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PCB Local Guide

Beyond the Horizon: The Best of Panama City Beach

Book an award-winning Panama City fishing charter with Capt. James Pic. Over 30 years of local guiding experience. All gear & licenses included. Call today!

Best Charter

Award-Winning Panama City Fishing Charters | JP2Fish

Book Panama City deep sea fishing charters with Capt. James Pic. Target offshore species in the Gulf. Top gear, licenses & fish cleaning included!

Deep Sea Trips

Panama City Deep Sea Fishing Charters | JP2Fish

Summer is in full swing here on the Florida Panhandle, and the fishing is holding up beautifully. If you are planning a trip this July, the water is warm, the Gulf has been relatively calm, and the fish are definitely hungry. Whether we are running out to the reefs or staying close to home in St. Andrews Bay, here is what we are seeing right now on our Panama City Beach fishing trips.

Offshore Fishing: Snapper, Kings, and Mahi
The deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach has been highly productive. We are running the 26-foot Panga 15 to 30 miles offshore, and the bottom bite is doing great. Red snapper season in Panama City Beach is always a favorite for our guests, and we have been putting some very nice fish in the box, alongside solid catches of grouper and triggerfish over the local wrecks.

If you are looking for surface action, summer fishing in Panama City Beach means the pelagics are around. King mackerel are biting well, and our mahi fishing trips are seeing great success. Capt. JP has been finding good weed lines and floating debris that are holding schooling dolphin fish, which makes for fantastic light tackle fishing.

Inshore & Bay Fishing: Early Mornings Produce
For our inshore fishing charters, the secret to July fishing in Panama City Beach is getting out early to beat the midday heat. We are hitting the shallow grass flats right at sunrise. Capt. JP is finding those big "Gator" speckled trout, which are eagerly taking topwater plugs and his custom-tied Clouser minnows for our fly fishing guests.

As the morning progresses, we are shifting to deeper channels and dock structures to find redfish and flounder. The bay waters remain a great option for our kid-friendly fishing trips, providing steady catches in calm, comfortable conditions.

Book Your Summer Trip
With the warm weather and clear waters, now is a great time to get out on the Gulf. Remember, Capt. JP only runs one private fishing charter per day to ensure your group gets his full attention.

July 2026: Summer Temperatures Bring Excellent Offshore and Bay Action

Read expert Fishing articles, travel insights, and local stories from Advanced Fishing with JP in Panama City. Stay informed and inspired for your next adventure.

Panama City Fishing Articles & Insights | Advanced Fishing with JP

Welcome to Advanced Fishing With JP, your premier destination for deep sea fishing in Panama City Beach, FL. Guided by Captain James "JP" Pic—a seasoned expert with decades of local experience—we provide world-class private fishing charters in the crystal-clear emerald waters of the Florida Panhandle. Whether you want to fish the backcountry for redfish or head into the Gulf for trophy catches, Captain JP knows exactly where the fish live; in fact, he has their zip code! We specialize in highly productive Panama City Beach fishing trips tailored to your group. Operating a custom 26-foot Panga—one of the fastest and most versatile boats in the area—we can navigate shallow bay waters or quickly reach offshore reefs. Our deep sea fishing trips take you 15 to 30 miles offshore to target massive red snapper, grouper, powerful amberjack, triggerfish, cobia, and king mackerel. If you want to catch mahi mahi on a regular basis, Capt. James is an absolute expert at finding them. Prefer staying closer to shore? Advanced Fishing With JP provides the best light tackle fishing experience in the area. Captain JP is a "Gator" speckled trout expert who has been putting big trout in the box since he was a kid. As a former Orvis Pro Guide, he is also a fly fishing specialist. We supply his personally tied Clouser minnows, proven to catch multiple species over the last 30 years, giving you the chance to land red snapper or trout on a fly. We offer flexible options, from 4-hour family fishing trips in Panama City Beach to full day 8-hour offshore excursions. Our half day fishing charters are perfect for beginners or small groups of up to four people. When you book a Gulf fishing charter with us, everything is included. We provide your fishing license, quality Orvis fly fishing equipment, Penn spinning gear, bait, and complimentary fish cleaning so your catch is ready to take home and cook. Whether it is peak summer snapper season or off-season winter fishing, there are always big fish to catch. Join a top-rated local fishing guide to make lasting memories and take something delicious home to eat. See you on the water!

