We had a great time on this fishing trip. Roberto, our driver and guide, was amazing, and Carlos was a great captain. Carlos did a really good job reaching out beforehand to ask if there was anything we needed or wanted, what our preferences were, and what species we were hoping to target so he could have the right equipment ready and help make sure we had the best day possible.

We went in July, which is not peak season, but we still caught a jack crevalle and a couple of peacock bass during the five-and-a-half-hour trip. They were very willing to go after the species we requested, and were able to make great plans for each species. We also saw monkeys, a toucan, and an alligator, which made the experience even better.

We left at 6 a.m. and got to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise. The boat was very nice, the equipment was good, the location beyond incredible, and the whole experience was fun from start to finish. Transportation to and from our hotel was also very clean and convenient for the additional $70 fee.

One practical tip: paying in cash may help avoid the credit card processing fee, so it is worth planning ahead if that matters to you. Overall, highly recommend.

This trip was by far the most fun we have had in Panama! We originally booked for 9am, as we are not early risers & we had just flown in from the US the night before, however, the capt let us know that the fishing would be much better earlier. We arranged for hotel pick up at 6:30 am & Roberto was right on time. We arrived at such a beautiful lake, Roberto & Carlos took us right to the fish & we were instantly reeling them in! They were so patient with my 9 & 11 yo children keeping bait on the hooks, and untangling our lines on twigs. Carlos is an excellent fisherman, and you can tell how passionate he is about fishing. He would spot the fish and guide us exactly when to reel in our line- he made it so easy!! We all had such a great time. We finished our time with the titi & white face monkeys feeding them nuts and bananas & even spotted a sloth! Do yourself a favor & book these guys for your next adventure on gatun lake. They do not disappoint!!

This was a great day on the lake. While Rene himself could not take me out he sent me with one of his extremely knowledgeable colleagues. 2 days before the trip Rene contacted me to let me know of this and he asked me if I can speak Spanish. When I said that my Spanish was a Work in Progress he sent along Robert, a guide that spoke great English and who was very knowledgeable about the Panama Canal and it’s history.

But you are here to read about where I caught Fish… did l?????

From 6am we made the run up to the north of the lake close to the Santa Clara locks and we began casting and it was not long before I landed my first Peacock Bass. From that point on it was one strike after another. We never stopped moving. When it got slower we started trolling for Snook and Peacock Bass and on every attempt we hit them.

We continued throughout the day like this hopping between Spinning and Trolling until later in the evening when the Cap had something special planned.

He took me to his Personal spot where he had only a week ago caught his record Snook. We trolled for about 30-40 mins hooking up on Snook and Peacocks but he was not satisfied until my rod was bent to breaking point. Just before sunset I was hooked up on a fighter of a Snook that took over 10 mins to land. What a way to end the evening.

I really appreciated everything Rene’s team did and will highly recommend them for you Gamboa experience.

P.S:meeting the Panama Canal Police was a bonus.

me and my girlfriend were looking sor something to do and ended up hooking this the day before we wanted to go and Rene somehow found a way to fit us in with his best captain carlos which is just awesome. we ended up liking this more then deep sea fishing! carlos was very knowledgable and would even cast for my girlfriend and put her right on the fish almost every single time and she ended up catching more fish then i did! we caught a lot of peacock bass and a couple monster snook which was just a blast and it is absolutely beautiful out on gatun lake i dont think theres anywhere else id say is more beautiful and i live in the mississippi river valley. but overall just an awesome day carlos could call monkeys to him and get them right up next to the boat it was so awesome best day of our trip so far. will definitely be back next year with rene and carlos for lots more fun! thank you rene and carlos very very much!!!!!

Rene was on time picking me up this morning and was courteous enough to get me some coffee. On the water I had a blast chasing Jack boils, we’d spot some boiling a little ways off and race over to get in the action. Rene was a super knowledgeable guide and knows how to get you on fish. 10/10 would go out with him again. If you find yourself in Panama look him up.