Panama City fishing report for the week of September 24, 2026. Fall fishing is shaping up nicely in Panama City. The bull reds are in the pass, the kings are close to the beach, and the offshore grouper bite has been good for boats that can get out. The Saturday full moon will keep the tides strong.
What’s Hitting
What’s hot this week is gag grouper on the offshore ledges and hard bottom, along with scamp and red grouper. Closer to shore, bull redfish are feeding at St. Andrew Pass and along the beaches, and king mackerel are cruising the beaches and nearshore reefs. Spanish mackerel are around the jetties and piers, and inside St. Andrew Bay, speckled trout and slot reds are active on the grass flats.
Where to Find Them
Gag grouper are on the ledges and hard bottom in 80 to 150 feet. Bull reds are at the St. Andrew Pass jetties, especially on the outgoing tide. Kings and Spanish are along the beaches and around the pier and jetties. Trout and slot reds are on the grass flats in St. Andrew Bay and West Bay.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon on Saturday, the tides are strong, and the pass is moving a lot of water. Water temps are in the low 80s. Winds have been light, making it a good week to get offshore, but keep an eye on the tropics.
Tackle & Tactics
For gag grouper, a live pinfish or cigar minnow on a heavy setup with a circle hook, fished right on the bottom, is the way to go. Get the fish away from the structure quickly. For bull reds at the pass, a chunk of menhaden or a live pinfish on a fish-finder rig. For kings, slow-troll live bait on a stinger rig. Trout and slot reds will hit a live shrimp or a soft plastic.
Local Intel This Week
St. Andrews State Park offers jetty and pier fishing and a boat ramp. The M.B. Miller County Pier is another great shore option. For boaters, the Carl Gray Park ramp and the Panama City Marina provide good access. Fish are concentrating in the pass and on the offshore structure. Gag grouper and other reef fish seasons are set by both state and federal managers and change year to year, so check current FWC and NOAA Fisheries regulations before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When bottom fishing for grouper, keep your drag tight and be ready to crank as soon as you feel the bite. The first few seconds are critical to keeping the fish from getting back into its hole.
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