Shore fishing in Panama?

[samfish]

hello all,

Was wondering if anyone out there had any experience of shore fishing on the caribbean coast of Panama? I have a month there in February and was planning to take a medium spin outfit and something a tad heavier for a bit of bait fishing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

[PanamaJack]

Hi Samfish
I've never fished that Atlantic coastline before, but by looking at Tony Herdon's web site - http://www.panamafishingandcatching.com/ you should get an indication of the available species. February is in the middle of the dry season so you are likely to encounter strong North East Trade winds which might make shore fishing unpleasant.

If you're there for a month you might want to consider chartering Tony for a day and fishing Lake Gatun for Peacock Bass. (He launches mid-way down the Canal.) Great fun. Or if you could get to Panama City - Pacific side - he runs either reasonably priced offshore trips into the Gulf of Panama, or trips targeting Tarpon - real Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus - in the Bayno river down in Darien province. He's had Tarpon to just shy of 270lbs and Snook over 40lbs in weight.

Tony's a great guy - American dad, Panamanian mum - who was educated at a boarding school in Margate - his aunt lived in the UK - and went a tad wild in London in the 'swinging sixties'. Even if you don't want to fish with him I'm sure he'll talk you through the opportunities.

One way or another though I'd certainly be interested in learning how you get on.
Best wishes
Dave

[samfish]

Thanks for the advice! Tony sounds like quite a character so I shall be checking out his web site to see what he has to say! Will keep u posted too. Thanks again and happy new year!

[PanamaJack]

On the day Tony took us fishing on the Bayno River after we'd got the skiff back on its trailer and were viewing the river, having bought some cervezas from the local beaten earth floored cantina, he recounted this tale. One of many in his repetoire!

Some years before he'd landed at exactly the same spot and one of the locals, trying to be helpful, had jumped into his boat to help him unload. Concerned that the chap had absolutely no idea of how delicate fishing tackle is Tony asked him to leave. Unfortunately he wasn't quick enough. And Tony, built like the door of the proverbial outside privy, picked him up and deposited him in the river. It was all meant to be a bit of a joke, but the 'waterlogged' man's friend didn't view it in that way and started waving a machette at him.

So in true 'Indiana Jones' style Tony waved around his loaded revolver which seemed to make 'machette man' even angrier. In a matter of fact way Tony then explained that he shot him in the leg! The poor bloke's writhing around on the ground, so they call for the only policeman in town. Tony explains the story to him and the policeman wanted to know if Tony wants the man arrested! Strange question. Any rate the answer was 'no' - 'just get the poor chap to hospital'.

Seriously you'll enjoy Panama and, if you get the chance, Tony's company and his line in stories!

[Maverley]

Hi Samfish,
Just another note of advice, I live down in Panama for most of my school breaks, Panama is the best place I have fished in all my life. Now in terms of shore fishing on the Cabarribean side its all of hit and miss. The tides on that side are only a few inches at best. Because of this the Predatory fish move on a certain pattern and most of the time they will have a lie, which they remain for the day. Due to this it is best if you keep on the move give each spot a few casts and if nothing bites then there is nothing there at that moment in time. If you are bottom fishing for grouper or big rays bring a spinning rod also, this will give you more fresh bait and since there is not much current you have to wait for the fish to move onto your bottom bait rather then go in on the tide. Well I hope some of this will be of help to you.

Tight Lines.