Panama

[bajakian]

I ve been looking into taking a trip to Panama with the idea of maybe retiring there someday. Has anybody here had any experience good or bad with the fishing in Panama? Is it seasonal? Are the runs far to fish? Are the boats and tackle substandard? Any other information thought worth mentioning will also be appreciated.

Thanks

Richard

[NightStalker]

I have fished tropic star lodge before. If you get the opportunity, take it, its a magical place. Runs are not far at all, we would normally live bait the reef for blacks in the morning, then troll the 100 fathom curve in the afternoon. Caught fish everyday.

[Tuna Devil]

I am with Night Stalker, Tropic Star is Awesome, We caught fish everday as well. The second time I was there we had to run South to find Blue water but when we did it was wide open. I have also fished Coiba it was not as predictable but when it was good it was world class.

Panama City is a cool place. The people were friendly and I am looking forward to a return trip.

[bajakian]

Thanks for the responses. Iam actually going to go there with the idea of retiring there if I like what I see. I understand that the cost of living and property values are reasonable. What time of year did you fish there? When is the weather best and the bite hottest?

[Tuna Devil]

I was there in Dec. twice and March once. I think the fishing is best in Jan. Feb. but I am not positive. It was a little rough in Coiba in March and it never really got to rough to the South but, Topic star is kind of in a corner so that really is not a good place to judge the weather from.

[MarlinMan]

If you can affort the tarriff, go to Tropic Star - it is one of the finest lodges in the world and the fishing is world-class. I've been there well over 15 times over the years - both fishing and running boats down from Balboa (I had buddies in the Canal Zone). Mike and Terry Andrews will knock themselves out for you. Best months are probably Jan, Feb, & March, for the Blacks but the Sailfish oblige just about year round, and they've hit on some fantastic Blue Marlin fishing 10-15 miles offshore. There's fantastic bottom fishing on the Pinas Reef, and quality inshore Snook & Roosterfishing. What are you waiting for - GO!

[GoPanamaFishing]

If you haven't booked your trip yet, consider fishing the Bay of Chiriqui in Panama. It's really awesome! The Hannibal Banks are famous for world class fishing and record marlin.

The so called "summer" season is high-season and that runs from December thru April however, fishing is excellent year round.

Go-Panama-Fishing.com operates from either David (Pedregal) or Boca Chica in the province of Chiriqui. Equipment includes brand new Penn International and custom-made rods from Capt. Harry - nothing substandard here. The boat is very comfortable and excellent for offshore fishing - it's a 24 ft. walkaround "Sailfish". Thus, the name SAILFISH 1 !

Check us out !

[pinder1]

i havent had the time to fish there but visit the free zone in colon at least 5 to 6 times a year. Great prices on condos, good valued property , people are very nice , service is even better, your dollar will go a long way, lots of nice resturants , culture is nice , in the last 3 years this place has exploded with high rise condos and the prices are going to go up sooner than later. i would like a piece of realestate there myself there one day but not in the budget right now,

by the way that trip to cabo made me green with envy

good luck