Isla Montuosa – What Makes it a Legendary Panama Fishing Spot

Where is Isla Montuosa

Isla Montuosa is a remote island located in Panama’s Pacific ocean, near the Gulf of Chiriqui. It is the furthest island from the Panamanian coast, located 80km or 50 miles offshore. Isla Montuosa was designated in 2008 by Panamanian authorities as a wildlife refuge due to the unique flora and fauna the island boasts, and has since been part of the Coiba National Marine Park.

 

Isla Montuosa – a Legendary Fishing Spot

A couple of miles west from Isla Montuosa, you can find a sea mount – a spot where the sea floor is elevated. This is where bonitos tend to gather and the marlin know this. Nearby, the sea mount drops to a few thousand feet, and this is where you can usually find a lot good action for marlin and yellowfin tuna. The area has become known for its enormous billfish and tuna boils. If you don’t have any luck near the sea mount, closer to the island near the shallower rocks you can usually find a variety of other species, including grouper, mullet and cubera snappers and jacks amongst others.

 

What Fish can you Catch in Isla Montuosa?

Isla Montuosa is popular for its billfish fishing, in particular black and blue marlin. You can also find large sized yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi or dorado in this spot. The best time to come for marlin is between January and March. Yellowfin tuna can be caught year-round, but if you are after a cow-sized tuna, then come anytime between May and June. Dorado are more abundant between the months of November and February, just after the rainy season in Panama.

If you have no luck in Isla Montuosa, you can always try Hannibal Bank, which is only 13 miles away. Hannibal Bank is a underwater continental shelf area which has contributed towards IGFA world records. It is of the most famous spots for some of the most sought-after pelagics such as yellowfin tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado and more!

 

Book your All Inclusive Panama Fishing Vacation

Isla Montuosa is undeveloped, with no resorts or commercial activity on the island. So the best way to experience fishing here is by booking a fishing package with a fishing lodge nearby. Our lodge is located just 40 nautical miles away, an average travel time of 1.25 hrs.

Check out our fishing packages, email us at panamanauticalclub@gmail.com or call +1 800 507 1246 for more info on availabilities.

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