Winter Redfish and Jetty Sheepshead Lead the Charge

PCB Water Adventures welcomes you to the pristine waters of Panama City, FL. Experience its diverse fisheries and year-round fishing which makes it an anglers paradise.&nbsp;Anglers of all levels of expertise are invited for a memorable fishing excursion with one of the top fishing guide in the area, Captain Jim. With Darius at the helm, you are bound to have a one-of-a-kind fishing expedition. Be impressed with his local knowledge and expertise as he teaches you different fishing techniques such as light tackle fishing, trolling, deep sea and bottom fishing to have an equal fight with the toughest and baddest fish species you’ll encounter during the trip. Captain Jim will take you on board a 25’ Key West boat that is fully equipped with the latest navigational electronics that will help you quickly locate the best spots. It can accommodate up to 6 anglers. This fishing machine has a live bait box, an icebox to keep your catch cool, and all the needed safety equipment. You may opt to fish inshore or offshore. Depending on your chosen trip, you chase after any of these prized species: Snapper, Amberjack, Cobia, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Sea Bass, Kingfish or if you are lucky enough yo can can catch an occasional Sailfish.&nbsp; Your rods, reels, tackle, bait and licenses will be provided in this trip. There are also drinks onboard for you and your grou. A first mate will also be there to assist you with your needs. All you gotta do is to pack your food and preferred drinks, sun protection and wear weather-appropriate clothing.&nbsp; The travel times will differ depending on how far you wish to go. Usually 30 minutes to an hour. Once you get to the spot, the fishing action will begin is unstoppable. PCB Water is here to give you the most thrilling fishing expedition ever. Make sure to book a trip today and get ready to show off your angling skills.

EPSG:4269

The winter bite is officially in full swing! Despite the cooler January air, the waters around Panama City Beach are teeming with life. We’ve had a fantastic start to the year, with our 25' Key West staying busy on both inshore and nearshore trips. The recent "bluebird" days have offered exceptionally calm Gulf conditions, making for some comfortable runs out to the reefs.

What’s Biting Right Now?
Inshore & Nearshore Jetties

Redfish & Black Drum: We’re finding solid schools of Redfish hanging out around the submerged rocks at the St. Andrews jetties. With the water clarity being high, they can be a bit finicky, so we’ve been leaning on live shrimp and slow-moving soft plastics.

Sheepshead: The "convict fish" are starting to stack up! We are seeing a steady increase in activity around the pilings and jetties. Fiddler crabs are the gold standard right now if you want to fill the cooler.

Speckled Trout: Most of the trout have moved into the deeper bayous and outside edges of the flats to escape the recent cold snaps.

Offshore & Reefs

Bottom Fishing: While Red Snapper and Grouper seasons are currently closed for harvest, they are providing incredible catch-and-release action on light tackle.

Target Species: We are consistently hitting limits on White Snapper (Red Porgy) and Vermilion Snapper. Black Sea Bass are also very active on the deeper structures and make for an excellent winter dinner.

Scamp Grouper: We’ve found a strong Scamp bite in the 75–90 foot zone during these recent windows of calm weather.

Pro-Tips for Your Trip
Weather Watch: January weather in the Panhandle can flip in hours. We recommend dressing in layers; it may be 45°F at the dock but feel like 70°F by noon.

Bait Selection: Fish are a bit more lethargic in the colder water. Slow down your presentation. If you aren't using live bait, try suspending plugs or small vertical jigs for the best results.

No Bananas! As some of our recent guests have noted, keep the bananas on the shore—we need all the fishing luck we can get!

Current Conditions (Jan 20, 2026)
Water Temp: Hovering around the low 60s.

Visibility: Excellent (Clear winter water).

Primary Targets: Sheepshead, Redfish, White Snapper, and Black Sea Bass.

Ready to get out on the water? We still have a few morning and afternoon slots available for the coming week.

Grey Snapper caught while fishing in Panama City

5 people fishing on the beach in Panama City

A group of 7 people fishing in Panama City

Fisherman holding a grey triggerfish in Florida

Two anglers fishing in Florida with 4 caught fish

Don't let the big one get away—secure your spot with PCB Water Adventures today and experience the heart-pounding thrill of an elite Panama City Beach fishing expedition! Adventure is calling on the Emerald Coast, so grab your gear and book your private charter now to turn your dream catch into a lifelong memory!

Set sail for the ultimate Emerald Coast experience with PCB Water Adventures, the premier choice for Panama City Beach fishing charters. We specialize in family fishing charters in PCB, offering a patient and high-energy environment where anglers of all ages can successfully target prized species like Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, and hard-fighting Redfish. By combining Captain Jim’s decades of local expertise with top-tier gear, we ensure your time on the water is both productive and stress-free. Whether you are looking for a calm day in the bay or a thrilling deep-sea excursion, our private trips are designed to put you exactly where the bite is strongest. Understanding why PCB offshore fishing is so productive comes down to our unique access to a vast network of artificial reefs and natural limestone ledges that teem with life year-round. From the adrenaline-pumping strikes of King Mackerel to the steady action of Vermilion Snapper, our trips offer a diverse range of opportunities for every skill level. We provide all the necessary licenses, tackle, and bait, so all you have to do is show up ready to create lifelong memories. Don't let the season pass you by—book your fishing trip today and discover why families and pro anglers alike choose us for their Panama City Beach adventures.

