5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Trip In Panama City
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting sailfish, mahi mahi, and tunaScenic cruise to Pearl Islands with multiple fishing techniques availableBeach relaxation at Contadora with crystalclear waters included
Picture this: you're cruising through crystal-clear Pacific waters toward the Pearl Islands archipelago, rod in hand and anticipation building. That's exactly what you'll get with The Pearl Island Charter Co.'s top-rated full day fishing adventure. We're talking about 1 hour and 20 minutes of scenic cruising to reach some of Panama's hottest fishing grounds, where sailfish slash through the water and mahi mahi light up in brilliant colors. This isn't your typical charter – it's a world-class fishing experience that lets you choose your own adventure once we hit the prime spots.
Once we reach the northern Pearl Islands, you've got options that'll make any angler's heart race. Want to troll the deep blue for pelagics? We'll set up the spread and hunt down tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and the crown jewel – Pacific sailfish. Prefer to work the bottom? We'll drop jigs and live bait (when conditions allow) to target chunky grouper, snapper, and hard-fighting amberjack around the reefs. The beauty of this trip is the variety – inshore, nearshore, offshore, and reef fishing are all on the menu. Between fishing sessions, we'll anchor up at pristine beaches on Contadora, Pacheca, or Bartolomé islands where you can cool off with a swim and soak up that Pacific sun. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them.
We run a serious operation out here, with both trolling and bottom fishing techniques dialed in perfectly. For the pelagic action, we'll set a proper spread with a mix of lures – think cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and diving plugs that cover the water column from surface to 30 feet down. When we're targeting wahoo, we'll bump up the trolling speed and run wire leaders because these fish have razors for teeth. For bottom fishing, we switch gears completely – heavy jigs, circle hooks with live or cut bait, and enough weight to punch through the current and reach those structure-loving fish. The crew will handle all the rigging and tackle, but don't be surprised if they ask what you prefer – some anglers love the rod-bending power of conventional reels, while others want the smooth drag of spinning gear. Either way, we've got you covered with top-shelf equipment that can handle whatever swims up from the deep.
"The crew was experienced, and the boat was exceptionally clean and well-equipped. Captain Danielo knew exactly where to find the fish, taking us straight to the action. We even took some time to swim and relax on a beautiful beach while the crew prepared one of the tunas and Spanish mackerels we caught — a fantastic experience all around!" - Charles
Mahi mahi are absolute showstoppers and one of the most rewarding fish you'll encounter in these waters. These golden beauties average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ when conditions are right. They're known for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Mahi tend to school up around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, especially during the dry season from December through April. What makes them so special is their stunning color display when hooked – they'll flash from brilliant gold to electric green and blue, putting on a show that never gets old.
Indo-Pacific sailfish are the ultimate prize fish, and Panama's waters hold some of the healthiest populations on the planet. These apex predators can reach 8-10 feet in length and are famous for their lightning-fast runs and spectacular jumps. Peak season runs from December through March when they move in closer to feed on abundant baitfish. When a sail hits your spread, you'll know it instantly – the rod doubles over and line screams off the reel as they make their signature greyhounding leaps across the surface. Most anglers practice catch and release with sailfish, making for an epic photo opportunity before sending them back to fight another day.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and stripping line faster than almost any fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 20-40 pounds in Panamanian waters and are known for their blistering initial runs. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon hours when they move up in the water column to feed. What makes wahoo so exciting is their unpredictability – they'll often hit lures trolled at high speeds, then immediately sound deep or make long lateral runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small marlin.
Crevalle jack might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're absolute bruisers that'll give you a workout you won't forget. These silver bulldogs typically range from 10-30 pounds and are built like linebackers – all muscle and determination. They're year-round residents around the Pearl Islands and are often found in schools around structure or baitfish concentrations. Jack fights are characterized by powerful, bulldogging runs straight down, testing both your tackle and your lower back. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for ceviche.
Cubera snapper are the giants of the snapper family and represent the ultimate bottom fishing challenge. These prehistoric-looking fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their bone-crushing bite and stubborn fighting style. They typically inhabit deeper reefs and rocky structure where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. Cubera fishing requires heavy tackle and strong arms – once hooked, they'll immediately dive for the rocks and try to cut you off. The best fishing happens during slack tide when these fish move out from their rocky lairs to feed. Landing a trophy cubera
This 37-foot Intrepid 370 Cuddy is built for serious fishing in Panama's rich waters. With space for up to 10 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need to target sailfish, mahi mahi, and bottom species around the Pearl Islands. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS gets you to the hot spots. When you're not battling fish, the comfortable cuddy cabin offers a place to rest with a bed, shower, and toilet onboard. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and stay connected with VHF radio. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the 80-minute run to the fishing grounds. Whether you're trolling the blue water for pelagics or dropping jigs on structure for grouper and snapper, this versatile powerboat handles it all. After fishing, hit the beaches of Contadora or Pacheca for a swim. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and first-timers looking to experience Panama's world-class fishing.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - aggressive fighters that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ around structure. We target them year-round in 20-80 feet over reefs, around floating debris, and near the Pearl Islands' rocky shorelines. Best action happens during morning and evening feeds when they push baitfish to the surface. What makes them fun? They fight like fish twice their size, making powerful runs and never giving up easy. Look for diving birds - that's your sure sign jacks are feeding below. They're not great table fare, so we usually release them. Pro tip: cast past the feeding school and retrieve your lure fast through the edge - they love the chase and aggressive movement will trigger strikes.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snappers are the giants of the snapper family - these bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds in our deeper reefs. We target them year-round around rocky structure and reefs in 60-180 feet, especially the deeper drop-offs around the Pearl Islands. May through August brings the best fishing when they move shallow to spawn. What draws anglers? The combination of size and fight - they'll bulldoze straight back to the rocks with incredible power. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. The challenge is keeping them out of structure once hooked. My tip: use heavy tackle with 50-60 pound test and when you hook one, don't give them an inch - keep constant pressure and pump them up fast before they can reach cover.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the crown jewel of our waters here - these billfish average 100-150 pounds and can stretch 8-10 feet long. We target them in the deeper blue water around 200-800 feet, especially along current breaks and temperature changes. They're here year-round, but December through April gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy before spawning. What draws people back? The pure adrenaline rush when that massive dorsal fin lights up behind your bait, then the aerial show starts. They'll jump 10-15 times, burning line like nothing else. We practice catch and release to keep these fighters healthy. My advice: when you see that bill behind your ballyhoo, don't get excited and pull the bait away - let them eat it completely before setting the hook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that light up like a rainbow when they're fighting. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds around the Pearl Islands. We find them year-round in our warm Pacific waters, especially under floating debris or around current lines in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season runs March through June when they school up heavy. What makes them special? They fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in because mahi travel in packs and you'll often get doubles or triples on the same school.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters - these torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds out by the Pearl Islands. We find them in 150-600 feet trolling fast around 12-15 knots, especially near drop-offs and current edges. They're here year-round, with peak action November through March when the cooler water brings them closer. What makes them exciting? Pure speed - they hit your lure at 50+ mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. One key tip: use wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When we mark them on the sonar, we'll often switch to high-speed lures and cover water fast.
5.0 out of 5.0The crew was experienced, and the boat was exceptionally clean and well-equipped. Captain Danielo knew exactly where to find the f...
Panama City