Panamá Fishing Charters

55 Fishing Charters

Panamá Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Panamá

Top Panamá Destinations

Panamá: 55 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(111 reviews)
Gamboa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $295
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(13 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(93 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(102 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(27 reviews)
Gamboa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $275
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(4 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,300
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $590
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(4 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $590
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,800
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(3 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,800

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Panama

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Panama are: Full list of top fishing charters in Panama

The average price for a private 4 hour Panama fishing trip is $489, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $886 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Panama that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Panama are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Panama are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Panama are:

Many fishing charters in Panama provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Panama are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Panama?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Panama are:
  • Extended fishing trips – $14,950
  • 2-hour fishing trips – $450
  • 3-hour fishing trips – $275
  • 4-hour fishing trips – $641
  • 5-hour fishing trips – $325
  • 6-hour fishing trips – $367
  • 8-hour fishing trips – $1,400
  • 9-hour fishing trips – $778
  • 10-hour fishing trips – $2,623
  • 12-hour fishing trips – $560

Legend has it that Panama means “land of many fish,” as the natives told the gold-seeking Spanish centuries ago. True or not, it perfectly describes Panama fishing today, arguably one of the best big fish locales in the world!

Where to go

Panama City

The capital of the country is famous for having premier fishing right off the coast. If hooking up big fish on light tackle revs your fishing engines, the Pacific waters of Panama are the place to be. The offshore waters are full of Blue and Black Marlin, Sailfish, and other pelagic predators but that’s not the whole picture. Anglers looking to test their fishing muscles can target Jack Crevalle, Bigeye and Bluefin Trevally, and Roosterfish, just get ready for an impressive pull.

Isla de Coiba

The island is blessed with unique ocean topography – it’s connected to the Galapagos Islands with an underwater mountain chain. That has led to a who’s who of rare fish swimming around the island. As good as the nearshore action is on the gorgeous Isla de Coiba, it gets red-hot offshore! Hannibal Banks is a sea-mount approximately 20 miles west of the island, plateauing at around 120 feet of water, while surrounded on all sides by waters several miles deep. This natural phenomenon is a predator magnet, with all sorts of Billfish and Tuna converging here. If you’re looking for the biggest Black Marlin, this is the place to be!

Atlantic Ocean

While Panama is known best for amazing fishing in the Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean has plenty to offer to any angler. The less-developed marine infrastructure on the northern coast has driven most anglers down south but things have steadily improved since the 1990s. This can work to your advantage too, as the fishing pressure is much lighter on the northern coast.

Where to fish

Offshore

Pelagic predators aplenty, the offshore waters of Panama boast some of the finest offshore fishing on the planet. Blue and Black Marlin are one of the staples of fishing here: you can target them year-round. The action heats up especially between December and April. Striped Marlin swim into Pinas Bay around March. You can hook up some real monsters, with the average Marlin being in the 300+ lb range. Wahoo, usually weighing over 15 lb, start rolling in just as the high season for Billfish closes, so you can keep the intense action going! Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, and Sailfish also stalk the offshore waters, waiting for the right angler to show up for a tough battle.

Nearshore

There are numerous islands dotting the nearshore waters off the coast of Panama, as well as many underwater reefs and other structures. This all leads to excellent fishing, whether you’re a fan of bottom fishing, drifting, trolling, or casting. Tasty Cubera Snapper, various Groupers, Wahoo, and many other colorful species can be targeted. Panama Rooster fishing is known world-wide. You can target massive Roosterfish, a challenging fight worthy of including in your fishing stories! Nearshore action is good year-round, as long as you're with a captain who knows the right spots to fish.

Inshore

Snook and Tarpon are the stars of the coastline and rivers of Panama. The Panama Canal is a very productive spot to go after huge Tarpon – anglers report an average of around 100 lb with the occasional monster weighing at over 200 lb. Tarpon are best at the start of the year, in January and February. Stalking the mangroves for Snook is rewarding just for the gorgeous tropical nature surrounding you, not to mention the amazing Snook fishing! You can reliably target them in the mouths of rivers and further inshore from December to May.

Need to know before you go

You should catch and release the larger reef-dwelling fish. Larger specimens can disappoint you if you’re interested in good eating – they might have the Ciguatera toxin which, while very rarely lethal, is certainly unpleasant. Smaller fish can go straight in the pan, though!

You don’t need a license to fish in Panama and there are no limits on how much fish you can keep. If you’re planning on fishing on Isla Coiba you should set aside $50, it’s a fee paid per boat, per week. To protect the wildlife of the island, all fish are catch-and-release only.

