Hannibal Bank has become legendary among those in the know about serious fishing. This continental shelf area has contributed to many IGFA world records. The Bank is famous for the sheer size of its fish. It has become one of the most famous spots for some of the most sought-after pelagics such as yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado and more!
Where is Hannibal Bank located?
Hannibal Bank is located approximately 50 miles off the coast of the Gulf in Chiriqui, on the western Pacific side of Panama. The area was first discovered by the USS Hannibal in the early 1914s, when survey work was being carried out for the construction of the Panama Canal. The bank runs for about 5 miles and occupies an area roughly 3 miles wide.
What makes Hannibal Bank so Unique for Fishing?
At Hannibal Bank, the ocean floor ranges between a hundred feet deep to thousands of feet deep. The depth and shape of the bank combined with the Humboldt Current, creates a unique fishing phenomenon.
What is the Humboldt Current? The Humboldt Current, also referred to as the Peru current, consists of a low-salinity and cold Eastern boundary current that flows in the direction of the equator. Its movement covers most of the western coast of South America and extends several hundred miles offshore. These cold waters intersect with tropical waters and create the Equatorial front. This causes an upwelling, bringing nutrients to the surface. The current is one of the most productive ecosystems, and accounts for almost 20% of the worlds fish catch.
The Bank creates an upwelling, which brings nutrients and cooler water towards the surface. This attracts the baitfish, which in turn bring in large pelagics like marlin, tuna, and dorado month after month. Hannibal Bank also serves as a cleaning station for large predatory fish.
Periodically, the upwelling is disrupted by the El Niño (ENSO) event. It is widely believed that this is one of the main reasons for poorer fishing conditions in Panama in 2024.
Fish Species
If the bait is around, the chances of a predator lurking is high. We catch huge Blue and Black Marlin, Sailfish, and trophy sized Yellowfin Tuna. Various billfish are abundantly found on the open waters off the Isla Montuosa and Hannibal Bank. Black Marlin are resident in our waters year round however most prolific in the winter months. Blue Marlin, as well as the acrobatic Sailfish can be found January thru march. Yellowfin Tuna are year-round, however the big ‘cow’ Tuna are landed in May and June. August and September see the arrival of the huge female Black Marlin which can average in 500 lbs. Each season a few lucky anglers land a beauty that tips the scale past the 800lbs mark. Dolphin (Dorado) are also caught year round, but most abundantly and oversized from October through to February.
Plan your fishing trip to Hannibal Bank
Hannibal Bank is 50 nautical miles from our resort. The run time is 1.5 hrs from the resort in our fishing fleet. Closer to the resort is Isla Landrones and Isla Secas (17 nautical miles). We often start out for live bait fishing or popping for Cubera Snapper and Roosterfish. Right on our doorstep at Isla Parida (2 nautical miles away) lines are often hit by Amberjacks, Barracuda and Rainbow Runners and Roosterfish.
Check out our fishing packages, email us at panamanauticalclub@gmail.com or call +1 800 507 1246 for more info on availabilities.
