Panama Fishing is an Angler’s Dream

When we came to Panama early in the decade, we had read about how fantastic the Panama fishing was. At the beginning it was the marlin fishing, that was the big draw. Over time, we’ve learned to appreciate the yellowfin tuna fishing almost as much as the hunt for the ‘man in the blue suit’. And a good fight with a pez gallo out near one of the picture perfect Panama islands makes for the kind of day a fisherman dreams about. Roosterfish in Panama are an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. (more…)

Panama Charter Fishing — This is not Palm Beach

Panama charter fishing is a lot different from the kind of fishing where you hire a boat for a day or two in a well-established resort environment. Here in the western-most province of Chiriqui where the vast majority of fishing operations make their home, you are definitely going to have to work a bit to make it happen. This is not Los Suenos or Cabo. But the fishing is undeniably exceptional and worth the effort.(more…)

Roosterfish in Panama — the Perky Pez Gallo

Anglers tend to use one word to describe catching a Roosterfish in Panama and that is FUN! This remarkable fish put up one mean fight and gives everything its got until the bitter end.  This fish is also beautiful to see with its dramatic striped body and rakish “comb” of seven long spines radiating from the dorsal fin. Roosterfish in Panama

"Pez Gallo" or Roosterfish

can reach four feet in length and over a hundred pounds and are a member of the jack family. The IGFA all-tackle record for the fish is 114 pounds. Roosterfish in Panama are commonly caught in the 50 pound range near the rocky inshore islands of the Chiriqui Gulf where they prey on abundant bait fish. It is also possible to catch Roosters casting surface-lures from shore in the right areas. Shore-caught fish tend to be smaller than those found around the islands. (more…)

Panama Islands — Paradise Found

No discussion of fishing in the Chiriquí Gulf would be complete without a description of Panama islands that provide such a rich habitat for the many species that congregate here. In addition, the islands provide a feast for the eyes as well as a challenge for the skipper making a trip offshore from Boca Chica a varied and interesting experience all around. Anglers who have spent many days fishing an endless expanse of monotonous water will appreciate a seascape that provides so many beautiful vistas. (more…)

Panama Marlin Fishing Can’t Be Beat

Panama marlin fishing is an unforgettable experience. It calls to mind a kind of Hemingway-esque experience of man versus beast. And beasts they are and they are here in abundance.  Multiple hook-ups are not uncommon for a day’s trip. find their favorite bait species in the rich waters of the Chiriqui Gulf. Black marlin here average 350 pounds, but 500 to 600 pound behemoths are common. Catching one of these monsters on light or ultra-light tackle is an angler’s dream.

Panama Marlin Fishing at the Hannibal Bank

While there are many spots conducive to hooking up a marlin, the Hannibal Bank ranks among the top destination for marlin. The bank is located between Montuosa and Coiba islands and is a seamount rising from depths of over 3000 feet to just under 120 feet. It is here that the marlin come to target their prey and you will come target them! (more…)

Panama Destinations — It’s not always about the fish!

Panama destinations for travel and tourism are as abundant and varied as the fishes in her waters. The Province of Chiriquí, an area roughly the size of South Carolina, has no less than thirteen micro-climates. In the space of just one day, you can be sunning yourself on a nearly deserted beach and spending the afternoon next to a cool highland stream. Even the beaches are unique. The coastline in Chiriquí Province can be a flat coastal plain or a rocky coast complete with dramatic cliffs and a vista of islands beyond. A Panama fishing vacation can be so much more than just catching marlin! (more…)

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Panama — Maybe the best in the World

Surely one of the greatest angling experience to be had in the world is the is yellowfin tuna fishing in Panama, particularly in the waters off of the province of Chiriqui. Individuals here can range upwards of 200 pounds.  August through March are considered the ‘excellent’ months for these fish, but the remaining four months are still rated as ‘good’ by all the lodge reporting standards. (more…)

Types of Fish in Panama — Unbelievable Variety

The name Panama means “abundance of fishes” and indeed there are many and different kinds of fish in Panama. For the sports fisherman, the choice can be a very happy dilemna. Of course, each variety of fish requires a different approach–tackle, technique and location are targeted to each species.

Billfish are the first and most popular fish in Panama for the angler who makes the trip to this little country for a fishing vacation. (more…)

Deep Sea Fishing in Panama–a dream come true

Deep sea fishing in Panama is, frankly, an angler’s dream come true. Very few places in the world offer the variety and abundance of species that are found in Panama’s Pacific waters. Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Pacific Sails, Yellow Fin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) and wahoo are the chief targets but bottom fish are also plentiful and varied. Panama has several varieties of snapper–cubera, red snapper (called pargo) and dog-tooth are three of the most common varieties. Mackerel (cerro and Spanish), amber jack and jack crevalle are well represented, too.  The many small islands in the Chiriquí Gulf also offer lots of places attractive to rooster fish. (more…)

Fishing Charters in Panama–Marvelous Variety

Fishing charters in Panama offer a wonderful variety of choices.  Our goal is to introduce you to the many options to be found in the area west of Panama City—the area known as the Gulf of Chiriqui. The Gulf is home to arguably the finest saltwater fishing in the world and fortunately it is accessible, affordable and, although still very much in its infancy as world fishing destinations go, provides the angler with a safe and comfortable place to enjoy the teeming Pacific waters off of Panama’s southern coast.

Fishing Charters in Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui

The Gulf is the body of water that encompasses Coiba Island and the dozens of other Panama islands strung like jewels along the coast. It terminates at Punta Burica on the border with Costa Rica. Fishing charters in the Gulf of Chiriqui are concentrated on the mainland and the islands just off of Boca Chica, but there are also a few intrepid lodge keepers who are further off the beaten path. Of course, in this part of the world the path is hardly beaten at all. A day of offshore fishing here might result in your boat being the only one on the water—a far cry from some other Central American angling destinations. (more…)