Panama City's Premier Roosterfish Charter

8-Hour Roosterfish Chase: Panama City's Best Kept Secret

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water as we set our sights on one of Panama's most prized catches – the mighty Roosterfish. This 8-hour adventure kicks off bright and early, giving you the best shot at landing these bucket list beauties. We'll be cruising on a classic Bertram 31', a boat that's perfect for navigating the rocky shores where Roosterfish love to hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time chasing roosters, this trip is tailored to give you an unforgettable day of fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Panama City.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start our day by catching fresh live bait – a crucial step in enticing those big roosters to bite. Once we've got our bait tanks loaded up, we'll make our way to the prime fishing grounds around Taboga, Taboguilla, Urabá, and Chamá Islands. These rocky shores are like a buffet line for Roosterfish, and we'll be using live bait trolling techniques to put you in the sweet spot. But don't worry if the roosters are being stubborn; we've got plenty of other tricks up our sleeves. We'll mix it up by casting minnows and poppers along the shoreline, where you can hook into some hard-fighting Snapper, Sierra Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, or even the odd Needlefish. It's all about keeping those lines tight and the action hot!

Techniques That Get Results

When it comes to Roosterfish, live bait is king. We'll be using a technique called slow-trolling, where we'll present live baits at the perfect depth and speed to mimic an injured baitfish – something no self-respecting rooster can resist. We'll also show you how to work the poppers and minnows along the rocky shorelines, creating that irresistible "wounded baitfish" action that triggers explosive strikes. Our Bertram 31' is equipped with top-notch gear, including sturdy conventional reels spooled with heavy line – trust me, you'll need it when a big rooster decides to make a run for it. And don't forget, patience is key in this game. Roosterfish are known for their explosive runs and acrobatic jumps, so be ready for a fight when that reel starts screaming!

What Anglers Are Saying

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Roosterfish: These are the stars of the show, and for good reason. Known for their distinctive "comb" on their head, Roosterfish are one of the most sought-after inshore game fish in Panama. They typically range from 20 to 80 pounds, with some monsters pushing over 100 pounds. Roosters are ambush predators, using the wash and rocky areas near shore to surprise their prey. When hooked, they're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll have your heart racing. The best time to target them is during the dry season from December to April, but they can be caught year-round with the right conditions.

Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a staple of Panama's inshore fishing scene. We'll be targeting various species, including the feisty Cubera Snapper, which can grow to over 50 pounds. Snappers love structure, so we'll be working the rocky areas and reefs. They're known for their powerful first run towards cover, so be ready to put some muscle into keeping them out of the rocks. The fight might not be as long as with a rooster, but it's just as intense!

Sierra Mackerel: These speedsters are like the cheetahs of the sea. Sierra Mackerel are known for their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth. We'll be targeting them with fast-moving lures or live bait near the surface. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in pure aggression. Sierra are most abundant during the dry season, but can be caught year-round. Their firm, white meat makes for excellent eating, so be sure to keep a few for dinner!

Jack Crevalle: Pound for pound, Jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These bruisers can range from 10 to 40 pounds and are known for their stamina and powerful runs. We'll find them busting bait on the surface or lurking around rocky points. Jacks aren't known for their table fare, but they're a blast to catch and release. They're available year-round, but seem to be most active during the rainy season from May to November.

Needlefish: While not a primary target, Needlefish are a fun by-catch that can add some variety to your day. These long, slender fish with needle-like beaks are lightning-fast and known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. They're typically found near the surface and can be caught on small lures or live bait. While they're not great eating, they make for some exciting light tackle action and are a favorite food source for larger predators like Roosterfish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I'll be straight with you – fishing for Roosterfish isn't a guaranteed slam dunk. These fish can be tricky, and some days they just don't want to play ball. But that's what makes landing one so special. Even if the roosters aren't cooperating, we've got plenty of other hard-fighting species to keep your rod bent and your adrenaline pumping. With our local knowledge, top-notch gear, and a comfortable Bertram 31' as your fishing platform, you're in for a day of world-class inshore fishing. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy Roosterfish photo or just want to experience the best fishing Panama City has to offer, this trip is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite lucky hat, and let's go chase some roosters!