Hey there, fellow anglers! If you've been dreaming of landing a trophy Roosterfish, you're in for a treat. This full-day adventure in Panama City is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing action you'll find anywhere. We're talking about targeting one of the most sought-after game fish in these waters, with a side of epic scenery and non-stop excitement. So grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're about to dive into what makes this trip a must-do for any serious fisherman.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Panama City as the sun's coming up, ready to hit some prime fishing spots around Taboga, Taboguilla, Urabá, and Chamá Islands. But here's the kicker - we're not just jumping straight into fishing. Nope, we're starting off by catching our own live bait. Trust me, that's the secret sauce when it comes to hooking a Roosterfish. Once we've got our bait tanks loaded up, we'll be trolling along those rocky shorelines where the big boys like to hang out. And don't worry if Roosters are playing hard to get - we've got plenty of other hard-fighting species to keep your rod bent.
Alright, let's talk tactics. Live bait trolling is the name of the game here, and it's your best shot at tempting a Roosterfish to strike. We'll be using circle hooks to make sure we get a good hookset without hurting the fish. But that's not all - we're mixing it up with some light tackle action too. You'll get to try your hand at casting minnows and poppers along the shoreline. It's a blast watching a Jack Crevalle or Sierra Mackerel smash a topwater lure. And for you tech-savvy anglers, we've got top-notch fish finders on board to help us locate those honey holes.
"Captain Rolondo delivered exactly as promised! We had an excellent day on the water, filled with great fishing and enjoyable conversation. While we were targeting Roosterfish and didn't land one, Captain Rolondo ensured we still had a fantastic experience and caught plenty of fish. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a memorable fishing trip!" - Bradley
"The captain is incredibly familiar with the waters, offering clear insights into the advantages and challenges of each fishing option. The crew was skilled and polite throughout the trip. The boat, newly renovated, was top-notch! We landed plenty of fish and truly enjoyed the experience." - Anthony
Let's break down the all-stars you'll be chasing on this trip. First up, the Roosterfish - the crown jewel of inshore fishing in these parts. These bad boys can grow up to 100 pounds, with their distinctive dorsal fin that looks like a mohawk. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a true test of any angler's skills. Peak season is typically from May to November, but you can find them year-round in Panama.
Next, we've got the Flat Needlefish. Don't let their skinny appearance fool you - these guys are lightning-fast and put up a great fight on light tackle. They're abundant in Panama's inshore waters and make for some exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Watch for them skimming the surface, ready to ambush baitfish.
Crevalle Jack, or as we call them, "freight trains with fins," are bruisers that'll make your drag scream. These guys school up and can be found busting bait on the surface. When you hook into one, hold on tight! They're around all year but seem to be most active during the warmer months.
Last but not least, the Lane Snapper. These tasty little guys are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. They hang around rocky areas and reefs, and while they might not be the biggest fish in the sea, they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Plus, if you're looking to take home dinner, Snappers are hard to beat.
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I can tell you there's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a big Roosterfish. This trip is designed to give you the best shot at that bucket list catch, but even if the Roosters aren't cooperating, you're guaranteed a day full of bent rods and screaming reels. With only room for two anglers, you're getting a personalized experience that caters to your skill level and preferences. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Trust me, once you've fished Panama City's inshore waters, you'll be itching to come back for more. Book now, and I'll see you on the water!
July 8, 2024
The captain is incredibly familiar with the waters, offering clear insights into the advantages and challenges of each fishing option. The crew was skilled and polite throughout the trip. The boat, newly renovated, was top-notch! We landed plenty of fish and truly enjoyed the experience.
March 20, 2025
Crevalle jacks are like the bulldogs of the ocean - stocky, powerful, and always ready for a fight. These silver-sided bruisers usually run 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them in coastal waters, from the flats to offshore reefs. They hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Jacks love to chase bait, so look for diving birds to find feeding frenzies. These guys will hit just about anything - lures, live bait, even flies. The best action is spring through fall when water temps are up. Anglers love jacks for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. Here's a tip: When you see a school busting bait on the surface, cast beyond them and retrieve fast. The commotion will often trigger a bite from these competitive feeders.
Flat needlefish are odd-looking critters, with long, thin bodies and needle-like beaks full of sharp teeth. They average around 3 feet long but can reach nearly 4 feet. You'll find them near the surface in coastal waters, often hanging around floating debris. These guys are opportunistic predators, darting after small fish and squid. We see them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. Anglers get a kick out of their acrobatic leaps and fast runs when hooked. While they're not great eating, they put up a fun fight on light tackle. One trick for catching them: use small, shiny lures retrieved quickly across the surface. The flash imitates their prey and triggers their predatory instinct. Just watch out for those teeth when unhooking!
Lane snappers are tasty little fish that add some variety to our catches. They're usually 1-3 pounds, with a pinkish body striped with yellow. You'll find them around reefs and rocky areas in 30-100 feet of water. They're bottom feeders, so we drop baits right to the structure. Shrimp, squid, and small fish chunks all work well. These guys are active year-round but seem to bite best in summer. Anglers like targeting lanes for their good eating and the challenge of fishing tight to structure. They're not huge fighters, but they're feisty for their size. Here's a local trick: When you find a good lane snapper spot, anchor up and chum with cut bait. This often brings in bigger fish from the surrounding area, improving your chances of a quality catch.
Roosterfish are a real treat to catch around here. These powerful fighters average 20-40 pounds but can top 100 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive "rooster comb" - long dorsal spines they raise when excited. We find them near rocky shores and reefs, usually in 30-200 feet of water. They love to chase smaller fish, so we use live bait like blue runners or mullet to entice them. The best action is March through November when water temps are warmer. Anglers love targeting roosters for their incredible strength and acrobatic jumps. Here's a pro tip: When you hook one, be ready for long, powerful runs. Just when you think you've got it beat, it'll take off again near the boat. Patience and a steady retrieve are key to landing these bucket list fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Sole Marine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 145
Captain Rolondo delivered exactly as promised! We had an excellent day on the water, filled with great fishing and enjoyable conversation. While we were targeting Roosterfish and didn’t land one, Captain Rolondo ensured we still had a fantastic experience and caught plenty of fish. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a memorable fishing trip!