Fishing In Panama

Bluewater Fishing Panama is located in Boca Chica near the city of David, on Panama’s south coast, overlooking the rich waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, an area which has previously been responsible for over 50 IGFA World Records and one which is famed across the world for the incredible saltwater fishing it offers. Some of the finest fishing grounds in the world are found just offshore, with famous marks, such as the Hannibal Bank, Isla Montuosa, the Triangle and Isla Ladrones, home to an array of species. Monster Yellowfin Tuna, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado, Cubera Snapper, Amberjack (aka Reef Donkey) and Grouper, to name a few, are all viable targets.

The destination is a true all-year-round fishery and offers guests the chance to enjoy a fantastic week of mixed fishing, regardless of whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer. Fishing from one of the lodges, five offshore sporting vessels and utilising various methods, from trolling, jigging, live bait and popper fishing, ensures you’ll enjoy a fully guided experience you’ll never forget.

One thing that genuinely sets Bluewater Fishing Panama apart from other lodges in the region is their customisable, affordable packages and range of activities for non-angling companions, making it the perfect experience for families and those on a budget.

Bluewater Species

The waters off the coast of Panama are famed around the world for the excellent fishing they offer, in terms of the array of species on offer, the numbers of fish you can catch and the specimen sizes they grow.

Yellowfin Tuna

Specimen-sized Yellowfin Tuna can be found just 20 miles off the coastline, with the Hannibal Bank one of the best places to target these popular big game fish. Travelling in schools with similarly sized companions, they are built for speed, enabling them to pursue and capture fast-moving baitfish such as flying fish, sardines, and mackerel. They average around 100lb in weight, but much larger fish get caught every season.

Marlin & Sailfish

Fishing for Billfish is considered by many as the ultimate big-game fishing experience due to their size, power and uniqueness. At Bluewater Fishing Panama, it’s possible to catch Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin and Pacific Sailfish as they hunt schools of Rainbow Runners, Skipjack, and other prey in and around the reefs of the Hannibal Bank. These significant pelagic’s are highly migratory, so if you want to target them, you must visit at the correct time of the year.

Roosterfish

A popular species associated with Panama, they are distinguished and named because of their unique, recognisable ‘Rooster Comb’ shaped dorsal fin. They can often be found close to shore and are apex predators, crushing everything in their paths, they can reach over 1.6m in length and over 100lb in weight, and the IGFA record is a behemoth of 114lb; however, they average around 20lb.

Cubera Snapper

Snapper are primarily a species that lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and in Panama, there are several varieties, including Mullet, Red and Barred Snapper, to name a few. However, the Cubera is a favourite amongst anglers, as it grows the largest, fights the hardest and can be caught on all manner of different tactics.

Other species on offer include Dorado, Wahoo and a range of Jacks, all of which grow to specimen proportions and can be caught on an array of methods, loving nothing more than crushing your live bait or lure.

Note: The lodge consistently practices CPR (Catch, Photograph, & Release), but if you want to take a fish home for dinner, notify your guides on the boat, and they can sort this for you.

Fishing Techniques

With eleven different fishing methods at each angler’s disposal and a vast array of species, this trip is one of the most diverse bluewater fishing holidays we offer. So if you’re looking for an action-packed week with some explosive sport, Bluewater Fishing Panama will tick all the right boxes.

Popper Fishing

Popper fishing in the Gulf of Chiriqui is world-renowned due to its countless rocky shorelines and beaches, along with many small islands holding significant numbers of jaw-crushing Cubera Snapper, specimen Roosterfish and an array of Jacks. Offshore fishing is just as good too, and it’s possible to fish your poppers for Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo – Lures that create big splashes and noise will often generate the most action.

Speed Jigging

Jigging is another popular technique and one that accounts for vast numbers of fish. It’s particularly effective on species that aren’t overly willing to feed, as it can generate a strike when other methods fail. It’s a super effective way of targeting the bottom dwellers like Snappers, Grouper, and Amberjack.

Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing generally consists of three different types of bait – Bonito, Blue Runners and Sardines- each presented differently depending on the target species. Bonito are usually slowly trolled offshore for Marlin and Sailfish, Blue Runners inshore for Roosterfish and Snappers, and Sardines for sight casting at Yellowfin Tuna.

Fly Fishing

Although this tour is predominately for lure and bait fishing anglers, it’s also possible to fly fish both inshore and offshore. Depending on what you wish to fish for, we recommend 9ft 12 to 14-weight rods and good quality large arbour reels with disk drags.

Note: All popper, jig and live bait fishing tackle are supplied by the lodge, meaning all you have to do is turn up with your fishing clothes. The only instance where you’ll need to bring your tackle is if you wish to fly fish.

To learn more about the fish, fishing and accommodation on offer at our destination in Panama, visit our YouTube channel.

Peak Season In Panama

Depending on what species is at the top of your bucket list will determine the best time of year to visit. Many traditional bottom feeders are abundant all year round; however, some of the bigger Pelagic fish are highly migratory. Below is a rough guide on each species’ peak time of year, but remember fishing is fishing, and the fish don’t read the calendars.

For all the Billfish species like Marlin and Sailfish, the best time of year to visit is between December and April, although August and September can also throw up good numbers of fish. For Tuna, it’s a similar pattern, although the peak season for these starts a little later in January and runs through till around August. For most other species, like the Roosterfish, Snappers, Groupers and Jacks, it’s all year round, except the Dorado, which usually disappear between April and October.

Water temperature, wind, current, and bait can cause these standard patterns to fluctuate, but the captains and guides on the boat will alter your target species with what will give you the best chance of a successful fishing day. They are experts in offshore fishing, have been doing it for multiple years and know the waters like the back of their hands.

Sportfishing Boats

Bluewater Fishing Panama has a fleet of five offshore sporting vessels, perfect for fishing from and negotiating the waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí. The vessels include the “Sweet Leilani”, a 29′ foot offshore Pursuit Center Console, “The Zonian”, a 31′ foot offshore Pursuit Center Console, “Kalani”, a 34′ foot Tournament Offshore Pursuit Center Console; and “Time To Burn”, a 39′ foot Custom Walk-around Sportfisherman. Along with a 28′ foot semi-offshore/inshore vessel, “Miss Adventure”.

All the boats are fast, clean, comfortable, and rigged with the latest technology and upgraded with new twin 250HP or 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke engines, making them highly reliable. In addition, with over 340 gallons of fuel capacity, they can take you out 100 miles and back with fuel to spare.

Note: The 29′, 31′, and 35′ foot vessels also feature a downstairs bathroom, while the 39′ Offshore Custom Walk-around below also comes complete with a shower.

All boats are supplied with 12 life jackets, a Solar flare kit, a first aid kit, spare GPS, spare VHF, Icom IC-M72 handheld radio, and many other safety items. With these tools, every trip is a success, and the safety record is 100% with no injuries, and we intend to keep it this way.

Extra Activities

As well as offering first-class fishing, Bluewater Fishing Panama offers a variety of excellent eco-tours, activities and excursions, perfect families and non-angling companions.

If you enjoy being active, there’s white water rafting, cloud forest and waterfall hikes, horseback riding, canopy zip-line and 4×4 ATV adventure, to name just a few. For those looking for something slightly slower-paced, there’s a bird and whale-watching tour, a rum and coffee farm tour and a 4×4 jeep trip to Volcán Barú, the tallest mountain in the country.

If you want to stay and enjoy the resort, there are two swimming pools, one infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, a restaurant pool bar, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Plus, a tennis and basketball court, massage therapy, yoga classes and even thatch huts with hammocks if you fancy a relaxing afternoon by the water.

