Majo Fishing Lodge · Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos
Cubera Snapper & Snapper Fishing in Panama
Cubera snapper is the heavyweight of Panama’s Pacific reefs, and Majo Fishing Lodge targets it on full-day Pro Fishing charters, Pearl Islands trips and multi-day trips from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos. On one-day trips the best months are February, March and August; on multi-day trips toward the southern Pearl Islands, March to August is excellent. Smaller snappers are part of our 6-hour Fun Fishing trips.
- IGFA-certified 60 lb 14 oz cubera
- Private boat, price per boat
- Rods and tackle included
Our IGFA-certified cubera snapper
On September 1, 2025, in the Pearl Islands, Captain Jorge Petti landed a cubera snapper of 27.6 kg (60 lb 14 oz) aboard Majo Fishing Lodge, and on the same day angler Joel Boyd landed an almaco jack of 30.3 kg (66 lb 13 oz). Both received official IGFA Catch Certificates.
That is the kind of structure fishing we do for cubera: rocky reefs, drop-offs and areas with strong current that hold heavy, aggressive fish. Hooking one is only the start; you have to stop it before it reaches the rocks, so we use strong tackle and apply pressure right away.
Depending on the conditions we fish live bait or vertical and slow-pitch jigs over deeper structure. Read our Pacific inshore guide and Pearl Islands fishing for more.
When to fish for cubera snapper
From our Panama fishing season calendar:
| Species | One-day trips · Gulf of Panama | Multi-day trips · south of Las Perlas and Piñas Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Cubera snapper | Best February, March and August; good in October; possible May–July and September; not a main target in January, April, November and December | Best March–August; good in October |
| Amberjack (almaco) | Good May–August | Best April–August |
| Grouper (broomtail and others) | Good in September; possible May, June and August | Possible most of the year |
“Best” means a high probability and “good” means consistent action. Conditions change every year; nobody can promise a fish.
Which trip to book for cubera
Pro Fishing, full day
Our one-day trip for cubera, with time to fish reefs and structure. Departure usually around 6:30 AM.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$2,850
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,400
Pearl Islands trip
The archipelago where our certified cubera was caught. An island getaway with lodging at Hotel Hacienda del Mar (breakfast included); fishing can be added.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$6,400
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$4,999
Hacienda del Mar
Dedicated multi-day fishing in the Pearl Islands, with cubera snapper and amberjack in the program and the island hotel on Isla San José.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$3,300 per day
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,700 per day
Pro Fishing Expedition
We follow the bite to the best grounds, with chances for cubera snapper and amberjack where conditions suit. Destination agreed in advance.
- Hatteras 40 or Stamas 39By quote
Prices are per boat, not per person, and exclude taxes (ITBMS). A 30% online deposit confirms your date; every trip is paid in full before departure.
Want lighter snapper action? Fun Fishing 6 hours targets dorado, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, snappers, maybe roosterfish and more (Hatteras 40 US$2,100 · Stamas 39 US$1,600, up to 8 guests). It does not target cubera: a 6-hour trip does not go far enough.
Our boats: Hatteras 40 “Makaira” and Stamas 39 “Majo V”
Hatteras 40 “Makaira”
Our flagship: a classic 40-foot Hatteras sport fisherman, fully remodeled, restored and updated in 2026, with flybridge, fighting chair, livewell and an air-conditioned salon.
Stamas 39 “Majo V”
Fast, stable and comfortable, with tuna tower, twin Yanmar diesels, Garmin electronics, air conditioning and a full head with shower.
Both are private for your group. Compare our fleet.
Departure: Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos
Every trip departs only from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, Km 92 of the Pan-American Highway: a short drive from Coronado and Río Hato and about an hour and a half by road west of Panama City. You can add round-trip ground transportation when you book (Panama City US$300; Buenaventura or Río Hato US$100), and we send the meeting time and point by WhatsApp.
Your captain: Jorge Petti
A civil engineer by training and the founder of Majo Fishing Lodge, Captain Jorge Petti is an IGFA-certified captain and fishing guide in Panama, listed in the IGFA Captains and Guides directory. He has fished the Gulf of Panama for more than 22 years, has placed more than 50 satellite tags on marlin and sailfish for Smithsonian research and hosts the Navegante TV program. Majo Fishing Lodge is an IGFA Corporate Member.
Guests rate us 4.8★ on Google. Meet Captain Jorge · Fished with us? Leave a review
Cubera snapper fishing in Panama: FAQ
When is the best time for cubera snapper in Panama?
On one-day trips, February, March and August, with good fishing in October. On multi-day trips toward the southern Pearl Islands, March to August. See the fishing calendar.
Which trips target cubera snapper?
The full-day Pro Fishing charter, the Pearl Islands trip, Hacienda del Mar (2 to 4 days) and the Pro Fishing Expedition.
Can I catch a cubera on a 4- or 6-hour trip?
No. The 4-hour family trip and the 6-hour Fun Fishing trip don’t go far enough for cubera. The 6-hour trip does target smaller snappers, along with dorado, sailfish, Spanish mackerel and maybe roosterfish.
How big do cubera snapper get in Panama?
They are big, heavy fish. The cubera Captain Jorge caught in the Pearl Islands on September 1, 2025 weighed 27.6 kg (60 lb 14 oz) and received an official IGFA Catch Certificate. Size on your trip depends on the day, and nobody can promise a fish.
How much does a cubera snapper charter cost?
Pro Fishing costs US$2,850 (Hatteras 40) or US$2,400 (Stamas 39); the Pearl Islands trip US$6,400 or US$4,999 for 2 days; Hacienda del Mar US$3,300 or US$2,700 per day; the Expedition is by quote. Prices are per boat and exclude taxes (ITBMS).
Fish for cubera snapper in Panama
Book a full day online, or message us your dates and we will tell you which trip gives you the best shot at a cubera.
WhatsApp +507 6306-0690
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