Panama: A world-class sport fishing destination!
Panama is located in Central America, it is the connective land bridge between North and South America, with the famous Panama Canal providing a vital shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Columbia to the southeast. With the Caribbean Sea to the North and the Pacific Ocean to the South. The country is rich in culture, tradition, wildlife and you guessed it... fishing!
Panama is famous for its world-class sport fishing, particularly from the pacific coast of Panama where it is home to some of the most famous fishing grounds in the world. Panamanian waters hold over 30 IGFA records, including 19 all-tackle records so you can understand the desire for anglers from around the world to travel and fish there!
Kieren with a world-record calibre Cubera Snapper caught whilst fishing in Panama
To the north of Panama lies the Caribbean Sea, which is known for its inshore/estuary fishing for Tarpon, Snook and Jack Crevalle. In this article we’ll focus on the Pacific coast where Jigging is a staple plan of attack. Panama is home to fishing hot spots such as Isla Perlas, Pedasi, Cambutal, Cerro Hoya, Chiriqui, Boca Chica, Isla Coiba, Hannibal Bank and many more. Anglers travel from around the world to fish in Panama, with many sport fishing camps now established to offer anglers fishing opportunities from boats and kayaks.
Anglers heading out for a days fishing from Panafishing Lodge
When it comes to vertical and slow pitch jigging, Panama offers some of the best opportunities for targeting world class calibre fish on jigging tactics. There are many species of Snapper including the notorious and prized king of the reefs... the Cubera Snapper. A fish that many travel specifically to Panama to target with world-record sized fish possible on jig tactics!
Huge Cubera Snapper are possible on jig fishing tactics in Panama!
Other species that Panama is well-known for include the uniquely formed and beautiful Roosterfish, stunning Broomtail Grouper, huge Almaco Jacks, Bluefin Trevally, Yellowfin Tuna, Corvina, Spanish Mackerel, Mullet Snapper and many more that all inhabit its coastal and offshore waters.
Roosterfish are one of the main targets for anglers fishing in Panama
Jig fishing is certainly a killer method for the Panamanian Fishery and should be considered when planning a fishing adventure to the region. Slow Pitch Jigging is a superb method for targeting many fish in Panama, with Speed Jigging also proving very effective for certain species. Kabura Jigs shouldn't be overlooked and are a great method to use to up your species count with some of the more unusual species that are not often fished for. Don't forget your Casting Jigs as they are a great way to catch bait and snag some bonus species both from the boat and shore! Be sure to equip your jigs with quality hardware and strong tackle - Panama is home to some serious tackle-testing fish!
Jigging can be a very versatile method to catch many different species in many different scenarios and depths in the waters around Panama, so here’s a guide on how to best tackle up for jig fishing in Panama.
Choosing Jigs for Fishing In Panama
Jig selection can be key to a successful trip. You should consider the type of baitfish present in the area that you may need to match your jig size and profile to when fishing. For instance, the dry season and it's prevailing northerly winds see's a cold water upwelling inshore bringing with it masses of small sardine baitfish, and in this period the fish tune into smaller baitfish profiles. Whereas, in the green season where fish typically switch over to larger baitfish such as blue runners, fish may be more forthcoming to hitting a wider array of jig profiles.
Jig Colour Can Make A Difference!
Whilst it is important to have the correct weights and profiles, the colour of your jig shouldn't be overlooked and correct colour selection can be the difference between your jig getting hit or not at all! Panama has many river systems running into inshore waters. Freshwater run off from tropical rainstorms can heavily influence the water clarity and composition along with wind and tide conditions.
As a general rule of thumb, in clearer waters you may find that more natural colour patterns such as silvers, silver/blues and silver/pinks colour schemes are more effective e.g. Sardine Shimmer, Filthy Mack, Sexy Sprat and Pink Shiner colours from our Fish Nugz range. In reduced clarity and greener waters jigs that are brighter and more vivid in colour tend to work best, such as the Neon Nightmare, Chilli Pepper, Glow/Pink and Bubblegum colours from the Fish Nugz range. In some cases, certain species will react best to particular jig colours e.g. Snappers & Groupers love Pink/Glow, Psycho and Chilli Pepper colours, Almaco & Fortune Jacks love our Pink Shiner colours and Rooster Fish love our Sexy Sprat and Sardine Shimmer colour patterns. When squid / calamari are more present, you may find that pinks, oranges and glow colours can be particularly effective. Having a good mix of both natural and bright coloured jigs in your arsenal will set you up for success when fishing in Panama.
Vertical Speed Jigging in Panama
Many predatory fish can’t resist an erratically fleeing baitfish. A vertical speed jig worked hard and fast will pulse, flash and creates vibrations through the water to switch on those hard hitting fish into making a strike. A very effective method to use in the deeper waters and drop-offs, where big predators will hunt their prey.
Kieren with an Almaco Jack caught Speed Jigging in Panama
Speed jigs tend to be bottom weighted with designs that cut through the water quickly and are suited to being worked at higher speeds. These are usually dropped to the bottom, or to a depth that the fish are showing on a fish finder. They are then worked fast through the water column using ‘mechanical jigging techniques’ on rods usually 5-6.5ft in length. Suitable jigging reels are best loaded with strong PE braided lines to a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader of usually 60-100lb breaking strain. This offers direct to jig contact for the ultimate action and hook up rate when you get a hit.
Jack Crevalle are often caught Speed Jigging in Panama
Speed jigs are usually rigged with 1 single power assist hook, although sometimes it can be beneficial to opt for a twin power assist attached to the jig via a strong split ring. Jig weight selection will depend on depth, tidal current and drift speed but the aim is to keep a vertical line as much as possible when working the jig, as this is when the jig is most effective. On a faster drift you may notice the jig start to get away from the boat - if this happens try swinging the jig ‘up drift’ as you drop, to buy yourself some more time in the vertical strike zone. You can speed jig in shallow waters such as 25-50m where jigs typically used may be 80-200g and in deeper waters 50-100m+ where jigs usually used maybe 150-250g+.
Ben caught this stunning Almaco Jack in Panama whilst Speed Jigging in 40m of water
Recommended Speed Jigging Tackle for Panama
Speed Jigs
- Fish Nugz Abyss Jig - 270g, 350g
- Fish Nugz Slayer Jig - 120g, 150g, 200g
- Fish Nugz Speed Whipz Jig - 150g, 200g, 250g, 300g
- Fish Nugz Holy Flail Jig - 130g, 150g, 180g
- Fish Nugz Full Mast Jig - 130g, 160g, 200g
Assist Hooks & Hardware
- Fish Nugz Single Haulin Assist Hooks - 7/0, 9/0, 11/0
- Fish Nugz Neptunes Split Rings - 11, 12, 14mm
- Fish Nugz Neptunes Solid Rings - 10, 11, 12mm
Slow Pitch Jigging in Panama
Slow Pitch Jigging (SPJ) is a very effective method for practically all fish in Panama, particularly Snapper, Almaco Jack, Grouper, Corvina, Bluefin Trevally, Jack Crevalle and more. Even the prized Roosterfish can be partial to hitting a slow jig! SPJ is great when feeding activity levels are not particularly high. You may find an SPJ will buy an extra bite or two compared to speed jigging, or may be favoured by lazier bottom dwellers such as Groupers and Snappers.
Pierre, former owner of Panafishing, with a stunning Broomtail Grouper caught Slow Jigging off Pedasi, Panama
Slow Pitch Jigging generally takes a much more finessed approach, using much lighter rods and more elegant pitch patterns (lift and fall technique). PE braided mainline and fluorocarbon leaders usually in the 40-80lb range for fishing in Panama. The aim of Slow Pitch jigging is much the same as speed jigging in the sense that you are trying to keep the line as vertical as possible to impart the best fluttering action on the jig as it falls. SPJ’s are pitched in a slow fashion, using long or shorter lifts (pitches) of the rod and utilising a controlled slacker line on the drop to allow the jig to flutter and tumble through the water column mimicking that of a dying or struggling baitfish.... it is this action that can bring out that primal instinct to feed, even in fish that are otherwise not switched onto feeding. Sometimes throwing in a few quick erratic fast pitches amongst your typical slow pitch technique can spur on a strike from an inquisitive fish.
Kieren with a Bluefin Trevally caught slow jigging near Cambutal, Tuna Coast - Panama
Slow Jigs come in a whole array of weight, profiles and colours, all of which must be considered when choosing a jig to fish with. The shape/profile and weight selection will depend on depth, tidal current, drift speed and even the profile of baitfish present in the area, but the aim is to maintain as much of a vertical line as possible as this is when the jig is most effective. For quicker drifts when you have wind and/or tide pushing you along, you may need to swing the jig ‘up drift’ a bit to buy yourself more time in the vertical strike zone, or try opting for more slender centre-weighted or bottom-weighted jigs to get down faster and not glide with the current so much. On slower drifts, in lazier tidal waters or when targeting lazier bottom dwellers you may opt for a wider profile jig that will fall much slower with a more pronounced fluttering action. In Panama, you may typically use slow jigs in 15-50m where common jig weight to use may be 60-200g. There may be the opportunity to fish in 10-30m where you can get away with 40-100g jigs too. Using smaller jigs can really open up your opportunities to catching more fish across a greater range of species. Slow jigging in the deeper waters of 50-100m+ will require jigs in the 150-250g+ weight range.
Sam with a Colorado Snapper caught slow jigging in Panama in 20m of water
Slow Pitch Jigs generally are rigged with twin assist hooks at the top of the jig, but many anglers will also add a second set of twin assists to the bottom of the jig to increase the hook-up rate and to slow down the rate of fall / action of the jig. Again when slow jigging in these tropical waters where big predatory sport fish are present, top quality components are essential, but that being said there has to be a balanced trade off when slow jigging between powerful components and finesse to maximise the action and effectiveness of a slow jig. Load up your jig with too much or too heavy hardware and you will ruin the action!
