Tag: Inshore Fishing

  • Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Updated on

    Tropic Star Lodge – Panama’s Premier Big Game Fishing Destination

    Tropic Star Lodge in Piñas Bay, Panama is one of the world’s premier big game fishing destinations. This remote, luxury lodge offers world-class fishing for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Roosterfish, and more than 20 other species. Located in the pristine waters of the Darien Province, Tropic Star provides an unparalleled Panama fishing experience with 23 air-conditioned rooms and villas, choice of Classic or Premium Bertram 31′ boats, and multiple fishing seasons throughout the year.

    Piñas Bay is renowned for its exceptional sport fishing, with the legendary Zane Grey Reef just 20 minutes from the lodge. This remote location offers quick access to prime fishing grounds, making Tropic Star one of the most productive big game fishing destinations in the world. Whether targeting massive Black Marlin in January and February, pursuing Blue Marlin from June through September, or enjoying the incredible inshore fishing for Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper from March through May, Tropic Star Lodge delivers world-class angling experiences year-round.

    Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Roosterfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Cubera Snapper, Tarpon, Bluefin Trevally, Broomtail Grouper + 17+ more species

    23 air-conditioned rooms and villas with ocean or garden views

    Zane Grey Reef just 20 minutes from lodge

    Classic or Premium Bertram 31′ boats available

    Multiple fishing seasons year-round opportunities

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Panama fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    World-Class Fishing in Piñas Bay, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge is located in the remote and pristine Piñas Bay, Darien Province, Panama. This world-renowned fishing destination offers exceptional opportunities for both offshore big game fishing and inshore light tackle angling. The lodge’s proximity to the legendary Zane Grey Reef, just 20 minutes away, ensures quick access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Pacific.

    Offshore Big Game Fishing

    Piñas Bay is famous for its world-class big game fishing. Black Marlin can be targeted year-round, with peak season occurring in January and February when these magnificent fish are most abundant. During these months, anglers regularly encounter Black Marlin weighing 300 to 600 pounds, with some trophy fish exceeding 800 pounds. Blue Marlin are also abundant, particularly from June through September and in December, with fish commonly weighing 200 to 400 pounds.

    Sailfish are another highlight of the offshore fishery, with large specimens regularly exceeding 100 pounds. The waters around Piñas Bay also hold impressive Yellowfin Tuna, typically ranging from 100 to 250 pounds, and Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) averaging 50 to 60 pounds. Wahoo are also available throughout the year, providing additional excitement for offshore anglers.

    Inshore Light Tackle Fishing

    The inshore fishery at Tropic Star Lodge is equally impressive, with Roosterfish being the star attraction. These powerful fish are abundant from March through May, with some specimens exceeding 70 pounds. The annual Roosterfish Tournament in May showcases the incredible size and abundance of these fish. Cubera Snapper, Bluefin Trevally, Broomtail Grouper, and Almaco Jack are also readily available, providing excellent light tackle action.

    Tarpon can be found in the backwaters and brackish areas, offering fly anglers exciting opportunities. The inshore fishery includes over 17 additional species, ensuring that anglers always have multiple targets available.

    Fishing Seasons & Packages

    Black Marlin Season (January – February)

    January and February represent the peak season for Black Marlin at Tropic Star Lodge. This is the most sought-after time to visit, and bookings should be made 1-2 years in advance due to high demand. During this season, only 7-night, 6-day fishing packages are available, reflecting the premium nature of this fishery. In addition to Black Marlin, anglers can also target Blue Marlin, large Sailfish (over 100 pounds), Yellowfin Tuna (100-250 pounds), and Dorado (50-60 pounds).

    Inshore Season (March – May)

    The Inshore Season offers flexible package lengths with options for 3-day, 4-day, or 6-day fishing packages. March features big Yellowfin Tuna and excellent inshore fishing. April offers record-sized Roosterfish and other inshore game fish. May is highlighted by the annual Roosterfish Tournament, with abundant Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Bluefin Trevally, and Grouper available. This season is perfect for anglers seeking world-class inshore action.

