Recreation

Shell Island

A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, Shell Island is an approximately 7-mile long undeveloped barrier island running east to west between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Andrew Bay. Here you will find Florida at its most natural, where graceful sand dunes, coastal scrub forest, pine hammocks, and an inland lake provide the perfect home for deer, nesting shorebirds, and all manner of coastal creatures, including ghost crabs and endangered species such as Choctawhatchee Beach Mice, piping plovers, snowy plovers, as well as loggerhead and green sea turtles.

Shell Island is a natural environment, which means there are no concession stands, no restroom facilities, and no picnic tables, trash receptacles or shaded pavilions. If you go, go prepared, and please take out everything you brought in. While Shell Island was named for the abundance of shells found here, in the more heavily trafficked parts of the island, shells are few and far between, since so many beachcombers are on the hunt for prize shells.

Getting there: There are numerous tour boats that take passengers to Shell Island, including a Shell Island Shuttle that runs the short distance between mainland St. Andrews State Park and the island, and the PCB Shell Island Express Ferry from Capt. Anderson’s Marina. During peak summer season shuttles run 7 days a week. Off season schedules vary, so be sure to call ahead and check.

Panama City Beach Piers

Panama City Beach offers fishermen four great fishing piers to choose from – three that reach far out into the Gulf of Mexico, and 1 that offers anglers a chance to cast their line into the Grand Lagoon.

The two most prominent fishing piers in Panama City Beach are the identical Russell-Fields Pier and the M.B. Miller Pier, often referred to as the City Pier and the County Pier. Constructed within a year of each other (completed in 2009 and 2010), these two concrete piers are built to resist hurricane damage, and are the longest twin fishing piers on the Gulf of Mexico, stretching some 1,500 feet into excellent fishing grounds! Fish caught in season: Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red fish, Blues, Blue liners, Pompano, Flounder, Hardtails and other varieties. Rod rentals, bait and tackle are available on site.

In addition to fishermen, the piers are popular with spectators as well, who enjoy walking out over the water, witnessing some amazing catches, or just enjoying the unique view of the beach and the clear emerald waters swirling around the pilings of the piers.

The cost to fish from either pier is $6. This price includes your daily fishing license, and discounts are available for seniors, military, and disabled persons. Children 6 years of age and under are free, and seasonal or annual passes are also available. Spectators to the Russell-Fields Pier pay $3 for a day pass, while the M.B. Miller Pier charges $2 per day for spectators. Passes purchased for one of these piers can be used at either.

St. Andrews State Park offers two fishing piers, one (The Tiller Pier) on the Gulf Side, and the other fishing pier gives fishermen access to the protected waters of the Grand Lagoon. Fishing or walking on these piers is free, although there is a charge to enter the state park.

Fishing

Bay County is famous for its waters and is the perfect place to find a fishing charter. The turquoise depths off our sandy shores are home to a vast array of wildlife.

Whether you are interested in deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, or sitting on a pier in St. Andrew Bay, you’ll be delighted with the catch you reel in. Both novice anglers and old pros are sure to enjoy the salt and freshwater options in the region.

Help from the pros:

No matter the size of your group or level of experience, Bay County has the right fishing charter boat for you. With an array of local companies to choose from, these professional guides have the expertise and gear you seek, and many can also provide fishing licenses. Take the hassle out of your vacation by leaving the planning to the experts who know the area and can lead you to the best results. Due to their decades of experience, chartering a fishing boat is the smart approach for a memorable day on the water and the catch to show for it.

Are you planning to fly fish, spearfish or cast a wide net? Are you on the hunt for a prized trophy? Your family may enjoy the calmer waters of St. Andrew Bay, while the sportsman is best suited for the gulf. Bay County is visited by avid fishermen from all over the globe due to the variety of species and conditions available in one area.

For instance, this is the place to be if you want to catch your own bait. You can also enjoy bottom fishing around our natural and man-made reefs for fish such as Snapper, Groupers and Amberjack. If you are interested in trolling, you could catch anything from King Mackerel to Redfish to Bluefish. Fly fishermen head to the gulf for Spanish Mackerel or Cobia and to the bay for Ladyfish and Speckled Trout. Sports fishing is for those brave souls interested in bagging a Marlin, Tuna or even a shark! In Bay County, the fisherman is spoiled for choice.

Beyond the types of fishing available, our range of fishing charters naturally includes a range of boats. There is something for everyone, with possible excursions ranging from a couple hours to a couple days. Do you picture yourself on an intimate vessel, with little separating you from the waves? Or are you seeking a luxury experience, perfect for a large group and days at sea? Whatever you want, we’re sure to have it. Boats can be found in a wide range of sizes and amenities.

Most professional charter fishing companies will provide a fishing license for their customers. However, visitors can also obtain a short-term fishing license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information, visit myfwc.com/license/.

Bay County Shooting Range

10900 Steelfield Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-233-5005

The Bay County Shooting Range features supervised rifle and handgun ranges, as well as sporting clays and 5-stand. The range was established in 2014 by Bay County to provide its citizens a place to gain skills and knowledge for safe, responsible firearms handling and target shooting. It was developed through the vision of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. Contributing partners include the National Rifle Association and the FWC.

Amenities include:

• 6-position 300-yard rifle range
• 16-position 100-yard rifle range
• 10-position 50-yard rifle/handgun range
• 14-position 50-foot and 21-foot handgun range
• Automated 18-station sporting clays course
• Automated 5-stand sporting clays field
• Target frames on the rifle and handgun ranges are provided. Shooters must bring targets to attach to the center of the frames, or they can purchase targets in the concession store.
• Concession store has restrooms and drinking water, eye and ear protection, ammunition and other convenience items for sale. Rental shotguns and clay carts are available for the sporting clays course.