Bocas del Toro, Panama

[Matt Frey]

Hey Guys
I am heading to a friend's wedding in Bocas del Toro, Panama at the end of April. I was looking to do some fishing but I am having a hard time finding information about fly fishing that region. Does any one have any info to send my way or even the name of a guide down there? Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt

[David Lee]

http://www.bocas-del-toro.org/activities/fishing.htm

http://fishingpanama.net/

http://www.panamacruise.com.pa/page-...L+TORO-10.html

http://www.danblanton.com/viewarchiv...arch200511.php

http://www.worldwidefishing.com/panama/b2342/index.html

I would imagine they have Bonefish , Permit , Barracuda , Snook , Jacks , etc.

While I know nothing about BDT ..... I'll give you these tips -

Buy flats boots - you will look like a dork , but every scratch you get on your feet while wading WILL go manky in short order .

Be super-careful while wading - there are horrible biting/stinging things living in in the tropical surf (Sharks , jellyfish , sharp pokey things , etc. ....) .

Take Bonefish flies(crabs , Gotchas)/Puglise Backcountry specials/White Deceivers/poppers . Take an 8 wt. rod and 9 wt. trop line .

Go to the local fish market and see what kind of fishes they have around there ....

Avoid the Chillis - they grow HOT in that part of the world .

If you see local fishermen coming in .... go up and BS with them . Cold Beers will open countless doors ....

Most of all , HAVE FUN !! Don't act like a gringo , please .

David

[Matt Frey]

Thanks David for taking the time to help me out with some info. I hope you're doing well.
Matt

[flyfisher1969]

Fishing was pretty good while I was stationed there. It's been over 11 years, so I would imagine it has gotten better with all the U.S. Military gone. We did the most recreational fishing there. I never made it to Bocas, but I fished the Canal quite a bit for peacock's, less than 150 to hand was a bad day. I've heard they have tarpon in the Chagres, but nothing confirmed. I'd imagine Bocas will be great. Most areas down there a basically hidden goldmines when it comes to fishing. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

John

[stokedphishin]

Like yourself, I am traveling to Panama, (Bocas, Isla Contadora, San Blas Islands, etc...) in just two weeks and plan to fish my butt off.
As you probably have learned, there is not much info about Panama fly fishing online, but if you search hard beyond just whats immediately available, you will find that Panama is probably one the best kept secrets in Central America.

I have luckily been fortunate to have hooked up with several people that have fished all the areas I am traveling to, and I have some awesome info on what to throw, and what species you will most likely catch.

On the Atlantic side where you will be is going to mostly be Tarpon in April. The GT's are massive down there! From what I hear, the snook bite is slow in April and the numbers in general aren't like they used to be. There are some flats that hold bonefish, but nothing like you see in Florida. Although there are bonefish, and permit, there are apparantly very difficult to find cause of low numbers.

From what I hear, you can cruise any shoreline in Bocas and get on fish. Its probably just a matter of what you are targeting. Personally, I am bringing my 8wts outfits (one for my girlfriend of course!), and possibly a Sage Bass Rod borrowed from a friend. I am taking a wide assortment of flys, from clousers to poppers and bigger flies for the pacific side (roosters, trevelly, etc...)

I hope this helps, but at the same time i didn't want to write a full book for a response to your question. If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a message.

Hope this helps!

[Matt Frey]

Thanks John and Stokedphishin ... great info

[David Lee]

Well Matt ????? How'd it go - ??

D. -