Rock Snapper caught slow jigging in Panama in 20m of water over a reef
Recommended Slow Pitch Jigging Tackle For Panama
Slow Jigs & Hybrid Jigs
- Fish Nugz Slayer Jig
- Fish Nugz The O.G Jig
- Fish Nugz Heavy Flow Jig
- Fish Nugz Holy Flail Jig
- Fish Nugz Reef Wedge Jig
Assist Hooks & Hardware
- Fish Nugz HD Twin Haulin Assist Hooks - 3/0, 5/0, 7/0
- Fish Nugz Neptunes Split Rings - 9mm, 11mm
Fishing with Kabura Jigs in Panama
Kabura Jig fishing is a killer tactic favoured for targeting reef dwelling species that sit on or close to the bottom. Kabura Jigs, also known as Tai Rubber or Slide Jigs, are a unique type of jig that aims to mimic a small cephalopod such as a squid or octopus. Kabura Jigs are best worked in a super slow retrieved fashion, gently raised off the bottom so their ‘skirts’ flutter away in the current. You can also work them pitched fashion with gentle lifts and falls to trigger a bite as you bounce along the bottom. You would typically drop a Kabura Jig to the sea bed and work it only 5-10ft from the seabed before dropping it back down. They also work exceeding well when used in conjunction with cut baits (strips of fish flesh).
The Kabura jig method is a fantastic method to fish for many different species and is a great way to target the smaller and more unusual species that are not often fished for - great for species hunters! But BEWARE... when using this method in Panama we recommend using upgraded Kabura jig hardware made of strong assist cord and hooks, as large Snapper and Grouper take a particular liking to this method!
Kabura Jigs are a great way to catch all sorts of Snapper species in Panama
Recommended Kabura Jigs for Panama
- Fish Nugz Bottom Tickler Kabura Jig - for small-medium species
- Fish Nugz Bottom Tickler Kabura Jig with Custom Upgraded Rigging - for medium-big species (Snapper and Grouper!)
We can customise your Kabura Jigs with heavy duty hardware so that you are equipped for the big fish that can be caught on this method in Panama. Please contact us for more details!
Fishing with Casting Jigs in Panama
Casting jigs are an essential to have in your tackle box when travelling overseas. These are versatile jigs that will catch most fish, and are very useful for catching bait. Also great for having a cast from the shore, they allow you to cover maximum casting distance with a small profile lure that is appealing to many different species - even the Roosterfish love a jig cast from the shore!
Kieren caught this Roosterfish by casting a jig to the horizon from the beach
When out on the boat, casting jigs are great for flicking into feeding fish on the surface, or under birds, and are essential for catching Bonitos or Blue runners for bait, but can be great for when the Roosterfish, Jack Crevalle and Spanish Mackerel are feeding heavy on small sardine shoals.
A big Jack Crevalle caught from the rocks on the Tuna Coast, Panama, using a casting jig
Usually casting jigs used will vary between 20-60g with 20-40g most popular. Fish them on lighter fluorocarbon traces of 25-50lb in strength and incorporate a single or treble hook to the rear of the jig. In some instances a smaller assist at the front can work well too. These jigs are best fished on lighter casting set ups and lighter PE braided line of 25-35lb.
Skipjack Tuna can be caught from the shore and boat in Panama using casting jigs
Smaller casting jigs can also be very effective when fish are super fussy and feeding on particularly small baitfish, they can dropped vertically and jigged up to buy bonus bites when it gets tough to buy a bite on other jigging methods.
Recommended Casting Jigs:
This Pacific Black Snook fell to a casting jig fished in the surf at Pedasi river mouth
My Top 5 Jigs for Fishing In Panama
When fishing in Panama, it is good to be equipped with a wide range of jigs across different patterns and weights to suit different fishing scenarios and conditions that you may encounter. Amongst the arsenal of jigs I take with me, my ultimate top 5 proven fish catchers are:
- Fish Nugz Slayer Jig - Neon Nightmare & Sardine Shimmer
- Fish Nugz OG Jig - Tropic, Psycho & Chilli Pepper
- Fish Nugz Holy Flail - Bubblegum & Watermelon
- Fish Nugz Abyss - Pink Glow Job & Full Glow Job
- Fish Nugz Heavy Flow - Pink Shiner & Bubblegum
Want to go fishing in Panama?
Spoilt For Choice Travel (SFC) operates fishing trips to Panama. Be sure to check out their website to see the range of hosted and guided fishing holidays available at a range of top destinations around the world!
Going to Panama and need Fishing Jigs & Tackle?
Here at Wild Seas, we can put together a bespoke jig fishing package for your trip. Please contact us and we can advise and supply you with a full package of speed and slow jigs, kabura jigs with upgraded hardware, assist hooks, jigging hardware, jig storage bags, UV clothing and more, so that you can go to Panama equipped to have a successful trip.
Contact us for more details on a bespoke Panama Jigging Package!
Jig fishing in Panama is a great way to catch lots of species and some big specimens, such as this beautiful Corvina caught by Kieren using a Slow Jig in 22m of water