Ready for a day of non-stop fishing action in Panama's famed Pearl Islands? Our 10-hour trip aboard a classic Bertram 31' takes you straight to the hottest spots around Contadora, Saboga, and neighboring islands. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking world-class fishing grounds teeming with hard-fighting game fish that'll test your skills and fill your cooler. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert crew's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to land the big one.
Picture this: You're cruising out at dawn, the sun painting the sky as we head for our first hotspot. The captain's got intel on where the fish are biting, and before you know it, you're in the thick of the action. We'll mix it up with different techniques throughout the day – jigging for bottom-dwellers, popping for surface strikes, and trolling to cover more ground. You'll be targeting a smorgasbord of species, from tasty Snapper and Grouper to high-flying Mahi Mahi and bulldozing Amberjack. With just two guests on board, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with our crew to dial in your technique and maximize your chances of a trophy catch.
We've got all bases covered when it comes to gear, so just bring yourself and maybe a lucky hat. For bottom fishing, we'll drop jigs and live bait to entice those reef-dwelling monsters. When the surface action heats up, we'll switch to poppers and stick baits – there's nothing like seeing a big fish explode on your lure. And of course, we'll spend time trolling, dragging a spread of lures that mimic local baitfish. It's a great way to cover water and find the schools. Our crew's always on hand to show you the ropes, whether you're a pro or it's your first time holding a rod. We tailor the experience to your skill level, making sure you're comfortable and having a blast the whole time.
"My wife and I went on a full-day trip, and it was an absolute blast! We caught 21 fish from six different species. The captain and his first mate were incredibly helpful, guiding us every step of the way to ensure we had the best chance of landing fish. Their knowledge and expertise really stood out. I can't recommend this trip enough!" - William
Snapper: These tasty reef-dwellers are a staple in local cuisine for good reason. They put up a great fight and make for some of the best eating you'll find. We target them year-round, but they really fire up in the warmer months. There's nothing like the feeling of a big snapper hitting your bait and trying to dive back into the rocks – it's a true test of your reflexes and gear.
Grouper: Another bottom-dwelling powerhouse, grouper will test your strength and your tackle. These ambush predators hang around structure and hit like a freight train. We find them throughout the year, but the bite can be especially good during seasonal migrations. Landing a big grouper is a real accomplishment – they're known for diving straight for their rocky lairs as soon as they're hooked.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado, these are the acrobats of the ocean. Mahi are famous for their stunning colors and wild aerial displays when hooked. We see them more in the warmer months, often found near floating debris or weed lines. They're fast-growing and make for some of the most exciting surface fishing you can imagine – when a school of mahi shows up, it's non-stop action.
Amberjack: If you want a real workout, amberjack is your fish. These bruisers hang around deeper structure and will test every muscle in your body. We target them year-round, but some of the biggest specimens show up in the cooler months. Jigging for AJs is a favorite technique – when that rod doubles over, you better hold on tight!
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They hunt in schools near the surface, so we often spot them by looking for birds or bait activity. Spanish mackerel are around all year but tend to be more prevalent in the warmer months. They're known for their blistering runs and tendency to throw hooks, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels.
Jack Crevalle: Pound for pound, jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They hunt in schools and can create impressive surface blitzes when feeding. We find them year-round, but they seem to be extra aggressive during bait migrations. Throwing poppers into a school of feeding jacks is about as exciting as fishing gets – be prepared for an instant hookup and a long fight.
Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent table fare. We tend to see more of them in the cooler months, but they can show up any time of year. Trolling is the go-to method for wahoo, and when one hits, you'll know it – their initial run is lightning fast and can strip a reel in seconds if you're not careful.
Look, if you're after a day of world-class fishing in one of Panama's most productive spots, this is your ticket. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish all day long. Whether you're dreaming of filling the cooler with tasty bottom fish or want the thrill of battling pelagics on the surface, we've got you covered. And with just two spots available, you're guaranteed a personalized experience tailored to your skill level and preferences. Don't miss out on the chance to create some serious fishing memories in the stunning Pearl Islands. Give us a shout to lock in your date – the fish are waiting!
January 4, 2024
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Sole Marine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 18
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 145
My wife and I went on a full-day trip, and it was an absolute blast! We caught 21 fish from six different species. The captain and his first mate were incredibly helpful, guiding us every step of the way to ensure we had the best chance of landing fish. Their knowledge and expertise really stood out. I can't recommend this trip enough!