Photo via Google Places
M.B. Miller County Pier:
The M.B. Miller County Pier reaches about 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico on the west end of Panama City Beach, making it one of the longest piers on the Gulf. The current concrete structure was rebuilt and reopened in 2010 after Hurricane Dennis destroyed the original 1961 pier, and it was built to stand up to whatever the Gulf sends next.
Anglers come for the variety. Depending on the season you’ll see cobia, king and Spanish mackerel, flounder, pompano, hardtails and sharks pulled over the rail, with locals fishing for non-protected sharks after dark under turtle-friendly lighting. Fishing is generally best at dawn and dusk during active bait runs.
A bait and tackle shop at the front of the pier handles rod rentals, bait and supplies, so you can show up empty-handed and still fish. Restrooms sit at the entrance and again at the midpoint, and there’s no shade out on the deck, so come ready for the Gulf sun. Parking is paid in the lot out front, with free overflow across the street at Pier Park.
Even if you’re not fishing, the walk is worth it. People come out for sunrise and sunset, and it’s common to spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays and pelicans from the rail.
Popular Species
Gulf Coast Mix
Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano, Hardtails, Sharks
Fishing Pass
Pay & Fish
Walk-on about $4; fishing pass about $7 and includes your Florida saltwater license. Rod rentals and bait on site.
Local Note
One of the Longest
About 1,500 feet of concrete on the Gulf, rebuilt in 2010 to replace the 1961 original. Managed by Bay County.
Fishing at M.B. Miller County Pier
Work the deeper water near the end for mackerel, cobia and sharks, and fish closer in around the pilings for pompano, whiting and flounder. Cigar minnows, shrimp, squid, sand fleas and Gotcha plugs are the local go-tos. Mornings and evenings during bait runs are prime, and night fishing for sharks is popular under the pier’s turtle-safe lights.
Length
1,500 feet
Hours
Open daily, year-round
Walk-On
~$4
Fishing Fee
~$7 (license incl.)
Structure
Concrete
Lights
Yes — turtle friendly
Bait Shop
Yes, on pier
License
Included
Tide Forecast
Tides shown for the nearest NOAA station — a planning guide. Always confirm conditions before you head out.
Before You Fish
- No separate fishing license needed — it’s included with the paid fishing pass (about $7). Walk-on pass runs about $4.
- Fees and hours change; confirm current rates at the bait shop before you go.
- Rod rentals, bait, tackle, ice and drinks available at the shop by the entrance.
- Restrooms at the entrance and midpoint. No shade on the deck — bring sun protection and water.
- Parking is paid in the pier lot ($2/hour or $12/day); free across the street at Pier Park. Bay County residents can apply for a free permit.
- Dogs aren’t allowed on the pier, but Dog Beach is right next door.
- Follow FWC regulations and release undersized or protected fish.
Plan Your Visit
12213 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
One of the longest piers on the Gulf at ~1,500 feet. Walk-on about $4, fishing pass about $7 with license included. Open year-round.