While this lake is considered a peacock bass fishery, a little secret is that snook are plentiful in the deeper channels running through the lake and along the Canal. In fact snook are common in the lake, particularly during higher water in October and November. The lake record is a 32-pounder and during the last major tournament in March, the largest snook weighed in was a 27-pounder. In that tournament, which had categories for peacock bass, snook, tarpon and the grand slam (all three), one guy landed six snook. "In the high waters, there is less dredging of the canal (which is ongoing throughout the year)," says Reyes. "As a result, the water is clearer and not as turbid. Snook can see the lures easier."

I had to try out the snook action for myself. Reyes and I set out two large Rapalas and trolled along a channel running through the lake. The bait moved maybe 200 feet before my rodtip jerked down; a 5- or 6-pound snook took to the air. Reyes and our guide chuckled. Snook here average about 10 to 13 pounds, according to Rodriquez, so mine was a baby.

"I guess they really are common," I said, as the guide scooped up the snook. "That took about two minutes. I just wish tarpon were that easy!"

The tarpon are not, but a few are certainly caught each year in the canal or lake. One, a 125-pounder, was even taken right in front of the resort. Big bull sharks are caught around here, too. The resort marina houses the charter fleet, which consists of 13 fiberglass boats of 17 feet in length, powered by 85 and 90 horsepower outboards.

There are many small Lake Gatun tournaments out of the Gamboa Resort Marina plus a bi-annual international tournament that occurs in March and again in October each year. Those months are the normal beginning and ending months of the dry season, which is the busy fishing time on the lake. Many of the resort's boats are chartered each day then and a little over half are booked throughout the year, in the dry and rainy season. Many local corporations book several boats for "team building" exercises. Approximately 70 percent of charter trips are booked by Americans.

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort, which is less than six years old, lies 20 miles from Panama City.