Looking to go fishing in Panama?

While the precise etymology is somewhat disputed, Panamanians believe the word Panama means “an abundance of fish, trees and butterflies” in one of the indigenous languages. Regardless of whether it’s true or not, Panama is most certainly one of the world’s best sport-fishing destinations — known especially for its monster species such as blue, black, and striped marlin; yellowfin tuna; and wahoo and swordfish. Many fishing records are made or broken in Panama every year. Piñas Bay, for example, has 250 fishing records – more than any other location in the world.

Saltwater fishing goes on year-round, but high season for marlin and tuna is between January and April. The best fishing is on the Pacific side. Not that there isn’t good fishing on the Caribbean side. There is, but the infrastructure (marinas and the like) isn’t well-developed. Prime spots on the Pacific side include Isla Coiba (a natural reserve requiring a special permit and strictly catch-and-release for all species), Isla Perla, and the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Fishing permits are not required in Panama. Charter boats used for fishing, however, must have an up-to-date permit and are being pulled over by local maritime authorities more and more to ensure that they have that permit as well as the required safety equipment.

While there is no season for general fishing and there is no limit to the number of fish that can be caught (with the exception of billfish and sailfish), a shrimp and lobster season is now enforced due to continual overfishing. The catching, killing or eating of billfish (and especially sailfish) is frowned upon, although there is no specific law against it. Catch-and-release is the rule of thumb here.

Freshwater fishing is limited almost exclusively to Lake Gatun, where peacock bass are plentiful beyond words. They are so abundant that anglers are virtually guaranteed to have a fish on the line within minutes, making it a good excursion for kids.