Save $10.00
Port guide / Florida Panhandle / Florida
Panacea fishing guide
Panacea is a Wakulla County fishing village on Dickerson Bay, next to Ochlockonee Bay on the west side of Apalachee Bay. Most of the fishing is shallow: the Dickerson Bay, Levy Bay and Piney Island estuaries are grass flats, oyster bars and marsh for redfish, trout and flounder, with grouper and snapper farther out in the Gulf. The difference from Carrabelle, the nearest guide: Panacea sits in FWC's Big Bend Region, so seatrout harvest stays open all year instead of closing in February, and the county ramps run on a Wakulla County launch permit rather than city fees.
10 ft, conditions now
Conditions now
Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.
Today’s bite
A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.
Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.
Tides
- Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.
On the water now
- Water
- Checking
- Wind
- Checking
Marine forecast
Loading the National Weather Service forecast.
7 day forecast
National Weather Service, for Panacea. Updates through the day.
- Loading the 7 day forecast.
NOAA tides, Panacea, Dickerson Bay, FL (opens in a new tab) NOAA station Apalachicola, FL (opens in a new tab) NWS 7 day forecast (opens in a new tab) NWS marine forecast, Apalachee Bay or Coastal Waters From Keaton Beach to Ochlockonee River FL out to 20 NM (opens in a new tab)
12 ft, the chart
Chart and depths
The official NOAA chart, centered on Panacea. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.
The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.
15 ft, fishing reports
Fishing reports
What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.
Latest reports
From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.
- We have not found a report source that posts online for this water yet.
Report sources: Captain Experiences Saint Marks River region guide reports (opens in a new tab)
Straight from the dock
Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.
Checking for reports.
20 ft, what is biting
What is biting, month by month
When each fish is at its best around Panacea. This month is marked.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good |
| Speckled trout | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good |
| Flounder | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Black drum | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Sheepshead | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Cobia | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Slow | Slow |
| Tripletail | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Tarpon | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Slow |
| Gag grouper | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Red snapper | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Slow | Slow |
Redfish
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
Work the Dickerson Bay, Levy Bay and Piney Island estuaries, which the county tourism office calls the best flats fishing on the Forgotten Coast; harvest is open all year in the Big Bend Region.
Speckled trout
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
Fished on the grass flats from spring runs through winter, and unlike Carrabelle there is no February closure because Panacea is in the Big Bend Region.
Flounder
Peak: May, June, July
A shallow flats and estuary fish in spring and summer; harvest closes Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
Black drum
Peak: May, June, July
Listed by Visit Wakulla as an inshore target in spring, fall and winter, so it fills the cold months when other fish slow down.
Sheepshead
Peak: May, June, July
Paired with black drum on the county's spring, fall and winter inshore list; fish structure and oyster bars.
Cobia
Peak: April, May, June
A spring through fall inshore visitor in Wakulla County waters, best April to June.
Tripletail
Peak: May, June, July, August
A summer and fall inshore target, best May through August.
Tarpon
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
A summer inshore fish here, best May through September.
Gag grouper
Peak: May, June, July
Caught farther out in the Gulf, but in 2026 harvest was open only Sept. 1 to 30.
Red snapper
Peak: May, June, July, August
An offshore Gulf fish for Wakulla boats; after Oct. 22 the 2026 private season is open only on set weekend and holiday dates through Jan. 4, 2027.
30 ft, seasons and rules
Seasons and rules
Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.
Red snapper, private recreational, Gulf state and federal waters
Summer season May 22 to July 31 daily. Fall season Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 daily, Oct. 9 to 22 daily, then Oct. 23 to 25, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22, Nov. 26 to 29, Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20, Dec. 25 to 27, and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027. Also applies to charter boats without a federal permit fishing Florida Gulf state waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, federal for-hire (charter boats with a federal reef fish permit)
Opened 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2026 and closed 12:01 a.m. Oct. 26, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Gulf state and federal waters
Open Sept. 1 to 30, 2026; harvest closed Oct. 1 for the rest of the year.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red, black and scamp grouper, Gulf
Open year-round in state waters; in federal waters closed Feb. 1 to March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Greater amberjack, Gulf state waters
Open Sept. 1 through Oct. 13 and closed at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 14, matching adjacent federal waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gray triggerfish, Gulf state and federal waters
Open March 1 to May 31 and Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Flounder, state and federal waters off Florida
Closed every year Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Spotted seatrout, Big Bend Region (includes Ochlockonee Bay and waters east of 84 degrees 20.8 minutes west)
Open year-round.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red drum, Big Bend Region (includes Ochlockonee Bay)
Open year-round.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Bay scallops, Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County zone
Open July 1 through Sept. 24. The zone runs from St. Vincent Island to Rock Island near the Fenholloway River and includes Wakulla County waters.
FWC, 2026 season as listed by FWC Official page (opens in a new tab)
40 ft, where to fish
Where to fish
- Flats
Dickerson Bay, Levy Bay and Piney Island estuaries
The shallow estuaries reached from Panacea that the county tourism office calls the best flats fishing on the Forgotten Coast.
- Marsh
Levy Bay marsh
Brackish marsh around the Levy Bay Road ramp holds trout and redfish, and kids can catch minnows from shore.
- Bay
Ochlockonee Bay
The bay just south of town; FWC counts it in the Big Bend Region for both redfish and seatrout.
- Beach
Mashes Sands Beach
A secluded beach surrounded by salt marsh that the county lists as a good place to fish or watch the sunset, with a mobi-mat to the waterline.
