Fishing in Bocas Del Toro
The name "Panama" is actually an aboriginal word loosely meaning "an abundance of fish"........... and they really got that right.
The Pacific side of Panama is home to many world record Marlin catches. Also, there is a coast line along the beautiful Azuero Peninsula that is called Costa Altun or Tuna Coast - and it deserves that name. The Pacific coast of Panama has captured the imagination of fishermen for years.
Here on the Caribbean side, fishing is more seasonal. Yet, given you time your trip right, Panama will live up to its reputation for great fishing on this coast as well.
The Pacific side of Panama is home to many world record Marlin catches. Also, there is a coast line along the beautiful Azuero Peninsula that is called Costa Altun or Tuna Coast - and it deserves that name. The Pacific coast of Panama has captured the imagination of fishermen for years.
Here on the Caribbean side, fishing is more seasonal. Yet, given you time your trip right, Panama will live up to its reputation for great fishing on this coast as well.
Island Path Panama primarily offers near shore fishing for Tuna, Wahoo, Grouper, King Fish and Barracuda. We also fish the flats in the Chiriqui Lagoon for Tarpon. Snook are plentiful in select river mouths.........there is actually a town called Point Snook that is situated on the Snook River.
The best time for fishing is during the dry season of March through early May, and then late June through October. The water is clearer and the fish migrate here looking for the abundant bait fish.
Our fishing tours are on a first come, first serve basis and include tackle, bait, boat and a guide for the day. Lunch and drinks are also provided.
If you are interested in Offshore fishing, we have relationships with operators that have boats suited for blue water. Given the sea depths reach 9000 feet within 10 miles of Bastimentos, it does not take long to get to the billfish. In April as well as September / October, the option to go offshore opens as the waves go slack. This is the time for Atlantic billfish and specific fishing grounds that are known throughout the fishing underground for their abundance. These boats naturally cost more.
Island Path Panama's fishing guide, Robert "Sully" Sullivan's reputation is without equal in this region.
Sully has been living in Bocas Del Toro for nine years and making his living fishing the waters through out the islands. His commitment to the region is strong. He owns one of Bocas' most beautiful waterfront homes, is married to a wonderful Panamanian and is a father of two daughters. Sully speaks fluent Spanish and is also a world class surfer.
Sully has been living in Bocas Del Toro for nine years and making his living fishing the waters through out the islands. His commitment to the region is strong. He owns one of Bocas' most beautiful waterfront homes, is married to a wonderful Panamanian and is a father of two daughters. Sully speaks fluent Spanish and is also a world class surfer.
Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna can be hunted during March/April as well as July through October. Large tuna over 80 pounds have been caught within two miles of the Bastimentos channel.
Wahoo love deep channels with current. They congregate in packs, waiting for bait to school. Bocas Del Toro has small cays and reef structure perfect for Wahoo. We know where these channels are, how deep they are and fast to trawl.
The Caribbean is famous for Grouper and these large fish can be found throughout the island's north coast. There are also special fishing grounds that only a few know about. These areas are tough to get to but if you want big Grouper, we know where to get them.
Snook fishing is a completely different game. If you want to try The Snook River (Rio Robalo in Spanish) lets see if it lives up to its name.....But we know other rivers and creeks in the Chiriqui Lagoon and the flats where this fighting legend are thick. The dry months of April and September / October are typically the best times to fish for Snook.
Very large Tarpon are found in the flats and small bays throughout the Chiriqui Lagoon. Sully caught one close to 100 pounds off his dock in Sand Fly Bay. And as with Snook, the dry season of April and September / October are usually the best times to fish for Tarpon.
