Panama City fishing/No boat ?

[Welby]

I'm heading to Panama City this weekend and I was wondering if it would be worth taking a Rod and Reel to fish the surf or maybe from a pier ?
If so, Where should I try ? I would only be taking a spinning reel and a 7' pole. Not interested in taking anything very big. Any ideas ? or would I be wasting my time.....I'll be staying on Thomas Drive if that matters....Thanks in advance for any input.....

[BayGator]

St. Andrews State Park. Fish the jetties and you should catch redfish, sheephead, and maybe even a grouper. Go by Half Hitch Tackle on Thomas Drive and ask for Capt. Dan and he can give you some info on what you need to fish with. Good luck!

[leonreno]

Yeah, St. Andrews park is probably your best bet. What BayGator said, plus you will be able to catch Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish and if you are real lucky a Cobia. For Mackerel use Gotcha jigs or bubble rigs. For Cobia use live bait or large jigs. Half Hitch will have what you need and the tips for what to use.

[GAJOEY]

We stayed at the Dunes on Thomas Drive last April. It was a bit warmer but there were tons spanish about 75 yards from the beach running in big schools.I did not take a rod but I wish I had.

[Chalk]

Catching cobia and spanish now

bubble rig for spanish
cobia hmmm...only one pier in town open, good luck with getting a corner....they fight for the pier corner during cobia season and chunk lead at boats

Freelined shrimp at the jetties... maybe a lil bit of weight not much unless you like rerigging...good rig for reds, mango's and sheepies

Jetties are kinda hazardous to your health, be careful on them.

Pimps are showing up in the surf too....redfish, pimps and spanish are your best bets in the surf

If you need a lawyer or bail call me

[Welby]

Thanks for the info guys...........I hope I get a chance to try these tips. I'll post a report