Best Tripletail & Sea Trout Fishing in Panacea

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Tallahassee, FL
$500 - $600 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a fun, laid-back fishing trip in Panacea, Florida with Captain David. This 5-hour adventure is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on their light tackle skills. You'll be targeting two exciting species: Tripletail and Sea Trout. Tripletail like to hang out near floating objects, while Sea Trout prowl the shallows looking for prey. Captain David knows these waters well and will show you how to read the water, pick the right bait, and reel in your catch. It's a great chance to learn new techniques while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. With room for up to three guests, it's an ideal outing for small groups or families. Remember, this is an inshore trip, so you'll be fishing in calmer waters close to shore. Whether you're casting your first line or looking to add some new fish to your list, this Panacea fishing trip offers a perfect blend of learning and action on the water.

Best Tripletail & Sea Trout Fishing in Panacea

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Reel in Fun: Beginner Sea Trout & Tripletail Trip

Get ready to wet a line in the stunning coastal waters of Panacea, Florida! This half-day fishing adventure with Captain David is perfect for newcomers and those looking to sharpen their skills. You'll be targeting two of the area's most exciting catches - the wily sea trout and the oddball tripletail. With light tackle in hand, you'll learn the ropes of inshore fishing while soaking in the natural beauty of the Forgotten Coast. It's 5 hours of non-stop action, learning, and fun on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to fish!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard Captain David's boat, you'll feel right at home. He's got a knack for making first-timers feel like old pros. The trip kicks off with a quick rundown on safety and basic fishing techniques. Then it's off to the honey holes! You'll cruise through Panacea's maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and hidden coves - prime territory for sea trout and tripletail. The Captain's got a sixth sense for finding fish, so get ready to cast. Don't worry if you're new to this - David's patient coaching will have you setting hooks like a champ in no time. And when that first fish hits? Hold on tight! These fighters punch well above their weight class.

Fishing Know-How & Gear

Light tackle is the name of the game on this trip. You'll be using spinning reels loaded with 10-15 lb test line - perfect for feeling every nibble and head shake. For sea trout, we'll be tossing soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. It's a blast watching that cork disappear when a trout strikes! Tripletail require a different approach. We'll be sight-fishing around floating debris and channel markers. These ambush predators love to hang out near structure, so keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive silhouette. A well-placed cast with a live shrimp or artificial crab is often all it takes to entice a bite. Captain David will show you how to read the water, pick the right bait, and land your catch like a pro. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid foundation in inshore fishing techniques that you can use anywhere.

Top Catches This Season

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip yet, anglers in Panacea have been hauling in some impressive catches lately. Sea trout in the 2-3 pound range have been common, with a few gators (big trout) pushing 5 pounds or more. Tripletail action has been hot, with several fish in the 8-10 pound class brought to the boat. Remember, it's not just about size - the fight these fish put up on light tackle is what keeps folks coming back for more!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sea Trout: These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Panacea. Known for their speckled backs and tooth-lined mouths, sea trout are ambush predators that love to hang out in grass flats and around oyster bars. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round. What makes them so fun? Their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Tripletail: Don't let their weird looks fool you - tripletail are one of the most exciting fish you can target inshore. These oddball creatures get their name from their rounded fins that make them look like they have three tails. They're masters of camouflage, often floating sideways near the surface to mimic floating debris. This makes sight-fishing for them a thrilling challenge. When hooked, tripletail put up a stubborn, bulldog-like fight that'll test your light tackle skills. They're most abundant in the warmer months, but you can find them year-round in Panacea. As a bonus, they're considered one of the best-eating fish in the sea!

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or just want to experience the natural beauty of Panacea's waters, this trip has you covered. Captain David's expert guidance ensures you'll come away with new skills and great memories. With room for up to three anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with friends. Remember, the best fishing trips book up fast, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Grab your sunglasses, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a day of light tackle action in one of Florida's best-kept fishing secrets. The fish are biting in Panacea - are you ready to join them?

Learn more about the species

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite around here. They're usually 14-24 inches long and weigh 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish are ambush predators, so they love to hide and wait for prey. Spring and fall are great seasons for sea trout, but you can catch them year-round. In winter, they school up in deeper waters, up to 164 feet down. Anglers love them for their fight and their tasty, mild-flavored meat. Just be careful not to overcook it – it can get mushy fast. For best results, try using artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or plastic shrimp. Here's a local tip: if you're having trouble finding them, try trolling slowly along grass flats. Sea trout are sensitive to cold, so after a chilly spell, look for them in deeper, warmer spots.

Tripletail

Tripletail are unique fish that love to hang out near floating debris. They're usually 18 inches long, weighing 2-13 pounds, but can grow up to 3 feet and 40 pounds. You'll find them in our warm waters year-round, but summer's prime time, especially July and August. These guys are ambush predators, so look for them near the surface around weed lines or floating objects. They're a blast to catch – they put up a good fight and taste great too, similar to snapper or grouper. One local trick: when you spot a tripletail, cast past it and slowly drag your bait towards the fish. They spook easily, so stealth is key. Use shrimp, crab, or small fish as bait. Tripletail can change color to blend in with their surroundings, so keep your eyes peeled. They're becoming popular with fly fishers too, thanks to their acrobatic jumps when hooked.

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