The Pearl Island Charter Company
Charter operator

The Pearl Island Charter Company

Panama City, Panamá
25+ reviews
The Pearl Islands Charter Company has been operating in the area for over two decades, running fishing trips, pleasure cruises, and sightseeing tours. They pride themselves on providing a safe, fun, and client-oriented experience on every trip, and will always be more than happy to go the extra mile in order to make your time with them even more memorable!
Marcial T.
Marcial T.
Captain
Rolando P.
Rolando P.
Captain

Charters

Rating

4.7
26 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.7
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

All reviews (26)

Showing 1 – 5 of 26 reviews
  • Joe Thayer
    Joe Thayer
    Repeat angler
    us
    Washington State, US
    Member since 2020
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic trip!

    8 Hour Trip – Mahi Mahi & Sailfish • 4 adults

    I booked two days with Pearl Island Charters, and was not disappointed. Captain Ronaldo and our mate Marquez took great care of us, stayed focused, and were great with the whole family. Over the two days we caught two sailfish (60+ and 7-+kg), two Mahi, several Bonito, and a Jack Crevalle. The boat was very nice and nicely equipped, and every fish that hooked up we got to the boat. Not only was I able to cross a bucket list fish off my list, the crew made sure that my kids got in on the action and were patient and encouraging with them as they struggled to bring in powerful fish. This was a great couple of trips and i strongly recommend booking with them!

    Reported catch:
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Sailfish
    Response from Charter operator

    Joe, the fish made us work hard to find them, but we insisted, persisted and never desisted! and it paid off... thank you for choosing us... tight lines sir!

  • Thomas Collins
    Thomas Collins
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2019
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip with the family

    Otoque and Boná - West • 4 adults

    Capt. Rolondo was great to work with. He put s on many varieties of fish from snapper to tuna. After we caught dinner he put us on large jack for the fight! My wife and son both had a great time.

    Reported catch:
    Jack Crevalle
    Cubera Snapper
    Response from Charter operator

    Great day in the water! hope you can make it here during Rainy Season! tight lines!

  • Benjamin Bragg
    Benjamin Bragg
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    Otoque and Boná - West • 4 adults

    Captain Rolo and Justin were top notch. They went above and beyond to create an awesome fishing experience for us. Would highly recommend!!!

    Response from Charter operator

    thanks for your Review! it was a good day in the water

  • Nicholas Kokinakos
    Nicholas Kokinakos
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Rolo is awesome

    8 Hour Trip – Taboga • 3 adults

    great time fishing with a great captian ! awesome time and very accommodating.

    Response from Charter operator

    thank you for your review, hope to fish with you again!

  • Joshua Melliger
    Joshua Melliger
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Rolando

    Pearl Islands Contadora Fishing • 5 adults
    Response from Charter operator

    thanks Joshua!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Adult angler proudly holding a large mahi-mahi on a center-console boat offshore, with fishing rods and open ocean in the background.
    Fish 1
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Conditions & Overview: We originally had this trip scheduled for late November, but with windy conditions and rough seas on the horizon, we made a quick call to our guests and moved the date up to November 1st. It turned out to be the best decision ever! We started early in the morning, caught fresh live bait around the channel buoys, and made the 20-mile run offshore into the Gulf of Panama. The Strategy & Action: Sustained north winds had kept the offshore Sailfish and Mahi bite a bit slow in previous weeks. After an hour of slow trolling, we knew we had to raise the energy. We deployed a full offshore spread—Daisy chain teasers, birds, and a dredge—to make maximum noise and draw fish up from the depths. 45 minutes in, a Sailfish smashed a 7-inch chartreuse chugger! Though it spit the hook after a 2-minute battle, the spread did its job. Just 30 minutes later, our mate Pedro spotted another Sailfish charging hot into the spread. He pitched the bait, fed the fish perfectly, and it was GAME ON! After a fantastic fight, we safely released a Pacific Sailfish to fight another day. Switching Gears: Shortly after, the Bonita bite fired up. We kept a couple of lively Bonitas in the tuna tubes and headed toward a deep reef off Saboga Island. As we were sending a live Bonita down deep, It got hit on its way down—that’s how we landed our target Mahi Mahi! Techniques & Gear Used: Offshore Trolling: Teaser spreads (dredge, birds, daisy chains) combined with chartreuse chuggers for billfish. Live Baiting: Freshly caught bait from the buoys and live Bonita via tuna tubes for deep-reef pelagics. Catch & Release: 1 Pacific Sailfish successfully released; Mahi Mahi harvested for dinner. As the afternoon wind began to pick up, we trolled our way back toward Panama City, wrapping up another incredible day on the water with happy anglers. Ready for your offshore adventure? The fish are out there, sometimes you have to work hard to get'em. Check out our latest photos and videos, and book your trip with Pearl Island Charter Company today!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Sailfish on a fishing charter, showcasing the thrill of deep-sea fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Sailfish
    Joe T.
    Joe T.
    I booked two days with Pearl Island Charters, and was not disappointed. Captain Ronaldo and our mate Marquez took great care of us, stayed focused, and were great with the whole family. Over the two days we caught two sailfish (60+ and 7-+kg), two Mahi, several Bonito, and a Jack Crevalle. The boat was very nice and nicely equipped, and every fish that hooked up we got to the boat. Not only was I able to cross a bucket list fish off my list, the crew made sure that my kids got in on the action and were patient and encouraging with them as they struggled to bring in powerful fish. This was a great couple of trips and i strongly recommend booking with them!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing offshore, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Jack Crevalle
    Joshua M.
    Joshua M.
  • Teen angler holding a large silver game fish aboard a center-console boat in open coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Jack Crevalle
    Thomas C.
    Thomas C.
    Capt. Rolondo was great to work with. He put s on many varieties of fish from snapper to tuna. After we caught dinner he put us on large jack for the fight! My wife and son both had a great time.
  • Adult angler holding a spotted mackerel-style fish aboard a center-console fishing boat on calm blue water.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Benjamin B.
    Benjamin B.
    Captain Rolo and Justin were top notch. They went above and beyond to create an awesome fishing experience for us. Would highly recommend!!!
  • Angler holding a large Spanish Mackerel on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Casting and trolling produced 12 fish landed and a couple that got away. At the end we landed 3 albacores, 4 sierras, 3 barracudas and 2 leather jacks! Great day!
  • An angler proudly displays a large Amberjack while fishing on a boat, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Jack Crevalle
    This last week the inshore bite was insane!!! Hooking up 20 or more fish in a day seems to be the rule this past couple of days! Casting and trolling got us hooked on Bonito, Sierra, Jacks and Mexican Houndfish... We even got a big Rooster in the live bait! We had 2 groups from Texas, one from Colombia and one from Mexico! Fish on!
  • An angler actively reeling in a catch while fishing on a boat in open waters, showcasing the excitement of the sport.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Rocky & Sarah R.
    Rocky & Sarah R.
    Today was my husband's birthday. We had an absolutely amazing experience with Pearl island fishing charter.From the moment we stepped on board, the crew was professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home. They knew exactly where to go to find the fish, and we caught way more than we expected! The boat was clean, well-equipped, and comfortable, and the whole trip was fun from start to finish. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, this charter is a must.
  • Angler enjoying a fishing trip on a boat, giving a thumbs up while reeling in a catch near a rocky coastline.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Mannyxtt Gi F.
    Mannyxtt Gi F.
    Everything went as planned. Captain Rolando was very knowledgeable and helpful!
  • A group of enthusiastic anglers displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel aboard a sport fishing boat, celebrating a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Christopher G.
    Christopher G.
    Captain and crew amazing! We caught so many fish, the boat is perfect, and we just overall had an absolute blast. Offshore full day! Wahoo!!

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Pearl Islands Charter Company – 31' Bertram in Panama City

Make the most of the inshore season before the waters start getting murky, but don't forget about the offshore fish. The all-star cast of Billfish, Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo will only be together a little longer.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Adult angler proudly holding a large mahi-mahi on a center-console boat offshore, with fishing rods and open ocean in the background.

? Epic Date Shift Pays Off: Sailfish & M

Nov 1, 2026 • Panama City
Conditions & Overview: We originally had this trip scheduled for late November, but with windy conditions and rough seas on the horizon, we made a quick call to our guests and moved the date up to November 1st. It turned out to be the best decision ever! We started early in the morning, caught fresh live bait around the channel buoys, and made the 20-mile run offshore into the Gulf of Panama. The Strategy & Action: Sustained north winds had kept the offshore Sailfish and Mahi bite a bit slow in previous weeks. After an hour of slow trolling, we knew we had to raise the energy. We deployed a full offshore spread—Daisy chain teasers, birds, and a dredge—to make maximum noise and draw fish up from the depths. 45 minutes in, a Sailfish smashed a 7-inch chartreuse chugger! Though it spit the hook after a 2-minute battle, the spread did its job. Just 30 minutes later, our mate Pedro spotted another Sailfish charging hot into the spread. He pitched the bait, fed the fish perfectly, and it was GAME ON! After a fantastic fight, we safely released a Pacific Sailfish to fight another day. Switching Gears: Shortly after, the Bonita bite fired up. We kept a couple of lively Bonitas in the tuna tubes and headed toward a deep reef off Saboga Island. As we were sending a live Bonita down deep, It got hit on its way down—that’s how we landed our target Mahi Mahi! Techniques & Gear Used: Offshore Trolling: Teaser spreads (dredge, birds, daisy chains) combined with chartreuse chuggers for billfish. Live Baiting: Freshly caught bait from the buoys and live Bonita via tuna tubes for deep-reef pelagics. Catch & Release: 1 Pacific Sailfish successfully released; Mahi Mahi harvested for dinner. As the afternoon wind began to pick up, we trolled our way back toward Panama City, wrapping up another incredible day on the water with happy anglers. Ready for your offshore adventure? The fish are out there, sometimes you have to work hard to get'em. Check out our latest photos and videos, and book your trip with Pearl Island Charter Company today!
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Angler holding a large Spanish Mackerel on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during a deep-sea fishing trip.

Great mixed bag!

Jan 23, 2026 • Panama City
Casting and trolling produced 12 fish landed and a couple that got away. At the end we landed 3 albacores, 4 sierras, 3 barracudas and 2 leather jacks! Great day!
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An angler proudly displays a large Amberjack while fishing on a boat, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.

Bite after bite on the "Pique y Pique"

Jul 21, 2025 • Panama City
This last week the inshore bite was insane!!! Hooking up 20 or more fish in a day seems to be the rule this past couple of days! Casting and trolling got us hooked on Bonito, Sierra, Jacks and Mexican Houndfish... We even got a big Rooster in the live bait! We had 2 groups from Texas, one from Colombia and one from Mexico! Fish on!
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Angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while on a fishing trip in open waters.

Action! Action! Action! and a great mixe

Jun 25, 2025 • Panama City
The sea was a little rough but the bite was on fire! the minute we arrived and deployed the spread we got hit. We had multiple, double, triple and even cuadruple hits during the day. We stoped at a calm bay to have lunch were me and Justin (mate) prepared 2 different dish of Albacore Carpaccio for our dear guests. We closed the day jigging in a deep reef around Chamá Island were we got a nice Lane Snapper... what a wonderful day! Tight lines!
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An excited angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Big Almacos and Cubera!

Jun 25, 2025 • Panama City
Patience and live bait does the trick again! we had a very nice couple looking to pick a fight with some big fish! So we did. First thing in the morning we load the baitwell with some hardtails, once we got bait we steamed directly to our "honey hole", we arrived at the precise moment, half pushing tide! we rigged our first bait, and we started on the east part of the reef a south to north drift moving a little west on each drift until we found the bait ball on our sonar! The reef was plagued with small triggers and other bait eating critters, but we could see some nice marks on our sonar, so we kept drifting baits over the spot. and suddenly boom, our first Almaco took the bait. After a 15 to 20 minutes fight the fish was on deck... a couple of Mackerels took the jig, before a nice Cubera took a second bait! While jigging we caught a 3 pound bonito and we decided to slow troll it over the rig on the downrigger... It paid off, a second hefty Almaco took it! What a great fight... after 20 minutes that beast was on board and we had a very happy couple on board... What a great day!
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An angler actively reeling in a fishing line while out on the open water, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.

Pearl Island Trolling trip became a bott

Jun 25, 2025 • Panama City
This was a repeating client, we fished Otoque Island Back on 2023, we had an exceptional day back then, we caught over 40 albacores! This time, they wanted to go after Mahi and Sailfish! They booked their trip 8 months in advance... 4 days before their trip, wind shifted, north wind started to blow! pushing all the bait and Mahi's out of the Gulf! As fishermen, we know that currents and wind can change everything... without the possibility of a good day off shore, we talked to the client and changed the trolling trip for a Bottom fishing trip... Pics will speak for themselves! Enjoy! We got another epic day!
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