Whether you’re just looking to soak some rays and do some light angling or you dream of a trophy Black Marlin, Panama has the fishing trip for you! Book a trip in this tropical paradise now to take the first step towards your new favorite fishing destination.

Panamá
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27954 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

The most popular month for Black Marlin. You can hook also hook up Yellowfin Tuna, big Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and other species. It’s the perfect excuse to leave the cold at home and enjoy the hot action!

February

The exciting offshore adventure continues into February with Marlin, Sailfish and various Tunas. You can test your mettle against several species of Jacks that are excellent this time of year.

March

The famous Roosterfish can be reliably targeted during March. Cubera Snapper bite like crazy, while Striped Marlin start moving in closer to the coastline. Yellowfin Tuna is voracious and a popular target for many anglers.

April

Inshore anglers can look forward to the action getting even more exciting. Anglers looking to beat their personal best on Roosterfish should head out, ready for a fight. Schools of Yellowfin Tuna show up around Piñas Bay.

May

The wind starts blowing from the south, bringing a lot of Sailfish with it. They come in as close as a couple of miles off the shore, so if you’re looking for a picture to brag about, now’s the time.

June

Sailfish season is in full swing, with multiple bites per day being common. Other pelagics like Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin are still good. Looking for a record Roosterfish? Specimens weighing over 70 lb have been caught in June.

July

If you aren’t sure what fish you want to go after, July is the month for you. Fishing is productive for a number of species like Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Roosterfish, Snappers, Groupers, and others!

August

The temperature is quite comfortable, the only sweat you’ll break is from the red-hot Marlin action. Bring a waterproof jacket on your fishing trip anyway, as occasional showers can occur.

September

Wahoo has arrived in full force and anglers are targeting it left, right, and center. Black and Blue Marlin fishing is still excellent, so remember to bring a camera to capture these incredible fish.

October

If you’re not looking to reel in numbers but trophies, this is the month for you. Big Cubera Snapper and large Roosterfish can be hooked up in bays along the Pacific Coast.

November

Mahi Mahi, Black and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna – the list of excellent targets goes on. The rainy season ends in November and debris-lines from the past season can make for excellent feeding grounds for fish.

December

It might be hard to decide on one species to target. Luckily, December helps with that! Black and Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Roosterfish, and more are all excellent this time of year.

