PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – Wayne Foster didn\u2019t come to Panama City Beach expecting a quiet morning on the water. <\/p>\n
In town from South Florida for a family gathering, he planned a small fishing contest with relatives at Frank Brown Park. But when the group scattered, Foster still found the perfect way to spend his Saturday: fishing alongside his uncle. <\/p>\n
\u201cGetting that big fish, the most fish, whichever one comes first,\u201d Foster said, describing the friendly competition that runs in his family.<\/p>\n
Foster has been fishing most of his life. \u201cEver since I was probably about four or five,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Their outing coincided with Florida\u2019s freshwater license-free weekend, a statewide opportunity that lets residents and visitors fish in freshwater without purchasing a license. The goal is to make it easier for young adults, first-time anglers and families to try the sport with no permit required. <\/p>\n
For Foster, it meant grabbing a rod and \u201ctrying to catch the tail end of it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
At first, the bite was slow.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday hasn\u2019t been my day for some unknown reason,\u201d Foster said.<\/p>\n
Then things turned quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, he just caught one in my line,\u201d Foster said, jumping in to help his uncle as the fish hit.<\/p>\n
A spotted bass soon came out of the pond, proof that even a quiet morning can turn into a memorable one.<\/p>\n
After insisting it wasn\u2019t his day, Foster landed another fish moments later.<\/p>\n
He said fishing offers more than just the thrill of a catch.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a peace of mind and just, you know, the competition, the camaraderie\u2026 getting other people involved and just having a lot of fun,\u201d Foster said.<\/p>\n
The last day to fish without a license is Sunday. <\/p>\n
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app<\/a>, and check out what\u2019s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n