• 

  • Fishing   
  • Offshore Fishing   
  • Inshore Fishing   
  • Fly Fishing   

FISHING

In the Gulf of Chiriqui and the Hannibal Bank, we have combined the world's best marlin fishing spots, the best guides, with the best equipment, tackle, and boats. The fishing grounds lie 35 miles off the western shore of Panama, 200 miles from Panama City and only a one-hour air flight.The M/V Coral Star is proud to offer one of the most exciting fishing adventures in the Western Hemisphere. Hannibal Bank and the fishing grounds of the Gulf of Chiriqui are located in the pacific waters of Panama. This is an area that is renowned for its outstanding Blue and Black Marlin fishing. The famous Hannibal Bank rises from over 3,000' deep to 124' in less than 2 1/2 miles. The shallowest spot is marked by a pinnacle 200' tall, which is home to schools of Black Marlin and giant Yellowfin Tuna. This little fishing hole is our cruising grounds.

Fishing Grounds

Isla Coiba is Panama's largest island. It is situated 30 miles off the coast and 200 miles from Panama City. It is also a nature preserve and wildlife refuge. Isla de Coiba is protected as a Marine National Park. The area is patrolled and protected from commercial long lining, purse seining, and gillnetting. The only other boats that you are likely to see would be the local fisherman in wooden boats, hand-line fishing for Snapper. The M/V Coral Star is licensed and registered to fish within the park and is the only one to offer this close proximity to the Hannibal Bank's fishing treasures.

Isla Montousa, like Hannibal Banks, rises sharply from nearby depths of 10,000' with the 100 fathom line only two miles off. With numerous rock pinnacles surrounding the island, it is highly unlikely you could fish half a day here and not tangle with a Black Marlin, several Dogtooth Snappers, or Sailfish. Montousa is ten miles from the Hannibal Bank.

Islas Jicaron and Jicarita are also two miles from the 100 fathom drop. Here as off Montousa, sailfish engage in feeding frenzies. You will also find pesky Marlin, Dorado and 100 lb.+ Yellowfin Tuna. Coastlines, underwater rocks and reefs are prime casting for Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, whopper Amberjacks and Trevally.

Isla Secas, Isla Contreras and Islas Ladrones are also great fishing areas in the Gulf of Chiriqui.

The peak season for billfish is December through April, with the prime months being January, February and March. Our experience has been that the winter months are better for billfish. For Blue Marlin and Black Marlin fishing our Captains/Guides will typically use live bait, small tuna, or large bonita. Sometimes the Sails or Dorado are so thick, that we have to use 15 lb. Tuna or use our downriggers that are equipped on each boat. Billfish are not the only hot items in this area of Panama.

Large Tuna become abundant during the months of February, March, April and May. The larger Tuna over 200 lbs. are more abundant during March and April. The islands surrounding Coiba are known as "Wahoo Alley". During the later part of March, April and May. The larger Tuna over 200 lbs. are more abundant during March and April. The islands surrounding Coiba are known as "Wahoo Alley". During the later part of Panamanian winters (which coincides with our summer) Wahoo of 60 and 70 lbs. are abundant.

Those that are lucky enough to fish the M/V Coral Star in December will have an opportunity to hook up with a couple of these fast, wild, big ones. Dorado (sometimes called "mahi mahi") with bulls of 50-60 lbs. will be found doing acrobatic jumps and changes of direction. It is not unusual for our guests to get tired of fighting big Marlin, Sail and Tuna.
Just ask your Captain/Guide and he will show you some great inshore fishing. Plugging and popping for Cubera Snapper, Amberjack, Grouper, Snook and Dogtooth Snapper are but a few of the treats that await those that enjoy inshore fishing. In addition to the Snapper and Wahoo, giant Roosterfish have been caught in the waters around the Islands of the Bay of Chiriqui weighing up to 60 lbs., these Roosterfish will really test your equipment and skills. We fish Roosterfish with live blue runners, trolling with Rappalas, casting with lures Cisco Kids or popping with Peli-poppers or something similar.