- Offshore
Apalachee Bay and Gulf offshore
Farther out in the Gulf, Wakulla boats target grouper, red snapper, triggerfish and, in summer, king mackerel and mahi.
50 ft, launch and piers
Ramps and piers
Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.
| Name | Type | Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Landing Boat Ramp (Wakulla County) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | Rock Landing St., Panacea, FL |
| Levy Bay Boat Ramp (Wakulla County) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | Levy Bay Rd., Panacea, FL |
| Mash Island Park Boat Ramp (Wakulla County) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | Mashes Sands Rd, Ochlockonee Bay, FL |
| Bottoms Road Boat Ramp (Wakulla County) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | Bottoms Rd, Panacea, FL |
| ROHO Boat Ramp (Wakulla County) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | Surf Road, Panacea, FL |
60 ft, bait, tackle and charters
Bait, tackle and charters
Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.
Bait and tackle (4)
Showing all 4 shops
- Bait and tackleLive bait
Crum's Mini Mall
Bait: live bait, frozen bait
1321 Coastal Highway, Panacea, FL 32346
Locally owned for forty years on Highway 98 with over 3,000 rods in stock, marine hardware and gas and diesel; opens 5:30 am every day.
- Marina
Rock Landing Marina
99 Rock Landing Rd, Panacea, FL 32346
Ship's Store with bait, fuel, oil and ice; boats stored at the marina can be launched and stocked on request.
- Store
Tide Creek Coastal Market
49 Coastal Hwy, Panacea, FL 32346
Market on Coastal Highway with bait and tackle, food, produce and a large beer selection.
- Bait and tackle
AMS Marine Supply
Bait: fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp, crickets, worms, fresh minnows, frozen minnows, frozen mackerel, frozen mullet, frozen squid
3026 Coastal Hwy, Crawfordville, FL
Bait shop and marine store open since 1987 with saltwater tackle, rods and reels, trailer supplies and safety gear, on Coastal Highway north of Panacea.
Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.
Charters and guides
| Charter | Fishing |
|---|---|
| Nichols Charters (Capt. Brandon Nichols) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
| Coast Runner Outfitters (Capt. Donny Miley) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
| Tripl3 Threat Fishing Charters (Capt. John Hurst) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Viking Coastal Charters (Capt. Leif) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Fightin' Bottom Charters (Capt. Case White) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
70 ft, on the calendar
Tournaments and events
Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.
Gage Pitman Memorial Rockin' Reds Fishing Tournament (opens in a new tab)
June
2026: June 12 to 14 (weigh-ins at Woolley Park, Panacea)Kids Fishing Derby (Visit Panacea) (opens in a new tab)
late August
2026: August 29 (Woolley Park, ages 3 to 15)Panacea Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament (opens in a new tab)
September
2026: September 12 to 13 (16th annual, weigh-in at Woolley Park)Panacea Blue Crab Festival (opens in a new tab)
September in 2026
2026: September 26 (48th annual, Woolley Park)
80 ft, asked and answered
Fishing Panacea, asked and answered
Do the boat ramps around Panacea charge a fee?
Yes. Wakulla County ramps including Rock Landing, Levy Bay, Mash Island, Bottoms Road and ROHO require a county boat launch permit, either a daily permit paid at the ramp or an annual permit. Crum's Mini Mall in Panacea is one of the places that takes annual permit applications.
Where can I get live bait in Panacea?
Crum's Mini Mall on Coastal Highway sells live and frozen bait and opens at 5:30 am. Rock Landing Marina's ship's store and Tide Creek Coastal Market also carry bait.
Can I keep a speckled trout in February near Panacea?
Yes. Panacea and Ochlockonee Bay are in FWC's Big Bend Region, where seatrout season is open year-round. The February closure applies to the Panhandle Region, which ends near Alligator Point.
When is scallop season near Panacea in 2026?
FWC lists July 1 through Sept. 24 for the Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County zone, which covers Wakulla County waters.
When is the best time to fish Panacea for redfish and trout?
The fishing calendar for Panacea rates both as great from May through September and good the rest of the year. The flats in Dickerson Bay, Levy Bay and around Piney Island are the places to start.
What fishing tournaments are held in Panacea?
The Rockin' Reds tournament ran June 12 to 14 in 2026, the Kids Fishing Derby on Aug. 29, and the 16th Rock the Dock tournament on Sept. 12 to 13, all weighing in at Woolley Park.
90 ft, the kit
What we would take to Panacea
Sources for this guide (23), last checked 2026-10-27
- captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/panacea/seasonality (opens in a new tab)
- crumsminimall.com/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/flounder/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/red-drum/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/gray-triggerfish-0226/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/greater-amberjack-0826/ (opens in a new tab)
- fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-gulf-america-red-snapper-recreat (opens in a new tab)
- mywakulla.com/departments/parks/boat_ramps.php (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places/ams-marine-supply/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places/levy-bay-road-ramp/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places/rock-landing-marina/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places/tide-creek-coastal-market/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places_categories/fishing-charters/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places_categories/fishing-charters/page/2/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places_categories/fishing-charters/page/3/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/places_categories/fishing-charters/page/4/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/things-to-do/fishing-charters/ (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/wp-json/tribe/events/v1/events?start_date=2026-01-01&end_date=2027-12-31& (opens in a new tab)
- visitwakulla.com/wp-json/tribe/events/v1/events?start_date=2026-01-01&end_date=2027-12-31& (opens in a new tab)
100 ft, the seabed
Gear up for Panacea
UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.