As an outdoor writer/photographer I’ve had the opportunity to fish in 18 countries from Thailand to Brazil and when asked for my favorite place to fish I always say PANAMA! For good reason, Panama and it’s Coiba Island Region has some of the best big game and light tackle fishing on earth combined with excellent sea conditions. What really sets Panama apart from other venues is the resident gamefish, such as the dynamic roosterfish, cubera snapper and others will jet to the surface and attack a surface popper like no other place. It’s a great opportunity to combine big game marlin and tuna fishing with some exciting inshore action. My goal is to make your fishing week the best it can be based upon your own objectives for the trip. Your enjoyment of the “Coral Star” experience is my top priority! The following is a general outline of some topics we may cover depending on your level of interest. Items are frequently added as well.

· Discussion of gamefish available and any special fishing techniques that are recommended for best results.

· Review your fishing goals so that a customized plan can be developed as much as possible (for example, you may be focused on landing a big yellowfin tuna or black marlin on stand-up tackle and if you did not bring your own gear it is important that the crew understands to put away the longer chair rods and focus on those species; on the other hand, you may want to pursue a variety of gamefish using different techniques such as popping, deep jigging and trolling live bait or lures. In that case you will want to learn about casting poppers with state-of-the-art tackle or share some of your experiences as well since many “Coral Star” clients are well-traveled anglers.

· Review of tackle, technique and rigging. This topic is especially geared to those anglers that bring their own tackle since the excellent boat crews will rig all gear unless you want to rig your own. Additionally, if you want to try popping or jigging but did not bring tackle I generally bring enough of my own high-tech Shimano tackle and lures to let you use. You may also fish with me for a day or so depending on the size of the group this week and other variables. On-the-water instruction is best.

· Knots. This is always a popular topic. Learn about the Tony Pena Spectra Knot when connecting a mono or fluorocarbon leader to Spectra.

· Lures. Popping and deep jigging lures as well as a variety of techniques are discussed. You will be provided with lures to try out on the fishing grounds, such as the exciting new Shimano Butterfly Jig, if you want to get in on this action.

· Stand-up/Sit-down. The difference between big game rods, reels and fighting techniques for each fishing style is discussed. What you don’t want to do is get stuck sitting down with a short-butt stand-up rod or standing up with a long-butt sit-down rod.

· Spectra. The advantages of thin-line Spectra super braids and how to use it.

· Special Species. Rare or highly sought gamefish such as black snook are discussed. For example, in some anchorages there are snook nearby but it is important to know how to get them.

· Magazines. Over the years many “Coral Star” anglers have had their photo published in major magazines including the front cover of Salt Water Sportsman. I always ask the skippers to let me know when your prized catch is near the boat so I can swing by and take some photos.

· IGFA World Records. How to set a world record (I have set 18 records and can provide some insight as to how the IGFA works.)

· Fishing lore. There are lots of stores about this region. A good topic for the Fantail Bar.

· Certificates. Just for informal fun every angler receives a “Coral Star” certificate as well as certificates for largest fish in all categories.

These and other topics will be presented every evening at 6:00 p.m. (before dinner) in the lounge in a very informal atmosphere that encourages questions, sharing of knowledge or experience and so on. You are welcome to join the discussion as you desire. I am also available anytime if you need more instruction on knot tying, fixing a broken reel or just “shooting the breeze” at the Fantail Bar!

I’ll see you there,

Tony Pena

“The Roving Angler”