Where to go fishing in Panama

So, you have decided on a Panama big game fishing and tuna fishing charter. You’ve made a good decision since the native name of Panama is roughly translated as abundance of fish, but with so many Panama fishing lodges how are you going to decide where to go? Since Panama is bathed with two oceans, fishing has become a great sport for many panamanians and EXPATS living in this country. Panama is a nice place to Study Spanish in Latin America and enjoy fishing.

When you start looking over the internet, you may realize that there is people dedicated to providing all the necessary means for you to catch fish and have the best time of your life! However, while you are planning to book any fishing course or lodge, you should also think about improving your Spanish language skills by studying in the Spanish School: EPA! Español en Panama joining a one-on-one instruction scheduling classes at your preferable time in order to communicate with locals and make friends while you study Spanish in Latin America.

It is common finding Captains that have more than 10 years of local fishing experience and have a passion for fishing. Full spools, fresh lines, fresh bait, and well maintained equipment can be found in Panama also.

Some of the most popular Panama's fishing destinations are:

Panama Bay

There is great fishing for light tackle at Panama Bay. This trip has a duration of six hours, leaving the dock at 7:00 AM and returning at 1:00PM. The trip includes ice, captain, and light tackles gear. The area includes Taboga Island, Melones, Taboguilla, Uraba, Chama, San Jose Rock and its surroundings. The target species in this area are Spanish Mackarell, Snapper, Jack Trevalle, Corvina, Mahi Mahi and others.

Pearl Island

The Pearl Islands are located 30 miles from Panama City, and the one hour and 15 minutes ride to Contadora takes you into the land of pirates and pearls where over 90 islands and 130 islets make up the pearl Archipelago, named by Balboa in 1513. Buccaneers hid out here to attack Spanish Armadas laden with treasure. The calm waters around the islands are great for fishing, diving and snorkeling. The largest islands located at the South end of Pearl Islands are “Isla del Rey” and “San Jose”.

There are plenty of activities that Explore Panama Fishing offers around these islands such as Bird Watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, island hopping or just cruising. . The target species are Sailfish, Wahoo, Cubera Snapper, Spanish Mackarell, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, AmberJack, Jack Trevalle, Tuna and others. The rates for Pearl Island vary from $800 to $2500 depending on how far you want to travel and the boat you choose.

Piñas Bay

Piñas Bay is a premier Big Game Fishing destination in the World, and has over 200 IGFA world records. We send yachts from Panama city for a 3 day minimum trip with a maximum of 5 anglers. This trip includes fishing from the southern portion of Pearl Island (Galera and San Jose area) to Zane Gray Reef. There is great billfishing year round and if billfish bite is off there is excellent fishing for other species such as Amber Jacks, Giant Yellowfin Tuna, Giant Mahi Mahi, Cubera Snapper, Grouper, Wahoo and others. We will provide food, beverage, snacks and drinks.

Pedasí

The Azuero Peninsula, Pedasi, also known as the Tuna Coast was named by Tony Pena in the late 90’s. Pedasi is known by it’s great sportfishing charter opportunities to catch Wahoo, Amberjack, Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Mackarel, Grouper, Snapper and others. Pedasi is located 60 miles from Panama City if navigated by water and it’s around a five hour car drive. There are different fishing spots in this area such as Isla Iguana, Los Frailes, Pargo Grande and others. The Tuna Coast starts from Punta Mala to Punta Naranjo which is on the other side of the Azuero Peninsula.

Coiba

Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba National Park is off Panama’s Pacific coast. Coiba National Park (a group of 38 islands including Coiba Island and the surrounding waters and covers 430,825 acres. In the area of Coiba the World famous Hannibal Bank is only a few miles west which provides a great fishing area. Hannibal bank still holds some IGFA world records. Isla Montuosa located a couple of miles west from Hannibal Bank is another great fishing area. Jicaron and Jicarita which are located on the south end of Coiba provide great fishing area for wahoo, amberjack, marlin, sailfish, rooster fish and others. Coiba and it’s surroundings provides everything that a serious angler is looking for from Giant Tunas to the thrill of fighting Marlin.