Sport Fishing Regulations in Panama

Licenses and responsibilities

Sport fishing in Panama requires compliance with licenses, closures and catch limits. On tourist tours, operators usually handle permits and access, but the angler remains responsible for:

• Carrying passport or ID for checks at marinas and docks.
• Respecting closures (spawning closures) and local restrictions such as protected areas or sensitive reefs.
• Complying with catch limits ("bag limits") and minimum sizes when applicable.
• Following the captain's instructions on which fish can be kept and how to transport them.

Note: Rules change by region (Pacific/Caribbean), species and protected area. Always check current regulations before sailing.

Best practices (ethics and conservation)

• Catch and release recommended for trophy species (e.g., roosterfish and billfish: sailfish/marlin).
• Circle hooks and, when viable, barbless (crimped barbs) to speed up releases.
• Minimize time out of water and hold fish horizontally for photos; avoid touching gills.
• Don't discard trash or lines; use containers for nylon scraps and hooks.
• Respect park areas, mangroves and nesting zones; keep distance from marine mammals and birds.
• Transparency with the operator: ask about filleting policy, table portions and byproduct handling.

Seasons, closures and sizes (practical guide)

Panama is outside the hurricane zone, so there's fishing year-round; target species change and seasonal closures may apply. Use this orientation guide to plan and confirm details with your captain:

Minimum sizes and limits: vary by zone and year. Some parks and reserves apply stricter rules (or no extraction).

If your plan includes National Parks or areas like Las Perlas or Coiba, check the specific regulations for the protected area.

Protected zones and access

• Parks/Reserves: may require additional permits, accredited guides or specific routes.
• Marinas and docks: ask the operator to confirm departure points (Amador Causeway: Flamenco, La Playita, Brisas) and entry requirements.
• Product export: if you plan to take fish out of the country, check customs rules and applicable sanitary certificates.

Responsible gear and safety

• Circle hooks, de-hooking pliers and rubber nets for releasing.
• Coolers with ice for table portions within limits.
• Life jackets for all passengers (children's sizes if kids are aboard).
• VHF, first aid kit and proper signaling; on long trips, ideal EPIRB and satellite communication.

Quick compliance list

• Bring ID/passport and verify if your operator includes the license.
• Ask about current closures and minimum sizes for the day.
• Clarify catch policy (what's released, what's kept and how much).
• Confirm protected zone or extra permits if visiting parks/islands.
• Apply best practices: barbless, less time out of water, zero trash.

How to book your sport fishing trip in Panama (with verified operators)

• Verified captains and boats, with local experience.
• Search by zone (Pacific, Caribbean, Las Perlas, Coiba, etc.) and type of fishing.
• Clear details of each tour: departure times, what's included, target species and catch-and-release policies.
• Online payments and instant booking confirmation.

👉 Book your sport fishing tour in Panama here: Visit Pescaya and choose your next outing

Before confirming, always check the catch policy, current closures and minimum sizes indicated by the captain. That way you enjoy your fishing day and continue caring for Panama's marine resources.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license if I'm a tourist?
In most trips, the operator handles it. Still, bring your passport/ID and confirm what permits the tour covers.

Is it allowed to take fish home?
Yes, within legal limits and operator policies. Many crews fillet a table portion and recommend releasing trophy or sensitive species.

Are there closures in Panama?
Yes. There are temporary closures for spawning (e.g., certain snappers and crustaceans) and restrictions in protected areas. Your captain will tell you what's current on your trip date.

Can billfish (sailfish/marlin) be kept?
Responsible practice is catch and release. Also, in several zones/parks their retention is restricted or not allowed.

How do I know the minimum size or daily quota?
Ask before boarding. It changes by species, zone and period; updated operators carry the regulatory guide on board.

What happens if I accidentally break a rule?
The crew should prevent violations. Cooperate, follow their instructions and don't exceed limits. Responsibility is shared.