Many anglers visit Panama between December and February, during the holidays and the northern winter. It is a great time to travel, but the fishing plan changes with the season. At Majo Fishing Lodge we work with two calendars: one for our area, the Gulf of Panama, and one for areas outside it that we reach on multi-day trips. Here is how to use both.
Two calendars: our area and outside our area
- Our area, the Gulf of Panama: one-day trips from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos. The species follow their own seasons, and some of them do not come into the Gulf in every month.
- Outside our area: when a species is out of season in the Gulf, we go to where it is. Those are multi-day trips, such as the Pro Fishing Expedition to Piñas Bay.
Every trip, short or long, departs from Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, about 90 minutes from Panama City.
December, January and February in the Gulf of Panama
In December, one-day trips can still find marlin and sailfish. From January, the Gulf is quieter for billfish and offshore species, and one-day trips focus on inshore fishing close to the coast and the islands, with species such as roosterfish, amberjack and Spanish mackerel, depending on the day.
That makes the 6-hour Fun Fishing and the 4-hour family trip a good fit for families and groups who are in the area for the holidays.
Marlin, sailfish and tuna in January: Piñas Bay
If you want marlin, sailfish or tuna in January, the trip leaves our area and goes to Piñas Bay. There you can find excellent fishing for black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish and tuna in that month. Because of the distance, it is a multi-day trip of at least 4 days: a Pro Fishing Expedition.
- Anglers: up to 4.
- Boats: Hatteras 40 “Makaira” or Stamas 39 “Majo V”.
- Price: by quotation. It depends on the destination and on where you stay: aboard the boat, at Hacienda del Mar or in other areas.
Black marlin is always a possibility, never a guarantee, and all billfish are released.
How to plan a December to February fishing trip
1. Tell us your target species. It decides whether you fish in our area or travel outside it.
2. Choose the length. For inshore fishing, one day is enough. For marlin, sailfish or tuna in January, plan at least 4 days.
3. Book early. The holidays are a busy time in Panama.
4. Add transportation from Panama City (US$300 round trip) or from Buenaventura or Río Hato (US$100) if you need it.
Captain Jorge Petti is an IGFA-certified captain and fishing guide in Panama, with more than 22 years of experience in the Gulf of Panama. He will recommend the right program for your dates.
Plan your winter fishing trip
Message us on WhatsApp at +507 6306-0690 with your dates, group size and target species, or see all our fishing charters.
Fishing from December to February
Gulf of Panama: one-day inshore trips · Piñas Bay in January: Pro Fishing Expedition, at least 4 days, by quotation · up to 4 anglers.
All trips depart from Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos.
Pro Fishing ExpeditionFun Fishing 6 hWhatsApp +507 6306-0690
Frequently asked questions
Is there good fishing in Panama in January?
Yes, but it depends on the species. In the Gulf of Panama, January is mainly inshore fishing. For marlin, sailfish and tuna, the trip goes to Piñas Bay.
How many days do I need to fish Piñas Bay in January?
At least 4 days, on a Pro Fishing Expedition departing from Vista Mar Marina.
How much does the Pro Fishing Expedition cost?
It is quoted for each trip, because the price depends on the destination and on where you stay.
Can I do a one-day trip in December or January?
Yes. One-day trips from Vista Mar Marina focus on inshore species in those months, and December can still bring marlin and sailfish.