Where to Find the GOOD Fishing

Everyone who visits Panama City Beach with any intention on fishing don’t want to go where the tourists go, they want to know the secret places the locals go. And there is a reason those places are secret; its the best fishing in NW Florida. It is likely I will be mobbed by local fishermen for letting a few of the secret places out of the bag, but I’ll do it because I care about our tourists. So, here are 5 places you shouldn’t know about. Just promise you’ll keep it to yourself.

Crooked Island Sound – 29.974639,-85.476809

This place is a bit of a drive, but definitely worth it. Crooked Island is actually not an Island at all, but a combination of two narrow peninsulas that form a nice sized saltwater lagoon. Located just between Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach, Florida, the Crooked Island area is a favorite location for surf fishing, shelling, kayaking and possibly overnighting in a small boat.

Access to the eastern peninsula is via a generally-well-maintained dirt road off US Hwy 98, approximately 1.4 miles west of the Mexico Beach Visitor Center. Follow the dirt road to a nice parking lot located approximately 800 feet from the water’s edge. The gulf-front hike to the tip of the eastern peninsula is at least 5 miles, so pack something to drink if you plan to make the trip.

There is also a boat launch area for the lagoon located at the end of a nice paved road (see marker). From the Mexico Beach Visitor Center, follow US 98 west 2.6 miles and take a left at the first paved road. The lagoon at this point is a great example of a salt marsh coastal eco-system. This would also be a great location to begin a longer kayak trip inside the protected lagoon, with access to the Gulf.

Beach Drive Jetties and Flats – 30.165855,-85.688138

I remember fishing this spot since I was a kid with a cane pole. Fishermen of all types frequent the jetties on Beach Drive in Panama City. Beach Drive is a picturesque part of the St Andrews Bay flats fishing system known as a place anglers can put their fishing skills and knowledge to the test against some of the best marine creatures nature has to offer.

To fish the Bay’s Beach Drive jetties and flats by boat make sure you have vessel that has a very shallow draft which just means the boat can get into very shallow areas to pursue their target fish.

The best and most exciting way to hit the Bay at Beach Drive Jetties is sight fishing. Because of the shallow water you can see the schooling fish or even a lone fish rather easy allowing you to flip your bait right to the fish. If you are accurate enough with your casting then you can fire your lure right in the path of the fish where you hope he will gobble it down.

You can access Beach Drive Jetties from many locations, but the best it to take the drive down Beach Drive using Frankford Avenue just off 98.

West Bay Bridge – 30.249666, -85.834866

This is one place I actually will get in trouble telling you about. West Bay Bridge is a haven for fishermen all over Bay County.

West bay has a very low country, swampy, and marsh feel to it, so it is great for Reds, and Speck and the occasional jack bustling around the grass flats and feeder creeks.

Wading, kayaking, and skiff fishing are the most popular ways to maneuver this water way. A barrier Island that protects this bay is Shell Island , which is known to be home for Tarpon, Cobia, and some big Bull Reds. Bay fishing for black drum in the winters is good, running into spring time Reds and Specks heat up along with a good Cobia run, Spanish Pompano and Tarpon start to heat up with the weather in the summer months.

The old draw bridge lends fishermen a nice sort of pier over the boondocks that is opened for the public. The best fishing can be had from the channel just off the boat ramp, but if you don’t have a boat the bridge is arguably the best fishing spot in Panama City Beach.

Powell Lake – 30.271336,-85.975142

While most tourists are hanging out at the beach, it’s one of Panama City Beach’s lakes that is drawing the attention of fishermen. Lake Powell is attached to Phillips Inlet which discharges into the gulf creating perfect brackish conditions and your chance to catch a multitude of species.

There is a ramp to the lake for boaters. Access to the gulf by Philips Inlet is dependent on water conditions and always a minimum draft boat. Children always find the small pier on the lake for brackish water fishing and crabbing The adults as well as the children enjoy a slow tube ride when the Philips Inlet, to the West, is open.

Right next door is Camp Helen State Park which is great for offshore fishing during the seasonal Pompano run. And don’t forget your fishing license.

Lake Powell Recreational Area, 23104 Lakeview Dr., US 98, Panama City Beach.

East Bay – 30.132891, -85.510762

East Bay has long been the premiere fishing destination for Bay County residents. Fish stories from East Bay go back over a century, tales of amazing catches and good times. Located just past Tyndall Air Force base in Panama City, East Bay is known for having a year-round bite.

Similar to West Bay, East Bay is also swampy and  great for Reds, and Speck in the grass flats and feeder creeks. What distinguishes East Bay is its size and quiet. While hundreds of fishermen hit the area all year, if you launch your boat, you’re unlikely to see another fisherman for hours, which makes for a perfect getaway and challenge.

East Bay has several boat ramp entrances, like Cooks Bayou and the Sandy Creek entrance. But the best of them is the Overstreet Ramp which leads right in to the Intracoastal Waterway. To get there use County Road 386 just off Highway 98.

Happy fishing and don’t tell anyone I told you. For more information on fishing in Panama City Beach, stop by Half Hitch Tackle on Thomas Drive or go to the website at http://halfhitch.com