Snook Fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida
Though historically a warmwater species limited to South Florida, snook have been showing up more frequently in the Panama City Beach area in recent years. Warmer winters have expanded their range, and they can now be caught in the bays, creeks, and around structure during the warmer months.
Where to Catch Snook
In the Panama City Beach area, snook may be caught:
Near bridges, piers, and residential docks
Inside St. Andrew Bay and tidal creeks
Around seawalls and current edges
Look for ambush points and cast live bait or slow-moving lures close to structure.
Best Time to Fish for Snook
| Season | Snook Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Increased activity near structure |
| Summer | Best time to catch snook inshore |
| Fall | Good fishing continues until water cools |
Peak Season: June through September
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Soft plastics, jerkbaits, topwater plugs
Bait: Live shrimp, pilchards, or pinfish
Leaders: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Cast near structure and retrieve slowly with the current
