By Joseph Kemp

Panama City’s landmark, Deer Point Dam, is one of the area’s most popular recreational sites for fishing, swimming and boating.

There are many different places to fish in the dam area. You can fish off the dam catwalk, all along the shoreline and off a pier. They are all great places to cast a line, or you can get yourself a boat. Some of the area’s best flounder fishing is done in Deer Point and you’ll find many locals fishing or swimming at the park at all times of the day.

For the little ones who may not enjoy fishing just yet, there’s a park on site with all the amenities a kid could ask for – like swings, slides and monkey bars. You can have an old-fashioned family picnic in the park on one of the many picnic tables that line the park.

If you do like to fish for brim, to flounder, or to try to hook a bass, there’s hardly a better spot to do it. The catwalk lines the length of the dam, on the bay side, and gives you a great chance to hook a few.

The smooth and calm waters offer boaters a tranquil moment to cast a few lines. The scenery is great, and nothing beats a beautiful day on the water. If you are under stress, this is a great way to just get away from it all without having to spend a lot of cash and traveling thousands of miles.

Along the bayside is a pier that extends out into the bay, which is picture perfect for fishing. You can pick your own spot down the pier and spend a day reeling them in one after the other.

For the kids, there’s a swimming area and a fully equipped playground for them to enjoy. The park is safe and clean, and the kids will truly have a great time splashing about in the lake. Be sure to pack your lunch for a classic picnic. It’s the stuff family memories are made of.

The Deer Point Dam is located on 2321 and the fishing areas are open year round. Be sure to come out for a great time.