5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Roosterfish Adventure In Panama City
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day guided fishing specifically targeting prized Roosterfish speciesLive bait trolling around Taboga and nearby rocky island shoresAdditional casting opportunities for Snapper, Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle
If you've got Roosterfish on your bucket list, this full-day charter with The Pearl Island Charter Co. is built specifically for serious anglers who want a real shot at landing one of the Pacific's most prized gamefish. We're talking about a dedicated Roosterfish hunt around the rocky shores of Taboga, Taboguilla, Urabá, and Chamá Islands — some of the most productive waters in Panama for these spectacular fish. This isn't a typical mixed-bag charter where Roosterfish is just a possibility. Captain Rolondo and his crew have designed this trip around one goal: putting you on fish with the best techniques and fresh live bait that makes all the difference.
Your day kicks off early with live bait collection — and trust me, this step separates the pros from the weekend warriors. We'll spend the first part of the morning netting fresh sardines, anchovies, or whatever baitfish are running strong that day. Fresh live bait is absolutely critical for Roosterfish success, and Captain Rolondo won't cut corners here. Once the bait wells are loaded, we'll run out to the rocky structure around the islands where these fish patrol. The boat is newly renovated and built for serious fishing — plenty of room for two anglers to work without getting tangled up, quality electronics to mark fish and structure, and all the tackle you'll need. You'll spend most of your time live bait trolling along the drop-offs and rocky points, but we'll also work the shorelines with poppers and minnows when the action calls for it. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times based on tide, current, and what the fish are doing that particular day.
Roosterfish fishing is all about presentation and location. We'll primarily use live bait trolling with circle hooks on wire leaders — these fish have incredible eyesight and can be surprisingly leader-shy despite their aggressive reputation. The key is getting that live sardine or anchovy swimming naturally behind the boat at just the right speed and depth. Captain Rolondo will adjust trolling speed based on water temperature and current, usually keeping things slow enough that the bait stays lively but fast enough to cover water and trigger strikes. When we're working the shorelines for the mixed bag of Snappers, Sierra Mackerel, and Jacks, you'll switch to casting poppers and live minnows right into the rocks where these fish ambush prey. The rocky structure around Taboga and the other islands creates perfect ambush points, and you'll learn to read the water and place your casts where fish are most likely holding. All tackle is provided, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along — just make sure your drag is smooth and your line is fresh.
"The captain is incredibly familiar with the waters, offering clear insights into the advantages and challenges of each fishing option. The crew was skilled and polite throughout the trip. The boat, newly renovated, was top-notch! We landed plenty of fish and truly enjoyed the experience." - Anthony
"Captain Rolondo delivered exactly as promised! We had an excellent day on the water, filled with great fishing and enjoyable conversation. While we were targeting Roosterfish and didn't land one, Captain Rolondo ensured we still had a fantastic experience and caught plenty of fish. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a memorable fishing trip!" - Bradley
Roosterfish are the headliners here, and for good reason. These fish are pure Pacific coast royalty with their distinctive dorsal fin that looks like a rooster's comb when they get fired up. They're ambush predators that cruise the rocky shorelines and drop-offs, often following schools of baitfish right into surprisingly shallow water. Most Roosters in these waters run 20-40 pounds, but the area produces fish over 60 pounds for anglers who put in the time. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights — when a big Rooster hits your live bait, you'll know it immediately. The best action typically happens during moving water on the tide changes, and they're most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Crevalle Jack are the workhorses of this fishery and probably your most likely catch of the day. These fish are absolute bulldogs that will test your tackle and your arms. They school heavily around the rocky structure and are suckers for both live bait and poppers worked along the shoreline. Jacks in these waters commonly run 10-25 pounds, and they fight way above their weight class. They're year-round residents, so you can count on action even when the Roosterfish are being finicky. When you hook into a school of feeding Jacks, the action can be absolutely non-stop.
Lane Snapper provide excellent table fare and consistent action throughout the day. These fish are bottom-oriented around the rocky structure but will come up to hit live minnows and small poppers. They're perfect for keeping your rod bent when you're between Roosterfish bites. Most Lane Snappers here run 2-5 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters and make excellent ceviche. They bite best during slack tide periods when the current isn't running too hard.
