Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Panama City fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12, based on forecast conditions and seasonal patterns rather than verified catches. Northern Gulf forecasters expect a strong front Thursday night into Friday, followed by lows in the 30s and possible inland frost on Friday and Saturday nights. Around St. Andrew Bay and West Bay, a front like this usually concentrates trout and redfish in creeks and deeper holes. Treat it as a planning guide and confirm conditions locally.
What’s Hitting
Speckled trout should gather in creeks, bayous and deeper parts of the bay. Redfish are found on grass flats, oyster bars and the edges of marsh. Sheepshead begin to appear around the jetties and bridges. Bull reds may still be found near the St. Andrews Pass during strong tides. Flounder move toward the passes as part of their fall migration. Pompano can still be found along the beaches during warmer afternoons, and black drum gather around docks and bridge pilings.
Where to Find Them
The St. Andrews jetties offer structure for sheepshead, redfish and flounder. West Bay and North Bay have marshes and creeks for trout and redfish. Hathaway Bridge pilings hold sheepshead and black drum. The beaches near St. Andrews State Park offer surf access for pompano and redfish. The Grand Lagoon area offers protected water when the wind blows, with docks and grass edges holding trout and redfish. East Bay creeks are also productive.
Tides & Conditions
Wind will be the main driver, with northwest wind behind the front lowering water in the bays. Weekend weather is expected to be dry, and showers may return Monday. Expect cold mornings and clear water. The new moon on November 9 increases currents near the pass early in the period. Clear water can make fish wary, so use lighter leaders. Calm afternoons may warm shallow water and improve activity.
Tackle & Tactics
For trout, use soft plastics, suspending baits or live shrimp worked slowly. Redfish respond to gold spoons, soft plastics or cut bait. Sheepshead prefer fiddler crabs or shrimp. Flounder like mud minnows or soft plastics dragged along the bottom. Keep heavier sinkers for the strong current near the pass, and carry topwater lures for warm afternoons.
Local Intel This Week
St. Andrews State Park provides jetty access and a public boat ramp. The Hathaway Bridge area has bank fishing access. The M.B. Miller County Pier offers Gulf access for whiting and pompano. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Be careful around the jetties during rough seas. Grand Lagoon has several public ramps and marinas. Weekend parking near St. Andrews State Park can fill early.
This Week’s Tip
Visit the creeks in West Bay on Saturday afternoon, when the sun warms the shallow water. Trout and redfish often move into the creek mouths as the water warms.
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