The region of Panama’s Pacific coast offers some of the most diverse opportunities for sport fishing anywhere. Here are just a few of the many types of Panama fish that you may hook up and the Panama fishing seasons by species.
Yellowfin Tuna
Panama’s waters are home to some of the biggest tuna on the planet. Anglers regularly report tuna catches that tip the scales at several hundred pounds. These record-setting catches offer a thrilling challenge for those who dream of landing the big one. If tuna fishing is your priority, we would recommend the months between April and July for a higher chance of hooking a trophy-sized tuna.
Marlin
Both Black Marlin (Istiompax indica) and Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) are highly prized gamefish, found in the waters off the Pacific coast of Panama. It has become renowned as a top sportfishing destination, particularly for Black and Blue Marlin. The prime season for Panama Marlin Fishing is from December to February. During this time, the waters are warmer, and the fish are more abundant, making it the optimal time for sportfishing enthusiasts to target this species. However, Black Marlins can be found year-round in Panama, offering opportunities for anglers throughout the year.
Sailfish
Sailfish range throughout warm waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. I. Platypterus tends to run considerably larger in size than its Atlantic counterpart, with 100-plus-pound fish being run of the mill. Sailfish fishing varies moderately throughout the year. High season is January to February and December. Low season is June to October.
Roosterfish
Panama is home to a healthy population of roosterfish, some weighing 40 pounds or more. These fish can be found on inshore fishing trips, along rocky shorelines, reefs, and nearshore structures. Though you can find roosterfish almost year round, we have found December through February and also between May and July to generally an excellent time to hook a roosterfish in Panama.
Dorado or Dolphin Fish
The ideal and arguably most popular offshore game fish—a willing striker, sight-casting friendly, determined, and often aerobatic fighter, this beautiful catch has a tendency to be stubborn. January through March is the best time to increase your chances of hooking a dorado.
Cubera Snapper
Brute power is what these giants of the snapper clan are all about. Cubera snapper are voracious predators. It’s like they’re angry and they are going to take it out on whatever they choose to eat. Season: All year around with February and March being the best.
Wahoo
Wahoos are found around the world in tropical/warm seas and may travel in packs. They typically patrol near the surface, from blue water far offshore to the edges of steep rocky shorelines and submarine shelves. Being one of the largest members of the mackerel family, wahoo are esteemed for their white flesh. Best season: September through December.
Panama Fishing Seasons: Top Months
In order to increase your chances of hooking several of these species, the best Panama fishing seasons are between December and March. For those particularly after massive yellowfin tuna, March is best, and also offers a prolific amount of black marlin, blue marlin and often striped marlin. For those seeking inshore fishing, big roosterfish, and cubera snappers are also abundant at this time of year.
For more info, read more about the different species that roam Panama’s waters and a summary of the best fishing seasons in Panama.
