Panamá Fishing Charters

The best out of 56 charter fishing deals in Panamá - enter dates to check availability

Top Panamá Destinations

Panamá: 56 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(15 reviews)
Gamboa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
Gamboa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $280
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(117 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(106 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(18 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $450
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(34 reviews)
Gamboa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $275
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(17 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $650
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,300
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(6 reviews)
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $799
Just added to our fleet
Panama City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,275

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Panama

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Panama are: Full list of top fishing charters in Panama

The average price for a private 4 hour Panama fishing trip is US $458, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $995 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Panama that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Panama are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Panama are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Panama are:

Many fishing charters in Panama provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Panama are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Panama?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Panama are:
  • Extended fishing trips – US $9,925
  • 2-hour fishing trips – US $450
  • 3-hour fishing trips – US $267
  • 4-hour fishing trips – US $653
  • 5-hour fishing trips – US $315
  • 6-hour fishing trips – US $363
  • 8-hour fishing trips – US $1,237
  • 9-hour fishing trips – US $1,046
  • 10-hour fishing trips – US $2,474
  • 11-hour fishing trips – US $570
  • 12-hour fishing trips – US $540

Fishing in Panamá

Legend has it that Panama means “land of many fish,” as the natives told the gold-seeking Spanish centuries ago. True or not, it perfectly describes Panama fishing today, arguably one of the best big fish locales in the world!

Where to go

Panama City

The capital of the country is famous for having premier fishing right off the coast. If hooking up big fish on light tackle revs your fishing engines, the Pacific waters of Panama are the place to be. The offshore waters are full of Blue and Black Marlin, Sailfish, and other pelagic predators but that’s not the whole picture. Anglers looking to test their fishing muscles can target Jack Crevalle, Bigeye and Bluefin Trevally, and Roosterfish, just get ready for an impressive pull.

Isla de Coiba

The island is blessed with unique ocean topography – it’s connected to the Galapagos Islands with an underwater mountain chain. That has led to a who’s who of rare fish swimming around the island. As good as the nearshore action is on the gorgeous Isla de Coiba, it gets red-hot offshore! Hannibal Banks is a sea-mount approximately 20 miles west of the island, plateauing at around 120 feet of water, while surrounded on all sides by waters several miles deep. This natural phenomenon is a predator magnet, with all sorts of Billfish and Tuna converging here. If you’re looking for the biggest Black Marlin, this is the place to be!

Atlantic Ocean

While Panama is known best for amazing fishing in the Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean has plenty to offer to any angler. The less-developed marine infrastructure on the northern coast has driven most anglers down south but things have steadily improved since the 1990s. This can work to your advantage too, as the fishing pressure is much lighter on the northern coast.

Where to fish

Offshore

Pelagic predators aplenty, the offshore waters of Panama boast some of the finest offshore fishing on the planet. Blue and Black Marlin are one of the staples of fishing here: you can target them year-round. The action heats up especially between December and April. Striped Marlin swim into Pinas Bay around March. You can hook up some real monsters, with the average Marlin being in the 300+ lb range. Wahoo, usually weighing over 15 lb, start rolling in just as the high season for Billfish closes, so you can keep the intense action going! Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, and Sailfish also stalk the offshore waters, waiting for the right angler to show up for a tough battle.

Nearshore

There are numerous islands dotting the nearshore waters off the coast of Panama, as well as many underwater reefs and other structures. This all leads to excellent fishing, whether you’re a fan of bottom fishing, drifting, trolling, or casting. Tasty Cubera Snapper, various Groupers, Wahoo, and many other colorful species can be targeted. Panama Rooster fishing is known world-wide. You can target massive Roosterfish, a challenging fight worthy of including in your fishing stories! Nearshore action is good year-round, as long as you're with a captain who knows the right spots to fish.

Inshore

Snook and Tarpon are the stars of the coastline and rivers of Panama. The Panama Canal is a very productive spot to go after huge Tarpon – anglers report an average of around 100 lb with the occasional monster weighing at over 200 lb. Tarpon are best at the start of the year, in January and February. Stalking the mangroves for Snook is rewarding just for the gorgeous tropical nature surrounding you, not to mention the amazing Snook fishing! You can reliably target them in the mouths of rivers and further inshore from December to May.

Need to know before you go

You should catch and release the larger reef-dwelling fish. Larger specimens can disappoint you if you’re interested in good eating – they might have the Ciguatera toxin which, while very rarely lethal, is certainly unpleasant. Smaller fish can go straight in the pan, though!

