Generally speaking Panama´s Caribbean side is not so well-endowed with facilities but the fishing is superb. Most companies organize charters for shelf pelagic, shelf demersal and slope game fish including Tarpon, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, Shark, Great Barracuda, African Pompano, Amberjack and Snook.

During the dry season from late December to May the Trade Winds bring choppy seas of three to six feet but the rest of the year seas are calm and the water clear, making conditions perfect, especially for fly fishing. The deep water troughs and islands and offshore seamounts stimulate phenomenal marine life and its attendant gamefish.

In the Bocas del Toro archipelago numerous rivers flowing down from the mountains and rain forests add to the abundance of organisms creating the food chain cycle which culminates with the magnificent game fish.

Here are some contacts for Caribbean fishing trips.

• captaintony@panamafishingandcatching.com (507) 6622-0212
• www.panamacraise.com.pa (offices in Panama City. Tel: (507) 6617-6974).
• Casa Acuario Resort, Inn over the sea, Bocas del Toro Tel. (507) 757-9565 Joberg1301@cwp.net.pa
• Hotel Vista Mar Bocas del Toro hotelvistamar@hotmail.com Tel: (507) 757-9198
• In Colon, boats can be chartered from Club Nautico El Caribe. Tel: (507) 441-2220.