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Red snapper caught fishing in Panama City FL

Red snapper catch displayed on fishing boat in Panama City FL

Fresh caught fish including red snapper and grey triggerfish displayed on boat deck in Panama City FL

Red snapper catch displayed in Panama City FL fishing location

Red snapper and grey snapper catch displayed on boat dock in Panama City FL

Fresh caught red snapper and silk snapper displayed on fishing boat in Panama City FL

Successful fishing trip displaying red snapper and red grouper catch in Panama City FL

Successful red snapper fishing trip in Panama City FL with multiple species catch displayed on dock

Mahi mahi caught during fishing trip in Panama City FL on boat deck

Mahi mahi catch displayed on fishing boat in Panama City FL

Successful fishing trip in Panama City FL displaying caught mahi mahi, wahoo, and red snapper on boat deck

Grey triggerfish caught while fishing in Panama City FL

Greater Amberjack caught while fishing in Panama City FL waters

Successful mahi mahi fishing trip in Panama City FL with multiple fish caught on boat deck

Explore the Other Side of Panama City Beach: A Local’s GuideWhile the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico are legendary for their marine life, Panama

Custom Light-Tackle  Fly Fishing Rods in Panama City, FLTailored Fishing Rods Built for Florida WatersWhether you need a specialized inshore spinning 

Handcrafted Custom Fishing Rods in Panama City, FL

Precision Action  Big Inshore Catches with Captain James PicPremier PCB Light Tackle Fishing ChartersIf you appreciate maximum feel, active casting, a

Inshore Light-Tackle Fishing in Panama City, Florida

Secure your spot with Advanced Fishing With JP in Panama City Beach today and prepare for an unforgettable day on the water! Book now to join a local pro and haul in the trophy catch you have always dreamed of landing.

Discover why JP Fishing Charters (Advanced Fishing With JP) is the top choice for an unforgettable panama city beach florida deep sea fishing experience. Whether you want to navigate the calm, shallow waters of St. Andrews Bay or head offshore for deep-sea fishing near Panama City Beach, Captain James "JP" Pic provides highly successful private trips tailored to your goals. With over 30 years of local guiding experience on the Emerald Coast, Capt. JP is an expert at putting guests on the bite. If you are looking for cheap deep sea fishing in Panama City, Florida that still delivers high-end service, our small-group charters offer the perfect balance of affordable pricing, steady action, and professional instruction. We specialize in private charters for up to four guests on our versatile 26-foot Panga boat. Our trips are ideal for families searching for deep-sea fishing near Panama City, Florida without crowded head-boats like the Jubilee Panama City Beach Florida vessel. Whether you are aiming for deep sea fishing PCB FL style around productive offshore reefs or looking for deep sea fishing in Panama Beach, Florida close to shore, Capt. JP supplies all top-tier Penn and Orvis tackle, live bait, and your Florida fishing license. Dates fill up fast, so do not miss your chance to experience the best deep-sea fishing in Panama City, FL. Book your charter today and let a seasoned local pro take you directly to the action.

Find answers to common questions about our private charters and gain confidence in planning your perfect day on the water.

