Global Panama City HOTSPOTS PANAMA
TACTICS A typical fishing trip starts by catching live bait with a sabiki rig. Then slow troll with the live baits for snapper and roosterfish. Cast large top-water plugs to the shore and structure for hiding roosters. Trolling Rapala plugs between fishing holes can also produce big roosterfish bites. Be warned: Panama has big tides that create currents and waves that could be dangerous for an inexperienced angler or paddler. Freshwater fishing is also excellent for peacock bass on Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.
LOCATION Southernmost country of Central America, located on an isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. 8°58'N 79°32'W
TOUR GUIDE Captain Hennie Marais, a pro who’s been guiding out of Panama for 14 years.
AERIAL VIEW
Often described as the Hong Kong of the Americas, Panama City is a modern and vibrant city with cosmopolitan residents. Visitors will find high-dollar boutique hotels and high-end restaurants, but clean and safe low-budget motels and eateries are also available. Public transportation is excellent, the country boasts the best roads in Latin America and a brand new international airport. Outside the
48 …KAYAK ANGLER WINTER 2013
city, Panama is a tropical climate with monkeys, exotic birds and deadly reptiles, amphibians and insects. It only takes 40 minutes to drive from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean side of the isthmus.
TARGET SPECIES Panama is rich in fishing resources. The country’s waters feature sheltered mangrove estuaries that host light tackle targets and offshore structure covered with pelagic species. Anglers can expect to encounter roosterfish, cubera snapper, blue jacks, yellowfin tuna and billfish. August to November is the rainy season while December to July can be agitated with offshore winds. The Pacific side of the country is usually calm, while the Atlantic and Caribbean can get rough from December to March.
TACKLE • Light action rod and 15-pound test braid • Sabiki Rigs • Rapala plugs • Five-inch topwater lures • Heavy-action spinning or conventional rod spooled with 50-pound braid
• 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks • 30- to 80-pound fluorocarbon leader
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Bring your own fishing tackle. Pack a high-quality spinning outfit and jigging combo each spooled with 60-pound braided line. Also, a lever-drag reel spooled with 80-pound braid and a topshot of 50-pound monofilament will be perfect for fishing live bait. Bring a light-action rod and reel for catching bait with a sabiki rig. For terminal tackle, grab a selection of large popping lures, Rapala plugs and soft plastics.
KAYAKS Ocean Kayaks, Harmony Paddles, seats and PFDs are available.
TRAVEL NOTES
Many of the fishing locations are remote and medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended.
GET THERE Arrive in Panama City. Overnight in Panama City, then travel three hours to Mariato by small private bus or 4X4 vehicle (included in package). Take a small boat 40 minutes or more to beach house or campsite at the fishing destination.
STAY In Panama City, anglers can opt for anything from five-star hotels to backpacker hostels. Fishing camps consist of comfortable beach houses or large tents. All food and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
SIDE TRIP Panama City has a vibrant nightlife and great restaurants. Visit the Panama Canal and watch huge ships pass through one of the great engineering marvels of the world.
IDEAL ITINERARY Typical trips run eight days. Arrive Saturday, fish five full days and leave the following Saturday. Depending on accommodations and boat support, all-inclusive trips (including in-country transportation) run from $1,800 to $2,700.
CONTACT Hennie Marais at Paddle Panama:
www.paddlepanama.com
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: COURTESY HENNIE MARAIS
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