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Unbelievable Deep Sea Fishing!
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 n 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.
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Fishing Grounds
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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.
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 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.
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OPTIONAL PANAMA TOURS & EXPEDITIONS>>>