The Best Fishing Tackle Shops in Panama
If there’s one thing Panama is known for besides the canal, it’s fishing. From its deep‑blue Pacific to the calm Caribbean and the countless rivers in between, this country is a fisherman’s dream. Whether you’re chasing a monster marlin or just looking to relax with a light spinning rod, the right gear makes all the difference—and that gear comes from the right store. As someone who lives for a tug on the line, I’ve put together this guide to help fellow anglers find the tackle shops that can set them up for success.
| Store | Where to find it | What they’re known for | Brands you’ll see |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fishing Store | Panama City | Fly gear, unique lures, official Shimano service | NLBN, Shimano |
| Alta Pesca | Panama City | High‑end rods and reels, personalised advice | Nomad, HOWK |
| Jigging Master | Panama City | All things jigging, huge selection of jigs | Noeby, Shimano, Penn |
| Pesqueros Sport | Multiple locations | Beginner kits, boating and beach accessories | Mainstream brands |
| Abernathy | Panama City & provinces | Traditional tackle, water sports equipment | Various international |
| Bahía Tackle | Chiriquí | Offshore rigs for big game fish | Big‑game lure brands |
| Casa del Pescador | Chitré (Azuero) | Surf and shore fishing supplies | Various international |
The Fishing Store
If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping a fly line and watching a tarpon smash your popper, The Fishing Store is the place to gear up. It’s the only shop in Panama dedicated to fly fishing, and their range is impressive: graphite rods designed for delicate freshwater casts, saltwater reels with silky drags, floating and sinking lines, and boxes of hand‑tied flies. They’re an official Shimano dealer, which means their conventional tackle is top‑notch too. I love stopping by to check out their NLBN soft baits and hard lures that work great for inshore species. Best of all, the staff will happily spool your reel, show you how to tie a leader, or recommend a fly for peacock bass in Gatún Lake.
Location: https://share.google/EncrglIRPbgPP6CqP
Alta Pesca
Jigging Master is a temple to vertical jigging. Walk in and you’ll see rows of shiny metal jigs—from long, slender speed jigs to chunky slow‑pitch models—organized by weight and color. They stock assist hooks, high‑gear reels with smooth drags, and rods with the backbone to pull big fish from deep water. When I’m planning a trip to Hannibal Bank, I always swing by to pick up Noeby jigs and chat with the crew about current patterns. These folks don’t just sell gear; they live for the drop and know exactly how to rig an assist hook or tie a PR knot. They’ll gladly share those tips with you.
Location: https://share.google/GA3rMBDlLFeqH0mSw
Jigging Master
En Jigging Master todo gira en torno al jigging. Verás filas de jigs metálicos: alargados para speed jigging, anchos para slow‑pitch, organizados por peso y color. Tienen anzuelos assist, carretes de alta relación con frenos suaves y cañas con la potencia necesaria para levantar peces desde fondo. Cuando planeo un viaje al Banco Hannibal, paso por aquí a por jigs Noeby y a conversar con el equipo sobre las corrientes. Son pescadores que disfrutan del descenso y te enseñarán a atar un nudo PR o a montar un assist como se debe.
Location: https://share.google/GA3rMBDlLFeqH0mSw
Pesqueros Sport
New to fishing? On holiday with the family? Pesqueros Sport caters to you. With branches in Panama City, Colón, Chitré and other towns, they’re easy to find. They sell complete kits—rod, reel, line and some lures—so you can step out of the store ready to cast. They also carry kayaks, life vests, snorkeling gear and other beach essentials. If you need to service your boat, you’ll find cleaning products and safety gear here too. Their prices are reasonable, and they often run promotions. It’s a laid‑back place to ask questions and learn without feeling intimidated.
Location: https://share.google/JmIdGv9jPR4R9LS6L
Abernathy
If you’ve fished in Panama for any length of time, you’ve heard of Abernathy. They’ve been around for decades and have everything from spinning rods and surf casters to scuba gear and inflatable paddleboards. Their branches spread from Panama City to the interior provinces, making them accessible even if you’re on a road trip. I often stop by to pick up hooks, sinkers, or even a replacement cooler. They offer a mix of high‑end and budget options, and the staff is usually happy to tell you what’s biting in their area. It’s also a great spot to grab snorkel gear if you want to explore reefs after a morning of fishing.
