Sport Fishing in Panama City

The first thing you need to know about sport fishing in Panama is that it is world class and you will find it every month of the year. An important fact that has made Panamá a top destination for sport fishing is that you don't need a license. From Panama City, you can try the sport for the first time, no problem.

The strategic position of the country and the diversity of local and migratory fish that cross the Pacific Ocean, make Panama City the perfect starting point for your next fishing trip.

The City, as we locals call it, is the capital of the country. Where, in addition to absolutely everything you need in terms of lodging, restaurants, things to see and do, you will find several marinas from where to start your fishing trip near or far from the coast. The main ones are in Punta Pacifica and the Amador Causeway. There are charters for excursions of one or more days to the Gulf of Panama and beyond.

Heading for Adventure

When planning your trip, keep in mind that in the Bay of Panama there are a good number of islands where you can start your fishing days. A very popular one for its proximity and beauty is Taboga.

Just a 30-minute sail from downtown, you'll be casting your rods and enjoying fishing, with breathtaking views of the city skyline. In Taboga you can also stay and enjoy its bars and beaches after your day of fishing.

The islands of Otoque, Boná and Estivá, 40 km (25 miles) south of the city, have movie-like scenery in the middle of a deep ocean where several species of billfish live. Sail with camera in hand, dolphins love to accompany the boats.

A little farther away, about two hours by boat from the city, is the Pearl Archipelago, a paradise teeming with life. There you can navigate among more than 200 islands, crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and a great variety and population of large and small fish. This area is epic for whale watching, which cross the Pacific between July and October.

What you Will Fish

Enjoy responsible fishing in the Pacific Ocean with the catch of species such as sailfish, roosterfish, jacks, cubera snappers, wahoo and yellowfin tuna. These can be found by staying close to the coast during the dry season, from December to May.

If you are planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to November, go out to the open sea. In these months, you will be able to break records with blue and black marlin, yellowfin tuna and dorados, among others.

Responsible Fishing

Be sure to fish responsibly and comply with release laws. Species such as the black marlin, blue marlin, striped marlin, white marlin, spearfish, sailfish and swordfish are reserved, by law, to be caught and then released during sport fishing. Be aware of the protected areas and the closed months for each species. This information will be given to you by the tour operator or certified guide, who we recommend accompanying you during your excursion.