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The best fishing charters in Isla Ladrones, Islas Secas, Isla Montuosa, and Hannibal Bank—renowned for big tuna, snapper, marlin, and more. With years of experience and deep local knowledge, Captain...
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Inshore and offshore fishing near Palo Seco, one of Panama’s most diverse fishing destinations. Inshore waters offer steady action targeting snapper, grouper, roosterfish, croaker, and mackerel. For...
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El marlín se puede capturar todo el año, pero la mejor temporada es de junio a noviembre para el azul y negro, y de enero a marzo para el rayado.
Destacan el Hannibal Bank, Isla Montuosa, Coiba y la Costa del Atún (Pedasí y Cambutal).
Un día completo en altamar cuesta desde $600 – $900, y expediciones premium como Coiba o Hannibal Bank pueden llegar a $1,500.
Sí, en Panamá el marlín es una especie que se promueve pescar y liberar para su conservación.
Se utilizan cañas de 50–80 lb, carretes de gran capacidad y señuelos como skirted lures o carnada viva.
Marlin Fishing Charters in Panama
Marlin fishing in Panama is a dream for many sportfishing enthusiasts. This iconic game fish is one of the most coveted trophies in offshore fishing, renowned for its raw power, endurance, and spectacular leaps once hooked. The Pacific side of Panama—home to legendary grounds like the Hannibal Bank—is recognized as one of the world’s premier destinations for targeting blue, black, and striped marlin.
What types of marlin can you catch in Panama?
Panama’s Pacific waters host several species of marlin:
Blue Marlin: The most sought-after, with giants tipping the scales at over 1,000 pounds.
Black Marlin: Very common in the Gulf of Chiriquí, famous for its unmatched strength.
Striped Marlin: Smaller but extremely aggressive, most common during cooler-water seasons.
In addition to marlin, anglers often encounter sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo on the same trip, making every outing an unforgettable adventure.
Book your marlin fishing trip in Panama with PescaYa
With PescaYa.com, you can easily book marlin charters with certified captains and offshore-ready boats. The platform allows you to compare prices, read real reviews, and secure your spot at Panama’s top fishing destinations. Marlin charters usually include:
Heavy-duty rods and reels (50–80 lb class)
Professional captains and crew experienced in trophy fishing
Skirted trolling lures and live bait
Drinks and light snacks onboard
Best techniques for marlin fishing
Hooking a marlin requires patience, stamina, and the right strategy. The most effective methods in Panama include:
Trolling with live or artificial bait – The classic and most successful technique.
Stand-up fishing with heavy tackle – A thrilling challenge for anglers who want to test their strength.
Teasers and pitch baiting – Frequently used for blue and black marlin, drawing them in with teasers before switching to live bait.
Best time of year to fish for marlin in Panama
While marlin can be caught year-round, each species has its peak season:
Species
Peak Season
Best Conditions
Blue Marlin
June – October
Warm waters, plenty of baitfish
Black Marlin
July – November
Abundant around Hannibal Bank & Montuosa
Striped Marlin
January – March
More common during cooler months
Recommended gear and lures
To battle a marlin, specialized tackle is essential:
Skirted trolling lures, teasers, and live bait (small tunas, mackerel)
Fighting harness for long battles
Top marlin fishing locations in Panama
Panama is home to some of the world’s most famous offshore banks and islands. Highlights include:
Hannibal Bank (Gulf of Chiriquí): Legendary hotspot for black and blue marlin.
Montuosa Island: A prime area for both black and blue marlin.
Coiba Island: UNESCO-protected waters rich in baitfish and predators.
Islas Secas & Ladrones Reef: Perfect for multi-day offshore expeditions.
Pedasí & Cambutal (Tuna Coast): Excellent for seasonal marlin action.
Average marlin charter prices in Panama
Costs vary depending on the destination and the type of boat.
Tour Type
Duration
Price Range
Full-day offshore marlin trip
8–10 hrs
$600 – $900
Premium expedition (Coiba, Hannibal Bank)
10–12 hrs
$1,000 – $1,500
Multi-day fishing lodge packages
2–3 days
$2,000+ per package
How to choose the right marlin charter
Decide whether you want a day trip or a multi-day expedition.
Select an operator with proven marlin fishing experience.
Read verified reviews on PescaYa.com.
Check if live bait, permits, and extras are included.
Marlin fishing regulations in Panama
Marlin are promoted as a catch-and-release species for conservation.
Captains are trained to release the fish safely after a photo opportunity.
Fishing permits are usually included in charter bookings.
Other activities to enjoy on a marlin trip
Your marlin adventure can also include:
Snorkeling on Coiba’s reefs
Whale watching (July–October)
Relaxing on pristine beaches in the Gulf of Chiriquí
Fresh seafood experiences in coastal towns
How to reach Panama’s top marlin fishing spots
Hannibal Bank & Montuosa: Depart by boat from Boca Chica.
Coiba Island: Reachable by boat from Puerto Mutis or Santa Catalina.
Pedasí & Cambutal: About a 5–6 hour drive from Panama City or a 45 minute flight.
Where to stay for a marlin fishing trip
Fishing lodges in Boca Chica and Hannibal Bank: Tailored for trophy anglers.
Boutique hotels in Pedasí and Cambutal: Great for mixing fishing and relaxation.
Panama City hotels: Convenient for quick trips to the Bay and Pearl Islands.
Why Panama is a top marlin destination
Few places in the world offer the same abundance, species variety, and proximity to world-class fishing grounds. One day you can battle a black marlin at Hannibal Bank and the next chase a blue marlin around Coiba. Panama is truly an international hotspot for big-game marlin fishing.
Final cast
For the best marlin fishing experience in Panama, bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, lightweight clothing, and plenty of energy for the fight of your life. And most importantly—book ahead on PescaYa.com to secure your spot with the best captains and offshore boats.
Thank you for your interest in joining PescaYa! We are currently in our testing phase and, for now, we are accepting captain registrations manually. If you're interested, please contact us directly via WhatsApp at +507 6685-8732. Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to hearing from you!
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