Panama Fishing Regulations Promoting Tourism

The fishing regulations in Panama are the strictest of all Central American countries. These laws regulating commercial fishermen ensure the future sustainability of our fishery. The Panamanian government realizes that the sport fishing tourist dollars are stronger and more important than the exporting of dead fish. Panama passed into law on August 20, 1997, Executive Decree No.33, protecting all bill fish species in the Republic of Panama. The law prohibits the killing of any bill fish including Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, White Marlin, Spearfish, Sailfish, and Swordfish. Further, it states that these fish are reserved for sport fishing only by catch and release. This Panama fishing law additionally prohibits the commercial export of any bill fish caught in Panamanian waters. The government also banned large industrial long-lining operations, and Yellowfin Tuna purse seiners. Panama’s Executive Decree 486 signed into law on Dec. 28, 2010, prohibits long line vessels of over six tons from operating within our waters. Due to this lack of heavy fishing pressure, the offshore fishing action here is legendary! We are also committed to the sustainable use and conservation of our fishery and all of the precious natural resources. We’d like it to be enjoyed for our family’s generations to come. We practice catch and release of all Bill fish, Roosterfish and only keep fish we intend to eat. The rest are released to fight another day

What Areas Do We Fish?

• Hannibal Bank
• Isla Ladrones
• Isla Montuosa
• Islas Secas
• Isla Coiba

Our private island lodge is located 12 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama on Isla Paridas. Our centralized location, in the heart of the Gulf of Chiriquí, is one of the greatest advantages we have over the other lodges on the mainland. We are 45 minutes closer to the offshore action at all the hotspots such as Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa! Exploring the numerous island groups here in the Gulf of Chiriqui such as Isla Ladrones, Islas Secas, and Isla Coiba is very easy from our Panama fishing lodge. We also have great inshore fishing right at our doorstep here at Isla Paridas!

What is the Panama Fishing Season?

Our fishing “season” typically runs from November through August. These months typically have the calmest seas since they fall at the height of the “dry” season. This is also when the majority of bait is concentrated at the many fishing grounds in the Gulf of Chiriqui. When there is bait around…the large predators we are hunting will not be far behind! The Black Marlin, although caught here year-round, follow the bait fish and concentrate in larger numbers starting in November. Pacific sailfish that top the 100-pound mark move in to join the feeding frenzy, generally starting in December. Shortly thereafter large pods of Porpoises, with huge schools of Yellowfin Tuna, move in and invade the Gulf of Chiriqui. Tuna are also year round residents, but the peak Tuna bite occurs February through August as they work together with their friends the Porpoises, feeding on spawning baitfish, squid, and crabs. 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. The biggest bulls are often encountered November through March, while trolling larger offerings for billfish or near floating debris. Inshore species include Cubera Snapper, Roosterfish, Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Blue/Black Trevally, African Pompano, Amberjack, and Almaco Jack. Inshore fishing is seasonal like the offshore fishing is, and is a great option for our anglers when the “bite” offshore is slow or when they are looking to specifically target inshore species.

What are our Panama Fishing Methods?

Popping, jigging, as well as live bait or dead bait. The species targeted, and what most interests our clients is really what dictates what bait, gear, tackle and method we will fish. Our boats are ready and fully equipped with all top-of-the-line tackle and gear needed for any situation. We want to make our client’s Panama fishing experience the best it can be and get them ‘hooked up’ whatever it takes.

Our preferred, and without a doubt the most productive, method of fishing in Panama is using live bait. Bridling live Blue Runners (Green Jacks), Bonitos, Skip Jacks, Little Tunnys, Sardines, and small bait sized Tunas, is the ticket to catching big fish. Whether it be Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish, or Cubera Snapper a bridled live bait is like candy to these guys when fishing in Panama! Blue Runners, sometimes called Green Jacks, are our staple bait. Readily available near the lodge, we generally have Blue Runners caught and ready in our pens to fill the livewell for the next day’s fishing. Sometimes bait is scarce and/or difficult to catch around the island, so we have to go out in search of other types of bait or just go find it in different areas.

