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Visitors don’t need a personal licence; licensed charter boats carry the required permits.
Marlin and sailfish are best from December through April, while tuna and dorado peak June–October.
Half-day trips start around US$400; full-day charters around US$700; multi-day lodge packages can exceed US$2,000.
Yes. Crews provide all gear and guidance and welcome novice anglers.
Most lodges operate year-round, though some close briefly for holidays; prime fishing runs roughly April–January with special trips mid-January–March.
Many lodges offer 6-night (week-long) packages; shorter 2–3-day stays are also available.
Packages usually cover accommodation, fishing (kayak or panga/boat), food and beverages, ground transport, and fishing gear.
Packages usually cover accommodation, fishing (kayak or panga/boat), food and beverages, ground transport, and fishing gear.
Packages usually cover accommodation, fishing (kayak or panga/boat), food and beverages, ground transport, and fishing gear.
Deposits in PescaYa are 50% with cancellation policy varying by tour operator.
Yes, though charters provide high-quality tackle; ensure your equipment is suitable for Panama’s big game fish.
Tipping 10–20 % of the charter cost (around US$150–300 per day) is customary.
Billfish (marlin, sailfish), cubera snapper, and roosterfish are catch-and-release only; species like tuna, dorado, wahoo, and many snapper can be kept.
Essentials include sun protection, rain gear (for May–November), sunglasses, camera, seasickness remedy, and a good attitude; charters provide tackle, bait and will fillet your catch.
Looking for offshore fishing in Panama info that actually helps you plan a trip? Here’s your complete guide to the best offshore spots, proven techniques, a seasonal fishing calendar, and how to book a charter with trusted local captains.
Panama is one of the world’s top offshore fishing destinations, sitting on the path of warm currents and nutrient-rich upwellings. Just a short run from shore puts you in deep bluewater where billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo feed aggressively.
With remote seamounts, island drop-offs, and famous banks like Hannibal, Panama offers year-round offshore action. Whether you want a day of trolling for marlin or chasing schools of tuna on topwater, Panama offshore fishing delivers the big-game thrills.
Gulf of Chiriquí: Home to Hannibal Bank, Isla Montuosa, and Coiba—legendary waters for marlin, tuna, and dorado.
Azuero Peninsula (Pedasí, Cambutal): Quick runs to deep water, productive for mahi-mahi, tuna, and seasonal billfish.
Panama City & Las Perlas Islands: Easy access for travelers; mixed-bag pelagics and great run-and-gun tuna days.
Piñas Bay (Darién): Remote, bucket-list grounds with giant marlin and sailfish.
Tip: Ask your captain about run times—offshore grounds can range from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the port.
Trolling with lures & teasers: Best for covering ground and raising billfish.
Live-bait slow-trolling: Deadly on marlin, tuna, and wahoo once fish are located.
Kite fishing: Keeps bait on the surface—irresistible to pelagics.
Popping & jigging: Perfect for tuna and wahoo when they’re feeding actively or holding deeper.
Pro tip: Offshore charters in Panama provide tuned gear and tackle. Bring polarized sunglasses, sun protection, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
While fishing is possible year-round, certain species peak at different times:
Month | Marlin | Sailfish | Yellowfin Tuna | Mahi-Mahi | Wahoo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan–Feb | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair |
Mar–Apr | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good |
May | Fair | Fair | Building | Good | Good |
Jun–Jul | Fair | Fair | Peak | Good | Peak |
Aug–Sep | Fair | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak |
Oct | Fair | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak |
Nov | Building | Building | Good | Peak | Good |
Dec | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair |
How to use it: For tuna and wahoo, plan between June–October. For marlin and sailfish, December–April is prime.
Full-day offshore charters: From $875, covering boat, fuel plan, crew, and tackle.
Multi-day trips: Overnight at islands or lodges to maximize time on the grounds.
Luxury liveaboards: Fish remote spots with full-service comfort.
Confirm the range: Ensure the boat is equipped for the distance to your target zone.
Bait & tackle: Ask about live bait availability and lure spreads.
Season & weather: Dry season (Dec–Apr) often means calmer seas; green season (May–Nov) brings more bait and pelagics.
Book multiple days: Offshore bite windows can be short—two or more days increase your chances.
PescaYa makes it easy to compare verified captains, check real-time availability, and secure your dates.
Transparent pricing from $875
All gear, bait, and crew included
Secure payment and dedicated support
Book now with PescaYa and experience why offshore fishing in Panama is considered among the best in the world.