Epic Offshore Fishing in Panama's Hidden Gems

Panama's Best Kept Secret: Island Fishing Adventure

Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action around the stunning islands of Otoque, Estivá, and Boná. This trip is perfect for anglers looking to experience the best of Panama's inshore and offshore fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. From trolling for big game to casting along rocky shores, this trip has it all. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to reel in some memories!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off early, meeting you at the dock and getting you settled on our well-equipped charter boat. As we cruise out to the islands, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seabirds – they're often a good sign of where the fish are biting. Once we reach our fishing grounds, we'll use a variety of techniques to target different species. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might start by trolling for Mahi Mahi or Yellowfin Tuna, then switch to casting near the rocky shorelines for Roosterfish or Snapper. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so they'll always have a plan to keep the rods bent and the fish coming over the rails. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and hands-on fishing time.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, we'll use a mix of fishing techniques to maximize our chances of hooking into some great catches. Trolling is a go-to method for targeting pelagic species like Mahi Mahi and Tuna. We'll set out lines with lures or live bait and cruise at the perfect speed to entice strikes. When we spot surface activity, we might switch to casting or popping – nothing beats the excitement of seeing a fish smash your lure on the surface! For bottom-dwelling species like Snapper, we'll drop jigs or live bait and work the structure. And if the conditions are right, we might even break out the fly rods for some top-water action on Jack Crevalle or Roosterfish. Our crew will walk you through each technique, so even if you're new to a particular method, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We had an amazing experience! We booked this trip with hopes of targeting a Roosterfish. After catching some bait, we gave it our best shot, but the timing and season weren't quite right. Despite that, the captain and crew made sure we stayed on plenty of great fish, using various techniques and exploring multiple spots. Their warm welcome and extensive knowledge truly stood out. When I return to try for Roosterfish again, this will definitely be my go-to boat!" - Tom

"We had an amazing time, and the trip was both fun and incredibly educational — we learned so much about fishing and Panama! Thanks again for a fantastic experience!" - Nicki

"The captain did an excellent job! I would definitely book again." - Bernice

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These colorful acrobats are a favorite among anglers for their stunning looks and hard-fighting nature. Mahi can grow up to 50 pounds in these waters, though 15-30 pounders are more common. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often leaping clear out of the water multiple times. Mahi are most abundant from December to April, but can be caught year-round. Their meat is highly prized for its mild, sweet flavor, making them a perfect fish for the dinner table.

Indo-Pacific Sailfish: The speedsters of the sea, Sailfish are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Panama. They can reach lengths of over 10 feet and weights up to 200 pounds, though most caught here are in the 80-120 pound range. Known for their incredible speed (they can swim up to 68 mph in short bursts) and their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin, hooking into one of these beauties is an experience you won't forget. The best time to target Sailfish is from December to April, but they can be caught year-round with some luck. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with Sailfish to help preserve the population.

Crevalle Jack: Often called "reef donkeys" for their bulldog-like fighting style, Crevalle Jacks are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They typically range from 10-30 pounds but can grow much larger. Jacks hunt in schools, often creating surface commotion that can be spotted from a distance. They'll hit just about any lure or bait, making them a great target for anglers of all skill levels. You can catch Jacks year-round, but they're especially active during the warmer months. While not considered a top eating fish, they make for some of the most exciting fights you'll experience on light tackle.

Pacific Bonito: These smaller members of the tuna family might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fighting spirit. Typically weighing 2-10 pounds, Bonito are often found in large schools, providing fast-paced action when you find them. They're known for their powerful runs and stamina – don't be surprised if your arms are sore after reeling in a few! Bonito can be caught year-round but are most abundant from June to October. While not as prized for eating as their larger tuna cousins, they make excellent bait for targeting bigger game fish.

Pacific Barracuda: With their long, sleek bodies and mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, Barracuda are the wolves of the reef. They can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 50 pounds, though most caught are in the 10-30 pound range. Barracuda are ambush predators, known for their lightning-fast strikes and occasional aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're often caught while trolling or casting near reefs and drop-offs. You can target Barracuda year-round, but they're especially active during the warmer months. While they're not typically kept for eating due to the risk of ciguatera in larger specimens, they provide an exciting fight on light tackle.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're dreaming of battling a hard-fighting Jack Crevalle, hoping to land your first Sailfish, or just want to experience the incredible diversity of Panama's waters, this full-day trip has something for every angler. Our experienced crew will work tirelessly to put you on the fish and ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and memorable day on the water. With top-notch equipment, a variety of fishing techniques, and some of the most productive fishing grounds in Panama at your fingertips, you're in for a treat. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab a friend (or come solo – more fish for you!), and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book now and get ready for a day of world-class fishing in paradise!