Fishing conditions in Panama City Beach are changing as winter approaches, according to a recent report. Redfish remain active on the flats, while speckled trout are moving toward the mouths of local bayous where deeper water provides more stable temperatures and access to food. Fish behavior is varying daily with the weather; on warmer days, larger fish can be seen sunning themselves in shallow areas, but colder days push them into deeper waters.
The report notes that suspending twitch baits are effective for targeting larger fish, although soft plastics tend to result in more overall bites. Anglers who enjoy sight fishing will find low tides and clear water favorable this month. Redfish can often be spotted cruising in very shallow water, exposing their backs and tails. Success in these conditions requires patience and accurate casting with small soft-plastic lures or flies.
Flounder season reopened at the start of December. While some catches have been reported in the pass—where flounder congregate—the report’s author prefers fishing for them opportunistically in shallower areas near transitions from grass to sand or around potholes. Areas closer to the Gulf with turtle grass have yielded consistent results using soft plastics, hair jigs, or live bait.
Sheepshead are also present throughout the flats as they begin moving toward the pass ahead of their spring spawning season. The report describes sheepshead as challenging targets for sight fishing due to their wariness; success often requires long casts with small hooks and light leaders using shrimp or small crabs as bait.
Red snapper fishing remains open on weekends through December. Shallow structures within the bay hold red snapper during colder months when food sources are scarce, making them more aggressive feeders on both live and dead bait. Most red snapper caught range from 15–20 inches, but some up to 12 pounds have been landed in about 30 feet of water.
For further information or to book a trip, anglers are encouraged to reach out by phone or email.
