Top 10 Fish You Can Catch on a Panama City Beach Fishing Charter

Grouper fishing in Panama City Beach is world-class. We target multiple species including red grouper, gag grouper, and the occasional scamp.

Where we catch them:

Grouper hunker down in rocky bottom, ledges, and reef structure throughout the Gulf. They're ambush predators that wait for prey to swim by.

How we catch them:

Heavy bottom fishing tackle with live bait (pinfish, grunts) or cut bait. When a grouper hits, you've got seconds to pull them away from structure before they rock you up.

On the table:

Flaky, white meat that's a seafood restaurant staple. Grouper sandwiches are a Florida tradition for a reason

3. Amberjack

Greater amberjack — or "reef donkeys" as we call them — are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. These things will test your tackle and your arms.

Where we catch them:

Amberjack stack up on wrecks, rigs, and structure in 100+ feet of water. Where there's one, there's usually more.

How we catch them:

Live bait (blue runners, pinfish) or vertical jigs. Be ready for a battle — these fish dive hard for structure.

On the table:

Firm, rich meat with good flavor. Best prepared grilled or smoked. Smaller fish (under 30 lbs) tend to taste better.

Florida fishing license note:

Required for all anglers 16 and older unless you're on a licensed charter like ours (your license is included).

4.King Mackerel

Kingfish are speedsters that slash through baitfish and put on an aerial show. They're a favorite on our Panama City Beach fishing charters because the action is fast.

Where we catch them:

Kings patrol nearshore and offshore waters, often near bait schools, structure, and temperature breaks. We find them from 40-150 feet depending on season.

How we catch them:

Slow trolling live bait (threadfin herring, blue runners) with wire leader. Kings have razor teeth that'll cut through mono instantly.

On the table:

Rich, oily meat that's excellent smoked. Fresh kingfish steaks on the grill are underrated.

5.Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin )

Mahi-mahi — also called dolphin fish or dorado — are the most colorful fish you'll catch offshore. Electric blues, greens, and yellows that fade after they come out of the water.

Where we catch them:

Mahi are pelagic fish that follow weed lines, floating debris, and current edges in blue water. We find them on longer offshore trips.

How we catch them:

Trolling with skirted lures or ballyhoo. Once you hook one, keep lines in the water — mahi travel in schools.

On the table:

Firm, mild, slightly sweet flesh that's perfect for fish tacos, grilled, or blackened. A crowd favorite.

6. Cobia

Cobia (also called ling or lemonfish) are big, curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. They're one of my favorite species to target in spring.

Where we catch them:

Cobia migrate through Panama City Beach waters in spring and fall, often following rays, sea turtles, or cruising near buoys and structure.

How we catch them:

Sight casting with live eels, crabs, or jigs. When you spot one, make a quick, accurate cast. They spook easily but eat aggressively when they commit.

On the table:

Firm, white meat with mild flavor — often compared to a cross between grouper and mahi. Excellent grilled or in ceviche.

7. Triggerfish

Gray triggerfish are scrappy fighters with a reputation for stealing bait. They're fun to catch and even better to eat.

Where we catch them:

Triggerfish hang around the same structure as snapper and grouper — reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom.

How we catch them:

Small hooks, cut squid or shrimp. They have tiny mouths and will pick your bait clean if your hooks are too big.

On the table:

Sweet, white meat that many people say rivals snapper. One of the Gulf's most underrated eating fish.

8. Wahoo

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean — they can hit 60 mph and have teeth like a saw blade. Landing one is a rush.

Where we catch them:

Wahoo prefer deep blue water, often near temperature breaks and current edges. They're typically a bonus fish on longer offshore trips.

How we catch them:

High-speed trolling with diving lures or rigged ballyhoo. Wire leader is essential.

On the table:

Mild, sweet, firm white meat. One of the best-eating fish in the ocean — if you can get one to the boat.

9. Pompano

Florida pompano are a nearshore favorite, especially for anglers who want light-tackle action without heading far offshore.

Where we catch them:

Pompano cruise sandy bottoms, passes, and nearshore structure. They're common along Panama City Beach and the surrounding coast.

How we catch them:

Light tackle with sand fleas, shrimp, or pompano jigs. These fish are spooky, so finesse matters.

On the table:

Delicate, buttery meat considered one of the finest eating fish in Florida. Often the most expensive fish on restaurant menus.

10. Yellowfin Tuna