Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City Beach

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Panama City Beach bonito fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City Beach, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Surf Fishing

100% (2)
1 - 8 People From $350
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

4-Hour Offshore Fishing

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Family Friendly Trolling Trips

NEW
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Chasin’ Tails 6 Hour Trip

93% (15)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,025
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Gulf Fishing Experience

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $850
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Best 10 Hrs On The Water

93% (15)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,555

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Panama City Beach

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Panama City Beach

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City Beach, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Half Day PCB Trip - 24' SeaPro

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

4 Hour Trip - 32' Scarab

NEW
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $825
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

After Work/School Surf Fishing

100% (2)
1 - 8 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Panama City Trolling Excitment

75% (4)
45 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,200
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

8hr PC Bottom Fishing And MORE

93% (15)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,265
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

PCB Spring/Fall Trolling Trip - 41'

75% (4)
41 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
See All Bonito Trips in Panama City Beach

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Panama City Beach bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Panama City Beach?

Why should I book a bonito fishing charter in Panama City Beach with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 28 bonito trips in Panama City Beach, and the most popular trips in the area are Surf fishing guided by Max, PCB Spring/Fall Trolling Trip - 41' guided by Kelia, and Grand PCB Offshore Trip- 45' guided by Stephen.

Our guides in Panama City Beach are rated a 4.45 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides / fishing lessons in Panama City Beach? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Panama City Beach.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Panama City Beach?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for bonito in Panama City Beach as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Panama City Beach are trolling, live bait fishing, and light tackle fishing but heavy tackle fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.

How much do Panama City Beach bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Panama City Beach can range anywhere from about $1,300 to $7,600, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Panama City Beach is $1,155. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Panama City Beach is $4,348.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for bonito fishing in Panama City Beach?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Panama City Beach is summer, and most anglers book their trips 55 days in advance.

Do I need a Panama City Beach fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in Panama City Beach?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Panama City Beach, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Panama City Beach. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Panama City Beach.

What is bonito fishing in Panama City Beach all about?

Bonito fishing in Panama City Beach offers anglers an exhilarating experience, as these fast and powerful fish are known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights. Found in abundance offshore, bonito are often targeted by fishermen seeking an adrenaline-pumping challenge. Commonly referred to as "false albacore" due to their resemblance to true albacore tuna, bonito are voracious feeders that can be found patrolling the Gulf waters in schools. Anglers can target bonito using a variety of techniques, including trolling, casting lures, or fly fishing, depending on their preference and the prevailing conditions.

One of the prime locations for bonito fishing in Panama City Beach is offshore around underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs. These areas attract baitfish, which in turn draw bonito and other predators looking for an easy meal. Trolling with high-speed lures or rigged baits can be an effective method for enticing bonito to strike, as they are known for their preference for fast-moving prey. Additionally, casting metal jigs or flies into feeding frenzies can produce explosive surface strikes from bonito, adding an extra level of excitement to the fishing experience.

Bonito fishing in Panama City Beach is not only thrilling but also rewarding, as these fish are prized for their firm flesh and delicious flavor. While bonito may not be as large as some other offshore species, their fighting spirit and culinary value make them a highly desirable catch for anglers. With its abundance of bonito and diverse fishing opportunities, Panama City Beach remains a top destination for those seeking the challenge and excitement of bonito fishing in the Gulf waters.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito fishing in Panama City Beach?

In Panama City Beach, the bonito fishing season follows a somewhat predictable pattern, although it can vary slightly depending on factors like water temperature and baitfish availability. Generally, bonito can be targeted year-round in the offshore waters of Panama City Beach, but certain seasons tend to be more productive than others. Spring and fall are typically considered peak seasons for bonito fishing in this area, as water temperatures begin to rise or cool, respectively, triggering increased feeding activity among these pelagic predators.