Our Fleet

Equipment

Our equipment is updated annually to ensure that you have the right gear for the right fish! Each boat is equipped with its own contingent of Penn International: 2- 20s, 2- 30s, 2- 50s, 1-80, 2-7500 spinning tackle, Rods from Seeker and Penn.

All boats are equipped with Furuno Depth finders, VHS and backups; Tuna tubes by Lunds Tubes, Rupps outriggers, and stand-up equipment, fighting chairs, or battle stations and marine safety equipment.

Specifications

Fishing Itinerary

All M/V Coral Star Fishing Charters start and end in the charming city of David, Panama, located on the Pacific Coast of Panama. Our 6 Day Fishing Charters begin on Saturday and end on Thursday.

Saturday:

Meet us at the Coral Star Landing/TAS Marina bright and early or we would be happy to pick you up at the David Regional Airport when you arrive. Once at the Coral Star Landing, our Captains and Mates will load your luggage, then have you board our sport fisher for the picturesque ride down the Chiriquí River. Depending upon tides, this relaxing and beautiful winding river takes roughly 1 hour to navigate. At the mouth of the river is the Paridas Island Chain, there you will meet the mother ship, the M/V Coral Star. Once your luggage is transferred and the Captain has explained the safety procedures onboard and you have settled into your cabin, you will be ready to start your fishing adventure. Lunch is waiting for you aboard your sport boat . This first day you can expect to fish 5-6 hours, depending upon your travel arrangements. This is the perfect opportunity for inshore, deep canyon or river fishing.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:

Morning continental breakfast and coffee will be available starting at 5:30 a.m. with a full breakfast from 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. Our boats are loaded by 6:30 a.m. each day. Sunday, while you are out fishing, the Captain will move the mother ship out to one of the outlying islands being Coiba, Ladrones, or Montousa Island, depending upon what target species is the focus of the week. Meanwhile, you are off fishing inshore around any number of islands or offshore around the Hannibal Bank, Shipping Lanes or numerous other sites, the choice is yours.
All four days, fish up to 12+ hours per day, the sport boat, Captain and Mate are basically at your command - fish how you want, where you want, for the species you want or take a break and do some snorkeling.

Be sure to discuss with your Captain your preferences for each day so proper equipment is onboard. For safety precautions, it is mandatory for the sport boats to return to the M/V Coral Star by sunset, and that all boats stay within radio contact of each other at all times.
The mother ship, or floating lodge, may stay in one location or move, depending upon fishing, seas and species targeted. Typically, the ship is moored a couple of days at Montousa and a couple of days at Coiba, however this is subject to change based on the Captain’s discretion and fishing conditions. Either way, she will move during the day, while you are out fishing. Late afternoon when you return, you’ll find her tucked back into a cove, appetizers waiting, dinner on it’s way and a nice cold drink served by our smiling, courteous staff. Every evening, dinners offer a couple of selections for the main course. Fresh fish, of course, is always a specialty onboard the Coral Star. If you would like to have your catch prepared, please alert our Chef so arrangements can be made. Evenings onboard are relaxing with casual conversations or a playful game…and of course, plenty of fish stories and laughter!

Thursday:

The last day of your trip, you can expect to fish 6-8 hours offshore or inshore. We will need to get you back to the Coral Star Landing at 3:30 to ensure that you make your flight from David back to Panama City.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change, however, every effort will be made to adhere to this outline as close as possible.

offers a companion package that includes all arrangements after your arrival into Panama City, including VIP into Panama, two nights accommodation, in-country flight and transfers. Packages are available for single or double occupancy. We suggest making your reservation for arrangements in Panama City and in-country flight when you book your trip with the Coral Star to guarantee your preferences. Panama’s popularity is growing, and along with their many holidays, hotel occupancy and in-country flights are booking out well in advance. For more information and pricing about this service, please speak to your reservation specialist.

Fishing for 6 Days 5 Nights Aboard the M/V Coral Star

For Those Wishing to Fish Inshore In the Isla de Coiba National Marine Reserve There Is An Added $50.00 Park Fee

The Coral Star may implement a Fuel Surcharge for the 2008/2009 season depending on the costs of fuel.
At this time, we are not sure how much the increase will be, but all clients will be notified prior to their Charter Date.