    Blue Marlin Season (June – September & December)

    June and July are excellent for big Roosterfish, with some fish exceeding 70 pounds. July is one of the best months overall, with Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Dorado all abundant, and Grand Slams being common. August offers big Blue Marlin and Sailfish, with some Black Marlin closer inshore. September can be excellent for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Sailfish, with an excellent offshore bite for large Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado. December is a great all-around month for most species, including Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado.

    Luxury Accommodations & Facilities

    Tropic Star Lodge accommodates up to 45 guests in 23 spacious, air-conditioned rooms and villas. Each accommodation features private baths and views of either the ocean or tropical gardens. The lodge offers a range of options from double-occupancy standard rooms to upgraded villas, including two-bedroom and three-bedroom villas, as well as newly-built private residences.

    The crown jewel of the accommodations is “The Palace,” a luxurious three-bedroom villa with master suites and panoramic views of Piñas Bay. This exceptional property provides ample space and comfort for larger groups, making it ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.

    Dining & Entertainment

    The Bayview Restaurant offers formal dining with gourmet four-course dinners, featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine. Wine service is included with dinner, and the attentive wait-staff ensures a memorable dining experience. For a more casual atmosphere, poolside BBQ dining is available on select nights, allowing guests to enjoy delicious grilled fare while taking in the tropical surroundings.

    The Marlin Bar is a sea-facing venue ideal for post-fishing relaxation, where guests can enjoy signature cocktails and share tales of the day’s fishing. The poolside bar serves refreshing drinks and snacks throughout the day. With three bars total on the property, guests always have options for refreshment and socializing.

    Recreation & Wellness

    The freshwater jungle pool with hot tub provides a perfect place to relax after a day on the water. The Rainforest Spa offers an array of treatments in a serene jungle setting, including massages, facials, and other wellness services. Shoreside guests receive three spa treatments as part of their package, along with three jungle excursions for wildlife viewing and nature exploration.

    Fishing Fleet & Equipment

    Tropic Star Lodge’s fleet consists of 31-foot Bertram yachts, renowned for their seaworthiness and fishing capabilities. Guests can choose between Classic Bertram 31′ boats or Premium Bertram 31′ boats, with the Premium option offering enhanced amenities and features. Each boat is equipped with GPS navigation, VHF radios, custom tuna tubes, and live baitwells designed for both inshore and offshore fishing.

    The experienced local captains and mates are among the best in the business. Many are second or third-generation fishermen who have spent their lives on these waters. Their intimate knowledge of the local fishing grounds, tides, and fish behavior ensures that anglers have the best possible opportunity to hook and land their target species.

    Getting to Tropic Star Lodge

    Travel to Tropic Star Lodge is a seamless and comfortable process. Guests begin by flying to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, where they are met at the airport and transferred to their hotel for an overnight stay. The following morning, guests take a 30-minute drive to the regional airport for a charter flight of just under one hour to Bahía Piñas.

    Upon arrival at the airstrip, lodge staff escort guests via a short bus ride and a 10-15 minute water taxi to the lodge. The total journey from Panama City to the lodge takes approximately 2-3 hours, but the remote location ensures that once you arrive, you’re in a world-class fishing destination with minimal distractions.

    Transfer Fee: $715 per person (round-trip) includes round-trip airfare from Panama City to the lodge, VIP services upon arrival (meet-and-greet at Tocumen International Airport), and up to four ground transfers.

    Tropic Star Lodge 2025 – 2026 Rates

    For current 2025-2026 rates at Tropic Star Lodge, please call Angler Adventures at 860-434-9624.

    Rates vary by season (Black Marlin, Inshore, Blue Marlin), boat type (Classic or Premium Bertram 31′), number of anglers per boat (1-4), and package length. Transfer fee: $715 per person (round-trip airfare Panama City to lodge, VIP services, up to 4 ground transfers). Room upgrades available at additional cost.

    Contact us for seasonal discounts, special offers, promotional pricing, and to discuss the best package for your Panama fishing adventure.

