What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida for the first time?

The captain said it was a good time for shark fishing. We got on on shark but lost it. The next one was a very large Sandbar shark, which are protected so we couldn't keep it but we were thrilled for the chance to reel in such a large shark. The weather the day before was not ideal and didn't set us up for the best fishing but the captain kept us on fish as much as possible. Great experience overall!

March was a comfortable time to go fishing, but you can't keep the red snapper or grouper until summer. We had to throw back at least a dozen or more red snapper. If you catch your limit of vermillion snapper within 4 hours, spend the last hour or two going after amberjack and grouper. These big fish are a fun fight.

Bring sun screen; sun gloves; hat; sunglasses; long pants and long sleeve shirt; gator for the neck--otherwords, have a great time but don't get sun burned! Remember water reflection as significant as the overhead sun. Water is excellent and variety is great! Get a guide...they know where the big ones are.

Very nice trip. We caught two blacktip sharks, one towards the beginning and one closer to the end of the trip. The wait was relatively long but it was well worth it. Captain was very professional with equipment cleaned and ready to go. Boat was clean as well.

Consider what fish are in or out of season. We had a great time fishing and had a great time catching. However, Red Snapper were out of season despite being large enough to "keep" during another part of the year. We fished because we love fishing. However, we did want to keep something. The amberjack and goliath grouper we caught we awesome. However the goliath grouper is a protected species and the various amberjack we each slightly smaller than the legal limit to keep. Awesome time, though!

We had an absolute blast!! For 3 of us, it was the first time deep sea fishing and it was amazing!! Justin Redmon is top notch and excellent at what he does!! Took us out and we caught our limit of red snapper with 20-25 minutes. He then put us on some mahi-mahi. Caught 11 of them!! This guy knows his stuff!! If I could give him 100 stars I would. This fishing trip was worth every penny!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Redmon’s Light Tackle Guide Service!! You won’t be disappointed!!

Book early if coming for snapper season. first timers should probably start with a 6 hour bottom fishing trip or 4 hour trolling just to check sea legs. If comfortable then go for the longer trips in deeper water.

Check the forecast for sea states. We came in right after a storm and the water was very rough. Our trip was planned well in advance so we could not have predicted the water states but be mindful that a fishing trip can be rescheduled if seas are rough.

Weather can be unpredictable (Florida), so if you have a couple days alloted, you increase your chance of a good fishing day. Bring sunscreen even on a cloudy day. You can still get burned. Bring water.

Before choosing a guide, make sure you address your desires up front! Milk runs are the norm and small mixed variety fish is to be expected unless you find the quality captains. Expect to pay for experience.

Go out on a "state" boat which typically remains within sight of land (+/- 10 miles out) to be sure your not prone to sea sickness. I've fished both near coast and off shore (deep sea) on several occasions in multiple states and would rate my overall experience fishing in Panama City as average. Typically a 6 hour (half day) trip results in 2-3 hours of actual fishing. If not already included and/or given the option by your captain, purchase live bait on your way out. Bring cash for tips and live bait purchase. Fish cleaning is not included but can be processed at a reasonable priced once you return to the dock Bring sunscreen, hat, camera, sunglasses, snacks and drinks.

Amazing time to get out and enjoy fishing on the gulf coast. One thing I would say is that you should talk to your guide and ask what the best thing to go for is. They'll be able to give you more insight on what will give you the best luck!

Go with an experienced guide. They can put you on fish the only problem would be them over fishing spots. Several of the spots that we went to there were already anglers there. The red snapper were biting but trigger fish were a problem when it came to stealing bait. We also got into some dolphins that would take our fish once we caught them and were reeling them in.

We have older children 10 and 13, I wouldn't recommend an offshore trip for younger kids it does take awhile to get to the fishing locations and if they aren't good swimmers I would stay more inshore. Bring plenty of water to drink, it gets hot and you need to stay hydrated. Wear shoes with good traction, as the boat can be slippery and be ready to get splashed if the water is choppy.

In my initial review I was honest about the issues I encountered. However, not more than 30 minutes after the review posted, the Owner of the company called me to express his apology and concern. He honestly cared. I told him it is because he called that I will use his business again should the need arise. He offered to take my Wife and I out at no charge. Thank you.

It's too hot for troll fishing by mid morning.....the fish were not biting much at all. Don't expect much, and maybe you will be blessed with more. But DON'T have high hopes of catching quite a few for dinner!

Book early in your week so if the weather changes, you will have time and windows for them to shift and reschedule you. And your fish may processed the next day (depending on when you get back to dock) so plan your departure accordingly.

It was great. There were storms a few days before and it was a bit windy at the end but our captain was a pro in navigating the chop!

If you have a 7 y/o fishing for the first time, do an inshore fishing trip. The water isn’t rough, you’ll catch fish, and you’ll see plenty of wildlife and dolphins.

Wind/water conditions changed daily in the spring. Find an experienced/local Captain and he will definitely increase your success. Hurricane Fishing Charters is second to none, he’s the man!

The winds were way too strong to head out into the gulf. Fishing in the bay was fun, but we would have loved to get out there.

I gave fishing in March 3 stars because the weather not because of the Captain or deck hand. It was fun but it would’ve been more enjoying if we would’ve waited til May or June

Keep your expectations real. Make it as much about the overall experience as much as the expectations of fish.

Understand that depending on the size of the boat and what is in season, you might need to adjust your expectations but you'll have a good time regardless.

The keeper fish weren’t biting. We caught 3 that were too small to keep, but no other fish we could keep.

Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.

Not a lot in season but if you don’t care about keeping your fish then it’s loads of fun

The 6 hour trip was just right for our group of teens- very active and engaging.

Maybe attempt a booking when you are there instead way ahead of time due to weather.

If the water is cold fishing can be a little slow, but this boat and crew did a great job.