Panama City Catches & Offshore Fish Photos

Thank you for visiting our website. I hope you will enjoy reading about the fantastic fishing opportunities around Panama City, Florida. I can create an unforgettable fishing experience for you. I always catch fish – big trout, reds, flounder, Spanish, snapper, grouper, sharks, and many other species. You won't find a guide in the area with a more consistent ability to catch fish. I have lived and fished in the area for over 40 years. Fishing can sometimes be a bit surreal for me as I pull up to spots with clients where I caught my first flounder and big trout almost 43 years ago. These bays have been my home for almost half a century, and there are few who can match my knowledge of the area. I grew up in Lynn Haven, Florida, a small town bordering the northern city limits of Panama City. As a teen, I would ride my bike to the Bailey Bridge and fish off the catwalk every chance I got. I swore I would never eat another trout as an adult because of all the trout I ate growing up. To be honest, trout are one of the best eating fish in the area. We always had a boat, and whether we were catching trout, reds, flounder, jacks, or blues, I was blessed to be able to often fish with my father. If I got good grades, I got to play "hooky" one day each semester to go fishing. I'll never forget standing on the bank on December 27, 1972, and catching my first big trout on a piece of dead shrimp. I was already hooked on fishing, but that was the "hook set" which made me realize I had a talent. I have always felt God blessed me with an ability to find fish and catch fish, which is why I'm so successful. For me, there is nothing more fun or gratifying than having some kids on the boat, allowing me to share what I have learned over the years about fishing. Another memory is of my first mahi-mahi caught off the Gulf Coast with a hand line while working the oil field when I was 24. There are always fish to catch in our waters, no matter what month you are here. In the summer, I'll throw a cast net for live bait for trout and redfish fishing or for running a chum line. In the fall and spring, it's more about casting artificial baits, and winter is about live shrimp and artificial bait. Whatever time of the year you are here, there are always fish to catch, and a good fishing guide will put you on them. Fishing has improved in our area, whether for monster speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, flounder, or many offshore species. Then we have the sharks. Oh yeah, 40- to 100-pound sharks that continually swim our bays looking for a meal. I can customize your fishing trip to accommodate whatever you want to do. As a seasoned fly fisherman, I can teach the basics of fly fishing. If you want easy, we can fish for live bait. For those who like topwater action, we can chuck lures all morning. Whatever your preference, I can accommodate, and there are always fish to catch. For many years, I ran without electronics. I just didn't need them for bay fishing. With all the fishing regulations in place, the offshore bite has been awesome. I have expanded offshore for grouper and snapper, and we have absolutely slain them. I always recommend a 6-hour trip. Six hours is enough time to fish several different ways. A normal six-hour trip could start with fishing for trout, reds, and flounder, and then finish with fishing for big Spanish, blues, and sharks. If the weather is good and we go offshore, six hours give us the opportunity for grouper, snapper, kings, and amberjack. While you're here, let me show you what over 40 years of fishing experience can do for you and your children. I get as much enjoyment watching kids catch fish as I get out of fishing myself. I have thousands of fishing memories; let me be a part of making some memories for you.

Panama City Fishing Guide with 30+ Years of Experience

Premium 4-hour inshore fishing targeting speckled trout and redfish in St. Andrews Bay. Book today!

Half Day Inshore

Half Day Inshore Guided Trip Panama City Beach

Book your 8-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting mahi mahi, king mackerel & cobia today.

Deep Sea Fun

Full Day Deep Sea Fishing Panama City Beach

Explore the pro-grade gear onboard JP2Fish Charters. Featuring Penn light tackle, Orvis fly rods, live bait & licenses included. Call (850) 319-7855!

Our Equipment

Pro-Grade Tackle & Gear: What’s Onboard JP2Fish Charters

Catch doormat flounder, big trout & redfish this winter in Panama City Beach. Guided light-tackle & fly trips with Capt. James Pic. Call (850) 319-7855.

Winter Fishing

Panama City Beach Winter Fishing: Target Flounder & Gator Trout

Target Mahi Mahi off Panama City, FL with Capt. James Pic. Offshore sight-casting & trolling trips. All tackle & licenses included. Call (850) 319-7855!

