Inshore or nearshore fishing is a great option for those looking to catch fish in shallower waters that are nearer to shore. Although offshore, or deep-sea fishing is extremely popular in our area, inshore fishing in Panama also offers a unique experience, with many anglers coming to Panama to tick off some species that can only find inshore.
What is inshore fishing?
Inshore fishing is the kind of fishing that takes place along the coastline. Generally, the distance is within 15 miles from the shore in green-colored waters, with the maximum depth being 30 metres. The experience can be made shorter than offshore fishing, as offshore fishing usually requires a longer journey to the fishing grounds. Furthermore, the types of species you can find inshore are typically there year-round, but there tend to be better months vs others. The experience overall is a bit more relaxing and peaceful vs going on a deep-sea fishing trip, as sea conditions are more predictable and there is a lot less planning required. It is a great way to ease into fishing if you are a total beginner.
Inshore fishing in Panama
- Target species: the fish we target while inshore fishing in Panama include Roosterfish, African Pompano, Jack Crevalle, Cubera Snapper and many more. In fact, Panama is one of the few places in the world you can catch a trophy-sized Roosterfish or Cubera Snapper.
- Season: Panama offers good year-round inshore fishing. We would just advise visiting Panama during the months between August and November due to heavy rainfall in the country. If however, you are after a large cubera or roosterfish, then we recommend visiting between January and March which is when the action tends to be really strong.
- Fishing Spots: Islas Secas and Isla Parida offer exceptional inshore fishing opportunities. In Islas Secas, you will find massive schools of baitfish which game fish follow. Here you can catch roosterfish, amberjacks, wahoo, and barracudas. In Isla Parida you can catch cero mackerel, wahoo and rainbow runners among many more. Isla Parida and Islas Secas are within 4 and 15 nautical miles respectively from our Panama fishing lodge.
At our lodge, Panama Nautical Club, we have access to exceptional year-round inshore fishing in Panama. We are also within close proximity to the famous offshore fishing spot Hannibal Banks. It is possible within a 3 day trip, to land yourself a marlin, snapper, tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish and more! Get in touch via email: panamanauticalclub@gmail.com, or check out our fishing packages.
