Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Panama City

Overnight Trip – Bluewater

83% (6)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $7,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Panama City

Live Action Offshore - 48’ Viking

83% (6)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City

Deep Sea Fishing - 52' Sportfisher

100% (1)
52 ft 1 - 32 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Panama City

4 Hour Nearshore

100% (2)
21 ft 1 - 8 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City

4hr Trolling Trip

NEW
54 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Panama City

PCB Bottom Fishing Fun - 53'

75% (4)
53 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,800

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Panama City

“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.”

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Target Species in Panama City

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, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter near Panama City

PCB Spring/Fall Trolling Trip - 41'

75% (4)
41 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Panama City

Grand PCB Offshore Trip- 45'

75% (4)
45 ft 1 - 15 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Panama City

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

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Panama City

8-Hour Offshore Fishing

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Panama City

Half Day PCB Trip - 24' SeaPro

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
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 near Panama City

Chasin’ Tails 6 Hour Trip

93% (15)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,025
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Everything to Know About Booking a Panama City bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Panama City?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 26 bonito trips in Panama City, and the most popular trips in the area are Overnight Trip – Bluewater guided by Justin, Live Action Offshore - 48’ Viking guided by Justin, and 4 Hour Nearshore guided by Stephen.

Our guides in Panama City are rated a 4.45 out of 5 based on 3716 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? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Panama City.

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

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

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

How much do Panama City bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Panama City can range anywhere from about $1,326 to $7,600, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Panama City is $1,173. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Panama City is $4,355.

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?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Panama City is summer, and most anglers book their trips 39 days in advance.

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

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

What is bonito fishing in Panama City all about?

In Panama City, Florida, bonito are a popular and abundant species among anglers, offering exciting fishing opportunities both inshore and offshore. These fast-swimming pelagic fish are known for their strength and speed, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. Bonito can be found in the waters off Panama City year-round, particularly around nearshore reefs, offshore structures, and along the Gulf Stream.

Anglers targeting bonito in Panama City often employ trolling techniques using small spoons, plugs, or feathered jigs behind a boat. Trolling allows anglers to cover a large area of water and present their lures at varying depths to entice strikes from bonito. Additionally, deploying teasers or dredges behind the boat can help attract the attention of passing bonito and increase the chances of hooking into these fast and powerful fish.

Another effective method for catching bonito in Panama City is casting and retrieving shiny metal lures or brightly colored jigs. When bonito are actively feeding near the surface, anglers can cast their lures into the school and retrieve them at a steady pace. The flashy and erratic movement of the lures mimics the behavior of fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. Whether trolling or casting, targeting bonito in Panama City offers anglers an exhilarating challenge and the opportunity to reel in these spirited pelagic predators amidst the scenic backdrop of Florida's coastal waters.

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

In Panama City, Florida, bonito can be found in the waters year-round, but their abundance and activity levels fluctuate with the changing seasons. Typically, bonito are more abundant in Panama City's waters during the spring and fall months, when water temperatures are moderate and baitfish populations are plentiful. During these times, bonito migrate along the coast and can be found in nearshore reefs, offshore structures, and along the Gulf Stream.

Spring, from March to June, marks the beginning of the bonito season in Panama City. As the waters warm up, bonito become more active and start to move closer to shore in search of baitfish. This period presents prime opportunities for anglers to target bonito from boats, piers, jetties, and nearshore reefs, where these fast-swimming pelagic fish are known to congregate in large numbers.

Similarly, the fall months, from September to November, also offer excellent bonito fishing in Panama City. As water temperatures begin to cool down, bonito once again become more active and abundant along the coast. Anglers can expect to encounter schools of bonito near inlets, channels, and offshore structures, providing plenty of action for those trolling, casting, or jigging for these spirited fish. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, targeting bonito during the spring and fall seasons offers anglers an exhilarating challenge and the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of reeling in these fast and feisty pelagic predators.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Panama City?

In Panama City, Florida, anglers have several effective techniques for targeting bonito, ensuring an exciting fishing experience. One popular method is trolling with small spoons, plugs, or feathered jigs behind a boat. Anglers typically troll at moderate speeds along the edges of reefs, channels, and offshore structures, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding bonito. This technique mimics the movement of baitfish, enticing bonito to strike aggressively.

Another successful technique for catching bonito in Panama City is casting and retrieving shiny metal lures or brightly colored jigs. When bonito are actively feeding near the surface, anglers can cast their lures into the school and retrieve them at a steady pace. The flashy and erratic movement of the lures mimics the behavior of fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. Anglers often target bonito near jetties, piers, and other nearshore structures using this method.

In addition to trolling and casting, anglers targeting bonito in Panama City may also deploy live bait fishing techniques. This involves presenting live baitfish such as pilchards, mullet, or shrimp rigged with a small treble hook or jighead. Anglers can drift or anchor their boats near inlets, channels, or other areas where bonito are known to congregate, allowing the live bait to drift naturally in the current or suspend at varying depths. Whether trolling, casting, or live bait fishing, targeting bonito in Panama City offers anglers an exhilarating challenge and the opportunity to reel in these spirited pelagic predators amidst the scenic backdrop of Florida's coastal waters.

What other species are popular in Panama City?

Aside from targeting bonito, Panama City offers anglers a diverse range of other species to pursue, ensuring an exciting fishing experience. One popular option is the mighty king mackerel, also known as kingfish, renowned for their powerful runs and aggressive strikes. Anglers often target kingfish by trolling with live bait or artificial lures along the nearshore reefs and offshore structures. These pelagic predators can grow to impressive sizes, providing anglers with thrilling battles as they attempt to land these prized game fish.

Another prized species found in the waters off Panama City is the hard-fighting amberjack. These powerful pelagic predators are known for their aggressive strikes and formidable fighting abilities. Amberjack can be targeted using a variety of techniques, including trolling with live bait or artificial lures, vertical jigging, or bottom fishing with cut bait or squid. Anglers often encounter amberjack around wrecks, reefs, and other offshore structures, where these predators patrol in search of prey.

For those seeking inshore action, Panama City boasts plentiful populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. Speckled trout, with their vibrant colors and voracious appetites, offer anglers the chance to target these prized game fish along grass flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks. Redfish, on the other hand, provide anglers with challenging battles as they navigate the shallow waters of Panama City's bays and estuaries. Flounder, with their distinctive flat bodies and camouflage coloration, are often targeted along sandy or muddy bottoms using live bait or artificial lures. Whether targeting king mackerel, amberjack, speckled trout, redfish, flounder, or any other species, Panama City offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers to enjoy a memorable day on the water.

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?

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