Tuna Fishing in Panama City Beach, Florida
Tuna are a prized offshore target for serious anglers in Panama City Beach. Blackfin tuna are the most common species, with occasional shots at yellowfin and skipjack. These pelagic fish are fast, powerful, and often caught while trolling or chunking near deep water and floating debris.
Where to Catch Tuna
In the Panama City Beach area, tuna are typically caught:
Well offshore near the edge of the Continental Shelf
Near floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks
Around oil rigs and deepwater structure
Most are caught while high-speed trolling or chunking with baitfish.
Best Time to Fish for Tuna
| Season | Tuna Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring | Blackfin show up around floating debris and deep edges |
| Summer | Good offshore bite continues on deep runs |
| Fall | Still active offshore into early fall |
Peak Season: April through August
Tackle & Tips
Lures: Trolling feathers, cedar plugs, and vertical jigs
Bait: Live or chunked sardines, squid, and bonito strips
Leaders: 40–80 lb fluorocarbon
Technique: Troll or drift baits around offshore structure and rips