One of the popular things about this destination is the package is completely customisable. So whether you’re looking for a hardcore, out-and-out fishing holiday or just a couple of days fishing in between the extra activities, we can tailor a trip to suit you. If you’d like to know more details about each of the packages we offer, please feel free to call our offices on: +44 (0)1603 407596

Accommodation

Nestled amidst a stunning tropical backdrop, you will find the beautiful Bluewater Fishing resort in the gateway to the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park. After an action-packed day on the water, the perfect location and setting to relax in.

The accommodation consists of a range of bungalow-style guest rooms, or ‘cabañas’ as the Panamanians call them, designed in a beautiful, contemporary style. All offer stunning views that stretch towards the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful manicured gardens yards away.

The rooms vary in size, with everything from a single bungalow with two queen or king-size beds to those with two floors, a deck and a full-sized kitchen, and a living room. All are complete with a shower, bath, AC, cable TV, refrigerator, lock safe and Wi-Fi.

The resort features two swimming pools, one infinity pool, a tennis and basketball court, massage therapy, yoga classes and even thatch huts with hammocks if you fancy a relaxing afternoon by the water. A private beach, and a restaurant-bar, are all close by and easily accessible, as rooms are laid out on slopes steps away.

Food & Drink

The resort’s passion is providing guests with the most welcome dining experience on the Panamanian coast, and it serves an international-style menu with various high-quality plates at reasonable prices. It’s also possible to bring your catch of the day to the chef, who will cook and serve you some of the finest seafood cuisines you can imagine.

After food, the terrace bar, overlooking the stunning view of the Gulf of Chiriqui, is the perfect place for a drink with other anglers and guests, wining and dining the evening away.

Full morning breakfast is included, along with a packed onboard lunch, mixed snacks, fresh tropical fruit, mixed soft drinks, bottled water and ice-cold beer.

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Day 1:

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid

Arrive Panama City

Once you have arrived make your way to the baggage collection area. When your group have collected all your luggage make your way out of the terminal and take a taxi to your overnight hotel. (Taxi not included) The rest of the evening is free to explore the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

Overnight accommodation: Panama City Hotel (Twin room) B/B

Day 2:

In the morning you will need to take a taxi back to Panama City airport for your onward flight. Speak to the hotel reception who will be more than happy to assist in arranging this taxi (Taxi not included)

Depart Panama City

Arrive David City

On arrival and once you have collected your luggage, a representative from the lodge will be waiting to transfer you the short distance to the lodge. Once you have checked in and been shown to your room, you will then be free to relax around the resort or alternatively book an eco-tour to kick start your holiday adventure.

Overnight accommodation: Bluewater Fishing Cabañas (Twin room) B/B

DAYS 3 & 4: FISHING DAYS

Each morning, after breakfast you will speak with the captain of your boat to plan the day’s fishing. The species you fish for and the style of fishing is totally down to you, but we would recommend listening to what the captain has to say, as he can recommend the best methods to fish, in the best areas, for the biggest fish.

All tackle is included for all the different fishing styles, with the exception of fly fishing. Lunch, snacks and a variety of drinks are also included.

Overnight accommodation: Bluewater Fishing Cabañas (Twin room) B/B

DAYS 5 TO 7: FISHING DAYS

One of the fantastic things about fishing in Panama is the variety of species on offer and the methods you can use to catch them. On each day of your trip, it’s completely plausible to target a different species each day on a different method. This makes for an exciting week of explosive bluewater action.

All tackle is included for all the different fishing styles, with the exception of fly fishing. Lunch, snacks and a variety of drinks are also included.

Overnight accommodation: Bluewater Fishing Cabañas (Twin room) B/B

DAY 8:

Around lunchtime, once you have checked out of the lodge, a representative from the lodge will transfer you to David City airport for your homeward flight.

Depart David City

Arrive Panama City Depart Panama City

DAY 9:

Arrive Madrid Depart Madrid

Arrive Home