BizPanama Contact

Sport fishing in Panama

Panama's Pacific waters are among the best places in the world for big-game fishing: marlin, sailfish, tuna and more, plus peacock bass in a lake next to the canal.

Three men on a fishing boat at sea holding a large blue marlin across the stern
A blue marlin caught in Piñas Bay, Darién.
A man holding a large yellowfin tuna on a fishing boat
Yellowfin tuna, caught offshore.
A man holding a large mahi-mahi on a boat
Mahi-mahi (dorado) on the boat.
A man holding a yellowfin tuna in the stern of a fishing boat
A tuna brought aboard.
A man sitting on a boat holding a bright mahi-mahi
Another mahi-mahi, caught offshore.

Where to fish

AreaWhat it is known forNotes
Piñas Bay, DariénBlack and blue marlin and sailfish, the home of Tropic Star LodgeRemote lodge. Marlin and tuna peak from January to April.
Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba, Isla Montuosa and Hannibal BankBig-game offshore fishing, based at Boca ChicaLodges and charters year-round.
Pearl IslandsDozens of International Game Fish Association records and abundant marine lifeA short flight or ferry from Panama City.
Gulf of PanamaDay charters from Panama CityGood for a short trip.
Lake GatúnPeacock bass in the canal's lakeDay trips from the city.

Lodges

  • Tropic Star Lodge

    A famous marlin fishing lodge in Piñas Bay, Darién, reached by charter flight.

  • Boca Chica lodges

    Operations such as Panama Big Game Sportfishing Club and Gone Fishing Panama fish the Gulf of Chiriquí.

  • Charters from Panama City

    Day trips and multi-day offshore trips by the canal and the Pearl Islands.

Combine it with a trip

We can combine fishing with golf, Casco Antiguo, El Valle or the Pearl Islands. See golf in Panama and the Kingfisher Bay property in the Pearl Islands.

Plan a fishing trip

Seasons and operators change; confirm availability and prices with the lodge or captain. Sources: Frommer's Panama fishing guide.