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In the Pacific, about 1.5–2 hours by ferry from the city.
Year-round. Peak tuna Jun–Oct, mahi Sep–Nov, billfish Dec–Apr.
Inshore: roosterfish, snappers, groupers, croaker, mackerel. Offshore: yellowfin tuna, mahi, sailfish, marlin, wahoo.
Panama City (Amador Causeway) and/or islands like Contadora and Saboga.
Half-day (4–6 hr) inshore or full-day (8–10 hr) offshore.
Half-day inshore $450–$750; full-day offshore $850–$1,400+.
Yes—rods, reels, tackle/bait, ice, and crew.
Yes. Half-day inshore is most comfortable; offshore can be choppy.
Usually within local rules; catch-and-release is encouraged for roosterfish and billfish.
Ferry from Panama City, small charter plane to Contadora, or private boat.
Hotels and villas on Contadora/Saboga, or stay in Panama City and do day trips.
Beaches and snorkeling, whale watching (Jul–Oct), island-hopping, waterfront dining.
Via PescaYa, with verified captains, clear pricing, and bilingual support.
Less than two hours from Panama City, the Pearl Islands (Islas de las Perlas) are a dream for anglers: clear Pacific water, healthy bait, and quick runs to productive reefs, drop-offs, and current lines. Launch from the city or stay on islands like Contadora, Saboga, San José, or Pacheca and fish inshore or offshore the same day.
Offshore: Yellowfin tuna (best Jun–Oct), mahi-mahi (Sep–Nov), sailfish & marlin (Dec–Apr), wahoo (peaks around late year).
Inshore/Nearshore: Roosterfish (year-round), cubera & mullet snapper, amberjack, grouper, sierra mackerel, and corvina.
Compare verified captains, real availability, and what’s included (gear, bait, ice, crew). PescaYa supports English & Spanish and helps you pick the right boat for your target species and dates.
Inshore (roosterfish/snapper): Casting poppers/stickbaits along points, rocks, and current edges; live bait slow-trolling.
Offshore (tuna/dorado/billfish): Run-and-gun under birds and spinner dolphins, live bait, jigging, or trolling skirts/plugged lures.
Bottom/Jigging: Reefs and seamounts for grouper, amberjack, and snappers.
Combo Days: Start offshore at first light, finish inshore when the swell or wind picks up.
Dry season (Dec–Apr): Calmer seas; billfish presence; consistent inshore action.
Green season (May–Nov): Peak tuna (Jun–Oct) and dorado (Sep–Nov); great for numbers when bait stacks up.
Year-round: Roosterfish, snappers, groupers.
Charters usually include gear. If bringing your own:
Topwater/Casting: 50–80 lb braid + 80–120 lb leader; poppers and stickbaits.
Jigging: 60–80 lb braid; 150–300 g jigs for mid-water tuna and reef species.
Live Bait/Trolling: 30–50 class conventional outfits; circle hooks for healthy releases.
Contadora / Pacheca / Saboga: Fast access to nearshore structure and quick runs to color breaks.
San José & nearby banks: Productive reefs, seamounts, and pelagic corridors.
Eastern & southern edges of the archipelago: Current lines, rips, and bird life that often hold tuna and dorado.
Half-day inshore: typically $450–$750 depending on boat class and departure point.
Full-day offshore: typically $850–$1,400+, higher for long-range or premium boats.
Inclusions vary by operator; most cover gear, bait, ice, captain & mate. Fuel surcharges may apply for longer runs.
Target: Tuna/topwater vs. roosterfish/inshore vs. mixed bag.
Boat: Center console (speed and casting space) vs. sportfisher (comfort, shade, galley).
Range: Ask about fuel range and plan (banks, birds, dolphins, reefs).
Seasonal plan B: If tuna sound deep, will the crew switch to live bait or jigging?
License: Not needed for guests on licensed charters (operators handle permits).
Keep vs. release: Many crews promote catch & release for trophy roosterfish and billfish; table fish can often be kept within local limits.
Protected areas: Some zones require special permissions—your captain will advise.
Snorkeling & beaches: Clear water, white-sand coves (Contadora has easy access).
Whale watching (Jul–Oct): Seasonal humpbacks around the archipelago.
Island-hopping: Restaurants and beach clubs on Contadora/Saboga; rustic, wild shores on San José.
Day trips from Panama City: Fast ferries and private boats make quick turnarounds easy.
Ferry from Panama City: Fast boats to Contadora (about 1.5–2 hours).
Small plane: Charter flights to Contadora (fastest, limited baggage).
Private charter: Direct from the city or via marinas on the Amador Causeway.
Contadora & Saboga: Boutique hotels, villas, and guesthouses close to beaches and marinas.
Panama City base: Stay in the city and day-trip to the islands for fishing.
Close to the capital yet wild enough for pelagics and reef thumpers, the Pearls deliver year-round variety, quick access to both inshore and offshore, and the chance for explosive topwater tuna when the bite is on.
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