PANAMA EAST TO WEST

THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA OFFERS SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE SPORT FISHING IN THE WORLD, THANKS TO ITS LOCATION, BORDERED BY COSTA RICA TO THE WEST AND COLOMBIA AT THE SOUTHEASTERN END. AND WHILE THE CARIBBEAN SEA LAPS THE NORTHERN SHORES, IT’S THE PLACID PACIFIC TO THE SOUTH THAT HOLDS THE ACTION WE SEEK.

There are a number of lodges and fishing operations throughout the country. One thing they share is the general ease of access. Most visitors arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, departing for the lodges on the coast via regional airlines, charter carriers or private shuttles. Panama City is renowned as one of the most beautiful capitals in Central America, making for a terrific overnight destination in its own right. The dry season generally runs from January through April. From May to December, afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, but it usually doesn’t rain all day in most locations.

For fishing, the main draw in Panama is undoubtedly the black marlin. These pugnacious brawlers are typically found in good numbers here November through March, and they are usually caught on live bait. Big Pacific sailfish fill in the gaps throughout most of the year,