The World Class Fishing of Western Panama

There are few places in the world that rival the tiny country of Panama for great saltwater fishing action. One area in western Panama is particularly remarkable for it's stunning array of species and the incredible action to be had when targeting big game species like black marlin and Pacific sailfish. The Gulf of Chiriqui boast many islands that provide the ideal conditions for varieties of reef fish and the behemoths who prey on them. In addition, less than two hours run from the estuary of the Pedregal River at Boca Chica, you will find the world famous Hannibal Bank, a seamount rising to within 200 feet of the surface from a depth of thousands of feet. Though not a big area in terms of surface miles, the Bank offers the angler the opportunity to hook up with marlin weighing hundreds of pounds. The action on the bank is spectacular, to say the least.

The islands of Ladrones and Montuosa provide other opportunities for billfish action. These picturesque islands are home to many species that add variety to fishing action in the Chiriqui Gulf. Roosterfish, sometimes weighing 50 or 60 pounds are found around the islands and these ferocious fighters are a lot of fun to catch. Known at Pez Gallo in Spanish, the cocky rooster is a good looking fish with black and silver stripes and a seven-spiked dorsal fin from whence it takes its name.

Another favorite target fish in these waters is the yellow-fin tuna. Another excellent fighter, the yellow-fin are here in mass numbers much of the year. From twenty to thirty pound "footballs" to fish weighing hundreds of pounds these tuna make excellent fare for the table as well. Many a grown man has succumbed to the arm-wrenching these fish inflict on anglers. It is pretty unusual in most fishing experiences to ever say "I've had enough!" but when the tuna are biting it becomes commonplace.

Other reef species commonly caught in the Gulf of Chiriqui include snapper--red, dog-tooth and cubera, snowy grouper, blue trevally, amber jack, Spanish and cerro mackeral, wahoo, and dorado (also called mahi-mahi). Dorado tend to run with the Pacific sailfish that are at their peak from March to June, but still available year-round.

In fact, there isn't really a bad time to fish the waters of western Panama. A quick glance at any seasonal fishing chart for Panama will show you that some species is always in peak availability. However, from a human standpoint it is probably best to avoid the months of October and November as these are the peak months of the rainy season. The water tends to be cloudy due to massive river run-off and you are likely to get rained on every day. Of course, the fish don't mind the rain! Panama saltwater fishing is world class whatever the weather may be.

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About the author

We came to Panama for the fishing six years ago and while there are a lot more things to do here now, the fishing is still as great. My blog is the tale of our adventures on the waters of the Chiriqui Gulf and you can find it at http://panamasaltwaterfishing.com We also are in the Panama Real Estate business because we have to do something to support our fishing habit!

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