Panama Fishing Report - Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge – December 2015

Dec/2015 Panama Fishing Report – The lodge operated for only 6 days during December 2015 at Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge on Isla Paridas in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama—the first four days occurred in early December and the final two days in late December. Conditions featured flat seas and pleasant weather throughout.

Early December fishing proved challenging as warm water entered the gulf, causing bait to diminish at Isla Montuosa and Hannibal Bank. A group of skilled anglers—Wes, Wes Jr., and Warren from California and Arkansas—spent four days aboard the “TOP Cat” pursuing marlin. Despite efforts, results disappointed: “We had on a BIG Marlin come up on the second day on a plastic and completely spool one of the 50s! Bummer!” Another marlin struck a live bonito and escaped. The team landed several dorado but below seasonal expectations. Elevated water temperatures hampered both offshore and inshore success.

The final week brought improved conditions as temperatures moderated. Rouse, Whitney, and Wayne from Oregon experienced remarkable success. On Rouse’s 29th birthday, “as soon as we got out there we got lucky and ran smack into a pod of Porpoises working a bait ball with Tunas busting! We toss a bridled Bluerunner into the frenzy and…..BOOM! A 100# Yellowfin Tuna comes up and enhales it.” The following day yielded three additional, smaller yellowfin tuna. Chef Mark prepared celebratory sushi from the catch.

The report concluded optimistically: “The water temps are settling down a bit and we are starting to see more bait and activity at Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa it is going to be a great 2016!”

Captain: Shane Jarvis, Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge