Panamá Fly Fishing Charters

Panamá Fly Fishing Charters

Best Fly Fishing Charters in Panamá

Fly Fishing in Panamá

Panama is quickly becoming one of Central America’s top tourist destinations and for good reason. Sandwiched between the Caribbean and the Pacific, golden beaches stretch for miles, giving you the perfect chance to unwind. It also means incredible fishing opportunities! Fly fishing in Panama gives you the chance to explore the rich waters, as well as landing a delicious treat. 

What to Expect

The best chance of landing a fish on the fly in Panama is by hitting up the inshore and nearshore waters. There’s plenty on offer in the way of mangroves, bays, reefs, and many more sweet fishing spots. Get ready to be wowed by the luscious greenery contrasting with the crystal clear water, full of dazzling fish, as you make the most of your holiday. 
 
Most fly fishing charters are operated by passionate, local guides, giving you a true taste of Panama culture. Many captains run traditional “panga” boats, and you can come aboard for anywhere between two and 12 hours to relax and get your fish on. 
 
While fly fishing is a specialized technique, there’s no reason why beginners can’t come aboard. Short trips with a professional captain can be tailored to first-timers. If you’re a keen fly angler, then there’s also plenty of action to keep you entertained all day long.

What fish can I catch?

Wherever you go fly fishing in Panama, you’re in for an eye-opening experience. Some of the world’s most prized inshore fish call these waters home. Target monsters such as Snook and Tarpon to land that trophy catch, writing your name into the angling hall of fame!
 
If you’re looking to land something tasty to take back to shore, then there’s no shortage of options, either. Go after Mutton and Mangrove Snapper, Jacks, Mackerel, and many more, before savoring the taste of success at the end of the day. 

Where to Go

With two long coastlines, choosing where to go for your Panama fly fishing adventure can be a bit of a struggle. But fear not, there’s no wrong answer. Whether you’re on the Caribbean or Pacific coast, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. 
 
From the capital city and Punta Chana, you can explore mangroves and the islands in the Gulf of Panama. While further up the Pacific coast, the city of David is another hotspot. Head north, and Bocas del Toro and Colon are your best bet of a fly fishing charter.
 
You can even head to some of the productive islands in the Pacific and take a charter straight from there. Coiba, for example, is a hotbed of fishing activity and fly fishing is just as good as anywhere else. 

How to Prepare

With a booming tourist industry in the country, it’s no surprise that your Panama fly fishing guide will have your interests at heart. Most charters will offer some drinks and snacks, with some even offering a full meal on longer trips. 
 
Most charters also offer conventional fishing trips, so they may not have fly fishing gear on board. Check with your captain before heading out, and see if you need to rent some gear to take with you.
 
And that’s it. You’re all set for your Panama fly fishing expedition. Get booking and discover some of the world’s best fishing grounds!
Panamá
Excellent
4.2 / 5
Based on 26,613 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
Panamá: 13 fishing charters available
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $590
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $2,500
David
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,200
Excellent
4.4 / 5
(3 reviews)
San Carlos
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $1,760

What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Panama

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

Top Targeted Fly Fishing Species in Panamá