Reel in the Thrills: PCB Fishing Rodeo Makes a Big Splash in Panama City Beach 2026

PCB Fishing Rodeo Returns to Panama City Beach October 3–11, 2026

Nine days of fishing, diving, family activities and big prizes will help support artificial reefs in Bay County waters.

Frank Gotaas

Sep 28, 2026

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Fall fishing season is about to get even more exciting in Panama City Beach. The 4th Annual Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo returns October 3–11, 2026, bringing nine days of competition, daily weigh-ins and family-friendly activities to Capt. Anderson’s Marina on Grand Lagoon.

Hosted by the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA), this year’s rodeo will feature $32,000 in cash prizes and a wide range of divisions designed to include experienced offshore anglers as well as recreational fishermen, divers and those fishing closer to shore.

A Fishing Rodeo for Just About Everyone

One of the things that makes the PCB Fishing Rodeo different from a traditional offshore tournament is the number of ways people can participate.

Competition includes Bluewater, recreational and charter fishing, recreational and charter diving, head boats and land-based fishing. Land-based anglers can participate from places such as piers, jetties and kayaks. Species featured during the competition include popular Gulf Coast catches such as grouper, wahoo, redfish, flounder and many others.

Tournament fishing officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, October 3.

Even if you aren't competing, there is plenty to see. The public can stop by the marina to watch anglers bring their catches to the scales. Scales will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with daily prizes scheduled to be awarded shortly after the scales close. On the final day, Sunday, October 11, the scales close at 5 p.m., followed by the closing ceremony and tournament awards.

Free Kids Fishing Clinic Opens the Rodeo

Saturday's opening-day festivities will include a special event for young anglers.

The Jim Krawczynski Kids Fishing Clinic will be held Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free clinic was named in memory of Jim Krawczynski, former owner of Panama City's well-known Blue Top Waffle Shop.

Kids will have opportunities to learn basic fishing skills including casting, baiting and knot tying. Activities are also scheduled to include a marine touch tank, casting challenges, children's activities and a bounce house. Participating children will receive a free rod and reel, courtesy of Tarpon Dock Seafood and Half Hitch Tackle.

Fishing for a Bigger Purpose

The rodeo isn't only about landing the biggest fish.

BCARA says the PCB Fishing Rodeo became its premier fundraising initiative following the organization's official merger with the rodeo in 2026. Proceeds help support the creation and deployment of artificial reefs in Bay County waters, along with marine education funding for local schools. Artificial reefs provide additional habitat for marine life while helping support the area's recreational fishing and diving community.

The mandatory Captain's Meeting and kickoff party takes place Friday, October 2, at Capt. Anderson's Event Center before competition begins the following morning.

To get a bite to eat, checkout Capt. Anderson's Restaurant.

For registration, tournament rules, divisions and the latest schedule, visit the official PCB Fishing Rodeo website at pcbfishingrodeo.com.

Coming Up: PCB Seafood Festival

The Fishing Rodeo gets even bigger during its final weekend when the PCB Seafood Festival returns October 9–11, 2026, also at Capt. Anderson's Marina. The three-day waterfront celebration will feature fresh seafood, more than 80 vendors, live entertainment, family activities and Sunday night fireworks, all while the final days of the Fishing Rodeo are underway.

Stay tuned to Panama City Spotlight — we'll have a complete PCB Seafood Festival article coming next with everything you need to know before you go.

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