Fishing in Panama

The name Panama promises “plenty of fish,” and even though the abundance of fish is not quite as great as it was when the name was given, we are still talking about one of the best fishing grounds in the world. Whether you’re looking for roosterfish, crevalle jacks, or cubera snapper near the coast, or heading out into the blue water to catch yellowfin tuna, Panama has a variety of options to offer. In addition to the options mentioned above for fishing with surface lures, there is also excellent jigging. There is a colorful array of fish species to catch here, including large amberjacks and snappers.

Recommended months: December – June

Best fishing spots

• Hannibal Bank (Chiriquí Gulf) – Offshore seamount, top for tuna & wahoo; poppers on surface schools, heavy jigs deeper.

• Coiba Island & Montuosa/Jicaron – Reefs & drop-offs; cubera snapper, grouper, tuna. Both jigging and popping.

• Azuero Peninsula (Pedasí/Cambutal) – Rocky coast; roosterfish & snapper on poppers, reef jigging nearby.

• Pearl Islands – Islands with ridges/drop-offs; good for surface stickbaits + vertical jigs.

(In)Shore:

Crevalle Jack, Roosterfish, Barracuda

Offshore:

Popping: Yellowfin Tuna, Cubera Snapper,     

  Roosterfish       

Jigging: Amberjack, various Snappers, Grouper

Casting: Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Rainbow Runner