Location: https://share.google/YIKsB4DYkm1TarsBs
Bahía Tackle
Out in Chiriquí, the waters are famous for producing monsters: blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado. Bahía Tackle is the shop locals trust when they’re heading offshore. They stock heavy trolling rods with bent butts, reels with huge line capacities, and harnesses that keep you strapped in during epic fights. Their lures are made to troll at the right speed and stay in the strike zone. I’ve found some of my favorite marlin skirts here, plus the circle hooks and fluorocarbon leaders needed for clean releases. The staff knows what’s been biting and when, and their advice is worth its weight in gold.
Location: https://share.google/gcXZbVdmeC7KTUIA0
El Pescador Chitre
If you like the idea of planting your rod in the sand, cracking open a cold drink, and waiting for a snook to take your bait, head to Casa del Pescador in Chitré. They specialize in surfcasting and shoreline tackle: long rods that can launch a bait past the breakers, sealed reels that stand up to salt and sand, and weights that anchor your rig in the surf. You’ll also find frozen baits, sabiki rigs for catching live sardines, and a selection of spoons and plugs perfect for corvina and snapper. It’s the place to stop before driving down to Pedasí, Cambutal or Playa Venao.
Location: https://share.google/POo3bS7eTV2J5uZ4e
Where should you shop for gear?
Panama’s tackle shops are spread out, and your destination will often dictate where you buy. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- In the capital: The Fishing Store, Alta Pesca, Jigging Master, Abernathy, and several Pesqueros Sport branches are all in Panama City. The variety is unbeatable, and many offer nationwide shipping.
- Headed west: If you’re bound for Coiba or the Gulf of Chiriquí, Bahía Tackle is your offshore specialist. Small shops in David will supply basics like hooks, line, and fresh bait.
- Exploring Azuero: In Chitré, Casa del Pescador and the local Pesqueros Sport will set you up for surf and inshore fishing. Stock up before you head to more remote beaches.
- On the Caribbean side: In Colón and Portobelo you’ll find modest shops with the essentials—hand lines, sinkers, and baits. They may not have high‑end gear, but they’re lifesavers when you run short on hooks or need extra leader material.
Which stores have the best gear for fly, jigging, and trolling?
Panama’s waters demand specialized tackle depending on the species and technique. Here’s where to look:
- Fly fishing: The Fishing Store stands alone with its wall of fly rods, reels, lines, and patterns. They’ll help you match your outfit to peacock bass in freshwater or tarpon in the mangroves.
- Vertical jigging: Jigging Master’s arsenal of jigs and custom rods will get you to the bottom and back, whether you’re targeting amberjack, grouper or tuna. Their staff will teach you how to rig assist hooks and tie strong knots.
- Trolling: For dragging lures behind a boat, Alta Pesca and Bahía Tackle have everything from 30‑pound class outfits to 130‑pound marlin setups. They carry high‑speed reels, bent‑butt rods, and rigged lures that swim right at trolling speeds.
- Spinning and surfcasting: Pesqueros Sport sells complete spinning combos perfect for estuaries and piers. Casa del Pescador has long rods and corrosion‑resistant reels for fishing from the beach or rocks, plus the sinkers and bait rigs you’ll need.
Where to go fishing in Panama ?
Wondering where to cast your line in Panama? From the Pacific to the Caribbean, the country is packed with world-class fishing spots like Torio, Pedasí, and the Pearl Islands. Each destination offers unique species and techniques, whether you’re into trolling for tuna, jigging for snapper, or fly fishing inshore.
Why the right tackle shop matters
Imagine spending a day on the water only to have your rod snap or your reel seize when the fish of a lifetime hits. Picking a quality shop helps you avoid that heartbreak. Good stores stock reliable equipment, back it up with warranties, and share local tips that can mean the difference between a full cooler and a long, fishless day. They also service what they sell. A reel that’s been rinsed, greased, and cared for by professionals will last through many seasons and battles.