    What’s Included

    Included in Rates:

    • 7 nights deluxe lodge accommodations (for 6-day packages)
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
    • Wine service with dinner
    • Daily guided fishing (6 days for full package, varies for shorter packages)
    • Use of lodge facilities (pool, bars, restaurant, spa)
    • 3 spa treatments (for Shoreside guests)
    • 3 jungle excursions (for Shoreside guests)

    What’s Not Included

    Not Included:

    • Round-trip airfare from Panama City to lodge ($715 per person transfer fee)
    • Room upgrades (available at additional cost)
    • Gratuities for guides and staff
    • International airfare to Panama City
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal items and souvenirs

    Deposit & Payment Terms

    To confirm reservations, a deposit is required (typically 50% of total package cost). The balance is due 60-90 days prior to scheduled arrival at the lodge. Please contact us for current deposit requirements and payment terms.

    Booking at Tropic Star Lodge is easy:

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

    Special Events & Tournaments

    Tropic Star Lodge hosts special fishing tournaments throughout the year. The Billfish Tournament in November 2025 and the annual Roosterfish Tournament in May 2026 are highlights of the fishing calendar. These events feature special rates and packages. Contact us for tournament-specific pricing and availability.

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  • Crooked Island Lodge

    Crooked Island Lodge

    Updated on

    Crooked Island Lodge has a lot of fishable water close by and it isn’t all just bonefish! There are extensive systems of interior creek and lagoon areas that have big bonefish, an assortment of snapper, barracuda and small grouper, some permit and the occasional small to medium sized tarpon – all catchable on a fly rod or spinning gear.

    Towards the outer edges of the islands, out in the Bight, it’s entirely different fishing: poling or wading crystal-clear sand flats, which hold thousands of school-size (2-4 pound) bones. Along the edges of the mangroves on a high tide you’ll again find larger single and double bonefish nosing through the roots and marl.

    Species: Bonefish (2-4 lbs, some larger), snapper (mutton, mangrove, yellowtail), barracuda, permit, tarpon, grouper, wahoo, blue and white marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, jacks, sharks

    Location: Northernmost tip of Crooked Island, Southern Bahamas

    Private 3,500-foot airstrip on-site; also accessible via Colonel Hill Airport (MYCI)

    Accommodations: 8 air-conditioned hotel rooms and 6 private cottages with kitchenettes

    Get a custom quote for your Crooked Island Lodge fishing adventure!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    Flats Fishing

    The beach in front of the lodge offers excellent fishing opportunities for jacks, small permit, grouper, snapper and such with the fly rod. If you’re willing to use a spinning rod or can cast a needlefish fly a considerable distance, you can also catch barracuda up to 5 feet long, either casting from the skiff, trolling behind the skiff or fishing from shore.

    The fishing can be fantastic for bonefish that haven’t seen enough pressure to become spooky yet, averaging 2-4 pounds, with some much larger fish on certain flats, tailing or cruising alone or in pairs. Besides bonefish, there are lots of snapper (mutton, mangrove, yellowtail), jacks, some big permit, a few tarpon, ocean triggerfish and tons of barracuda. Photographers will want to catch a bonefish within view of some of the thousands of Flamingos that inhabit this part of the Bahamas.

    Offshore Fishing

    If you like the big fish – the offshore stuff – the lodge operates a completely equipped boat. Offshore fishing with Captain Robbie Gibson is incredible. The lodge is fishing water that no other sport fishing boats are touching. Daily catches may exceed thirty fish and are not uncommon. Fall & Winter are excellent for wahoo and mackerel and some tuna. Spring & winter are excellent for tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), and marlin. Wahoo and mackerel are also good.

    At the hotel, there is a picture of this fellow holding a wahoo that scaled reliably at 148 pounds. That’s a damn big wahoo. Billfish, tuna, dorado and other offshore species abound (seasonally) just a mile or less from shore or you can arrange longer excursions to productive offshore fishing spots for the day or a sleep over trip to the renowned Diana Banks.

