Panama City, Florida Bass Fishing

The Panama City, Florida, area offers great bass fishing.

Florida is one of the top states in the nation for trophy bass fishing, and even though the big lakes of South Florida and Central Florida are more popular, the Florida Panhandle also offers excellent fishing opportunities. The Panama City area, perhaps better known for its saltwater fishing, is also home to top-notch fishing for bass.

Timing

Because of its climate, bass fishing is available year-round in Florida, but spring is generally considered to be the best time for bass fishing around Panama City and across the state. The exact time of the bass spawn varies from year to year, though it is usually in April. The times before and after the spawn are often the most productive fishing periods. You can also find good bass fishing during the autumn months.

Location

Deer Point Lake is a 5,000-acre impoundment located about 5 miles north of Panama City. Fishing spots on the lake include the old creek channels of Econfina, Bear and Cedar creeks. The area where the lake connects to Bayou George also is popular, with boat docks being primary targets for fishing. There also are extensive fields of flooded cypress trees that can be hazardous to boaters but also provide cover for largemouth bass. Good bass fishing starts in February but doesn't peak until April and May.

Baits and Lures

Texas-rigged worms and other soft plastic baits are popular and can be fished around a variety of cover. Diving crankbaits and flat-sided crankbaits work well also; these lures can be fished in open water or banged off stumps and docks to attract strikes. Gold shiners are excellent as live bait and are usually hooked in the mouth or tail and fished under a bobber in areas around the edges of vegetation or other cover.

Licenses and Regulations

A maximum of five bass may be taken per person per day, only one of which can be more than 22 inches in length. For anglers fishing around Panama City or anywhere else in the state, a valid Florida fishing license is required; these can be purchased at most bait shops and sporting goods stores in the Panama City area. As of 2010, a 12-month fishing license costs $17 for Florida residents and $47 for nonresidents.

Tips

There are several bass fishing clubs in and around Panama City, including Panama City Bassmasters and the Panhandle Bass Club. Charters and guided fishing trips also are available in the area as well as bass tournaments, some of which are open to the public.

References

• Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission: Freshwater Fishing Regulations
• Bay County Florida: Deer Point Lake
• Hook 1: BASS CLUBS

Resources

• Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Panama City Bassmasters