What makes a store worth your time
- Solid products and warranties: The best shops carry rods and reels made by trusted manufacturers, and they stand behind those products if something goes wrong.
- Local know‑how: Store owners and staff fish the same waters you do. They can tell you exactly which lure is working in the Pearl Islands or what line to use around Chiriquí.
- Variety of gear: Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the sport or have been chasing billfish for decades, you’ll find options that fit your needs and wallet.
- Repairs and maintenance: Saltwater and sunshine are hard on tackle. Shops that clean and fix reels, replace rod guides, and help you with line changes ensure your gear performs when it matters.
Tips for picking the right tackle
- Know your target: Before you buy, decide what you want to catch. Light gear for snook and snapper feels exciting; heavy gear is necessary for tuna or marlin.
- Match rod to reel: The power of your rod and the size of your reel should complement each other. A medium rod with a 4000‑series reel covers most inshore applications; trolling rods and big conventional reels pair up for offshore work.
- Choose the right line: Mono is forgiving and stretches under load; braid offers strength and sensitivity. Fluorocarbon leaders are almost invisible underwater.
- Maintain your gear: After each trip, rinse with fresh water and let your tackle dry. Regular services at Alta Pesca or Abernathy keep reels smooth and rods in top shape.
- Check the rules: Panama doesn’t require personal fishing licenses for sport anglers, but billfish like marlin and sailfish must be released. Consult your charter captain or local regulations to stay on the right side of the law.
Seasons and what’s biting
The fish you’ll encounter vary by season. Panama’s weather swings between a dry season and a rainy season:
- Dry season (December–March): Seas are calm and clear. This is prime time for yellowfin tuna, albacore, amberjack and pompano offshore. Closer to shore, snappers, groupers, corvina, and mackerel are active, and roosterfish are abundant around Las Perlas.
- Rainy season (April–November): Rain brings nutrients and life. Offshore, you’ll find mahi‑mahi (dorado), wahoo, jacks, and the occasional sailfish, especially on extended trips south of the Pearl Islands. Inshore, pargo, grouper, and corvina remain available all year. Adjust your lures and line sizes accordingly—brighter patterns in murky water and heavier leaders for fish with sharp teeth.
Questions anglers often ask
For recreational fishing, you usually don’t. Permits are required for commercial activities and charter operators. Catch‑and‑release is mandatory for billfish such as marlin and sailfish, so be ready to let those trophy fish swim away. Stores and guides can update you on any new regulations.
Shops typically stock up before peak season (late autumn to early winter), which is a great time to see the latest gear and score deals. Still, prices stay fairly consistent throughout the year, so if you’re planning a trip soon, don’t hesitate to get what you need.
Spinning. A medium spinning rod and reel, a few spoons or soft plastics, and you’re set for rivers, lakes or the sea. Once you’ve mastered casting and retrieving, you can explore jigging or even pick up a fly rod.
If you want someone else to handle the boat, the gear, and the navigation, check out PescaYa.com. It’s a one‑stop platform where you can choose a captain, see what species they target, compare prices and book online. They work only with licensed, experienced operators, and the prices you see are the prices you pay. It’s an easy way to make the most of your time on the water.
One last cast
In Panama, fishing isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. The right tackle shop is your partner in that life, outfitting you with gear, knowledge and service. From the niche fly‑fishing expertise of The Fishing Store to the deep‑water focus of Jigging Master, and the friendly all‑round selection at Pesqueros Sport, there’s a shop for every angler and every budget.
Shopping locally means building relationships. You’ll swap stories, learn new knots and find out which lure is hot right now. And with modern booking services like PescaYa, pairing your equipment with a professional charter has never been easier. Wherever you cast your line—from Panama’s urban marinas to its wild, rocky points—may the next tug be the fish you’ve always dreamed of.
Comprar en tiendas locales te permite crear relaciones. Intercambiarás historias, aprenderás nuevos nudos y descubrirás qué señuelo está funcionando. Y con servicios modernos como PescaYa, combinar tu equipo con un charter profesional nunca fue tan sencillo. Donde sea que lances tu línea, desde marinas urbanas hasta acantilados remotos, que el próximo tirón sea el pez de tus sueños.
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