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Hot Weather, Hotter Bites: Summer Fishing in Full Swing
Panama Canal - Broward, FL
It’s prime time on the water in Panama City Beach, and both inshore and offshore anglers are reaping the rewards of summer fishing. Inshore, the early morning and evening hours are the most productive, especially around grass flats, bridges, and bayous. Speckled trout are crushing topwater plugs at first light, while redfish are schooling in deeper potholes and responding well to live shrimp and soft plastics. Flounder have also been making a solid appearance along sandy drop-offs near structure.
Offshore trips have been heating up with excellent catches of red snapper, which are still the top draw thanks to the extended season. Anglers are also hooking into amberjack, vermilion snapper, and a few keeper gag grouper near reefs and wrecks. Farther out, the pelagic bite is picking up—expect mahi, king mackerel, and occasional sailfish action on high-speed trolling runs.
On the piers and beaches, the action is steady. Spanish mackerel are cruising close, and tarpon sightings are increasing along the coast—especially during calm days. Beach anglers using sand fleas and shrimp are also catching pompano and whiting, making the surf zone a great spot for a casual cast. With warm water temps and consistent weather, now’s the time to get out there and fish PCB while the summer bite lasts.