Panama Fishing FAQs

What are the Accepted Payment Method?

We accept payment by wire transfer to our Panama Bank account (a $50 bank transfer fee will be added to each wire sent). A 50% deposit is required to reserve your dates and the balance is due 60 days before your arrival.

Can We Extend our Fishing Charter While Out There?

If we have availability you can extend your trip here for as long as you’d like. Just ask Captain Shane for pricing and availability.

What if it Rains and We are Booked to Go Out?

Very rarely does it rain here all day or are the weather and sea conditions so bad that we can’t fish. If bad weather does persist on your fishing day, and we have to cancel, then we will give you a credit for that fishing day on your next trip.

Can We Bring Alcohol?

Wine, beer, and alcoholic beverages are included with all of our packages! No bar tab at the end of the trip! At our bar we stock Panamanian Abuelo brand rum, Absolute vodka, Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Johnny Walker Black scotch, 1800 tequila, Tanqueray gin, a wide selection of South American white and red wines, and cold Panama/Panama Light beer. On the boats we provide cold beer everyday as well. If you or someone in your group have a specific alcohol preference just let us know and we will make sure that we accommodate you!

How Many People Will be on the Boat Charter with Us?

Your group will have your own boat and your own private guest house. Each of our three 33′ World Cats can accommodate up to 5 anglers and our 25′ SeaCraft up to 3 anglers.

Will There be Hidden Fuel Surcharges?

No. Our packages are all-inclusive with no hidden fuel surcharges. We usually run 40+ miles offshore everyday and burning fuel is not a problem. We will run as far as it takes as we want to put our clients on the fish!

When is the Best Time to Fish in Panama?

Our season here runs November through August. We have a very diverse fishery here with over 20 different species we normally catch…It’s not uncommon to catch 10-15 different species in a trip. Although we catch all the species here year round…the best months for Yellowfin Tuna are April through August, Marlin are best November-February and July/August, Dorado are best November-March, Wahoo are November-December-June/August, and inshore species Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, and Blue Trevalle are consistent year round. Please check out our monthly fishing reports with all the photos to get a better idea. All of our monthly fishing reports and photos can be found here…http://fishpanamatoday.com/panama-fishing-report/  

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Due to our limited size, cancellations affect us greatly. Therefore, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy. Payments made for your trip are refundable for cancellations received in writing at least 150 days prior to your arrival date at SFPIL, less a $650 per person cancellation fee. If you cancel your trip for whatever reason….150 days or less prior to your arrival date all payments made on your trip are non-refundable, and are non-transferable. We highly recommend getting trip insurance through our partners at Global Rescue. For more info go to…https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/sportfishpanama/

Do I Need any Vaccines or Other Medical Attention Before Going?

No vaccines or shots are required, or needed, to enter the country. Please consult with your Doctor if you have any further concerns.

What is the Best Time of Year to Travel?

Our season runs November through August. The entire season is a great time to travel here to our island lodge in paradise!

How Long in Advance Should I Book?

Most of our clients tend to book 6 months to a year or more in advance. If you want to secure those perfect dates then contact Capt. Shane and book as soon as possible.

What is the Transportation Like?

Once you arrive into Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) it will be necessary to change planes and fly to the city of David. Two airlines provide jet service (no puddle jumpers) to/from Panama City and David and is about a 35 minute flight. Once you arrive to David you will be picked up in our mini bus and transfer to the boat(s) just a 5 minute ride away at the marina. At the marina you’ll load up one of our 33′ World Cats and then it is a one hour ride through the mangroves, down the estuary, and out to the lodge 12 miles offshore on Isla Paridas.

Is There a “Bad Weather” Policy?

It is rare to have to cancel a day of fishing due to weather here but If bad weather does arise and your Captain determines that it’s not safe for the trip to be taken – you will receive a credit for that day’s fishing on your NEXT booking.