During the spring months, as temperatures warm up, bonito become more active and move closer to the surface waters in search of prey. This period coincides with the annual migration of baitfish, providing ample opportunities for anglers to target bonito feeding on schools of baitfish. Trolling with high-speed lures or casting metal jigs near underwater structures can yield impressive catches of bonito during this season. Additionally, springtime weather conditions in Panama City Beach are often favorable for offshore fishing, making it an ideal time to venture out in pursuit of these fast and powerful fish.

In the fall, as temperatures begin to cool and baitfish populations peak, bonito fishing in Panama City Beach reaches another crescendo. This season is characterized by frenzied feeding activity as bonito gorge themselves in preparation for the winter months. Anglers can capitalize on this feeding frenzy by targeting bonito around baitfish schools or offshore structures using similar techniques as in the spring. With the added bonus of milder weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months, fall offers an excellent opportunity for anglers to experience the thrill of bonito fishing in Panama City Beach before the onset of winter.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Panama City Beach?

Bonito fishing in Panama City Beach requires anglers to employ a variety of techniques to successfully hook these fast and powerful fish. One effective method is trolling, where anglers tow lures behind a moving boat at varying speeds to mimic the movement of baitfish. High-speed trolling with lures such as spoons, feathers, or diving plugs can entice bonito to strike, especially when targeting them in offshore waters around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs. Adjusting trolling speed and lure depth to match the preferences of the bonito can increase the chances of a successful hookup.

Another popular technique for bonito fishing in Panama City Beach is casting and retrieving metal jigs or plugs. This method is particularly effective when bonito are feeding near the surface or actively chasing baitfish. Anglers can cast their lures into feeding frenzies or around underwater structures where bonito are known to congregate. Retrieving the lure at a fast pace with erratic movements can trigger aggressive strikes from bonito, providing an exhilarating experience for anglers.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, live bait fishing can also be productive for targeting bonito in Panama City Beach. Using live baitfish such as pilchards, herring, or mullet, anglers can drift or anchor near baitfish schools or offshore structures where bonito are present. Adding a small weight to the line to keep the baitfish at the desired depth can help attract the attention of passing bonito. Whether trolling, casting lures, or fishing with live bait, mastering these techniques can lead to rewarding catches of bonito in the waters of Panama City Beach.

What other species are popular in Panama City Beach?

In addition to bonito, Panama City Beach offers anglers a diverse range of species to target, providing opportunities for exciting and varied fishing experiences. One notable species commonly pursued by fishermen in these waters is the red snapper. Known for their vibrant coloration and delicious taste, red snapper inhabit offshore reefs and structures, making them a prime target for anglers looking for a challenging and rewarding catch. During the designated red snapper season, typically in the summer months, anglers flock to Panama City Beach to test their skills against these prized fish.

Another popular species to catch in Panama City Beach is the grouper, with varieties like gag grouper and red grouper frequenting the local waters. Anglers often target grouper around rocky bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs, where these voracious predators lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. Grouper fishing requires patience, as well as heavy tackle and specialized techniques to reel in these powerful fish. Additionally, Panama City Beach offers opportunities to catch other reef-dwelling species such as amberjack, triggerfish, and various types of snapper and grunts, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing experience for anglers of all levels.

For those seeking offshore adventures, Panama City Beach is also known for its pelagic species, including mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Anglers can target these fast-swimming predators by trolling or live bait fishing in deeper waters offshore. These species provide thrilling fights and the potential for impressive catches, adding an extra dimension of excitement to fishing excursions in Panama City Beach. With its abundance of species and diverse fishing opportunities, Panama City Beach remains a top destination for anglers looking to explore the rich waters of the Gulf Coast.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    What a great experience! JoJo was a terrific guide and a pleasure to be around. He was knowledgeable and patient with everyone. He took four of us out and we all highly recommend him.

    Jennifer F. | September 22, 2024

    Trip: Deep Sea Fishing with Capt. Jojo

  • ★★★★★
    Captain John was the absolute BEST and the guys had the most memorable day fishing with him! They are already planning to do another day out with Captain John.

