Seafood is a staple of the Panamanian diet, so it’s no surprise that the locals use a range of methods to catch as many fish as possible. Although it’s an effective method of fishing, spearfishing in Panama is so much more than just that. Hop aboard a dedicated charter and get your pulse racing as you go face-to-face against some of the ocean’s biggest creatures to land delicious meat.
Where to Go and What to Catch
Deciding where to go is tough when it comes to spearfishing in Panama. Bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country is sandwiched between two incredible bodies of water.
Due to the extreme weather conditions on the Caribbean coast, most activity can be found on the Pacific shoreline. This means more charters! The imaginatively-named capital, Panama City, is a hub of fishing activity, with a range of fishing charters. Take a spearfishing trip here and you’ll explore the Taboga and Las Perlas islands, discovering exotic fish along the reefs and beaches.
Further west, the Morra Negrito area and Coiba Islands offer the quickest run to offshore waters. Hop aboard charter here and you’ll be in for an experience like no other. Battle it out with monster Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi in the deep seas, as well as plenty of Snappers, Yellowtails, and many more.
Head up the coast to David and explore the inshore mangroves or embark on a deep sea adventure. The range of fishing here is only matched by the Caribbean coast. A trip out of Bastimento will see you come up against the usual suspects as well as Cobia, Amberjack, Barracuda, and different kinds of Groupers.
What kind of trip is for me?
With deep waters just a stone’s throw from shore in many of these locations, you can enjoy an offshore adventure on a trip as short as four hours. However, avid anglers can take advantage of the opportunity to spend up to a week on the water, mixing up spearfishing trips with a spot of bottom fishing, trolling, and much more.
Shorter trips tend to be better for beginners, as you can get used to the water and even bring the kids aboard so they don’t get bored. If you do fancy spending longer on the water, you’ll still have plenty to keep you entertained, as most of the boats come fitted with all amenities such as TVs, a kitchen, and much more.
How to Prepare
As most Panama spearfishing charters also offer conventional fishing trips, you’ll have everything aboard that you’d expect from a normal trip. Most captains offer drinks and snacks on short trips, with lunch provided on full day and multi-day trips, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Unlike in some countries, a spearfishing trip in Panama will see all the necessary equipment awaiting you on board too. Just beware, there may be a surcharge on some charters, so get in touch with your captain to make sure.
Whether on the Caribbean or Pacific coast, you’re in for a thrilling adventure when spearfishing in Panama. Discover the magical world underwater and get your pulses racing at the same time, all aboard a charter!
