If you plan to fish in Panama with us, you might want to learn some details about your possible catches. There are different kinds of fish in Panama, and here we will describe some of the species you are likely to catch (Besides one or two tips on catching or eating them).
Amberjack.
The amberjack is a native species mainly in the world’s tropical coastal waters, including Panama.
Fishermen can catch amberjack using various methods, but the most common is bottom fishing. This technique involves dropping your line to the bottom of the Gulf and waiting for amberjack to bite. Another technique is trolling, when you drag your bait behind a moving boat. This is usually done with live bait, such as squid or small fish.
Amberjack is a great choice if you want a healthy and delicious seafood option. The best way to prepare it is by baking or pan-frying. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even smoke it if you’d like.
Mahi-Mahi.
A popular fish in Panama is the Mahi-Mahi, “a fish that tastes so nice they had to name it twice.” Mahi-Mahi can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. They change color in the water based on their intensity and instinct.
Mahi-Mahi looks like a torpedo in the water, reaching up to 50 knots. When it takes your bait, it can give an acrobatic show. It is golden with bluish greens on the sides, giving it its name.
You can prepare Mahi-Mahi in many ways, but baking, broiling, and grilling are among the most common. Because it doesn’t have an overpowering taste, it tastes great with simple flavor enhancers, such as black pepper, spices, butter, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Just thinking about it makes us hungry!
Spanish mackerel
Spanish mackerel is a powerful and exciting species to catch. They make for excellent family fishing fun. Keep an eye out for diving birds and a boiling surface. These are obvious signs that these predators are on the hunt.
They are often caught by trolling or drifting in offshore locations near structures. Other successful methods include bottom, chumming, fly, jigging, and still fishing.
You can eat Spanish Mackerel raw. Many enjoy marinating it in lemon or lime juice for about 12 hours before consuming it as a sushi or sashimi dish.
Yellowfin tuna.
Light or yellowfin tuna is a well-known fish and is highly enjoyable for recreational fishing enthusiasts. Yellowfin tuna is a very colorful fish that goes from black to dark blue on the back and white and gray on the belly, passing through a beautiful golden stripe.
Trolling is, without a doubt, one of the best methods to catch yellowfin. The technique can be very effective and fun. In addition, Trolling allows you to cover more fishing spots than any other method, which means that once you get hooked on it, it’s hard for anyone else in your boat not to!
With its firm texture and delicate flavor, the best way to prepare yellowfin is to let it marinate for a couple of hours and make a special ceviche. If you want another great choice, grilled is for you!
Roosterfish
Another type of fish in Panama that you might want to catch is considered a “bucket list fish.” The Roosterfish is a very sought-after catch by many anglers. Of course, a stubborn fish fights hard, making this catch an exhilarating experience. The Roosterfish is powerful; on average, it weighs more than 60 pounds and can weigh more than 100 pounds, presenting a challenge for anglers.
Fortunately, the Roosterfish also loves our warm Pacific waters, and getting one will be an amazing reward. The best way to hook one of these bad boys is to do slow trolling with live bait, poppers, or stick baits near the shorelines. Are you ready to go Fishing in Panama?
Marlin
Marlins are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You can often see the Marlin jumping out of the water and flailing violently to free itself from the fishing line. In Panama, you can find Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin. Panama is one of the places with the highest record of Marlin catches worldwide. However, you must consider that it is not everywhere because it is a deep-sea fish.
Departing from Panama City, you can find it in the South of the Las Perlas Archipelago, Bahía Piñas, or Hannibal Bank.
Marlins are considered one of the world’s most challenging and sought-after game fish. This is why it attracts fishermen from all over the world to pursue them in coastal waters. Take into account that in Panama, it is illegal to kill this species, so when fishing for Marlin in Panama, it would be a “catch and release.”
They are a great reason to visit Panama, but keep in mind that to catch one of these truly exciting fish, you should book a professional charter service.
You can start your fishing trip with this knowledge about some common fish species in Panama!
You might also want to read:
8 GREAT REASONS TO TRY FISHING
DIFFERENCES OF FRESHWATER FISHING AND SALTWATER FISHING
Follow us on social media:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube
){kind=link}