King mackerel water off Panama City Beach
King mackerel fishing out of Panama City Beach happens in offshore Gulf waters, over artificial reefs and wrecks. From Panama City Beach, the nearest named reefs sit about 3 nautical miles south of the beach piers, and the Liberty Ship is about 10 miles offshore. Depths on the named structure run from 73 to 103 ft. For the wider set of Gulf and Atlantic species, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
- Nearest structure: Seltzer Reef and City Pier Reef, about 3 nautical miles south of their piers
- Farthest named ground: Liberty Ship, about 10 miles offshore
- Depth span: 73 to 103 ft across the named reefs and wrecks
- Managed by: Bay County and FWC, which fund and place much of the artificial reef structure
Reefs and wrecks that hold kings near Panama City Beach
The grounds below are ordered by depth and distance, with the shallow, near ones first.
| Ground | Type | Depth (ft) | Distance/Landmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seltzer Reef | Reef | About 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier | |
| City Pier Reef | Reef | About 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park | |
| SAARS D Super Reefs | Modules | 74 (modules rest at 73 to 75) | |
| DuPont Modules 1 to 11 | Modules | Bay County | |
| Black Bart | Oilfield supply ship wreck | 75 | |
| Liberty Ship | 441 ft WWII wreck | 100 | About 10 miles offshore |
| El Dorado | Cruise ship wreck | 103 | |
| USS Strength | Minesweeper wreck |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Verify every position on official charts before running.
Pier reefs about 3 nautical miles out
Seltzer Reef sits about 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier, and City Pier Reef sits about 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park. They are the shortest runs on the list.
SAARS D Super Reefs and DuPont Modules
The SAARS D Super Reefs are five 18-ft modules (the BC2015 sets are 17 to 21) in 74 ft, with the modules resting at 73 to 75 ft. The DuPont Modules are Modules 1 to 11 in Bay County, funded by FWC in 2012.
Wrecks from 75 to 103 feet
Four wrecks make up the deeper end of the list, in depth order:
- Black Bart is an oilfield supply ship wreck in 75 ft.
- The Liberty Ship is a 441 ft WWII wreck in 100 ft, about 10 miles offshore.
- El Dorado is a cruise ship wreck in 103 ft, the deepest on the list.
- USS Strength is a minesweeper wreck.
Anglers chasing kingfish can work these from shallow to deep as a single day’s route.
Timing and tactics
The king mackerel fishing guide covers seasonal movement, water temperature, and rigging. The regional migration picture is in the piece on king mackerel in the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide). Use the depths above to decide which structure to check first.
Who fishes kings out of Panama City Beach
Reel Groovy Experiences lists king mackerel. It runs a 43 ft boat named Reel GRooV, and its captain is Gary Ray.
FAQ: king mackerel fishing out of Panama City Beach
How deep is the Liberty Ship?
100 ft. It is a 441 ft WWII wreck about 10 miles offshore.
What is the closest reef to the beach?
Seltzer Reef and City Pier Reef each sit about 3 nautical miles south of their piers. Seltzer Reef is south of the M.B. Miller County Pier, and City Pier Reef is south of the city pier at Pier Park.
How deep are the SAARS D Super Reefs?
74 ft, with modules resting at 73 to 75 ft. The site is five 18-ft modules.
Which wreck is deepest?
El Dorado, a cruise ship wreck in 103 ft.
Who runs king mackerel trips here?
Reel Groovy Experiences lists king mackerel. It runs the 43 ft Reel GRooV, and its captain is Gary Ray.
Where are the rules?
FWC sets the state rules. State and federal rules can both apply depending on where you fish, so check them in the regulations section above before fishing.
