Best Island Hopping & Fishing in Panama City

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Panama City
$890 - $2,580 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed day of fishing around Panama City's beautiful islands! We'll head out to Chamá, Taboguilla, and Taboga, where you'll have a shot at catching Jack Crevalle, Sierra Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, and more depending on the season. This trip mixes up inshore, nearshore, and reef fishing to give you the best chance of success. As we cruise between spots, you'll soak in amazing coastal views of Panama's islands. It's perfect for anglers who want variety in their fishing and some scenic island hopping too. We've got bottled water on board, and we can arrange food if you'd like. Whether you're reeling in a big one or just enjoying being out on the water, it's a great way to experience Panama's rich marine life and island beauty. Bring your camera – the fishing action and scenery are both picture-worthy!

Best Island Hopping & Fishing in Panama City

Rods, Reels, and Reefs

A group of 6 little tunny and dogtooth tuna fish caught in Panama

Offshore day in Panama City

Hooked up just off the coast!

Photograph of a greater amberjack fish caught while fishing in Panama City

Offshore action in Panama waters

Sunrise fishing in Panama City

Panama's Island Hopping Fish Bonanza

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with The Pearl Island Charter Co.! We're talking island hopping meets red-hot fishing action off the coast of Panama City. This full-day trip takes you to the prime spots around Chamá, Taboguilla, and Taboga Islands where the big ones lurk. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our crew knows exactly where to put you on the fish. From hard-fighting jacks to tasty snappers, we've got a mixed bag that'll keep your rod bent all day long.

What's On The Menu Today?

Picture this: You're cruising past postcard-perfect islands, the sun's warming your face, and suddenly your reel starts screaming. That's the kind of day we're after! Depending on when you visit, we could be chasing down schools of Jack Crevalle, trolling for Sierra Mackerel, or dropping lines near the reefs for Snapper and Grouper. And if lady luck's on our side, we might even tangle with some offshore runners like Mahi Mahi or Pacific Bonito. It's like a seafood buffet out there, and you've got a front-row seat to the action.

Gearing Up For Success

We've got all the tools you need to land the big one. Our boat's decked out with top-notch gear, from sturdy rods to fish-finding tech that'll put us right on the honey holes. We'll mix it up with different techniques to match what's biting. Could be trolling along the island edges, jigging over structure, or even some light tackle action if that's your style. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – our crew's always ready to show you the ropes and help you reel in a winner.

Straight From The Anglers

"The captain spoke great English, and the crew worked hard, trying various tactics to catch fish. Unfortunately, the fish just weren't biting that day." - Chad

"Highly recommended!" - Earl

Fish Files: What's Swimming

Roosterfish: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. With their distinctive dorsal fin "comb," they're not just a catch – they're a trophy. Roosterfish love to hang around rocky points and sandy beaches, putting up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. Spring and fall are prime time for these beauties, and trust me, when you see one of these surface chasers explode on your bait, you'll be hooked for life.

Mahi Mahi (Dorado): Talk about a fish that has it all – stunning looks, acrobatic fights, and top-tier table fare. These neon-green and gold speedsters are often found near floating debris or weed lines. They're year-round residents, but peak season hits from December to April. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, so keep that camera ready!

Crevalle Jack: If you're after a workout, these bruisers are your gym. Crevalle Jacks are pure muscle and will test your stamina like no other. They school up and chase bait near the surface, creating those exciting "boils" that get every angler's heart racing. These guys are here all year, but they really turn on during the warmer months. When a jack takes your lure, hold on tight – it's gonna be a wild ride!

Pacific Bonito: Don't let their size fool you; these little torpedoes pack a punch. Bonitos are fast, aggressive, and travel in large schools, which means double and triple hookups are a real possibility. They're most abundant from June to August, but you can find them year-round. Light tackle enthusiasts, this is your dream fish – they'll make your reel sing and your arms burn.

Pacific Barracuda: With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a lightning-fast strike, barracuda are the ultimate predators of these waters. They love to lurk around structure and reefs, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. These toothy critters are here all year but seem to be more active during the dry season from December to April. Watching a 'cuda slash through a school of bait is a sight you won't forget.

