Get ready for a day of fishing in the scenic waters of Panacea, Florida. Our 4-hour morning trip puts you on the hunt for prized catches like Trout, Redfish, and Cobia. If afternoon fishing is more your style, we've got you covered with a chance to reel in Sheepshead, Snapper, and Flounder. Both trips are perfect for two people and include all the gear you need. No worries about prep or cleanup – we'll take care of cleaning and filleting your catch. The best part? You can book with confidence knowing there's free cancellation up to 30 days out. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our family-friendly trips are a great way to experience the rich marine life of the Florida coast. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting memories on the water.
Get ready to wet your lines in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. Our 4-hour trips out of Panacea put you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're after a trophy redfish or a cooler full of tasty trout, we've got the local know-how to make it happen. Bring the family, grab a buddy, or come solo – we'll show you why Panacea is a top-notch fishing destination that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our inshore trips are all about variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the grass flats, the next you could be battling a bruiser cobia that decided to crash the party. We target everything from speckled trout and flounder to sheepshead and snapper. The beauty of Panacea's waters is you never know what might end up on the end of your line. We'll use light tackle and live bait to put you on the fish, whether that means drifting the flats or anchoring up on a hot spot.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and knowing where the fish like to hang out. We'll be poling through skinny water, looking for those tell-tale signs of feeding fish. Might be a school of mullet getting nervous, or a redfish tail waving in the air like a flag. We use everything from popping corks for trout to jigs for flounder. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing – we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. And when that drag starts screaming, hold on tight!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their distinctive tail. They put up a heck of a fight and are delicious on the grill. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch them year-round.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their name fool you – these guys are no lightweights. Trout are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They school up in the grass flats and around oyster bars. Early morning topwater action for trout is hard to beat.
Cobia: These brown bombers are like the freight trains of inshore fishing. They show up in spring and stick around through summer. Cobia have a habit of following large rays, so keep your eyes peeled. When hooked, be ready for some serious pull – these fish don't give up easily.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called "convict fish." They hang around structure like pilings and reefs. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so a light touch is key. But once hooked, they put up a stubborn fight all the way to the boat.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. We target them with slow-moving jigs or live bait. They might not look like much, but flounder are some of the tastiest fish in the sea. Fall is flounder season, when they move to deeper water to spawn.
Panacea isn't just about the fishing – it's about the whole experience. You'll be surrounded by pristine coastal wilderness, with a good chance of spotting dolphins, rays, and all sorts of shorebirds. The waters here are less pressured than some of the bigger fishing towns, which means more fish and fewer boats. Plus, we take care of all the details. From licenses to tackle to fish cleaning, we've got you covered. Just show up ready to have a good time.
Early risers, our morning trip is calling your name. We'll hit the water at first light when the fish are most active. For $550, you and a buddy can enjoy 4 hours of prime fishing time. We'll target trout, redfish, cobia, and whatever else is hungry. If you're not a morning person, no worries. Our afternoon trip is a steal at $450 for 4 hours. We'll focus on sheepshead, snapper, and flounder. Both trips include free cancellation up to 30 days out, so you can book with confidence.
We provide all the fishing gear, but there are a few things you'll want to pack: - Sunscreen (the Florida sun doesn't mess around) - Hat and polarized sunglasses - Light jacket or rain gear (weather can change quickly) - Camera or phone for bragging rights - Cooler for your catch (we'll clean and fillet, you bring it home) - Snacks and drinks (water is a must) Remember, no bananas on the boat – it's bad luck!
Never been fishing before? No problem. We love introducing folks to the sport. Our guides are patient teachers who'll have you casting and reeling in no time. And if you're an old hand with a rod, we've got plenty of tricks up our sleeves to keep things interesting. We can talk tactics, try different techniques, or just swap fish stories while we wait for the big one to bite.
We're not just about catching fish – we're about preserving them for future generations. We practice catch and release for many species, especially during spawning seasons. When we do keep fish, we follow all size and bag limits. It's about respecting the resource and ensuring great fishing for years to come. We might even teach you a thing or two about fish biology and habitat along the way.
Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to enjoy a day on the water, our Panacea inshore trips deliver the goods. With experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and some of the best fishing grounds in Florida, you're in for a treat. Don't let another season slip by without wetting a line in these productive waters. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online today. We can't wait to show you what Panacea fishing is all about!
Cobia are the bruisers of the nearshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their long, sleek bodies. These powerful fish can grow over 6 feet and top 100 pounds. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, often following large rays or turtles. Spring through early summer is prime cobia season as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Landing a big cobia is a true test of an angler's skill and strength. To catch cobia, try sight-fishing with large jigs or live eels. They're curious fish, so sometimes just getting their attention is half the battle. Here's a local tip: when you spot a cobia, make a long cast well ahead of the fish and retrieve quickly. They'll often give chase and strike aggressively. Once hooked, hang on tight – these fish are known for powerful runs and acrobatic jumps.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 20-30 inches, with a distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in coastal marshes. Fall is prime time for big bull reds as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. There's nothing quite like sight-casting to a tailing red in skinny water. For the best shot at reds, try working grass flats and shorelines with gold spoons or soft plastics. Live bait like mullet or crabs is deadly too. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for "pushes" of water or tail fins breaking the surface. That's your cue to make a quiet, accurate cast just ahead of the fish. Get ready for an explosive strike and a drag-screaming run!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silver-sided fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches, though some monsters push 40 inches. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near deeper channels. Spring and fall are prime trout seasons when water temperatures are just right. They're known for their soft, white flesh and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Anglers love targeting them for their abundance and the challenge of finding the right spot. To catch trout, try working grass flats early in the morning or late evening with topwater lures or soft plastics. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another killer method. Here's a local tip: look for "slicks" on the water's surface – areas where feeding trout release oils that create a smooth spot. Those are dead giveaways for where the fish are hanging out.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They've got a mouthful of human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring is sheepshead season here, as they gather to spawn near offshore reefs and channel passes. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers. They're notorious for nibbling bait off hooks, so you've got to be quick on the draw. For the best shot at landing sheepshead, use light tackle and small, sharp hooks. Fiddler crabs, oysters, or shrimp make great bait. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum the water and bring them in close. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook fast and firm. The fight's on from there, and the reward is some of the tastiest white meat you'll find.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. To catch flounder, try drifting or still fishing near drop-offs or structure. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try soft plastic lures. My local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily to set the hook. Patience is key with these guys.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
Get ready for an awesome day of fishing in the beautiful waters of Panacea, Florida! Our 4-hour private trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to reel in some amazing catches. In the morning, we'll target species like trout, redfish, and cobia. If you prefer an afternoon adventure, we'll go after sheepshead, snapper, and flounder. With a limit of 2 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of personalized attention from your experienced captain. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks. After the trip, we'll clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, our trips offer a fun and relaxing way to experience the rich marine life of Florida's Gulf Coast. Book now and get ready for some quality time on the water!