Find answers to all your Panama City Beach fishing charter questions, from seasonal species and licensing to what to bring on your private excursion with PCB Water Adventures, ensuring your trip is seamless and stress-free.

Captain Jim is a USCG Licensed captain and one of Panama City Beach’s most respected anglers, bringing a lifetime of passion to every departure. Known for his deep-rooted connection to the Florida Panhandle, Jim has spent countless hours navigating the intricate patterns of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. His approach to guiding isn't just about finding fish; it’s about sharing the local heritage of the Emerald Coast and ensuring every guest—from the seasoned pro to the first-time angler—feels confident and capable on the water. With a reputation for patience and a keen eye for changing tides, he has transformed PCB Water Adventures into a premier destination for those seeking a true insider’s perspective. With Captain Jim at the helm, you aren't just a passenger; you are an active part of a high-tier fishing expedition. He draws on years of professional experience to teach a variety of specialized techniques, including light tackle fishing, trolling, and deep-sea bottom fishing. Whether you are stalking Redfish in the shallows or wrestling a hard-fighting Amberjack over a deep-water wreck, Jim’s expertise ensures you have an equal fight against the toughest species in the Gulf. His goal is to provide an educational and immersive environment where you can sharpen your skills and understand the "why" behind every hookset. The diversity of Panama City Beach’s fishery is world-class, and Captain Jim knows exactly how to timing your trip to match the seasons. Depending on the time of year, he guides guests in pursuit of prized species like Snapper, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and Kingfish, and even the occasional Sailfish. Because he monitors real-time conditions and local migrations daily, he provides a level of reliability that only a veteran guide can offer. His dedication to the craft means he is always scouting, always learning, and always prepared to adjust the game plan to ensure you are positioned for success in these pristine Florida waters.<h2>The Vessel: Our 25’ Key West Center Console</h2>Your adventure takes place aboard a 25’ Key West center console, a true fishing machine designed for both stability and performance. Fully equipped with the latest navigational electronics and sonar, the boat is engineered to locate fish quickly and keep you on the bite. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 passengers, offering a spacious deck, a dedicated live bait box, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh for the dinner table. Safety is our absolute priority, and the vessel is outfitted with all required USCG-approved safety equipment and top-tier tackle. With PCB Water Adventures, every detail of the boat—from the inclusive fishing licenses to the presence of a helpful first mate—is curated so that all you have to focus on is the thrill of the catch.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PCB Water Adventures Do I need to buy a license for my Panama City Beach fishing charter?No, you do not! When you fish with PCB Water Adventures, all necessary Florida saltwater fishing licenses are covered for every passenger on the boat. We handle the paperwork so you can focus entirely on the fishing. What is included in a PCB Water Adventures trip in Panama City Beach?We provide everything you need for a successful day on the water, including high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and all live or dead bait. We also provide cold drinks and ice for your group. Our 25’ Key West is fully equipped with safety gear, and a first mate will be on board to assist with rigging lines and landing fish. What should I bring on my Panama City Beach fishing trip?The most important items to bring are your preferred food and snacks, any specific drinks you enjoy (besides the water/soda provided), and sun protection like hats and polarized sunglasses. We recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing and non-marking shoes to stay comfortable throughout the expedition. Is fish cleaning and filleting included in the service?Yes! At the end of our trip, Captain Jim and the crew will clean and fillet your legal catch at no extra charge. We’ll bag it up so it’s ready for you to take home or to one of our local "hook and cook" restaurants in Panama City Beach. How many people can join a PCB Water Adventures private charter?Our 25’ Key West is USCG licensed to carry up to 6 passengers per trip. This ensures plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably without overcrowding, making it the perfect size for families or small groups of friends. What is the best time of year to fish in Panama City Beach?Fishing in PCB is excellent year-round, but your targets will change with the seasons. Summer (June–August) is peak season for Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi, while Spring and Fall are famous for the Cobia and King Mackerel runs. Winter offers fantastic action for Sheepshead and "Gator" Trout in the bay. What types of trips does PCB Water Adventures offer?We offer both inshore and offshore excursions tailored to your goals. You can choose to stay in the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay for Redfish and Trout, or head out into the Gulf of Mexico for deep-sea bottom fishing and trolling for pelagic species. How much does a Panama City Beach fishing charter cost?Our rates vary based on the duration of the trip (typically 4, 6, or 8 hours) and whether you are staying inshore or heading offshore. For current pricing and availability, please visit our Rates Page or contact Captain Jim directly for a custom quote. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?Safety is our top priority. If Captain Jim determines that the conditions in the Gulf or Bay are unsafe for travel, we will work with you to reschedule your trip for the next available opening. If we cannot find a date that works for you, your deposit will be fully refunded. Do I need prior experience to fish with PCB Water Adventures?Not at all! We welcome anglers of all skill levels, from total beginners to seasoned veterans. Captain Jim is a passionate teacher and will happily show you the ropes, from basic casting to advanced deep-sea bottom fishing techniques.

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