The Best Fishing in Panama's Gulf of Chiriquí

Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí is one of the best saltwater sport fishing locations in all the world’s oceans. Discover panama sport fishing, a remote tropical escape that is home to more than 20 offshore and inshore game species.

Panama sport fishing is unique for a multitude of reasons. The underwater geography is incredibly varied and dramatic, resulting in unique currents and pinnacle structures that help to retain the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current.

Hannibal Bank the famous Panama sport fishing spot has an unique geographic location due to the abundance of microorganisms, which in turn creates a diverse food chain that ascends all the way up to the largest predatory marine life in any ocean. This, coupled with the fact that there are no heavy fishing operations in this area due to the region’s status as a marine reserve, makes the area prime for recreational and sustainable fishing trips. Come fish Panama today, explore our fishing packages and fish Panama today.

panama fishing map

Hannibal Bank

The 70-minute boat ride is worth the opportunity of hooking a huge blue or black marlin and trophy-sized yellowfin tuna. This area is one of the most unique fishing grounds in the world. Running five miles long and three miles wide, the banks are characterized by deep water. In addition, they’re a beneficiary of the Humboldt Current that moves an abundance of plankton biomass to the surface. As a result, the bank’s prolific food chain delivers trophy-sized yellowfin tuna.

Panama marlin
panama tuna

Isla Montuosa

Located 40 nautical miles from the Lodge, Isla Montuosa is an exceptional fishing ground. Near the steep undersea pinnacles, you can find black marlin, sailfish, and snappers. When it’s the right season, it’s common to hook yellowfin tuna of up to 200 pounds, as well as some absolutely monster marlin. Guests will pop billfish, tuna, broom-tail grouper, mullet snapper on this Panama fishing trip.

Coiba Island

The Coiba Marine Reserve encompasses most of the Gulf of Chiriquí’s island structures and continental shelf. In 2005, UNESCO identified the reserve as a World Heritage Site due to its unique geographic properties, rich and well-preserved resources, and spectacular beauty. The main island is home to an infamous penal colony, which closed in 2004; the jungle is slowly reclaiming the location. The area is protected so all species are catch and release.

family fishing panama

Isla Ladrones

Isla Ladrones translates to “Thieves’ Island” and greets you with looming green mountains that resemble a lion on its perch. Aside from being a prime location for scuba diving, the fishing here is fertile and delivers ample opportunities to catch cubera snappers, roosterfish, and multiple types of jacks and tuna.

Islas Secas

Isla Secas is an archipelago frozen in time, offering incredible views and abundant chances to see white-tip sharks, manta rays, whales, and sea turtles. There is plenty here to catch such as rainbow runners, wahoo, barracuda, marlin, and more.

Isla Paridas

Isla Paridas is the closest collection of islands to Cala Mia—only four nautical miles away from Boca Brava. We regularly encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and frequently catch an assorted array of species such as amberjacks, cero mackerel, wahoo, barracuda, and the roosterfish.