Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with our 9-hour trip to the fishing hotspots around Otoque, Estivá, and Boná islands. We'll cruise out on our trusty Bertram 31' – a classic sportfishing boat that's perfect for these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers something for everyone. We'll hit both nearshore and offshore grounds, giving you a taste of Panama's incredible fishing diversity.
We'll leave the dock early, making the most of the prime morning bite. As we cruise west, keep your eyes peeled for jumping fish and bird activity – telltale signs of the action to come. Our first stop might be the rocky shores of Otoque, where we'll try our luck for roosterfish and jacks. Then it's on to the deeper waters around Boná, where bigger game like mahi-mahi and tuna often lurk. Throughout the day, we'll mix up our tactics, from trolling for pelagics to bottom fishing for tasty snappers. The variety keeps things interesting, and you never know what might end up on the end of your line!
We've got all the gear and expertise you need to make the most of these waters. We'll start by setting out some trolling lines – maybe with some cedar plugs for tuna or some bigger lures if sailfish are around. When we spot surface activity, we might switch to casting poppers or stick baits. If the bite slows down, we can always drop some jigs to the bottom for snappers and groupers. And if we manage to catch some live bait, hold onto your rod – that's when the real fireworks can happen! Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; our crew will walk you through everything and make sure you're comfortable.
"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
Mahi Mahi: These colorful acrobats are a favorite for good reason. They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines. The fall and winter months are usually best, but you can catch them year-round in Panama. When a school of mahi shows up, get ready for non-stop action!
Yellowfin Tuna: Hard-fighting and delicious, yellowfin are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here. They can range from football-sized to over 200 pounds. We target them by trolling, but also watch for birds working the surface – that often means there's a tuna feeding frenzy below. Spring and early summer are prime time, but we catch them year-round.
Roosterfish: These inshore bruisers are the rockstars of Panama's coastal waters. With their distinctive "comb" dorsal fin, they're unmistakable and put up an amazing fight. We find them cruising the rocky shorelines and around structure. Live bait is the ticket, but they'll also chase down a popper or big jig. They're here all year, but the bite is usually best from December to April.
Jack Crevalle: Pound-for-pound, jacks might be the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They're not great eating, but they more than make up for it with their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style. We catch them both inshore and offshore, often in big schools that create exciting topwater blowups. They're here year-round and always ready to bend a rod.
Snappers: Several species of snapper call these waters home, from the smaller lane snappers to hefty cubera snappers that can top 50 pounds. They love structure, so we target them around reefs and rocky areas. Bottom fishing with cut bait or live bait is the way to go. Not only are they fun to catch, but they're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This full-day trip gives you the best shot at experiencing the incredible fishing Panama has to offer. From inshore action to offshore adventure, you'll get a taste of it all. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish all day long. Whether you're after a trophy catch or just want to bend a rod and enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers. Spaces are limited to just two anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention. Don't miss out on this chance to create some serious fishing memories – book your spot now and get ready for an awesome day on the Pacific!
April 6, 2024
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!
May 24, 2024
The captain did an excellent job! I would definitely book again.
February 18, 2024
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Sole Marine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 145
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!