Panama City Fishing Charters

Why Panama City is a year-round fishery

Panama City (Pacific side) sits outside the hurricane belt and faces the nutrient-rich Gulf of Panama.

Trade winds and seasonal upwelling keep bait thick and predators close. Result: 12 months of fishable weather, short run times, and quick choices between inshore action (Panama Bay, Taboga, Amador/Perico) and offshore runs to the Pearl Islands and the continental shelf.

If you want reliable conditions and variety—tuna one month, roosterfish the next—Panama City charters deliver.

Best time to fish (month-by-month)

Below is a practical calendar based on charter trends and catch logs around Panama City / Las Perlas. Use it to match your dates with target species.

Month	Inshore (Bay/Taboga)	Offshore (Pearl Islands / Shelf)
Jan	Sierra mackerel, snapper, jacks; calm mornings	Sailfish reliable; dorado still strong
Feb	Roosterfish starts to wake up; structure bite excellent	Peak sails; shots at blue marlin on temperature breaks
Mar	Roosterfish, pargo; sight bait on points	Yellowfin tuna kick-off; sails linger
Apr	Mixed inshore, good jigging	Tuna building; mahi on weedlines
May	Solid inshore; bait everywhere	Mahi-mahi (dorado) prime; tuna consistent
Jun	Topwater inshore fun; family friendly	Tuna schools; sporadic marlin near the drop
Jul	Jacks/roosters; live bait effective	Strong tuna; dorado steady
Aug	Inshore steady, early wahoo signs	Wahoo season begins; blue/black marlin window opens
Sep	Good pargo + sierra	Tuna second peak; wahoo/marlin continue
Oct	Mixed bag, great for kids	Wahoo best; dorado on debris lines
Nov	Roosters around; jigging reefs	Tuna tail-end; dorado plentiful
Dec	Calm mornings; holiday charters	Sailfish return; marlin hangs on

Quick take

Roosterfish & snapper: year-round inshore
Yellowfin tuna: Mar–Jul + Sep–Nov
Mahi (dorado): May–Jan
Sailfish: Dec–Apr
Blue/black marlin: Aug–Jan
Wahoo: Aug–Nov

Target species & proven tactics

Inshore (Panama Bay / Taboga / Coast)

Roosterfish (pez gallo): live blue runners, poppers along points and rocky shores
Cubera & lane snapper (pargo): jigs and live baits near reefs/wrecks
Sierra mackerel, jack crevalle: light-tackle trolling and casting spoons

Offshore (Las Perlas / shelf)

Yellowfin tuna: run-and-gun on birds; poppers/stickbaits, live-bait slow-troll
Dorado (mahi-mahi): small skirted lures on weedlines/debris
Sailfish: teasers + ballyhoo spreads
Blue/black marlin: big lures/live bonitos near the drop
Wahoo: high-speed trolling around structure/edges

Tip: Ask captains if they carry popping & jigging gear—huge draw for experienced anglers.

Charter types & transparent prices

Prices vary by hull size, fuel burn, and run distance. Typical Amador rates:

Half-day inshore (4–5h): 23–28 ft center console — US$350–$550 (2–4 anglers)
Full-day inshore/light offshore (8h): 26–32 ft — US$650–$1,100
True bluewater (10–12h): 30–40 ft sportfisher/CC — US$1,300–$2,200

Usually included: captain & crew, tackle, bait/ice, water/soft drinks
Ask about: fuel surcharges, live bait fee, lunch, taxes, and catch policy
Tip: 10–15% gratuity is standard

Departure points & run times

Amador Causeway – Flamenco / La Playita / Brisas de Amador
Closest to Panama Bay, Taboga and Pearl Islands routes; easy from downtown hotels.

Private marinas
Confirm gate time and parking. Run times: Inshore 15–40 min, Pearl Islands 60–120 min depending on sea state and target.

How to choose the right captain (checklist)

Safety first: lifejackets for all sizes, radio/VHF, GPS, bilge pumps, flares; twin engines on bluewater boats.
Language & communication: English-speaking crew if needed; clear plan for trolling, live-bait and jigging.
Gear: solid rods/reels, top-shot fluorocarbon, popping & stickbait options on request.
Recent catch log: photos, dates, and honest reports beat unrealistic promises.
Family-friendly: shade, head (toilet) on board, calm-water itinerary options for kids.
Transparent pricing & policies: clear info on deposits, reschedule/weather rules, cooler/fillet policy.

Sample itineraries that work

Half-Day Bay / Taboga (4–5h)

Light trolling for sierra mackerel at first light, then bottom fishing for snapper near reefs. Optional beach/snorkel stop if seas are calm.

Full-Day Pearl Islands (8–10h)

Run to current lines; tuna and mahi when birds and rips stack up. Switch to sails/marlin on temperature breaks. Lunch near a protected cove.

Bluewater “Wahoo & Marlin” (10–12h, seasonal)

High-speed passes at dawn; later pull lures or live bonitos along the drop.

What to bring (and what not to)

Polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, long-sleeve shirt, non-marking shoes, light rain shell (spray!), motion meds if prone, camera with strap, cash for tip.
Bring passport/ID for marina access.
Leave hard coolers and glass bottles at the hotel unless the captain approves.

Responsible fishing & simple rules

Most Panama City fishing charters will advise on size/limit rules and protected species. Release billfish and trophy roosters, keep only reasonable table fare, and pack out plastics.
Respect marine parks and private moorings.

Ask your crew about current seasonal closures (vedas).

How to Book Your Fishing Trip in Panama (with Verified Operators)

Visit Pescaya and choose your next trip Before confirming, always check the captain’s policy on kept fish, current closed seasons, and minimum size limits. That way, you enjoy your day on the water while helping protect Panama’s marine resources.

Benefits of using Pescaya

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

👉 Book your Panama sport fishing trip here:
Visit Pescaya and choose your next trip

Before booking, check the captain’s policy on kept fish, closed seasons, and minimum size limits. It helps protect Panama’s marine resources.

FAQs

Is fishing good all year in Panama City?
Yes. Panama is outside the hurricane belt, so you get reliable sea conditions year-round. Inshore is consistent; offshore varies by species (tuna spring/fall, sails winter, wahoo late wet season).

How much does a charter cost?
Half-day inshore US$350–$550.
Full-day mixed US$650–$1,100.
Bluewater US$1,300–$2,200 depending on boat size and fuel/run. Confirm inclusions.

Which species can I target?
Inshore: roosterfish, snapper, sierra mackerel, jacks.
Offshore: yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, blue/black marlin, wahoo.

Where do charters depart?
Mostly from the Amador Causeway (Flamenco, La Playita, Brisas). Larger sportfishers may use private marinas—your captain will confirm gate access.

What size boat should I choose?
For inshore/family trips: 23–28 ft center consoles.
For bluewater deep sea fishing: 30–40 ft with shade, head and twin engines.

Can kids come aboard?
Yes—Panama Bay and Taboga are ideal for kids. Request calm-water plans, small PFDs and shade.

Do I need a license? Can I keep my catch?
Operators usually handle permits. Most crews allow reasonable table fare and encourage catch & release for billfish and roosters.