Yellowfin tuna out of Panama City Beach
Yellowfin fishing out of Panama City Beach is an offshore Gulf fishery with an active tournament scene. The largest tuna weighed here is a 236.5 lb yellowfin. Boats run into offshore Gulf waters, and along the way there are named reefs and wrecks with known depths and distances.
This page covers those reefs and wrecks, how tournaments shape the fishery, and where the rules sit. It is written for owner-operators running their own boats.
When the fish are here
The largest tuna weighed out of Panama City Beach is a 236.5 lb yellowfin, and local tournament teams use it as the benchmark for a big fish. Our yellowfin tuna guide covers size, range and water temperature.
Where boats run
Yellowfin boats out of Panama City Beach run to offshore Gulf waters. Our Gulf of Mexico yellowfin guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide) has the regional picture of the run and the grounds.
How it is fished here
Fishing here is mostly tournament fishing. Owner-operators and teams from this port weigh their yellowfin against the 236.5 lb mark. For method detail, see our tuna fishing guides.
Named reefs and wrecks off Panama City Beach
Named structure off the port starts with pier-referenced reefs about 3 nautical miles out and extends to the Liberty Ship, about 10 miles offshore. Owner-operators pass it on the way out.
Pier reefs
Two reefs take their position from the piers:
- Seltzer Reef: About 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier.
- City Pier Reef: About 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park.
If you trailer in from out of town, the piers give you a shore reference for both.
Reef modules
- SAARS D Super Reefs: Five 18-ft modules, BC2015 sets 17 to 21, in 74 ft. The modules rest at 73 to 75 ft.
- DuPont Modules 1 to 11: Bay County, FWC-funded 2012.
Wrecks
- Liberty Ship: A 441 ft WWII wreck in 100 ft, about 10 miles offshore.
- El Dorado: A cruise ship wreck at 103 ft.
- Black Bart: An oilfield supply ship wreck at 75 ft.
- USS Strength: A minesweeper wreck.
| Name | Type | Depth (ft) | Location as given |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAARS D Super Reefs (BC2015 sets 17 to 21) | 5 reef modules, 18 ft | 74 (modules at 73 to 75) | |
| Seltzer Reef | Reef | About 3 nm south of M.B. Miller County Pier | |
| City Pier Reef | Reef | About 3 nm south of the city pier at Pier Park | |
| DuPont Modules 1 to 11 | Reef modules (Bay County, FWC-funded 2012) | ||
| El Dorado | Cruise ship wreck | 103 | |
| Black Bart | Oilfield supply ship wreck | 75 | |
| USS Strength | Minesweeper wreck | ||
| Liberty Ship | 441 ft WWII wreck | 100 | About 10 miles offshore |
Check these reefs and wrecks against the Chart Contours layer in the app before you plan a route. Chart layers are not for navigation.
FAQ about yellowfin tuna out of Panama City Beach
What is the largest yellowfin weighed out of Panama City Beach?
The benchmark is 236.5 lb, the largest tuna weighed at the port, and it is a yellowfin.
How far offshore is the Liberty Ship wreck?
The Liberty Ship is about 10 miles offshore, in 100 ft. It is a 441 ft WWII wreck.
Where are Seltzer Reef and City Pier Reef?
Seltzer Reef is about 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier. City Pier Reef is about 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park.
How deep are the SAARS D Super Reefs?
The modules rest at 73 to 75 ft, in 74 ft of water. There are five 18-ft modules, BC2015 sets 17 to 21.
Where do I find the rules for yellowfin out of Panama City Beach?
Check FWC for state rules and NOAA Fisheries for federal rules before you fish. The Regulations section above points to both.