Mahi Charters

Panama City Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters | JP2Fish

Guided duck hunting in Panama City, FL with Capt. James Pic. Target Redheads, Scaup & Teal in coastal bays & marshes. 30+ yrs experience. Call (850) 319-7855!

Duck Hunting

Panama City Duck Hunting Guides: Coastal Bay & Marsh Trips

Target trophy Gator Speckled Trout in Panama City Beach with Capt. James Pic. 30+ years local experience. All light tackle & licenses included. Call today!

PCB Trout Trips

Panama City Beach Speckled Trout Charters: Target Gator Trout

Premium 5-hour nearshore charter targeting flounder and Spanish mackerel in Panama City Beach. Book today!

Nearshore Fun

Nearshore Fishing Charter Panama City Beach

Top rated family inshore fishing for Sea Trout & Redfish. Expert guides, all gear included. Book now!

Kids Bay Trip

Family Fishing Fun in Panama City Beach

Target fast Cobia and big King Mackerel off Panama City Beach with Capt. James Pic. 30+ years experience. Tackle & licenses included. Call (850) 319-7855.

Cobia and Kings

Panama City Beach Cobia & King Mackerel Charters: Fast Action

Experience premier light-tackle inshore fishing in Panama City, FL with Capt. James Pic. Target Redfish, Trout & Flounder. All tackle & licenses included!

Light Tackle

Expert guided 6 hour offshore charter targeting grouper and snapper on Panama City reefs. Book now.

Reef Snapper Run

Offshore Reef Fishing Charter Panama City Beach

Catch Red Snapper, Grouper & Cobia off Panama City Beach with Capt. James Pic. 30+ years local experience. All tackle & licenses included. Call today!

Snapper Fishing

Panama City Beach Snapper & Grouper Fishing: Target Reef Fish

Handcrafted custom fishing rods and expert repairs in Panama City, FL. Precision-built for light tackle and fly fishing. Call (850) 319-7855 to discuss a build!

Custom Rods

Panama City Beach Fishing Charter Frequently Asked Questions What is included in an Advanced Fishing With JP charter?We provide everything you need for a successful day, including premium Penn spinning gear, Orvis fly fishing equipment, all necessary tackle, and both live and artificial bait. We also cover your Florida fishing license for the day and offer complimentary fish cleaning so your catch is ready to take home and cook. How much does a full-day fishing charter cost in Panama City Beach?A full 8-hour deep sea fishing trip with Advanced Fishing With JP is $1,200 for up to four people. This private charter provides a full day of offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, where we target trophy species like red snapper, grouper, and amberjack using the finest equipment available. Is fish cleaning and filleting included in my Panama City Beach fishing trip?Yes, professional fish cleaning is included at no extra charge on all of our fishing excursions. Once we return to the dock, Captain JP ensures your catch is properly cleaned, filleted, and bagged so you have fresh, delicious seafood ready to take home. Do I need to bring my own fishing gear for your charters?You are welcome to bring your favorite rod or reel if you prefer, but it is not necessary. We provide top-tier fishing gear and tackle for every trip, including specialized fly fishing setups and spinning tackle maintained by Captain JP to ensure you are ready for any fish you hook. What is the best time of year to fish in Panama City Beach?There is no bad time to fish here, as we run charters year-round! Spring and summer offer incredible action for pelagic species like mahi mahi and king mackerel, while the winter months provide fantastic, steady opportunities to catch big "Gator" speckled trout and redfish in the backwaters. Are your Panama City Beach fishing trips family-friendly?Absolutely, family fishing is a specialty of ours. We offer a dedicated 4-hour kid-friendly fishing trip in Panama City Beach that is perfect for children aged seven and up, focusing on calm waters, steady action, and building confidence for young anglers in a safe environment. How far offshore do you travel for deep sea fishing trips?For our deep sea fishing trips, we typically head 15 to 30 miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico. This distance allows us to reach the most productive fishing hotspots where we can target larger game fish and bottom-dwelling species that provide the most fun for our guests. What should I bring on my private fishing charter?We recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray preferred), snacks, and your favorite beverages. If you are joining us during cooler months, please bring layered clothing or a light jacket, and always remember to bring cash for gratuity and potential extra bait charges. Can I book a private fishing charter for just my group?Yes, all of our outings are 100% private fishing charters. We only take a maximum of four people per trip, and we only run one trip per day, ensuring that your group gets Captain JP's full, undivided attention to make your time on the water truly special. How do I book a fishing trip with Advanced Fishing With JP?You can book your trip by calling or texting Captain JP directly at (850) 319-7855. Because we are a boutique charter service and prime dates fill up fast, we recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your preferred date for your Panama City Beach fishing adventure.

