Majo Fishing Lodge · Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos
Roosterfish Fishing in Panama
Roosterfish are one of the most exciting inshore fish on Panama’s Pacific coast, and you can target them on a private boat from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, a short drive from Coronado and Río Hato. On one-day trips they show up most of the year, with April and September as the best months; on multi-day trips toward the southern Pearl Islands, March to August is excellent.
- Private boat, price per boat
- Live bait, casting and trolling
- IGFA-certified captain
When to fish for roosterfish in Panama
Roosterfish are an inshore species, so they share the water with other hard-fighting coastal fish. From our Panama fishing season calendar:
| Species | One-day trips · Gulf of Panama | Multi-day trips · south of Las Perlas and Piñas Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Roosterfish | Good in April and September; possible January–March, July–August and November–December; not a main target in May, June and October | Best March–August; good in October |
| Spanish mackerel | Best May–July and September; possible the rest of the year | Best May–October |
| Amberjack (almaco) | Good May–August | Best April–August |
| Jack crevalle | Best June and September–November | Best August–October |
“Best” means a high probability and “good” means consistent action. Conditions change every year; nobody can promise a fish.
Where and how we fish for roosterfish
Roosterfish are powerful coastal predators that like rocky shorelines, points, islands, current lines and schools of bait. Around Panama’s Pacific Riviera and the nearby islands, the right mix of structure, current and bait changes through the day, so the crew moves until it finds it rather than sitting on one mark.
Technique follows the fish: live bait can be extremely effective, casting poppers and plugs brings explosive surface strikes, and trolling helps cover water when fish are spread out. The crew rigs the tackle and helps you fight the fish, so you don’t need inshore experience. Every trip is fished from the boat; we don’t offer shore fishing or fly fishing.
For more on tactics, read our Pacific inshore guide to roosterfish and cubera snapper and fishing near Buenaventura and Río Hato.
Which trip to book for roosterfish
Pro Fishing, full day
The most time on the water: work the points and islands for roosterfish and other inshore predators, or mix inshore and offshore fishing. Departure usually around 6:30 AM.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$2,850
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,400
Fun Fishing 6 hours
A shorter, relaxed day: dorado, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, snappers, maybe roosterfish and more. Departure usually around 8:00 AM.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$2,100
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$1,600
Hacienda del Mar
Multi-day fishing in the Pearl Islands, where roosterfish are best from March to August, with the island hotel on Isla San José and breakfast included.
- Hatteras 40 “Makaira”US$3,300 per day
- Stamas 39 “Majo V”US$2,700 per day
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.
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
More inshore reading: cubera snapper fishing in Panama, Pearl Islands fishing and fishing for beginners in Panama.
Roosterfish fishing in Panama: FAQ
When is the best time for roosterfish in Panama?
On one-day trips from Vista Mar Marina, April and September are the best months, and roosterfish are possible most of the rest of the year except May, June and October. On multi-day trips toward the southern Pearl Islands, March to August is excellent. See the fishing calendar.
Which trip is best for roosterfish?
The full-day Pro Fishing charter gives the crew the most time to fish the points and islands. The 6-hour Fun Fishing trip can also bring a roosterfish, together with dorado, sailfish, Spanish mackerel and snappers. For the best season, Hacienda del Mar (2 to 4 days) fishes the Pearl Islands.
Can beginners catch a roosterfish?
Yes. The crew rigs the tackle, finds the fish and helps you fight it. The fight is strong, so the crew coaches you through it.
Do you offer roosterfish fishing from the beach or with a fly rod?
No. Majo Fishing Lodge fishes only from our private boats, and we don’t offer shore fishing or fly fishing.
How much does a roosterfish charter cost?
Pro Fishing costs US$2,850 (Hatteras 40) or US$2,400 (Stamas 39) for up to 5 anglers, and Fun Fishing 6 hours costs US$2,100 or US$1,600 for up to 8 guests. Prices are per boat and exclude taxes (ITBMS).
Go roosterfish fishing in Panama
Book your date and boat online, or tell us your dates on WhatsApp and Captain Jorge will tell you if it is roosterfish season.
WhatsApp +507 6306-0690
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