Fishing Frenzy

Panama sportfishing offers anglers some great sea going environments in which to test themselves against some of the world's biggest fish. Still relatively undiscovered, this Central American nation is a country which could soon become one of the world's top fishing destinations in years to come.

One thrilling fishing ground off the coast of the country is in the waters of the Hannibal Bank, close to the Gulf of Chriqui off the western coast of the country. Sports fishermen can find some of the Pacific's finest blue and black marlin here.

Thirty miles off the coast of the country, and some 200 miles from its capital, is an island called the Isla de Coiba, the nation's largest island. This is a protected environment, with commercial longline fishing banned, along with other kinds of industrial fishing methods. Native fisherman can be seen catching snapper in traditional ways, and this is a fine, undisturbed venue for fishing adventurers.

Many species of fish can be found in Pinas Bay, with billfish and non-billfish abundant here at all times of the year in what are generally exceedingly calm seas. Marlin of both the blue and black variety occur here, with specimens of over 500 pounds occurring from May through to July or so. Many record specimens have been caught here in this region for a number of different sporting species of fish.

Montuosa Island and the Hannibal Bank are also exciting locations for fishermen, with schools of countless numbers of yellowfin tuna and wahoo swimming in the waters. There are yet more blue and black marlin, while massive Pacific sailfish and Dorado also hunt the plentiful shoals of baitfish.

Any trip to sample Panama sportfishing needs some careful planning and preparation as there are no big marinas in the country as yet. If that consideration is born in mind, then some great memories are waiting to be caught in the waters off Central America. panama sportfishing