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

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Panama City

4 Hour PCB Nearshore

100% (21)
21 ft 1 - 8 People From $650
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Panama City

PCB Bottom Fishing

NEW
26 ft 1 - 8 People From $875
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Panama City

Overnight Trip – Bluewater

97% (32)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $7,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Panama City

Trolling Trips - CM

100% (4)
52 ft 1 - 18 People From $1,160
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Panama City

Offshore Deep Sea Fishing-Capt Joe

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,320
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Panama City

PCB Trolling Trips

NEW
26 ft 1 - 8 People From $600

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Panama City

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All 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).
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More Bonito Fishing Charters In Panama City, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Panama City

Trolling Trips - LS

100% (4)
65 ft 1 - 36 People From $1,160
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Panama City

Live Action Offshore - 48’ Viking

97% (32)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Panama City Beach

Full Day Bottom Fishing Trips

100% (10)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Panama City Beach

Summertime Bottom Fishing

95% (19)
41 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Panama City Beach

6 Hour Trolling Trip

100% (26)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Panama City Beach

PCB Full Day Trip - 32' Scarab

100% (2)
32 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,560
See All Bonito Trips in Panama City

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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?

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

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Eric was awesome, great trip, I would highly recommend him !!!

    Jacob D. | November 26, 2025

    Trip: 4 Hour Trip - 32' Scarab

  • ★★★★★
    Stephen was a great captain, we had a wonderful day out on the boat and caught a lot of fish

    James F. | October 4, 2025

    Trip: Panama City Trolling Excitment

  • ★★★★★
    My wife and I could not have asked for a better guide. Captain Max and his deckhand, Jacob, were exceptionally personable, knowledgeable, and truly made our experience a priority. From the moment we stepped on board, they made us feel welcome and comfortable, taking the time to tailor the trip to what we wanted most. Their expertise and passion for fishing were evident, and they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful day on the water. We caught more fish than expected and had a blast the entire time. If you’re looking for a top-notch deep sea fishing experience in the Panama City Beach area, look no further—Captain Max and his crew are the best!

    Trent W. | August 21, 2025

    Trip: 4-Hour Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great Experience!

    Robin F. | August 16, 2025

    Trip: 4-Hour Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Kelia. You got one heck of an awesome capt! And OMG Dusty. I can't give enough cudoes to Dusty. He was right on Q. Kept them hooks baited, pointers on deep sea fishing, kept us out of trouble by knowing his stuff. Out of season game. Too young or short so had to release quite a few catches. Oh well. We'll give more time to mature for our next out. You couldn't have hired a better skipper/mate. Thank you Dusty. Now the darn sharks and 🐬 dolphins. Joe sure did his best to loose them but we are in their hunting grounds. Definitely worth chartering with Kelia's crew. I just can't thank enough. Until next year ...tudalu!

    George A. | August 8, 2025

    Trip: Summertime Bottom Fishing

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