to 4 people |
| 6-hr Near-shore Fishing | $1000 | Up to 4 people |
| 4-hr Shark Fishing | $700 | 7 a.m. Seasonal |
| 5-hr Shark Fishing | $850 | 7 a.m. Seasonal |
| 6-hr Shark Fishing | $1000 | 7 a.m. Seasonal |
| 3 Hour Trip – Kids | $500 | 8 a.m. 4 persons |
| 4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM) | $700 | 7 a.m. |
Source: https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/10315?booking_persons=2&booking_children=0
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Booker | 5 | 365 |
| 5 | 27 | |
| Yelp | 5 | 17 |
2. Old Town Charters
You can look forward to enjoying plenty of catch when you book with Old Town Charters. Like what? Well, if you book with Old Town Charters, you can expect to possibly land some Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Wahoo, Tuna, Redfish, Sea Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper, Amberjack, Sharks, and more!
Their 7 a.m. bay fishing trip costs $700 for 2 persons, where you can catch Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and Sea Trout on the backwaters, flats, or docks. Their 4-hour shark fishing adventures are scheduled at 7 a.m. and noon, where you will be sure to spot various species of sharks on the calm bay waters. And if you’d rather be surprised by what you catch inshore or nearshore, go on a Captain’s Choice fishing trip! Old Town Charters also offers 5-, 6-, and 8-hour trips, made special for those who want to spend maximum time casting their lines nearshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
To reserve your private charter, just pay a 30% deposit fee online with your credit card. You can pay off the balance directly with the charter operator on or before your scheduled booking. They accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, Paypal, American Express, and check payments.
During your Old Town Charters fishing adventure, you will ride on a Tidewater (Center console) boat powered by a 200HP Yamaha engine. Your fee will cover all the fishing essentials, including rods, reels, tackle (live bait and lures), and your fishing license.
Pricing:
| Activity | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3-hr Trip – Kids | $500 | 2 persons; $75/additional person 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 4 Hour Trip – Shark Fishing | $600 | 2 persons; $75/additional person 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 4 Hour Trip – Bay Fishing | $700 | 2 persons; $75/additional person 7 a.m. |
| 4 Hour Trip – Captain’s Choice | $700 | 2 persons; $75/additional person 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
| 5-hr Trip | $875 | 7 a.m. |
| 6-hr Trip | $1,000 | 7 a.m. |
| 8-hr Trip | $1,300 | 7 a.m. |
Source: https://oldtowncharters.com/
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Booker | 4.9 stars | 246 |
| 4.9 stars | 65 | |
| 4.9 stars | 66 |
3. Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing
Don’t have the large group needed to charter your own private fishing charter? We’ve got you covered! You can just hook into a trophy catch with Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing, whose hardworking and friendly crew are well-loved by many. If you’ve been wanting to go deep sea fishing solo or on a more limited budget, you’ll be in good hands with Jubilee on your Emerald Coast fishing adventure.
Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing offers different 4-hour to 8-hour trips, priced affordably at $60 to $85 per person. Do you have some folks who want to come out for the day to enjoy the boat ride and cheer on the anglers, but not fish? These “riders”, or participants who don’t want to fish, may join the fun experience for $30 per person. Want to bring your baby with you? No problem. Infants (aged 0 to 2 years old) may get on board, too, free of charge. As for discounts, Jubilee offers an extra $5 discount to members of the US military when they show their ID.
The Jubilee Party Fishing Boat trip offers three daily schedules: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On these large group trips, you can choose your spot on their double-deck party boat, where there’s still plenty of space to spread out and find a spot to fish in comfort! They also offer Treasure Island Fishing trips that accommodate up to 40 people aboard a 60-foot Custom Fishing Vessel.
To book your trip, just fill out their online form or give them a call. You can make a payment using any major credit card.
Pricing:
| Activity | Cost/Person | Description and Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
4-hr and 5-hr Trip (Jubilee Party Fishing Boat) | 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.: $70 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: $60 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: $70 | Upper Sun Deck Air Conditioned Snack Bar Small Coolers Allowed Company & Group Charters Available Snack Bar for Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Sodas, and Cold Drinks Riders (spectators that don’t fish): $30.00 per person Infant (Ages 0-2): Free $5.00 off with US Military ID * All Major Credit Cards accepted |
6-hr Trip (Jubilee Party Fishing Boat) | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: $75.00 | Upper Sun Deck Air Conditioned Snack Bar Small Coolers Allowed Company & Group Charters Available Snack Bar for Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Sodas, and Cold Drinks Riders (spectators that don’t fish): $30.00 per person Infant (Ages 0-2): Free $5.00 off with US Military ID * All Major Credit Cards accepted |
| 8-hr Trip (Jubilee Party Fishing Boat) | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: $85.00 | Upper Sun Deck Air Conditioned Snack Bar Small Coolers Allowed Company & Group Charters Available Snack Bar for Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Sodas, and Cold Drinks Riders (spectators that don’t fish): $30.00 per person Infant (Ages 0-2): Free $5.00 off with US Military ID * All Major Credit Cards accepted |
| 4-hr and 5-hr Trip (Treasure Island Fishing Boat) | 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.: $70 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: $65 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: $70 | 60-ft. Custom Fishing Vessel Fishing up to 40 people Small Coolers Allowed Company & Group Charters Available Schedule changes per season. |
| 6-hr Trip (Treasure Island Fishing Boat) | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: $75.00 | Riders: $30.00 per person $5.00 off with US Military ID * All Major Credit Cards accepted |
| 8-hr Trip (Treasure Island Fishing Boat) | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: $85.00 | Riders: $30.00 per person $5.00 off with US Military ID * All Major Credit Cards accepted |
Source: https://jubileefishing.com/
Ratings:
| Source | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Advisor | 4.5 | 364 |
| 4.6 stars | 340 | |
| Yelp | 4.5 stars | 54 |
Want to know more about where to go fishing on the Emerald Coast? Shoot us an email at hello@mightyvacay.com.
Are you looking to explore other things to do on the Emerald Coast besides fishing? Check out other fun activities you can try during your visit.
Haven’t booked your Emerald Coast vacation home yet? Not a problem! Check out our luxury beach houses in Panama City Beach and book with us today!
NOTE: While this article has been written for your general enjoyment and personal informational use, it should not be relied upon because we cannot warranty the accuracy of information. Please be sure to contact each business directly to verify rates and terms of service.
