What should you know about the different types of fish you could catch on your trip?

Panama Gem ChartersAugust 24, 2022

If you plan to go fishing with us (or fishing in Panama), you may want to learn a couple of details about the possible catches you could have. There are different types of fish in Panama. Here we will describe the ones y

Bójala

The bójala fish is a native species found mostly in the waters off tropical coasts around the world, including Panama.

Anglers can catch bójala using several methods, but the most common is deep-sea fishing. This technique requires dropping the line to the bottom of the ocean and waiting for the bójala to bite the hook. Another technique is trolling, which is when you drag the bait behind a moving boat. It is usually done with live bait, either octopus or a small fish.

Bójala is a great option if you want a healthy dinner. The best way to prepare it is baked or fried in a pan. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even smoke it if you like.

Mahi-Mahi or Dorado

Mahi-Mahi, “A fish that tastes so good it has to be named twice.” Mahi-Mahi can be found all over the world, in tropical and subtropical waters. They change color in the water based on their intensity and instinct.

A Mahi-Mahi looks like a torpedo in the water, reaching 50 knots. And it can put on an acrobatic show for us when it takes the bait. It is golden in color with green stripes along its sides, hence the name dorado (which is another name it is known by).

You can prepare Mahi-Mahi in many ways, but baking, steaming, and grilling are the most common. Because it does not have such a strong flavor, it tastes incredible with a combination of mild flavors, such as black pepper, spices, butter, olive oil, and lemon juice. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!

Barracuda

Barracuda is an exciting and powerful species to catch. They are perfect for family fishing trips. Keep an eye out for birds diving at the water’s surface. Those are obvious signs that predators are hunting.

Barracuda is usually caught by trolling or inshore drifting, near structures. Other rewarding methods could be deep-sea fishing, chumming, fly fishing, jigging, or still fishing.

Barracuda can be eaten raw; many people enjoy letting it marinate with lemon or lime juice for about 12 hours before serving it as sushi or a sashimi dish.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna is well known for the enjoyable recreational action it offers when fishing. It is a very colorful fish, ranging from black to dark blue on the back and white and gray on the belly, with a striking yellow fin.

Trolling is, without a doubt, one of the best methods for catching this fish. This technique can be very effective and fun. In addition, trolling allows you to cover more fishing ground than other methods, which means that when one of them takes the hook, it will be hard for the others on the boat not to do the same.

With its firm texture and delicate flavor, the best way to eat yellowfin tuna is to let it marinate for a couple of hours and make a super special ceviche, or if you want another great option, the grill is for you!.

Roosterfish

Another type of fish in Panama that you may want to catch is considered a “bucket-list fish” — the roosterfish. Roosterfish is a highly sought-after catch for many anglers. Of course, this stubborn fish fights hard, making the catch an exciting experience. Roosterfish is powerful; on average, it weighs more than 60 pounds and can weigh over 100 pounds, which presents a challenge for anglers.

Fortunately, roosterfish also loves our warm Pacífico waters, and landing one will be an incredible reward. The best way to hook one of these trophies is by slow trolling with live bait, poppers, or stick baits near the coast. Are you ready to go fishing in Panama?

Roosterfish - types of fish in Panama - gem charters

Marlin

Marlin are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You can often see marlin leaping out of the water and thrashing violently in an effort to free themselves from the fishing line. In Panama you can find blue marlin, black marlin, and striped marlin. Panama is one of the places with the highest marlin catch records in the world. However, you should keep in mind that because it is a deep-water fish, it is not found everywhere.

Setting sail from Panama City, you can find it in the south of the Las Perlas Archipelago, Bahía Piñas, or Hannibal Bank.

Marlin are considered one of the most challenging and sought-after game fish in the world. That is why they attract anglers from all over the world to pursue them in coastal waters. Keep in mind that in Panama it is illegal to kill this species, so fishing for marlin in Panama would be strictly catch and release.