Red snapper fishing out of Panama City Beach happens over natural and artificial reefs at about 60 to 200 ft. The nearshore reefs sit about 3 nm south of the beach piers, and the wrecks run deeper and farther out. This page lists the named grounds off this port, each with its type, depth and distance where those are known. For the general picture and seasonal behavior of the species, see our red snapper guide for the Gulf. Harvest dates are on the regulations pages linked below. Region-wide coverage is in the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
How far boats run out of Panama City Beach
Grounds off this port run about 60 to 200 ft deep, and the nearshore reefs sit in about 60 ft of water.
St. Andrew Bay Pass is the reference point for the run. The SAARS D Super Reefs sit about 11 nm west of the pass and about 3 nm south of the Panama City Beach pier. Ramps, the inlet and conditions are on our Panama City Beach port page.
The run builds in steps:
- Nearshore reefs and modules sit off the piers.
- The deeper wrecks reach about 100 ft and more.
- The Liberty Ship lies about 10 miles offshore.
Reefs and wrecks that hold red snapper
These are the named reefs and wrecks off Panama City Beach, nearshore first.
| Site | Type | Depth | Location reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAARS D Super Reefs | Artificial reef modules | 74 ft | About 3 nm south of the Panama City Beach pier; about 11 nm west of St. Andrew Bay Pass |
| Seltzer Reef | Artificial reef | About 3 nm south of the M.B. Miller County Pier | |
| City Pier Reef | Artificial reef | About 3 nm south of the city pier at Pier Park | |
| DuPont Modules 1 to 11 | Reef modules | ||
| Black Bart | Oilfield supply ship wreck | 75 ft | |
| El Dorado | Cruise ship wreck | 103 ft | |
| Liberty Ship | 441 ft WWII wreck | 100 ft | About 10 miles offshore |
| USS Strength | Minesweeper wreck |
Chart positions here are not for navigation.
SAARS D Super Reefs
SAARS D is a set of artificial reef modules at 74 ft: five 18-ft modules, BC2015 sets 17 to 21, resting at 73 to 75 ft. It sits about 3 nm south of the Panama City Beach pier and about 11 nm west of St. Andrew Bay Pass.
Seltzer Reef
Seltzer Reef is an artificial reef about 3 nautical miles south of the M.B. Miller County Pier.
City Pier Reef
City Pier Reef is an artificial reef about 3 nautical miles south of the city pier at Pier Park.
DuPont Modules 1 to 11
The DuPont Modules are Bay County reef modules, funded by FWC in 2012.
Black Bart
Black Bart is an oilfield supply ship wreck at 75 ft.
El Dorado
El Dorado is a cruise ship wreck at 103 ft.
Liberty Ship
The Liberty Ship is a 441 ft WWII wreck in 100 ft of water, about 10 miles offshore.
USS Strength
USS Strength is a minesweeper wreck.
How red snapper are fished here
Local anglers bottom fish over reefs and wrecks, from head boats, private charters and private boats. Technique for reef species is in our reef fish guides.
Who fishes red snapper from this port
Head boats and charters work the same grounds:
- Captain Anderson’s Marina runs head boats.
- Reel Groovy Experiences runs the 43 ft Reel GRooV with Capt. Gary Ray.
- Hook’em Up Charters runs three vessels for groups of 6 to 28 passengers.
FAQ about red snapper off Panama City Beach
How deep are the reefs off Panama City Beach?
Grounds run about 60 to 200 ft. Nearshore reefs sit at about 60 ft, and SAARS D sits at 74 ft.
How far is SAARS D from St. Andrew Bay Pass?
SAARS D sits about 11 nm west of the pass and about 3 nm south of the Panama City Beach pier.
How deep is the El Dorado wreck?
El Dorado, a cruise ship wreck, lies at 103 ft.
How is red snapper fished out of Panama City Beach?
Anglers bottom fish over reefs and wrecks, from head boats, private charters and private boats.
Where are the red snapper rules for this port?
FWC sets the Florida rules, and federal rules apply farther out. Check both before you fish.
