5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Full Day Fishing Trip In Contadora Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting snapper, grouper, and wahooProfessional crew provides all gear and fishing equipmentSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
The waters around Contadora Island hold some of Panama's best-kept fishing secrets. When you're dealing with nutrient-rich currents mixing around these Pearl Islands, you've got prime real estate for serious game fish. This full-day charter takes you into the heart of where snapper, amberjack, and mahi mahi call home. You'll be working the waters around Contadora, Saboga, and the surrounding islands with a crew that knows exactly where to find the fish when they're feeding. With just two anglers max, you get personal attention and plenty of rod time without fighting for space at the rail.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're targeting multiple species. The crew has all your tackle sorted – from heavy jigs for working the deeper structure to surface poppers that'll drive amberjack crazy. You'll be covering serious ground, hitting different zones based on what's moving and where the bait is stacked up. The beauty of fishing these Pearl Island waters is the variety – one minute you're jigging deep for grouper, next you're watching mahi mahi crash poppers on the surface. The crew knows how to read the water and adjust tactics throughout the day, which is why trips here consistently produce multiple species. Catering can be arranged if you want to stay focused on fishing instead of packing lunch, and they'll handle pickup logistics with advance notice.
This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of fishing – you'll be actively working three main techniques depending on conditions and target species. Trolling covers water fast and picks up wahoo, mahi, and bonito when they're scattered or moving. When you mark bait schools or structure, it's time to break out the jigs and work them vertically for snapper, grouper, and amberjack holding tight to the bottom. Surface popping is where things get visual and exciting – watching big jacks explode on topwater lures never gets old. The crew provides all tackle, which means you're fishing with gear that's matched to local conditions and proven to produce. They'll have you switching techniques based on what's happening in real time, keeping you in the action all day long.
"My wife and I went on a full-day trip, and it was an absolute blast! We caught 21 fish from six different species. The captain and his first mate were incredibly helpful, guiding us every step of the way to ensure we had the best chance of landing fish. Their knowledge and expertise really stood out. I can't recommend this trip enough!" - William
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the poster fish for offshore excitement around Contadora. These fish are pure energy when hooked, with their bright colors and acrobatic jumps making every fight memorable. They typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters and are most active during the warmer months when they follow bait schools closer to the islands. Mahi love structure and floating debris, so the crew knows to work areas where current lines and temperature breaks concentrate food. What makes them special for anglers is their willingness to hit both trolled baits and surface lures, plus they're fantastic table fare.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and Contadora's rocky structure holds some serious fish. These amberjack can push 50+ pounds and will test your drag system from the moment they feel the hook. They're year-round residents but fish best when water temps are stable and bait is thick around the deeper reefs. What gets anglers excited about jacks is the initial run – they'll strip line like a freight train and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. They respond well to both jigs bounced off the bottom and poppers worked aggressively on the surface.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish represent the premium game fish experience around Panama's Pacific waters. While not as common as other species, when conditions align during their peak months, these fish offer world-class light tackle action. Sails typically range 60-100 pounds here and are known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. They're most active when baitfish are concentrated and water temperatures are optimal. For anglers, hooking a sailfish is often the highlight of any trip – their combination of size, speed, and aerial displays creates fishing memories that last a lifetime.
Pacific Bonito might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they make up for size with pure speed and numbers. These fish school heavily around Contadora and provide consistent action when larger game fish are finicky. Bonito typically run 5-15 pounds but fight well above their weight class with blazing runs and stubborn fights. They're excellent for keeping kids or inexperienced anglers engaged, and they hit a variety of lures and baits. The best part about bonito fishing is when you find a feeding school – it can be fish after fish until your arms are sore.
Cubera Snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family and represent some of the most challenging fishing around these islands. These fish can exceed 60 pounds and live in the deepest, most structure-heavy areas where getting them to the boat is never guaranteed. Cubera are more active during certain lunar phases and specific tidal conditions, making them a target that requires timing and local knowledge. What makes them special for serious anglers is their reputation as tackle-busters – they'll use every rock and crevice to break you off, making each landed fish a real achievement. Their massive size and powerful fights earn respect from even experienced offshore anglers.
With only two anglers per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months. The Pearl Island Charter Co. has built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and this extended full-day format gives you the time needed to really work different areas
Step aboard this classic 31-foot Bertram sportfisher, a 1973 beauty that's been completely restored in 2024 and ready to chase snapper, amberjack, and whatever else is biting around Contadora's productive waters. Twin 145HP Sole Marine engines push this proven fishing platform at a steady 18 knots to get you on the fish fast. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools below. Whether you're jigging deep structure for grouper, popping surface lures for jacks, or trolling for mahi and wahoo, this boat handles it all. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles, and there's a proper head onboard for comfort during extended trips. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation between fishing spots around Saboga and the outer islands. With space for up to 6 anglers and a multimedia system for downtime between bites, this restored Bertram delivers both fishing performance and comfort for serious anglers targeting Panama's world-class fishery.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera are the giants of the snapper family, with big ones pushing 120 pounds and over 5 feet long. These bruisers hang around rocky ledges and reef structures in 50-180 feet of water, using those massive canine teeth to crush crabs and smaller fish. They're built like tanks with thick lips and powerful jaws. Year-round fishing is good, but spawning season from May to August can be hot. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and table fare - though bigger fish might carry ciguatera. When you hook one, the fight's on immediately as they try to get back to the rocks. My advice: use heavy tackle with live bait, and once you set the hook, pump hard and fast to get them away from structure.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful fish that can reach 39 pounds and grow up to 6 feet long. You'll recognize them by that distinctive amber stripe running down their bluish-grey bodies. We target them around rocky structures and deeper reefs, usually 50-150 feet down. April through May is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. These fish will test your tackle and your arms with their raw power, making long runs straight for the bottom. The meat is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks, or you'll lose them for sure.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - nothing matches that massive dorsal fin and lightning speed. These billfish typically run 120-220 pounds and can stretch over 10 feet. We find them in the blue water, usually where the thermocline meets warmer surface temps around 77-86°F. Best action happens during their migration periods when they're following bait schools. The real thrill is watching them light up that sail and start jumping - it's a sight you'll never forget. They're pure catch and release, but the fight alone is worth it. Pro tip: once you get a bite, don't horse them - let them run and jump, then work them back steady.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant golden sides and electric blues that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-29 pounds but can get much bigger. We find them around floating debris and current lines, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, the meat is fantastic eating with that firm, white flesh. My tip: when you see one, there's usually more around, so keep your lines ready after landing the first one.
Sarda LineolataBonito are scrappy little tuna relatives that pack a serious punch for their size, typically running up to 25 pounds and 40 inches. You'll spot them by those distinctive dark stripes slanting across their metallic backs. They school up near the surface, often with diving birds marking their location. June through November gives you the best shot at them when they're actively feeding. These fish are non-stop fighters with endless appetites, making them great targets for light tackle. The meat's decent too - popular in Japanese cooking. When you find a school, work it fast with small lures or live anchovies. Keep your feathers and spoons handy - they'll hit just about anything moving.
5.0 out of 5.0My wife and I went on a full-day trip, and it was an absolute blast! We caught 21 fish from six different species. The captain and...
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