    For fly-casters looking for deep water fish, the lodge has been experimenting successfully with live baiting big jack crevale, horseyed jacks, amberjacks, mutton snapper, dorado and tuna. Live baiting involves releasing live pilchards to attract schooling fish to the boat and then casting flies. Bring your 10-12 weight rods and big deceiver patterns if you’d like to try this (subject to availability of the big boat and access to the live bait).

    Reef Fishing

    Light tackle or inshore fishing is very popular and highly productive with all our guests. Fishing in about 100 ft. of water produces nice catches of grouper, snapper, hard fighting jacks, mackerel, sharks, and cudas. Guests are invited to bring their catch back to the hotel, where the experienced and skilled Crooked Island Lodge chef will prepare your catch for dinner at the Sunset Bar & Grill. Chumming, jigging and live bait techniques are used for inshore fishing. Excellent catches are available all year long. Because of the low population density (the total population of Acklins/Crooked Islands is less than 1,000), the reefs have barely been touched.

    The Lodge

    The setting is lovely – a very dramatic bit of coastline with beautiful beaches and shells, great reef fishing 10 yards from shore and a 30-minute run to the flats. The hotel itself is informal, not luxurious, but modern and comfy, quiet, small and nicely tree-shaded. There are 12 rooms in 3 villas, a separate dining area, a beach cabana where dinners and lunches are sometimes served, a bar and a private airfield. The nearest village is about a mile away. The Crooked Islanders are wonderful, dignified people with big smiles; quiet, polite, religious and good-humored.

    Crooked Island Lodge offers eight air-conditioned hotel rooms, each featuring two double beds, a private bath, sitting area, microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. These rooms provide spectacular sunset views. Six private cottages are also available, equipped with two double beds, a private bath, seating and dining area, and a kitchenette that includes a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and coffee maker. Private patios overlook the marina.

    Dining & Activities

    The Sunset Bar & Grill, located steps from the main lodge, offers incredible views of Bird Rock Lighthouse and is named for the magnificent sunsets enjoyed almost nightly. The restaurant serves fresh, locally caught seafood such as grouper, snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, lobster, and conch, prepared in traditional Bahamian recipes. Breakfast includes fresh coffee, juices, fruit, pastries, breakfast meats, and eggs cooked to order. Lunch options are available for individuals and groups, with “cooler lunches” prepared for those fishing or exploring. Dinner features hearty portions of locally influenced dishes, accompanied by homemade breads and desserts. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

    The lodge overlooks Bird Rock Lighthouse, surrounded by an extensive reef system. Guests can snorkel steps away from their rooms or experience unique “wall diving” just off the beach. Sea kayak tours of the coast and visits to the historic lighthouse are available. Self-guided snorkeling is also an option.

    The lodge features a 35-slip marina accommodating vessels up to 160 feet, with amenities such as high-quality RO water, full electrical hookups, and fuel services available daily.

    Getting There

    Crooked Island is located in the southern Bahamas, a 1 hour and 15 minute flight south of Nassau. Bahamas Air services the island from Nassau twice per week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), landing at Colonel Hill Airport, a 4,000′ airstrip on the southwest portion of the island, approximately a 30-minute drive to Crooked Island Lodge. For a more convenient travel option, charter flights can also be arranged. Crooked Island Lodge has a 3,500′ private airstrip which makes it ideal for private planes as well as charter flights.

    Crooked Island Lodge Bahamas marina and boats

    Get Your Custom Quote for Crooked Island Lodge

    Angler Adventures arranges completely customizable packages at Crooked Island Lodge to meet your fishing and/or non-fishing preferences.

    Our services are free! We’ll work with you to create the perfect Bahamas fishing vacation package.

    Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

    Experience world-class bonefishing, offshore fishing, and reef fishing at Crooked Island Lodge. Our team will help you create the perfect custom package for your Bahamas fishing vacation.

    Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EST

    Request a Quote

    Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with a custom package quote.

