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
4.4 / 5
Based on 28,561 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Panama

Book your stay at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort! The resort is Gorgeous and has lots of beautiful views! The rooms are large, the food and drinks are good, and the staff at the bar/grill are awesome! Most important Gutan Fishing is docked at the hotel marina.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book your stay at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort! The resort is Gorgeous and has lots of beautiful views! The rooms are large, the food and drinks are good, and the staff at the bar/grill are awesome! Most important Gutan Fishing is docked at the hotel marina.
Gatun Sportfishing
Gatun Sportfishing
Remember that roosters and other nightly sought after fish are very season dependent and daily condition dependent. At the end of the day it’s fishing, have to go out and try but if you don’t get exactly what you want, that’s why it’s fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Remember that roosters and other nightly sought after fish are very season dependent and daily condition dependent. At the end of the day it’s fishing, have to go out and try but if you don’t get exactly what you want, that’s why it’s fishing.
Pearl Islands Charter Company - 33'
Pearl Islands Charter Company - 33'
Long pants and long sleeve shirts to protect from the sun. The sun is hot. Drink water and believe in your Captain. You will catch fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Long pants and long sleeve shirts to protect from the sun. The sun is hot. Drink water and believe in your Captain. You will catch fish.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
It was great! I have nothing to compare it to considering it was my first time fishing in the ocean… but again, the captain and crew were absolutely fantastic!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was great! I have nothing to compare it to considering it was my first time fishing in the ocean… but again, the captain and crew were absolutely fantastic!
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Gamboa has an incredible diversity of fishes to challenge even the most experienced angler and the scenery is world class.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Gamboa has an incredible diversity of fishes to challenge even the most experienced angler and the scenery is world class.
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Panama Fishing Trip 2 Panama City, Provincia De Panama
Yes, great trip. Captian was great!! Got plenty of fishing in, plus so much more to see in the canal/lake!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, great trip. Captian was great!! Got plenty of fishing in, plus so much more to see in the canal/lake!
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Yes, and I would also recommend Mr. Rene. We caught plenty of Peacock Bass and a few other exotic fish. Tiger fish, Oscar etc. Mr. Rene was an excellent fish guide and he made the whole trip worth it. He was patient and professional.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, and I would also recommend Mr. Rene. We caught plenty of Peacock Bass and a few other exotic fish. Tiger fish, Oscar etc. Mr. Rene was an excellent fish guide and he made the whole trip worth it. He was patient and professional.
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Panama Fishing Trip 2
It was our first time here. Be prepared for any weather - wind, rain, intense heat and sun. We were actually lucky it was cloudy because we would have had trouble with a sunnier day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was our first time here. Be prepared for any weather - wind, rain, intense heat and sun. We were actually lucky it was cloudy because we would have had trouble with a sunnier day.
Gatun Sportfishing
Gatun Sportfishing
Call captain Daniel, he will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Call captain Daniel, he will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
CATTAN SPORT FISHING PANAMA
CATTAN SPORT FISHING PANAMA Clearwater, FL
We had a great time I would recommend definitely and it would be great for children. One of the highlights of our vacation.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had a great time I would recommend definitely and it would be great for children. One of the highlights of our vacation.
Gatun Sportfishing
Gatun Sportfishing
"Highly recommend first-time fishermen heading to Gamboa to book with VamosD’Pesca Sport Fishing for their excellence, experience, and outstanding service. Their expertise ensures an unforgettable fishing experience!"
Excellent
5.0 / 5
"Highly recommend first-time fishermen heading to Gamboa to book with VamosD’Pesca Sport Fishing for their excellence, experience, and outstanding service. Their expertise ensures an unforgettable fishing experience!"
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
I would highly recommend fishing with Rene. Trust the captain and he will get you into fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would highly recommend fishing with Rene. Trust the captain and he will get you into fish!
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
It’s amazing - the wildlife you will see above and below the water. Seeing the port is incredible.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
It’s amazing - the wildlife you will see above and below the water. Seeing the port is incredible.
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
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.
Gatun Sportfishing
Gatun Sportfishing
I recommend doing it in the morning so that you can see the sunrise, wear comfortable clothing that covers you from the sun, and reapply sunscreen. Also, go with a guide who knows the best fishing spots on the lake. Bring only the essentials and use waterproof bags. And bring mosquito repellent just in case
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I recommend doing it in the morning so that you can see the sunrise, wear comfortable clothing that covers you from the sun, and reapply sunscreen. Also, go with a guide who knows the best fishing spots on the lake. Bring only the essentials and use waterproof bags. And bring mosquito repellent just in case
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún Panama City, Provincia De Panama
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!!
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline 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 – Cabo 35'
Panama Bay Tours & Fishing – Cabo 35' 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.
Gatun Sportfishing
Gatun Sportfishing 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.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip 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.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip Glenarden, MD

Top Targeted Fly Fishing Species in Panamá