Ready to hook some memories with the kiddos? Laid Back Fishing Charters has you covered with a 3-hour trip that's tailor-made for families looking to wet a line in Panama City Beach. This isn't your average charter – it's a chance to introduce the little ones to the thrill of inshore fishing without overwhelming them. Captain Dusty knows these waters like the back of his hand and has a knack for making sure everyone, from seasoned anglers to first-timers, has a blast out on the water.
Picture this: You're cruising the scenic inshore waters of Panama City Beach, rod in hand, with your kids eagerly watching for that first bite. This trip is all about keeping things fun and relaxed. Captain Dusty's got an eye for spots where the fish are biting, so you're in for some action. You might be targeting anything from feisty Bluefish to tasty Mangrove Snapper. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – if the kids are having a blast, great! If they need a break, no worries. It's all about making sure everyone has a good time.
Don't sweat it if you or the kids are new to fishing – that's what Captain Dusty's here for. He'll walk you through the basics, from baiting the hook to reeling in your catch. You'll be using light tackle that's perfect for inshore fishing and easy for kids to handle. Expect to try a mix of techniques, maybe some bottom fishing for Black Drum or casting for Sea Trout. The captain's got all the gear you need, so just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks for the little ones).
Panama City Beach's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of fish that'll keep your rods bending. Sea Trout are a local favorite – these sneaky predators put up a fun fight and are perfect for teaching kids the art of finesse fishing. Redfish are another crowd-pleaser, known for their strong pulls and beautiful copper color. Don't be surprised if you hook into some Bluefish – these guys are like underwater rockets and will give the kids a real thrill when they start running with the line.
Laid Back Fishing Charters has built a rep for being the go-to outfit for family-friendly fishing in Panama City Beach. It's not just about catching fish (though that's a big part of it). It's the way Captain Dusty makes everyone feel at ease, shares local knowledge, and tailors the trip to what works for your family. Plus, with a max of 5 guests, you're getting a personalized experience that big party boats just can't match.
Sea Trout: These spotted beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Panama City Beach. They're crafty fighters that like to hang around grassy areas and oyster beds. Kids love catching Sea Trout because they often make several runs before coming to the boat, making for an exciting catch. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round with the right approach.
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored fish are a favorite among anglers of all ages. They put up a strong fight and can be found in shallow waters, often tailing in the grass flats. Redfish are curious creatures and will investigate all sorts of baits, making them perfect for kids who are just learning to fish. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but you can catch them throughout the year in Panama City Beach.
Red Snapper: While this trip focuses on inshore fishing, if conditions are right, you might venture a bit further out for a shot at Red Snapper. These fish are prized for their flaky white meat and strong fighting ability. They typically hang around reefs and underwater structures. Red Snapper season is carefully managed, so catching one is always a special treat. Kids get a kick out of their bright red color and big eyes.
Lane Snapper: These smaller cousins of the Red Snapper are a great target for young anglers. They're often found in shallower waters than their larger relatives, making them more accessible on an inshore trip. Lane Snapper are known for their tasty flesh and beautiful yellow and red stripes. They're fun to catch and provide a good challenge for kids learning to feel the bite and set the hook.
Bluefish: If you're looking for non-stop action, Bluefish are your ticket. These aggressive feeders are known for their strong fights and sharp teeth. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, it's usually game on! Bluefish are great for teaching kids about the importance of working quickly to unhook and release fish. They're most common in the spring and fall but can surprise you year-round in Panama City Beach waters.
Look, there's a reason why Panama City Beach is such a hot spot for family fishing trips. With Laid Back Fishing Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're setting the stage for some serious family bonding and maybe even sparking a lifelong passion for fishing in your kids. Captain Dusty's 3-hour trips are the perfect intro to the world of inshore fishing, giving you just enough time to get hooked without overwhelming the little ones. Whether you're aiming to catch dinner or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. So why wait? Grab your spot now and get ready to create some lasting memories out on the beautiful waters of Panama City Beach. Trust me, the fish are waiting, and so is the adventure!
July 6, 2024
Bluefish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. Most run 3 to 5 pounds, but we see some pushing 15 pounds. You'll find them chasing bait in the surf, inlets, and bays, especially in spring and fall. These aggressive feeders are known for their strong fights and chopping teeth. Anglers love targeting them for the non-stop action and sporty battles. To catch one, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. My local tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. When you see birds diving, that's often a sign bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. Cast into the melee and hang on - the strike can be explosive. Just be careful handling them, as those teeth are no joke.
Lane snapper are a fun catch in our near-shore waters. They usually run 10 to 20 inches and a few pounds, but can reach up to 8 pounds. Look for them around reefs and rocky bottoms in 30 to 200 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, especially at night. Anglers enjoy their aggressive bite and tasty white meat. To land one, try a small hook with cut bait or shrimp. My local trick is to use a light leader - these guys have good eyesight and can be line-shy. Chum a bit to get them fired up, then drop your bait right into the action. When you feel a hit, set the hook quick - they're known for stealing bait. Don't be surprised if you hook into other species too, as lanes often mix with other snappers.
Red snapper are the prize of our deep water fishing. Most run 5 to 15 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60 to 300 feet of water. Summer is the peak season when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To catch one, drop a live bait or chunk of cut fish to the bottom. My local tip: use a weight heavy enough to hold bottom, but light enough to feel the bite. When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and set the hook hard - these guys have tough mouths. Just be ready for a battle, as they'll try to dive back to their structure.
Redfish are a blast to catch in our shallow waters. Most run 20 to 30 inches, but big bulls over 40 inches show up too. Look for them tailing in 1 to 4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time when they school up to spawn. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight, often making strong runs to structure. They're also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. To land one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp. My go-to trick is to chum with cut mullet, then fish a piece on the bottom. When you see their distinctive tail waving above the surface, cast just beyond and slowly drag it past - they can rarely resist.
Sea trout are a favorite around here, typically running 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in our shallow grass flats and deeper channels, depending on the season. These fish love cooler water, so fall through spring is prime time. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their mild, flaky meat and the sporty fight they put up. They hit both live bait and artificial lures, but I've had the best luck using soft plastics like shrimp imitations or jigs worked slowly along the bottom. One local trick - try fishing the edges of grass flats on an outgoing tide. The trout often stage there to ambush bait getting pulled off the flat. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 44
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Fantastic day with a great captain. Super knowledgeable.