Flat Needlefish are the surprise stars that many anglers overlook. These sleek predators are surface feeders that absolutely hammer poppers and live bait fished near the top. They're incredibly fast and make spectacular jumps when hooked. While they might not have the bulk of a Rooster or Jack, they're pure fun on lighter tackle and often provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. They're most active during the warmer months and love to feed in the early morning hours.
Your charger for this roosterfish hunt is a beautifully restored 31-foot Bertram sportfisher that combines vintage soul with modern reliability. Originally launched in 1973 and completely rebuilt in 2024, she's powered by twin 145HP Sole Marine diesels that'll cruise you to the rocky shores around Taboga and Taboguilla Islands at a steady 18 knots. The flybridge gives you perfect sight lines for spotting fish, while the radar and GPS keep you locked onto productive water even when conditions get sketchy. Down below, you'll find a proper head and icebox to keep your drinks cold during those long battles with trophy fish. The fish finder will help locate bait schools, and the multimedia system means you can crank some tunes between hookups. With room for up to 6 anglers, this classic Bertram is built for serious fishing – the kind of boat that can handle big fish in big water while keeping you comfortable all day long.
Caranx HipposThese silver bulldogs are some of the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound in our waters. Most run 3-8 pounds and 12-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 20+ pounds and really test your gear. Look for them around structure, grass flats, and especially wherever birds are diving - they push baitfish to the surface and create feeding frenzies. They're here year-round, but the cooler months often bring bigger schools closer to shore. What makes jacks popular is their aggressive nature and that bulldog fight - they'll pull drag and make multiple runs. They're decent eating when bled properly, though many folks release them. Watch for birds working the water, then cast silver spoons or poppers past the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase, so keep that lure moving. Don't cast directly into the school or you'll spook them.
Ablennes HiansThese arrow-shaped fish with their needle-like beaks are hard to miss when they're around. They typically run 2-3 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, cruising near the surface in schools around floating debris and structure. You'll spot them in our coastal waters, especially near the islands where they hunt small baitfish. They're here year-round but are most active during dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. While they're not table fare due to their green bones, they put up a decent fight and make great bait for larger species. Plus, they're fun on light tackle. The trick with needlefish is keeping your bait moving - they won't hit anything that's sitting still. Small pieces of squid or fish on a treble hook work well, but reel fast once you cast. They're curious about lights at night too, so that's another option for targeting them.
Lutjanus SynagrisThese pretty pink and yellow striped snappers are perfect for families and light tackle enthusiasts. They typically run 10-14 inches and 2-4 pounds, making them manageable for kids but still fun to catch. You'll find them around coral reefs and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet of water, often mixed in with other snapper species. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. Lane snappers are excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great confidence builders since they bite readily and aren't too line-shy like some snappers. The best approach is bottom fishing with small hooks and fresh shrimp or cut bait. Keep your weights light enough to feel the bite but heavy enough to get down. Night fishing often produces better numbers since they feed more actively after dark.
Nematistius PectoralisThe famous "rooster comb" dorsal fin makes this fish unmistakable - those seven long spines shoot up when they get excited or hunt. These bruisers average around 50-80 pounds but can hit over 100, and they're built for power. You'll find them cruising rocky shorelines and around our islands in 20-80 feet of water, especially near structure where baitfish gather. They're year-round residents here, but the dry season brings clearer water and better visibility for targeting them. Most anglers go catch-and-release since the meat's tough, but the fight is legendary - long, smoking runs that'll test your tackle. Here's the key: when trolling live bait, keep it moving slow and steady. Once hooked, expect multiple runs, and don't get cocky when you see the boat - that's when they make their final dash for freedom.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain is incredibly familiar with the waters, offering clear insights into the advantages and challenges of each fishing opt...
Captain Rolondo delivered exactly as promised! We had an excellent day on the water, filled with great fishing and enjoyable conve...
Panama City