    Destination Inquiry
    Crooked Island Lodge has a lot of fishable water close by and it isn’t all just bonefish! There are extensive systems of interior creek and lagoon areas that have big bonefish, an assortment of snapper, barracuda and small grouper, some permit and the occasional small to medium sized tarpon – all catchable on a fly rod or spinning gear. Towards the outer edges of the islands, out in the Bight, it’s entirely different fishing: poling or wading crystal-clear sand flats, which hold thousands of school-size (2-4 pound) bones. Along the edges of the mangroves on a high tide you’ll again find larger single and double bonefish nosing through the roots and marl. The beach in front of the lodge, the fishing can sometimes be quite good for jacks, small permit, grouper, snapper and such with the fly rod. If you’re willing to use a spinning rod or can cast a needlefish fly a considerable distance, you can also catch barracuda up to 5 feet long, either casting from the skiff, trolling behind the skiff or fishing from shore.

    Off Shore

    If you like the big fish – the offshore stuff – the lodge operates a completely equipped boat. Offshore fishing with Captain Robbie Gibson is incredible. The lodge is fishing water that no other sport fishing boats are touching. Daily catches may exceed thirty fish and are not uncommon. Fall & Winter are excellent for wahoo and mackerel and some tuna. Spring & winter are excellent for tuna, dolphin (mahi mahi), and marlin. Wahoo and mackerel are also good.

    Reef Fishing

    Light tackle or Inshore fishing is very popular and highly productive with all our guests. Fishing in about 100 ft. of water produces nice catches of grouper, snapper, hard fighting jacks, mackerel, sharks, and cudas. Guests are invited to bring their catch back to the hotel, where the experienced and skilled Crooked Island Lodge chef will prepare your catch for dinner at the Sunset Bar & Grill. Chumming, jigging and live bait techniques are used for inshore fishing. Excellent catches are available all year long. Because of the low population density (the total population of Acklins/Crooked Islands is less than 1,000), the reefs have barely been touched. At the hotel, there is a picture of this fellow holding a wahoo that scaled reliably at 148 pounds. That’s a damn big wahoo. Billfish, tuna, dorado and other offshore species abound (seasonally) just a mile or less from shore or you can arrange longer excursions to productive offshore fishing spots for the day or a sleep over trip to the renowned Diana Banks. For fly-casters looking for deep water fish, the lodge has been experimenting successfully with live baiting big jack crevale, horseyed jacks, amberjacks, mutton snapper, dorado and tuna. Live baiting involves releasing live pilchards to attract schooling fish to the boat and then casting flies. Bring your 10-12 weight rods and big deceiver patterns if you’d like to try this (subject to availability of the big boat and access to the live bait). The setting is lovely – a very dramatic bit of coastline with beautiful beaches and shells, great reef fishing 10 yards from shore and a 30-minute run to the flats. The hotel itself is informal, not luxurious, but modern and comfy, quiet, small and nicely tree-shaded. There are 12 rooms in 3 villas, a separate dining area, a beach cabana where dinners and lunches are sometimes served, a bar and a private airfield. The nearest village is about a mile away. The Crooked Islanders are wonderful, dignified people with big smiles; quiet, polite, religious and good-humored.

    The fishing can be fantastic for bonefish that haven’t seen enough pressure to become spooky yet, averaging 2 – 4 pounds, with some much larger fish on certain flats, tailing or cruising alone or in pairs. Besides bonefish, there are lots of snapper (mutton, mangrove, yellowtail), jacks, some big permit, a few tarpon, ocean triggerfish and tons of barracuda. Photographers will want to catch a bonefish within view of some of the thousands of Flamingos that inhabit this part of the Bahamas.