Locations for Deep Sea Fishing in Panama City FL

Deep Sea Fishing Near Panama City Beach FL And The Emerald Coast

Air Fee

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Divemaster Fee

Mate's Fee

Nitrox Fee

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State Taxes

Trimix Fee

Cancel before this guide’s cancellation window to get a full refund.

This 4-hour inshore excursion in St. Andrews Bay accommodates up to four anglers of all skill levels. Targeting seasonal species like flounder, redfish, and trout, it is highly suitable for beginners or those with limited time. Guests will fish aboard a custom 26-foot Panga boat capable of navigating shallow waters. The package includes top-tier Penn spinning gear, Orvis fly equipment, live bait, artificial lures, a Florida license, and complimentary fish cleaning. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses for a productive morning on the Gulf Coast.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Panga

4 hrs 

Skinny Water Fishing for Slot Reds & Specks

Our 8-hour deep sea option is built for serious anglers looking to maximize their time in the Gulf of Mexico. This extensive booking targets hard-fighting pelagic species such as king mackerel, cobia, and dolphin fish. Carrying up to four guests, the 26-foot Panga reaches prime offshore grounds quickly. All heavy-duty gear, licenses, and lures are supplied. Anglers must bring plenty of food, drinks, and sun protection for a long day on the water. The guide handles all fish processing at the end of the day.

Cobia

King Mackerel

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Red Snapper

Spanish Mackerel

8 hrs 

The Full Day Pursuit: Extended Range Fishing

Go beyond the bay and unlock more productive fishing grounds with the extra range that makes this one of Captain JP's best-value trips. That additional time on the water opens opportunities to target a wider variety of species, from Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, and Flounder to offshore favorites like Mahi and Snapper when conditions allow. Aboard Captain JP's fast custom 26-foot boat, you'll spend less time running and more time fishing with premium tackle, bait, your Florida fishing license, and complimentary fish cleaning all included. For safety, this trip is available to children ages 7 and older.

Grey Snapper

Southern Flounder

5 hrs 

Beyond the Bay: Nearshore Fishing Charter

Create unforgettable first fishing memories on a family-friendly trip designed for kids, beginners, and anyone ready to learn the basics of angling. Fishing the calm, sheltered waters of St. Andrews Bay, this experience focuses on steady action, hands-on instruction, and a fun, comfortable environment where young anglers can build confidence and enjoy the excitement of their first catches. With all tackle, bait, and licenses provided, the captain handles the setup so families can focus on making memories together, spotting local wildlife, and enjoying a relaxing day on the water.

First Cast Family Fishing Experience

Designed for anglers wanting to travel 15 to 30 miles out, this 6-hour offshore run targets bottom-dwelling species around wrecks and reefs. Accommodating up to four passengers, guests focus on red snapper, grouper, and triggerfish. The booking provides state-of-the-art navigation, all required tackle, licensing, and bait (offshore live bait may incur a fee up to $30). This option requires moderate sea legs and provides ample time to fill the cooler. Complimentary fish cleaning is provided upon return to the marina.