Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This Panama City fishing report covers mid-October, when fall is on and the bays and passes around Panama City fill with redfish, flounder and mackerel. Bull redfish are the lead target at the St. Andrews Pass jetties and along the beach, with flounder staging near the pass and the bay edges. Spanish mackerel and bluefish run the piers, trout sit on the grass, and sheepshead hang on bridges and docks. Plan around moving water at the pass, since tides ease as the moon heads toward first quarter.
What’s Hitting
Bull reds lead the action at the St. Andrews Pass jetties and along the beach. Flounder stage near the pass and the bay edges, and Spanish mackerel and bluefish are off the piers. Speckled trout are on the grass flats, and sheepshead are around the bridges and docks.
In the coming weeks, expect flounder to keep staging near the pass, with the fall run building as water temperatures drop. Bull reds should stay in the area through the fall.
Where to Find Them
Fish the jetties at St. Andrews Pass on the outgoing tide for reds and flounder. Jetty rocks break the current and create eddies where bait gathers, and predators sit along those edges waiting for an easy meal.
Work the piers at Panama City Beach for Spanish mackerel, and drift the grass flats of St. Andrews Bay for trout. Bridge pilings hold sheepshead, which graze on the barnacles and small crustaceans growing on the structure.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon heading toward first quarter, tides are easing. Moving water at the pass is the best window. With smaller tide ranges, the periods of strongest flow are shorter, so timing matters more than usual. Check a current tide chart and the wind forecast before heading out.
Tackle & Tactics
- Baits: live shrimp, mud minnows and cut mullet are the staples.
- Mackerel: a small silver spoon or a Gotcha plug off the pier, with a wire leader if you want to avoid cut-offs from their sharp teeth.
- Trout: a jig, or a popping cork with live shrimp, which is a reliable way to find fish in the bay.
- Leaders: 20 pound fluorocarbon for reds, dropping to 15 pound for trout.
The popping cork earns its place on the grass flats. Its pop imitates feeding noise and suspends the shrimp just above the grass, where trout look for food. Drift until a fish hits, then work the same stretch again.
Local Intel This Week
St. Andrews State Park gives access to the jetties and the pass for the outgoing tide. Dan Russell Pier at Panama City Beach is the spot to throw spoons and Gotcha plugs for Spanish mackerel. The ramps around the Hathaway Bridge area put boats on St. Andrews Bay for trout and sheepshead, and Carl Gray Park and St. Andrews Marina also serve as public access points. Fish concentrate at the pass, the pier and the grass edges, and redfish, flounder and trout rules each deserve a close look. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Cast beyond the structure. On the jetties, throw past the rocks and bring the bait back along the edge where fish ambush bait. A cast that lands short spends its time in water the fish are not watching, while one that swings back along the rock line passes right through the strike zone.
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