Fishing in Panama City

There is a variety of fish species that can be caught in the Pacific Ocean in Panama. The most popular pelagic species are blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi and sailfish. 

Inshore, its pacific coast is known for its huge roosterfish and cubera snapper. These can be caught jigging, live bait fishing or with the popper in top water.

The Caribbean side of Panama also offers a variety of fish species that can be caught, including tarpon, snook, bonefish, permit, barracuda, wahoo and several species of snapper.

Peacock bass fishing in Panama can be done in several locations, including Lake Gatun and the rivers and tributaries in the Darien Province. Lake Gatun is a large man-made lake located in the Panama Canal Zone, and it is known for its large population of peacock bass. The Darien Province, located in the eastern part of Panama, is a remote and pristine region that offers some of the best peacock bass fishing in the country.

The best season to fish in Panama varies depending on the location and the specific species of fish that you are targeting. Generally, the fishing season in Panama is divided into two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season in Panama runs from December to April, and this is considered the high season for fishing in Panama. During this time, the weather is typically dry and sunny, with calm seas and good visibility for offshore fishing. This is the best time to target billfish like marlin and sailfish, as well as tuna, wahoo, and dorado.

The rainy season in Panama runs from May to November, and this is considered the low season for fishing in Panama. During this time, the weather is typically more variable, with occasional storms and rough seas. However, this is also the best time to target other species like tarpon, snook, and snapper, which are more abundant in the inshore waters during the rainy season.

If you plan to go fishing in Panama, you will need a fishing license. The National Environmental Authority (ANAM) is the organization responsible for regulating fishing in Panama, and they require all anglers to have a valid fishing license. The license can be obtained at ANAM offices, or through authorized agents, such as some tour operators, fishing lodges, or online through ANAM's website. The cost of the license will depend on whether you are a resident or a non-resident, the duration of the license, and the type of fishing you plan to do. Keep in mind that fishing without a license in Panama is considered illegal and may result in fines or other penalties.

Most fishing charters in Panama have the license covered, so you don't have to worry about this legal stuff and concentrate 100% on the fishing.