Time To Get Your Lines Wet

Look, we can talk fish all day, but nothing beats actually getting out there and wetting a line. This trip's got it all – variety of species, beautiful scenery, and a crew that knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking to tick off some bucket list catches or just want a fun day on the water with friends, we've got you covered. The fish are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this bite. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book now, and get ready for a Panama fishing adventure you'll be bragging about for years to come!

Customer Reviews

Fish Eluded Us

The captain spoke great English, and the crew worked hard, trying various tactics to catch fish. Unfortunately, the fish just weren’t biting that day.

Chad D

February 4, 2024

Top Notch Choice

Highly recommended!

Earl B

January 23, 2024

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. You'll find them year-round in Panama, from shallow flats to deeper offshore waters. Jacks are aggressive predators, often hunting in schools and creating surface commotion as they chase bait. They're not known for good eating, but they're prized for their strong fights. The best time to target them is during bait runs, especially in the mornings and evenings. Watch for birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface – that's often a sign jacks are feeding. To hook up, try fast-retrieving topwater lures or live bait like mullet. Once you're on, hold on tight – these fish can peel off serious line and test your gear.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see, with vibrant blues, greens, and golds that change like a light show when they're pulled from the water. They're fast-growing and usually range from 15 to 30 pounds, though they can top 60 pounds. You'll find them in our offshore waters year-round, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights, plus they're excellent eating. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them any time. To improve your odds, look for frigate birds working the water – they'll lead you right to the mahi. Once you hook one, keep the boat moving. Mahi often travel in schools, so leaving a hooked fish in the water can attract others and lead to multiple catches.

Pacific Barracuda

Pacific barracuda are sleek, silver predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth. They typically run 2-3 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though some can reach 4 feet and 18 pounds. You'll find them in our coastal waters, often near reefs or kelp beds, from spring through fall. Barracuda are known for their lightning-fast strikes and occasional jumps when hooked. They're not considered top table fare, but they put up a great fight on light tackle. The best time to target them is during warmer months when they move inshore. Look for them near the surface, often in schools. To catch barracuda, try casting or trolling with shiny lures that mimic small fish. A local trick: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, and retrieve your lure fast and erratically to trigger their predatory instincts.

Pacific Bonito

Pacific bonito are small but mighty members of the tuna family, usually weighing 2-10 pounds. They're sleek, fast swimmers with dark blue backs and silvery sides marked by diagonal stripes. You'll find them in our nearshore waters year-round, but they're most common from June to November. Bonito often school up, chasing bait near the surface – look for birds diving or water churning to spot them. They're known for their quick, hard fights on light tackle, making them a fun catch for all skill levels. While not as prized for eating as their tuna cousins, they can be good smoked or in fish dip. To catch bonito, try trolling small lures or casting metal jigs into feeding schools. A local tip: use a fast retrieve – these fish love the chase and will often hit baits skipping across the surface.

Roosterfish

Roosterfish are a unique inshore game fish, easily recognized by their distinctive "rooster comb" of long dorsal spines. They typically reach 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds, though the record tops 100 pounds. You'll find them year-round in Panama's warm coastal waters, often near reefs and rocky areas. Roosterfish are known for powerful runs and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among sport anglers. They're not considered good eating, so most are caught and released. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet near the surf zone. When a rooster takes the bait, be ready – they'll often make one last run just as you're about to boat them. Use heavy tackle and be patient; these fish have serious endurance and won't give up easily.

About the BERTRAM 31'

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Sole Marine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 18

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 145

Ready for an action-packed day on the water? Join us as we cruise around the stunning islands of Chamá, Taboguilla, and Taboga off the coast of Panama City. This full-day trip combines awesome fishing opportunities with breathtaking coastal scenery. Depending on when you visit, you might reel in Jack Crevalle, Sierra Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Pacific Bonito, or False Albacore. We'll hit up the best inshore, nearshore, and reef spots to maximize your chances of a great catch. It's the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement out on the beautiful Panamanian waters. We'll keep you hydrated with bottled water, and you can even arrange catering if you'd like. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, you'll have a blast exploring these rich waters teeming with marine life. Come experience the natural wonders of Panama's islands on this fun-filled day trip!