You don’t need a license to fish in Panama and there are no limits on how much fish you can keep. If you’re planning on fishing on Isla Coiba you should set aside $50, it’s a fee paid per boat, per week. To protect the wildlife of the island, all fish are catch-and-release only.

Whether you’re just looking to soak some rays and do some light angling or you dream of a trophy Black Marlin, Panama has the fishing trip for you! Book a trip in this tropical paradise now to take the first step towards your new favorite fishing destination.

Panamá
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Based on 28443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Panamá Fishing Seasons

January

The most popular month for Black Marlin. You can hook also hook up Yellowfin Tuna, big Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and other species. It’s the perfect excuse to leave the cold at home and enjoy the hot action!

February

The exciting offshore adventure continues into February with Marlin, Sailfish and various Tunas. You can test your mettle against several species of Jacks that are excellent this time of year.

March

The famous Roosterfish can be reliably targeted during March. Cubera Snapper bite like crazy, while Striped Marlin start moving in closer to the coastline. Yellowfin Tuna is voracious and a popular target for many anglers.

April

Inshore anglers can look forward to the action getting even more exciting. Anglers looking to beat their personal best on Roosterfish should head out, ready for a fight. Schools of Yellowfin Tuna show up around Piñas Bay.

May

The wind starts blowing from the south, bringing a lot of Sailfish with it. They come in as close as a couple of miles off the shore, so if you’re looking for a picture to brag about, now’s the time.

June

Sailfish season is in full swing, with multiple bites per day being common. Other pelagics like Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin are still good. Looking for a record Roosterfish? Specimens weighing over 70 lb have been caught in June.

July

If you aren’t sure what fish you want to go after, July is the month for you. Fishing is productive for a number of species like Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Roosterfish, Snappers, Groupers, and others!

August

The temperature is quite comfortable, the only sweat you’ll break is from the red-hot Marlin action. Bring a waterproof jacket on your fishing trip anyway, as occasional showers can occur.

September

Wahoo has arrived in full force and anglers are targeting it left, right, and center. Black and Blue Marlin fishing is still excellent, so remember to bring a camera to capture these incredible fish.

October

If you’re not looking to reel in numbers but trophies, this is the month for you. Big Cubera Snapper and large Roosterfish can be hooked up in bays along the Pacific Coast.

November

Mahi Mahi, Black and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna – the list of excellent targets goes on. The rainy season ends in November and debris-lines from the past season can make for excellent feeding grounds for fish.

December

It might be hard to decide on one species to target. Luckily, December helps with that! Black and Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna, Roosterfish, and more are all excellent this time of year.

Panamá Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Panamá

What anglers said about fishing in Panamá

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, 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
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
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
Not sure if I know what to recommend to anglers fishing in Cebaco Island for the first time. However, fishing requires patience and great energy!
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Not sure if I know what to recommend to anglers fishing in Cebaco Island for the first time. However, fishing requires patience and great energy!
Sunrise Charters Panama Cebaco Island
Sunrise Charters Panama Cebaco Island Philadelphia, PA
Mahis are HUGE, but the tuna freshly made ceviche from Gem Charters is the best.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Mahis are HUGE, but the tuna freshly made ceviche from Gem Charters is the best.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline Vancouver, British Columbia
We don’t habla español, so don’t get frustrated with communicating with your Captain or the locals! Start early and plan ahead!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We don’t habla español, so don’t get frustrated with communicating with your Captain or the locals! Start early and plan ahead!
Sunrise Charters Panama
Sunrise Charters Panama
It's colder in a.m. Heats up once sun is up! Bring sunblock and a hat. Didn't notice bugs.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's colder in a.m. Heats up once sun is up! Bring sunblock and a hat. Didn't notice bugs.
Panama Canal Fishing Trips
Panama Canal Fishing Trips Ware, Massachusetts

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Panamá?

Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
My son and I had a great time today with Rene, who was a great captain. We had the best time on Gatun Lake catching fish and the hospitality was top notch. I highly recommend PFT and will rebook when we come back to Panama.
Doug  Y.
Doug Y.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
Great half day with Rene, whom is outgoing, kind and knowledgeable. Rene knows great secluded spots where you will find it very difficult not to catch. Excellent opportunity to see the canal and Gatun lake. Looking forward to my next adventure with Rene, whom I will certainly use on our next outing.
Chad  R.
Chad R.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
My husband took an interest in fishing so I surprised him with this fishing lesson. It was awesome!!! Rene is an experienced fisherman and a methodical teacher. He learned a lot and I enjoyed the scenery ☺️ Incredible experience, memorable adventure with good snacks, which is very important 😉
Jackie  B.
Jackie B.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
We had a ton fun fishing and stoping by Monkey Island. Highly recommend it.
Derege  D.
Derege D.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
Rene was awesome. We caught 38 fish in total. Some small some large. All peacocks and 2 oscars. He was awesome with our kids. Highly recommend.
Vanessa  K.
Vanessa K.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
My daughter and I had an amazing time fishing with Rene! He has a great personality, is timely, amazing knowledge of fishing throughout Panama and he got us on some fish. Looking forward to next year’s trip already. Going to do some fly fishing.
John  E.
John E.
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Great day on the Lake with Rene. Best guide, boat and equipment. Highly recommend.
Christopher  G.
Christopher G.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
We headed out for an amazing day! Had good fishing, great area! It was surprising how much more than fishing was going on. Big ships transiting the canal, tons of wildlife everywhere. Just a great place. Our Captain was super helpful, as was the whole little community at the dock. The folks leaving their resort for a site sightseeing tour definitely looked jealous they weren’t going to have more space and haul in some peacock bass! Can’t recommend enough, just remember your sunscreen!!
Michael  M.
Michael M.
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Panama Fishing Trip 2
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
We took our granddaughter fishing during Spring Break in the Panama Canal. Everyone caught fish and our guide, Renee was the best!
Larry  W.
Larry W.
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
This was the trip of a life time through beautiful Lake Gatun! Lots of things I have never seen AND we caught a lot of fish! Highly recommend, Captain JD was great!
Jonathan  W.
Jonathan W.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
Had a really great time with them. They knew where to go and fish, had a variety of soft drinks and beers, including water. We also enjoyed a nice pineapple while on board. Miguel and his colleague did not compromise on keeping us entertained and taking care of us.
Shahram  A.
Shahram A.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
We went for an afternoon fishing session and had an amazing time with the crew, Oscar and Moises. They were knowledgeable, professional and fun. The fact that the sun was not so intense makes it, according to the captain, much better for fishing and for us much more comfortable. We got 2 spanish mackerels and 3 mahis. Great time on board!
Lars  K.
Lars K.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
My son and I went with them for an afternoon fishing session and had a good time. The crew clearly knew what they were doing and got us fish while telling us stories about the Panama Canal and the area where we were. The trip's highlight was the fresh made ceviche and the sunset cruise on the way back.
Brian  D.
Brian D.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
Great crew and great experience. The boat and gear were in mint condition, I totally recommend booking with them.
Arthur  F.
Arthur F.
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
Rene was very accommodating and got us on peacock bass so fast! Waking up so early is rough, so the drinks and snacks were a lifesaver as well.
Justin  K.
Justin K.
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
We caught between 20 to 30 Peacock Bass due to his advice and skills on the water . Knows the area like it’s his backyard . Highly recommend !!!!
Bradley  C.
Bradley C.
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
VamosD’Pesca SportFishing LakeGatún
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Very good
4.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
The Trip was very cool. Love the Panama Kanal and the Lake. So much cover that you can Fish around. Cool Young captain and a fast Boat bring you to the Spots. For me, the rod combos were not my first choice but it still worked.
Adrian  G.
Adrian G.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
me encanto ese paseo increíble sus atenciones y la maravillas en todo y lo volveria hacer y lo recomendare
Idelis  G.
Idelis G. Panama City, Provincia De Panama
Panama Fishing Trip
Panama Fishing Trip
Fishing charter in Gamboa
Very good
4.0 / 5
(138 reviews)
Caught tons of small peacock bass. The species in Panama Canal do not get very large but still fun to catch.
Sean  Y.
Sean Y.
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Panama GEM Charters – 27’ Proline
Fishing charter in Panama City
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(117 reviews)
Our trip to the Pearl Islands with GEM Tours was amazing! Captain Miguel and First Mate Moses took great care of us, making sure we had everything we needed. We had a blast exploring the beautiful beaches, snorkeling in the clear water, and just relaxing. I definitely recommend GEM Tours for an awesome time in Panama!
Jordan  A.
Jordan A. Los Angeles, California

Top Fishing Techniques in Panamá

Top Targeted Species in Panamá