PANAMA FISHING

The Gulf of Chiriqui’s diverse fishery is so remarkable because of it’s unique bathymetry dominated by undersea structure and currents. These banks and pinnacles, like the Hannibal Bank and near Isla Montuosa, are fed by the nutrient rich waters of the Humboldt Current. This strong underwater current flows north, from the west side of South America, up into the Gulf of Chiriqui and drives in cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean floor and brings it to the surface. These nutrients support abundant microscopic life, which in turn supports a chain of ever-larger baitfish which bring the larger predatory  pelagics here to hunt. The government has banned large long-lining operations and purse seiners from Panamanian waters. Due to this lack of fishing pressure the offshore fishing action here is legendary! It is not rare to come across huge schools of boiling Yellowfin Tuna or see Black Marlin exploding on the surface chasing bait. Other offshore opportunities for pelagic adversaries like Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado, and Blue Marlin are also common.

Our “season” typically runs from December through June. These months typically have the calmest seas due to being the height of the “dry” season and is when the majority of bait is moving through the Gulf of Chiriqui. The Black Marlin, although caught here year-round, concentrate in larger numbers following the bait as their food source starting in December.  Pacific sailfish that top the 100-pound mark move in to join the feeding frenzy starting in January. Shortly there after the large schools of Yellowfin Tuna move in and invade the Gulf of Chiriqui. Also year round residents the peak YFT bite occurs February through June. 50 to 80-pound Tunas are the norm while 100 to 200-pound plus cows are common.  Dolphin or “Dorado” are encountered any day of the year as well. The biggest bulls are often encountered December through February while trolling larger offerings for billfish or near floating debris.

Inshore species include Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish, Grouper, Cero Mackerel, Blue/Black Trevally and Amberjack. Inshore fishing isn’t as seasonal like the offshore scene. Year round the Roosters and Cuberas are caught only a stone’s throw from our lodge. Casting poppers and slow trolling live Blue Runners/Goggle Eyes are the preferred method we use here for the inshore action.

Our Fishing Methods Include:

• Jigging and Popping (Butterfly Jigs, Poppers, Casting Irons)
• Live Bait Kite Fishing (Goggle Eyes, Blue Runners)
• Slow Trolling Live Bait (Bridling Bonito, Blue Runners, Small YFT)
• Drifting Live/Dead Bait
• Trolling Plastic Lures
• Trolling Dead Bait (Ballyhoo, Mackerel)