Panamá fishing calendar

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Bring a raincoat. After all, it is the rain forest! No need to bring food or drink, tackle or any other equipment. Gatun Sport fishing has you covered.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a raincoat. After all, it is the rain forest! No need to bring food or drink, tackle or any other equipment. Gatun Sport fishing has you covered.
Jay  P.
Jay P.
Gem Charters is the best option for Fishing in Panama!! Excellent tour, Fishing!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Gem Charters is the best option for Fishing in Panama!! Excellent tour, Fishing!!
Yeika  M.
Yeika M. Panama City, Provincia De Panama
Book with some time in advance and do your research on which species you want to catch so you can book the date on the correct season.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with some time in advance and do your research on which species you want to catch so you can book the date on the correct season.
Panama Bay Tours & Fishing
Panama Bay Tours & Fishing Panama City, 8
Water was low so fishing was a little tough. Many species move to deeper water but there were still some shallow bass. Longer trips would afford the opportunity for multiple species when you would need to target multiple depth ranges with different presentations.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Water was low so fishing was a little tough. Many species move to deeper water but there were still some shallow bass. Longer trips would afford the opportunity for multiple species when you would need to target multiple depth ranges with different presentations.
Phillip  C.
Phillip C. Southport, FL
Yes, I would recommend fishing in Gamboa for first time anglers. The scenery inside the canal is pretty awesome with the large vessels, rivers, and wildlife.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, I would recommend fishing in Gamboa for first time anglers. The scenery inside the canal is pretty awesome with the large vessels, rivers, and wildlife.
Karlton  T.
Karlton T. Glenarden, MD
I would highly recommend Gamboa fishing trip in July. Fishing in the canal is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. We targeted tarpon, peacock bass, snook, and jack crevalle, and caught plenty of peacock bass and snook. We sighted the tarpon but couldn't entice them to bite the lures. Overall a great trip. I am planning on a follow on offshore trip for the big marlin and tuna with CAPT Rene in the November/December timeframe.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would highly recommend Gamboa fishing trip in July. Fishing in the canal is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. We targeted tarpon, peacock bass, snook, and jack crevalle, and caught plenty of peacock bass and snook. We sighted the tarpon but couldn't entice them to bite the lures. Overall a great trip. I am planning on a follow on offshore trip for the big marlin and tuna with CAPT Rene in the November/December timeframe.
Karlton  T.
Karlton T. Glenarden, MD
Not sure if I know what to recommend to anglers fishing in Cebaco Island for the first time. However, fishing requires patience and great energy!
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Not sure if I know what to recommend to anglers fishing in Cebaco Island for the first time. However, fishing requires patience and great energy!
Karen  O.
Karen O. Philadelphia, PA
Mahis are HUGE, but the tuna freshly made ceviche from Gem Charters is the best.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Mahis are HUGE, but the tuna freshly made ceviche from Gem Charters is the best.
Michelle  F.
Michelle F. Vancouver, British Columbia
We don’t habla español, so don’t get frustrated with communicating with your Captain or the locals! Start early and plan ahead!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We don’t habla español, so don’t get frustrated with communicating with your Captain or the locals! Start early and plan ahead!
James  H.
James H.
It's colder in a.m. Heats up once sun is up! Bring sunblock and a hat. Didn't notice bugs.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's colder in a.m. Heats up once sun is up! Bring sunblock and a hat. Didn't notice bugs.
Melodie  H.
Melodie H. Ware, Massachusetts
Recommend round-trip transportation arrangements prior to arrival in Gamboa. Contacting an Uber in Gamboa is difficult. Miguel can also assist with an independent transportation.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Recommend round-trip transportation arrangements prior to arrival in Gamboa. Contacting an Uber in Gamboa is difficult. Miguel can also assist with an independent transportation.
Tony  J.
Tony J. Houston, Texas
These 2 captains had good boats with shallow draft and enough horsepower to get you where you need to go. Fishing equipment was functional but if you desire top equipment you might want to bring your own. Fishing was phenomenal. They communicated with us, English was good, and the 2 of them worked together so the whole family was able to fish. Book them.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
These 2 captains had good boats with shallow draft and enough horsepower to get you where you need to go. Fishing equipment was functional but if you desire top equipment you might want to bring your own. Fishing was phenomenal. They communicated with us, English was good, and the 2 of them worked together so the whole family was able to fish. Book them.
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Bluffdale, UT
Don't eat the salad in the restaurant if you get your catch cooked, the salad made me sick.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't eat the salad in the restaurant if you get your catch cooked, the salad made me sick.
Luciano  A.
Luciano A. Panama
Nice weather in December and very good catches...and Panama is a very nice city with a friendly people.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Nice weather in December and very good catches...and Panama is a very nice city with a friendly people.
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Panama City, 8
Be prepared to go way offshore to get to deep water (300’). It took almost 2 hours to get back to the dock. The seas can be rough so prepare for the motion if you are prone. The variety of fish is amazing!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared to go way offshore to get to deep water (300’). It took almost 2 hours to get back to the dock. The seas can be rough so prepare for the motion if you are prone. The variety of fish is amazing!
Freddie  C.
Freddie C. San Antonio, TX
Patience weather dictates everything but trust the excellent guide we had geraldo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Patience weather dictates everything but trust the excellent guide we had geraldo
Douglas  B.
Douglas B. Newark, OH
Bring your ID, sunscreen and a hat, The charter and captain provides everything else you would need for a wonderful days fishing!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring your ID, sunscreen and a hat, The charter and captain provides everything else you would need for a wonderful days fishing!
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Pueblo Nuevo, Provincia De Chiriqui
Plan on a great boat ride, then if you catch fish, it's a great fishing trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Plan on a great boat ride, then if you catch fish, it's a great fishing trip.
Gwen  F.
Gwen F. Panama City, Provincia De Panama
The only recommendation I would have is that you planned your trip for the morning
Excellent
4.3 / 5
The only recommendation I would have is that you planned your trip for the morning
Roger  T.
Roger T. Geuda Springs, Kansas

Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
You’ll need to go out with Rene he knows the waters and he is a great guide to boot!! I had the experience of a lifetime!!
Ram  P.
Ram P.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
Fished in amazing places 20miles out from Panama City. Guides worked very hard to put us on fish in multiple locations. https://instagram.com/mmaa2419?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA== https://instagram.com/chichotunon?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA== https://instagram.com/manuels_barrioss?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA==
Matt  R.
Matt R.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
Captain Melvin was great! We caught fish and the trip was excellent! Will definitely go out with him again!
Joey  P.
Joey P.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
What an amazing experience. Rene was such a nice guy. His knowledge of fishing in the Gatun Lake helped my girlfriend catch her first fish! We were able to bring in tons of Peacock Bass! Can’t wait to come back to Panama to go again!
Kevin  G.
Kevin G.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
Professional, punctual and reliable service, friendly atmosphere, well equipped boat- and tackle-wise, experienced, enthusiastic guide that pays attention to details and gladly shares his knowledge and insights with you!
Louis  T.
Louis T.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
The fishing trip was a total blast! The crew's vibe was awesome, and we all had a great time together. From cracking jokes to helping out, it was a day full of positive energy. The Mahi were biting like crazy, and we ended up hauling in a bunch of them. The non-stop action made it a killer fishing day, and the camaraderie just added to the fun. Overall, it was more than I expected – a perfect mix of good company, thrilling catches, and a hell of a good time!
Maureen  N.
Maureen N.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
We chose the half-day fishing trip, and it was awesome! The boat ride to the bay in the afternoon was chill and nice. We caught a bunch of fish while cruising in Panama's waters. The guide was cool, knew a lot about Panama, and made tasty ceviche from the fish we caught. I totally recommend this crew for anyone wanting a fishing trip in Panama. It was a super fun and enjoyable experience.
David  L.
David L.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
We fished with Sunrise last year, so we knew to expect great fishing and one of the hardest working crews that we've ever fished with, and they did not disappoint. Had a great time. Thanks guys!
Steven  H.
Steven H.
Panama GEM Charters - Viking 46'
Panama GEM Charters - Viking 46'
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(4 reviews)
This was the best fishing charter I have been on. The Captain and crew were amazing from the arrival to the departure. We caught fish and went to Tobago Island where they organised a local restaurant to cook the fish for us for lunch. It was by far some of the best Ceviche I have ever had. This is a must do if you like fishing or just an adventure seeker.
Richard  D.
Richard D.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
Rene took us to Monkey Island. Gave great tips on fishing techniques and put us on fish. He have drinks and sandwiches for us. Very pleasant and spoke English well. Highly recommend
Monte  P.
Monte P.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
Capt. Melvin & Manuel did amazing! We are novices at fishing, however crew were very helpful and informative. Melvin was able to navigate and use clues as to where to catch. Successful trip! We came back with several fish to eat.
Jon  B.
Jon B.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(93 reviews)
Very fun fishing trip. The crew was incredible. They helped us so much to catch fish. Super friendly.
Peyton  D.
Peyton D.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
We had a 22 hour layover and decided to do half a day fishing trip. It was awesome. Great crew great fishing and we did catch fish!! Tuna and mahi and some jacks. The crew did everything they could to make sure we catches something. I highly recommend these guys!
Abraham  B.
Abraham B.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
Very good trip Rene knows his fishing waters very well and let up pick and choose what we wanted to do that was great and we had some good action chasing fish schools around would definitely recommend and will be going again soon dave c professional fishing guide in Alaska
David  C.
David C. Kelso, WA
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(111 reviews)
Rene is very knowledgeable of the area and knows where/what the fish are doing. We started off trying different flies until we found the right one and wore out the peacock bass! He as also very patient with teaching my wife and got her on fish as well. 10/10 recommend taking a trip with Rene!
Michael  C.
Michael C.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
Tuvimos una tarde de pesca excelente, estoy acostumbrado a pescar temprano en la mañana pero me dijeron que la tarde tambien era buena y ahora se porqué. Sacamos 4 dorados, 2 tunas y lo mejor de todo ni siquiera fue la pesca, sino la excelente atención por parte de la tripulación, que se mostraron muy profesionales, respetuosos y atentos conmigo y mi esposa. Sin lugar a dudas una experiencia para repetir.
Robert  P.
Robert P. Los Angeles, California
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
It's nice to be writing this after such a good day. Thank you to the crew; me and my family had a beautiful time onboard the Proline 27'. All the gear was in great shape, and fishing in Panama was as promised. Thanks again for the ceviche!
Bernard  J.
Bernard J. Chicago, Illinois
Fishing at the Panama Canal / VamosD'Pesca
Fishing at the Panama Canal / VamosD'Pesca
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Had a good trip with JD. He tried hard to get my wife and I on the fish. Nice guy and easy to talk to. Was on time to pick us up
Jon  P.
Jon P. Lakewood, CO
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
I'm not an expert fisherman, so it was great that I booked with this crew, as they take their job seriously and are very service-oriented. I was with my son, and they taught him different techniques, helped him reel in a fish, and explained everything that was going on, why they were throwing specific lures, etc. The captain also explained some of the functioning of the Panama Canal. It was a delightful trip.
Gerry  R.
Gerry R. Zurich, Zurich
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(102 reviews)
This was a great experience. The boat was in great shape, as well as the fishing gear. The crew were professional; both talked in English and knew much about fishing and the area. I very much recommend them.
Gonzalo  A.
Gonzalo A. Dallas, Texas