Panama City Beach Fishing
No trip to Panama City Beach would be complete without some fishing. After
all, with so many great fishing opportunities, it would be foolish not to take advantage of them.
Old and new fisherman will find Panama City Beach fishing to be fun and
challenging. Whether you are into bay fishing or would like to try
your hand at deep sea fishing, you have a chance to both at PCB.
The options of fish are quite diverse as well as you can catch red snapper, trout, pompano, blue marlin and
plenty more. Plus, if you are seasoned fisherman, you will be glad
to know that there are a large number of fishing tournaments held each year. This gives you a chance to battle the best, but more importantly gives you an
excuse to enjoy some great fishing.
Bay
Fishing
One popular form of fishing, Bay Fishing, lets
you fish with rod and tackle in the wonderful East and West Bays. Here, you will be able to enjoy fishing at a discounted rate as there are a
large number of charter services which provide Bay Fishing options.
The two main options are: (1) fishing on a party boat or (2) a private charter trip. The main distinction is the number of people and individual attention from the
captain and his crew. Fishing party boats can have well over 10
people whereas a private charter trip is reduced to your party.
Fishing on a party boat is cheaper in comparison with a cost of roughly $20 to $30 per fisherman. Private charter trips tend to begin at $350 for 2 people. Group rates are also available that may provide some additional
savings. All prices are subject to change without notice and vary
with each charter service. Still, the main benefit of the private
charter trips is their privacy and individual attention. Most bay
fishing trips are done in 3 to 5 hour intervals and go throughout the day.
Deep Sea Fishing
Something every fisherman should experience once in
their life is Deep Sea Fishing. This fishing gives you the
opportunity to see a wide assortment of aquatic life from sting rays to sharks is a rare treat. Generally, most of the deep sea fishing is focused on catching fish like red
snapper, mackerel, and pompano. With Deep Sea Fishing, most of the
charters offer half day and full day options. The half day options
usually run four hours and the whole day options run anywhere from 8 to 10 hours depending on the charter
company. The private charter trip costs begin at $350 for 2 people
for a half day trip and $500 for a full day trip. Party boat costs
for deep sea fishing range from $50 to $80 a person depending on the number of hours. Spectators who are not fishing can generally get a reduced price as
well. All prices are subject to change and will vary with each
charter service.
Additional Fishing Tips &
Advice
Determine whether you will need a fishing
license. The best way to figure this out is to talk to either
the captain of the charter or the state. If a state license is
needed, you can call 1-888-347-4356 to purchase one.
Here are few items to consider when determining
which charter company to use:
o Captain’s years of training: The captain should have several years experience
guiding tours. This training will help add to your overall fishing
experience by providing you with a knowledgeable guide and someone who knows what to do if a problem arises at
sea.
o Boat’s Age and Upkeep: The concern here isn’t really that the ship will be
seaworthy. The concern is over whether you will run into any engine
difficulties while on the sea. The smart choice is to go with charters
that have newer boats and appear to be in tip-top shape.
o Cooking your fish at the
pier?: Some charter places
let you cook your catch on the pier.
o Determine what supplies to
bring: Most places for deep sea fishing and private trips will provide
you with rods and tackle free of charge. However, it is still a
good idea to find out beforehand on whether you will have to pay extra. Also, a number of charters let you bring refreshments with you; however,
some do not allow glass and some other materials. It is best to
find out what you can’t bring before you get to the pier.
All and all, Panama City Beach is a can’t miss
experience. For those who have never gone deep sea fishing, you
definitely want to check it out. Even if you will not be
fishing, just going as a spectator would be well worth it. The
chance to see exciting aquatic wildlife and the battles for the big catch could create a memory that can be
shared with family and friends for years to come.
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