Fishing in Bocas del Toro

There is really an incredible amount of interesting and exciting things to do in Bocas del Toro, and non more amazing than fishing in Bocas del Toro. The area of Bocas del Toro is known for some of the most amazingly vibrant fish species in all of the world. Not only is the fishing great, but the beauty is unmatched.

The first things you’ll notice as a fisher in Bocas del Toro are the small tides of about two to three feet, the tropical and colorful reefs, the golden sand beaches, and the protected coastal rivers flowing into the crystal clear Atlantic ocean. The connection to the open sea from the many rivers, bays, and coves makes for an array of perfect places to catch fish and a wide variety of possible catches.

The main catches in the area of Bocas del Toro are the sailfish, the yellow fin tuna, and the red snapper. The best time to reel these in is during the months of March and April. Usually the sport fishing takes place 1 to 2 miles offshore from Colon  Island and at about 60 to 200 ft for ground depth. Water Depth reaches just about 2,000 feet at 3 miles and 5,000 feet at 9 miles offshore for sport fishing in Bocas del Toro.

This area of Panama also receives northeastern prevailing wings of about 10-20 knots from December through May, making for difficult sport fishing navigation. That’s why the best time to sport salt water fishing off the coast of Bocas del Toro in from June through November. At this time the sea is calm and the water is much clearer. This time is also perfect for fly fishing, surf fishing, flats fishing, sailing and sport fishing. Sport charter fishing is readily available during this season.

Charter fishing can bring in catches like Snapper, Dorado Sailfish, Tuna, Tarpon Grouper Jack, Pampano, Barracuda, Permit fishing, Amberjack, Snook, Sharks, Kingfish, and many other assorted types of fish from the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The size of the fish caught can be remarkable, like 100 pound sailfish caught offshore, and Yellowfin Tuna getting as big as 60 pounds. Dorado are seen from 20 to 40 pounds in some spots, and Wahoo ranging around 25 pounds. Red Snapper can be caught just a mile offshore at sizes up to 40 pounds. The Tarpon an very big in the Bocas del Toro area, reaching lengths of about six or seven feet long.

The gear and boats used for most of the fishing charters out of Bocas del Toro are top-notch, and safe. Since the tourism and fishing industry have melted together nicely over the years in Bocas del Toro, the quality of the fishing charters are really quite impressive. If you’re looking for some incredible sport fishing, or just relaxing with some fly fishing or surf fishing, Bocas del Toro is the place. You’ll also find that many hotels and lodges in the area offer packages for vacationers who to fish and stay at the resort. All in all it’s a great place for a fishing vacation.