Panama Gem Charters · Flamenco Marina, Panama City Species Identification Guide Every sport fishing species you can target in Panamanian Pacific waters — from Panama Bay and the Pearl Islands to the 20 Fathom Trench and beyond.
Offshore
Blue Marlin Makaira nigricans
Year-round Catch & Release

The king of Panamanian waters. Identified by its long bill, bright blue lateral stripes, and pointed dorsal fin. One of the ocean's fastest fish, capable of reaching 80 km/h (50 mph). Panama holds year-round populations.

Avg. weight80–300 kg
IGFA Record624 kg
TechniqueTrolling
Peak seasonMay–Oct
Offshore
Black Marlin Istiompax indica
May–Oct Catch & Release

Distinguished by its rigid, non-folding pectoral fins and heavier build than the Blue Marlin. One of the largest bony fish on Earth. Panama's waters are one of the top Black Marlin fisheries in the Northern Hemisphere.

Avg. weight100–400 kg
IGFA Record707 kg
TechniqueTrolling
Peak seasonMay–Oct
Offshore
Pacific Sailfish Istiophorus platypterus
Jan–Apr & Nov–Dec Catch & Release

Unmistakable thanks to its enormous sail-like dorsal fin. Pacific Sailfish grow considerably larger than their Atlantic counterparts. Famous for spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked. The dry season (Jan–Apr) is prime time.

Avg. weight30–60 kg
IGFA Record100 kg
TechniqueTrolling / Live bait
Peak seasonJan–Apr
Offshore
Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares
Year-round Pico: Jul–Oct

Torpedo-shaped with distinctively long, bright yellow dorsal and anal fins. Pound for pound one of the hardest-fighting fish in the ocean. Panama is one of the world's premier Yellowfin destinations, with massive schools July–October.

Avg. weight20–100 kg
IGFA Record176 kg
TechniqueJigging / Popping
Peak seasonJul–Oct
Offshore
Mahi Mahi (Dorado) Coryphaena hippurus
Mar–Apr & Aug–Oct

Unmistakable with its blunt square forehead and brilliant colors: metallic blue-green back, golden flanks, and yellow belly. One of the most acrobatic and colorful fish in the ocean — and outstanding table fare.

Avg. weight5–25 kg
IGFA Record39.9 kg
TechniqueTrolling / Spinning
Peak seasonMar–Apr
Offshore
Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri
Jan–Mar & Oct–Dec

Elongated, slender body with distinctive vertical blue tiger stripes. Considered the ocean's fastest fish at up to 100 km/h (60 mph). Razor-sharp teeth and highly prized white flesh. A dry-season favourite out of Panama.

Avg. weight10–40 kg
IGFA Record83.5 kg
TechniqueHigh-speed troll
Peak seasonJan–Mar
Inshore
Roosterfish Nematistius pectoralis
Year-round Catch & Release

The most iconic fish of the Eastern Pacific. Its 7 long, separate dorsal spines — resembling a rooster's comb — make it completely unique. Found nowhere else on Earth. Hunts near beaches and rocky shorelines. A true bucket-list species.

Avg. weight5–25 kg
IGFA Record51.7 kg
TechniquePopping / Live bait
Peak seasonMar–Apr
Inshore
Jack Crevalle Caranx hippos
May–Sep

Deep, compressed body with a row of bony scutes along the lateral line. Brutal, relentless fighter for its size — one of the most aggressive fish in the ocean. Travels in large schools and attacks poppers and jigs with abandon.

Avg. weight3–15 kg
IGFA Record32.7 kg
TechniquePopping / Jigging
Peak seasonMay–Sep
Bottom / Reef
Amberjack (Coronado) Seriola dumerili
Mar–Apr & Oct–Nov

Identified by the distinctive amber lateral stripe running from eye to tail. A mid-water and bottom species associated with submerged structure and reefs. Brutal fighter pound for pound — it never gives up.

Avg. weight10–30 kg
IGFA Record70.6 kg
TechniqueJigging / Trolling
Peak seasonMar–Apr
Bottom / Reef
Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus
Year-round

Uniform pink-red coloring with a large, distinctively red eye. Oval, robust body. One of the most reliable reef species available year-round over rocky bottoms. Excellent for families and beginners — and prized table fare.

Avg. weight2–8 kg
IGFA Record22.7 kg
TechniqueBottom / Jigging
Peak seasonYear-round
Bottom / Reef
Cubera Snapper Lutjanus novemfasciatus
May–Oct

The giant of the snapper family. Dark copper coloring with two large canine teeth visible even when the mouth is closed. Extremely powerful bottom fish that dives straight for structure when hooked. Requires heavy tackle.

Avg. weight10–35 kg
IGFA Record56 kg
TechniqueHeavy bottom / Popping
Peak seasonJun–Sep
Bottom / Reef
Grouper (Mero) Epinephelus spp.
Year-round

Stocky, compact body with an enormous mouth and characteristic mottled pattern. An ambush predator that inhabits reefs and rocky bottoms. Highly prized for both its fight and its exceptional table quality. Reliable year-round.

Avg. weight2–20 kg
IGFA Record179 kg
TechniqueBottom / Slow jigging
Peak seasonYear-round
Full species specification table Every species at a glance — weights, techniques, peak seasons and more
EspecieGrupoAvg. weightIGFA RecordLongitud máx.TechniquesPeak seasonEstado
🏆 Blue MarlinOffshore80–300 kg624 kg4.3 m
TrollingLive bait
May–OctC&R
🥇 Black MarlinOffshore100–400 kg707 kg4.65 m
TrollingLive bait
May–OctC&R
⚡ Pacific SailfishOffshore30–60 kg100 kg3.4 m
TrollingLive baitKite fishing
Jan–Apr, Nov–DecC&R
🐟 Yellowfin TunaOffshore20–100 kg176 kg2.4 m
JiggingPoppingTrolling
Jul–OctEdible
🐬 Mahi Mahi (Dorado)Offshore5–25 kg39.9 kg2.1 m
TrollingSpinningPopping
Mar–Apr, Aug–OctEdible
🎣 WahooOffshore10–40 kg83.5 kg2.5 m
High-speed trollWire leader rig
Jan–Mar, Oct–DecEdible
🪝 RoosterfishInshore5–25 kg51.7 kg1.2 m
PoppingLive baitJigging
Mar–Apr (peak)C&R
🎯 Jack CrevalleInshore3–15 kg32.7 kg1.24 m
PoppingJiggingSpinning
May–SepEdible
💛 Amberjack (Coronado)Bottom / Reef10–30 kg70.6 kg1.9 m
JiggingTrollingLive bait
Mar–Apr, Oct–NovEdible
🔴 Red SnapperBottom / Reef2–8 kg22.7 kg1.0 m
Bottom / ReefJiggingTrolling
Year-roundEdible
🟠 Cubera SnapperBottom / Reef10–35 kg56 kg1.5 m
Heavy bottomPoppingJigging
Jun–SepEdible
🐠 Grouper (Mero)Bottom / Reef2–20 kg179 kg2.7 m
Bottom / ReefSlow jiggingLive bait
Year-roundEdible

C&R = Catch & Release recomendada · Récords según IGFA (International Game Fish Association)

Ready to chase your target species?Departing Flamenco Marina — Pearl Islands, Taboga Island, 20 Fathom Trench & Panama Bay.
Book a Charter →

Guide compiled by Panama Gem Charters · #1 rated fishing charter in Panama City