Sea Trout Fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are one of the most popular inshore species in Panama City Beach. Found in bays, grass flats, and tidal creeks, they are fun to catch and prized for their table fare. Larger “gator trout” can be found in deeper channels and around structure.
Where to Catch Sea Trout
In the Panama City Beach area, sea trout are caught:
Over grass flats inside St. Andrew Bay
Near oyster bars and marshy points
In deeper channels during cooler months
Drifting with live bait or bouncing jigs produces steady bites.
Best Time to Fish for Sea Trout
| Season | Sea Trout Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Excellent fishing over grass flats and points |
| Summer | Steady action early and late in the day |
| Fall | Peak time for trophy trout in cooler water |
Peak Season: March through May and October
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Popping cork rigs, soft plastics, twitch baits
Bait: Live shrimp, pinfish, or finger mullet
Leaders: 15–25 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Cast near grass edges and slowly work bait with twitches
