Panama
Untouched coast. Unstoppable fish.
Panama sportfishing vacations
Panama means “place of good fishing”, and whoever named it wasn’t wrong. The Pacific coastline stretching south from the Costa Rica border holds some of the most prolific fishing I’ve found anywhere in the world. Scattered uninhabited islands, pristine reefs, and deep offshore banks that concentrate fish in numbers most anglers never get to see.
What makes my Panama trips different is simple: you won’t see another sportfishing boat during your entire stay. I’ve been fishing here long enough to know the water, the fish, and how to put you in the right spot at the right time. You’re not following a map, you’re fishing with someone who’s had a line in this water for over 20 years.
I run two locations. The Wilderness Lodge has no road access, you get in by boat, and that’s not an inconvenience, it’s the feature. Playa Malena gives you a wild Pacific beach setting with equally unmatched fishing. Both put you on fish that haven’t seen pressure, behaving the way fish are supposed to behave.
trip Details
what’s included
fishing locations
I alternate between two destinations on Panama’s Pacific coast depending on the season, conditions and clients needs. Both destinations are remote. Both are exceptional.
The Wilderness Lodge
No roads in. No neighbors. Just a fully outfitted lodge sitting on one of the most productive stretches of Pacific coastline I’ve ever fished. You arrive by boat and you fish until you’re ready to stop. Surrounding islands hold incredible inshore species, and the offshore banks are world-class. This is the most remote lodge experience I offer anywhere.
Playa Malena
A wild, open Pacific beach with fishing that matches the scenery. Playa Malena gives you access to both the rugged inshore action along the coastline and the deeper offshore grounds. Depending on timing, it’s some of the best roosterfish water I know of, and the marlin, tuna, and wahoo offshore are as good as it gets.
Fish Species
Black Marlin
The holy grail of Panama big game. Fish to 500lbs+ are not uncommon off the deep offshore banks.
OFFSHORE · BIG GAME
Sailfish
Fast, acrobatic, and plentiful. Panama’s Pacific holds excellent sailfish populations year-round.
OFFSHORE · BIG GAME
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are powerful, fast-swimming fish known for their sleek bodies and vibrant yellow fins.
OFFSHORE · PELAGIC
Wahoo
The fastest fish in the ocean. When the conditions are right, Panama wahoo fishing is exceptional.
OFFSHORE · PELAGIC
Roosterfish
Pound for pound one of the most aggressive inshore fish you’ll ever fight. Wild and unconditioned here.
INSHORE · GAMEFISH
Cubera Snapper
Massive, bull-strong, and a blast on the right tackle. Great table fare at the lodge too.
INSHORE · REEF
happy anglers
★★★★★
One of the great things about fishing with him is that he is a great teacher and will encourage to be as hands on as want. His trips to Panama are especially unique as you are likely to not encounter another sportfishing boat during your trip. You will have the opportunity to fish inshore and offshore in the same day if you so choose.
I will be fishing with him again and I recommend you do the same.”
– Philip Leman
Booking a Trip
Availability is limited and Panama fishing vacation trips fill up well in advance. Reach out and I’ll tell you exactly what’s open and what to expect.
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