    Angela M. | August 5, 2024

    Trip: Chasin’ Tails 6 Hour Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with a great guide enjoyed the trip, the music and the captain very much. Fishing was a little slow but that’s because it’s fishing.

    Gary S. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: 4-Hour Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Max was awesome! Trip provided fund for the whole family.

    Jacob W. | July 14, 2024

    Trip: 4-Hour Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with capt John. He put us on a ton of fish. Him and his deck hand Drew worked hard keeping all 5 of us baited up and fishing the entire time . We caught a boat load of great fish. Will definitely call on his services again!

    Greg G. | July 3, 2024

    Trip: 8hr PC Bottom Fishing and MORE

  • ★★★★★
    Great job! Good introduction and fishing!

    James C. | June 8, 2024

    Trip: Deepsea Bottom and Trolling

  • ★★★★★
    Max was a great guide. Made the trip fun and was friendly and knowledgable. We’d fish with Max again.

    Joel D. | May 26, 2024

    Trip: Surf fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We were looking for a different kind of fishing trip and found it - we loved the surf fishing experience with Capt Max! He is a professional in every sense - he reached out to ensure we knew what to expect and where to meet. The beach location was easy to find & park and he had chairs & water waiting for us. Capt Max is very personable - loved hearing his story! The surf was very rough so we didn’t have high expectations, but Capt Max worked hard to find fish! We caught three nice pompano which he cleaned for us on the beach (they were delicious by the way!). Plus, we were treated to a beautiful sunset! What’s not to love?! No early morning, no bouncing around on a boat, spending time on the beach, great sunset, and a tasty dinner - perfect start to a beach vacay! Can’t wait to do it again and a big thank you to Capt Max!

    Steven K. | May 23, 2024

    Trip: Surf fishing

  • ★★★★★
    John knows where the fish are and is very active in getting to the best spots! Definitely will go again on our next trip!

    Caleb M. | April 24, 2024

    Trip: Half Day PCB Trip - 24' SeaPro

  • ★★★★★
    Even though the weather did not cooperate at first, Captain John John was able to work things out and get us out on the water for an amazing trip! Had lots of fun, heard some crazy tales and caught many species of fish. Our deck hand Drew did an fantastic job as well. Such an amazing experience, thank you guys, we will definitely set up future fishing trips with Kingslayer Charters.

    Eric G. | March 9, 2024

    Trip: 8hr PC Bottom Fishing and MORE

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip! Great captain and deck mate! Highly recommend.

    Mark D. | October 16, 2023

    Trip: Panama City Trolling Thrills

  • ★★★★★
    Captain John and is mate did an excellent job in making sure my family had a very good experience in the golf fishing. Withing the first hours we already had all of the fish we could take. I would give it a 6 star but it looks like it's not possible so 5 it is. If you are still thinking about booking with Cap John don't think twice just go for it, him and is mate will make sure you have a good and safe experience.

    Jose P. | August 22, 2023

    Trip: Chasin’ Tails 6 Hour Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing time! Great great great fishing. Knowledgeable crew who love to fish, had us on them all day. Will 100% be back #kingslayer #John #mike

    Delaina L. | July 18, 2023

    Trip: 8hr PC Bottom Fishing and MORE

  • ★★★★★
    Very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time.

    Heath P. | July 4, 2023

    Trip: Grand PCB Offshore Trip- 45'

  • ★★★★★
    Great time capt jimmy and Roger the deck hand were outstanding my wife caught her first fish we will be back!!!

    William B. | March 29, 2023

    Trip: Live Action Offshore - 48’ Viking

  • ★★★★★
    The best fishing trip ever! Caught a 6’ 160 lb shark and approx 80 fish.

    Kyrie H. | March 22, 2023

    Trip: 12 hr Extended Deep Sea Trip

What's biting in Panama City Beach?

View Bonito Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Bonito Trips in Panama City Beach