Panama City Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Stephen Hess
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 14 hours ago

Vermillion Snapper, Red Grouper in big numbers. Catch and release Amberjack.

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Stephen Hess Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 14 hours ago

Vermillion Snapper, Red Grouper in big numbers. Catch and release Amberjack.

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Jeff Ready
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reported: 6 days ago

sLast few weeks have been hot. Lots of Spanish Mackerel still running. We won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for a sweep in the inshore competition last weekend. Seeing Mahi starting to come in, some big grouper, big red snapper, a couple big redfish caught offshore of all places. All...

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Jeff Ready Panama City Beach, Florida Reported: 6 days ago

sLast few weeks have been hot. Lots of Spanish Mackerel still running. We won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for a sweep in the inshore competition last weekend. Seeing Mahi starting to come in, some big grouper, big red snapper, a couple big redfish caught offshore of all places. All in all the fishing is great right now.

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Brandon Simon
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 6 days ago

The trout, redfish, and black drum have all been chewing down since May started. Had some amazing days on the water lately

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Brandon Simon Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 6 days ago

The trout, redfish, and black drum have all been chewing down since May started. Had some amazing days on the water lately

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Joshua Riley with Knot Josh'N charters
Callaway, Florida
Reported: 1 week ago

5hr bottom trip

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Joshua Riley with Knot Josh'N charters Callaway, Florida Reported: 1 week ago

5hr bottom trip

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Marvin Glasgow
Ponce de Leon, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

The speckled trout bite is unreal right now. Lots of trophy size fish over 20"

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Marvin Glasgow Ponce de Leon, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

The speckled trout bite is unreal right now. Lots of trophy size fish over 20"

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Jimmy Early
DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

The redfish bite is 🔥, only looking to get better as water temps rise. Trout haven't been as consistent just yet, we're getting a keeper here and there

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Jimmy Early DeFuniak Springs, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

The redfish bite is 🔥, only looking to get better as water temps rise. Trout haven't been as consistent just yet, we're getting a keeper here and there

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Stephen Hess
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 2 weeks ago

Red Grouper and Vermillion Snapper are lighting it up! Already had enough meat in the cooler after the first Cobia of the year so we ended up releasing 4 nice keeper Red Grouper

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Stephen Hess Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 2 weeks ago

Red Grouper and Vermillion Snapper are lighting it up! Already had enough meat in the cooler after the first Cobia of the year so we ended up releasing 4 nice keeper Red Grouper

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Jon Polk
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

Spring break fishing along the Emerald Coast has been nothing short of outstanding, and our recent trips out of Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, Florida, have delivered consistent action for anglers of all experience levels. The biggest headline has been the new Okaloosa nearshore FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), which are...

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Jon Polk Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

Spring break fishing along the Emerald Coast has been nothing short of outstanding, and our recent trips out of Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, Florida, have delivered consistent action for anglers of all experience levels. The biggest headline has been the new Okaloosa nearshore FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), which are already producing exceptional results. These shallow water fish attracting devices have been holding strong numbers of mahi mahi, giving us steady offshore-style action just a short run from the beach. Clients have been thrilled with the opportunity to target pelagic species without needing a full-day trip.

Closer to shore, the Spanish mackerel bite has been on fire inside Destin Harbor and along the Destin jetties. This has been a perfect option for families and spring breakers looking for fast-paced action, with multiple hook-ups and nonstop rod-bending activity. We've also been finding quality mahi mahi on weedlines within 5 miles of the beach, another great sign that our spring pelagic season is ramping up early this year. These fish have been eager to bite and provide excellent table fare for our crews. For anglers booking our 6-hour trips, the bottom fishing has been just as consistent. We've been putting together solid catches of red grouper, giving clients a great mix of offshore action and dependable bottom fishing. Looking Ahead: April Pelagic Season Heating Up. As we move deeper into April, everything is lining up for an incredible spring pelagic fishing season along the 30A and Destin coastline. Historically, this is when the fishing really takes off,” and we're already seeing early signs of what's to come. Over the past several seasons, we have consistently produced tuna and marlin catches around the FADs throughout April and May, and we expect this year to be no different. With warming water temperatures and increasing bait activity, the Gulf is coming alive. Whether you're targeting mahi mahi, tuna, or even a shot at a billfish, now is the time to get on the schedule.

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