This is Captain Jorge Petti’s fishing report from Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, on Panama’s Pacific coast: what we have been catching, what bites this time of year and which trip gives you the best odds.
Recent Highlights
- Multi-day trip: 27 sailfish and a marlin released, plus three big tuna of 100 to 140 lb.
- Dorado of 64 lb and 58 lb.
- IGFA-certified catches in the Pearl Islands: a 60 lb 14 oz cubera snapper and a 66 lb 13 oz almaco jack (September 1, 2025). Meet Captain Jorge.
Billfish are always released; tuna, dorado and other table fish can be kept, and the crew cleans and fillets them for you.
What Bites in October and November
| Species | One-day charters | Multi-day trips |
|---|---|---|
| Marlin (blue & black) | October–November is one of the best windows | August–October and December–February |
| Pacific sailfish | Season May–December; best May–August | Best July–September |
| Yellowfin tuna | August–October | May–October |
| Dorado (mahi-mahi) | June–October | — |
| Wahoo | August–November | — |
| Roosterfish | Most of the year inshore; best April and September | — |
Source: our Panama fishing season calendar. Conditions change from year to year and nobody can promise a fish, but the season is open, and October–November dates have good availability.
Which Trip to Book Now
- One day offshore: Pro Fishing, 10 hours, Hatteras 40 “Makaira” US$2,850 or Stamas 39 “Majo V” US$2,400, up to 5 anglers. Mainly blue marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado.
- Shorter day: Fun Fishing, 6 hours, Hatteras 40 US$2,100 or Stamas 39 US$1,600, up to 8 guests.
- Best odds for black marlin: black marlin are migratory and can appear in many areas, including the Gulf. In more than 22 years of our own records the best odds have been south of the Pearl Islands toward Piñas Bay, so we recommend a Pro Fishing Expedition or Hacienda del Mar of 3 to 5 days (minimum 3).
Prices are per boat and do not include taxes (ITBMS). Every trip departs from Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, and is paid in full before departure.
Book your Panama fishing trip
Pro Fishing 10 h · Hatteras 40 US$2,850 · Stamas 39 US$2,400 · Multi-day trips from Vista Mar Marina.