    Our Services are Free! Contact us for Seasonal Discounts, Special Offers or Promotional Pricing

    Please call Angler Adventures for custom packages at Crooked Island Lodge, including guided flats fishing, blue water fishing, reef fishing, non-fishing activities, and non-fishing activities. Crooked Island is located in the southern Bahamas, a 1 hour and 15 minute flight south of Nassau. Bahamas Air services the island from Nassau twice per week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), landing at Colonel Hill Airport, a 4,000′ airstrip on the southwest portion of the island, approximately a 30-minute drive to Crooked Island Lodge. For a more convenient travel option, charter flights can also be arranged. Crooked Island Lodge has a 3,500′ private airstrip which makes it ideal for private planes as well as charter flights.
  • Costa Rica

    Costa Rica

    Updated on

    Costa Rica remains our favorite Pacific destination not only for the consistency of the fisheries and amazing diversity of species, but also because of the quality of outfitting and accommodations, the physical beauty of the country, and the warmth and friendliness of the Costa Rican people.

    The Pacific Coast has long been known as one of the world’s greatest sail fisheries for fish averaging 100+ pounds, and at times, the marlin fishing (blues, blacks and striped) can be as good as anywhere. Add to this a smorgasbord of inshore and offshore pelagics including yellowfin and bigeye tunas to 200 + pounds, dorado, wahoo, Pacific dog snapper, roosterfish on the Pacific side and giant tarpon & snook on the Caribbean side and you have a salt water fisherman’s paradise. Pacific Costa Rica has fisheries in three main regions.

    yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado, Pacific dog snapper, roosterfish, tarpon, snook

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Costa Rica fly fishing!

    Destination Inquiry

    or

    North Costa Rica Sail Fishing Outfitters

    The North Region includes areas from the Bat Islands at the top of the famous Gulf of Papagayo, south to Punta Guiones. The best sail fishing occurs in the north mid-May through August, but can heat up any time of year. Marlin fishing picks up in the fall and peaks in the far north October & November but the best marlin fishing occurs down near Punta Guiones during December through mid March. The best boats (27 – 38 foot) and captains in the northern region are Tamarindo SportfishingCapullo Sportfishing , Osprey Sporfishing and Lonestar Sportfishing based in Tamarindo. Several of the American skippers in Tamarindo have been fishing these waters for over 20 years and are among the best in Costa Rica.

    South Central Costa Rica Sail Fishing Tours

    The South Central Region is accessed from the port of Quepos, Costa Rica’s most reliable sail fishery. Prime months for sails are December through April in Quepos when the better boats will average 7 or more sailfish releases per day. During this season, Quepos also produces dorado, tuna (mostly school yellowfin); some roosterfish, and at times good marlin fishing.  But the main draw is the extremely consistent sailfishing of winter/spring. Many of the northern boats migrate from the Papagayo region to Quepos for the “big season”. The outfitter in Quepos is JP Sportfishing Tours with 20 years experience providing top boats and custom packages for anglers.

    South Costa Rica Fly Fishing Lodges

    The Southern Region is accessed from the port of Golfito located in the fertile Golfo Dulce, close to the border with Panama. This area can produce sailfishing rivaling Quepos from mid December through March, but also offers a diversity of species rivaling the Northern region and some of the best inshore fishing in the world.

    The top option in the Golfo Dulce area is the beautiful Crocodile Bay Lodge catering to both fisherman and ecotourists, and boasting an impressive fleet of 33′ Strikes, 27′ Rambos and an assortment of smaller craft for inshore, estuary & river fishing.  Crocodile Bay is our recommendation for serious anglers, and also appeals to couples and families with non-fishing members requiring more upscale accommodations and non-fishing activities.

    Costa Rica’s East Coast Ocean & Surf Fishing

    Costa Rica’s East Coast adds the incredible mix of species beginning with one of the world’s most prolific tarpon fisheries. Two main rivers, the Rio Colorado and the Rio Parismina, drain into the Caribbean and provide multi faceted river, ocean and surf fishing opportunities for tarpon that range from 50 – 150 pounds. Giant Atlantic snook to 50 + pounds can be taken and great numbers of fat snook from 5 – 10 pounds are taken during the “calba” run from mid-November to early January. The best lodges in the area, Silver King Lodge on the Colorado and Rio Parismina Lodge on the Parismina, not only offer the best opportunities for these species but can run offshore for shots at dorado, wahoo, kingfish and Atlantic sails.

    Which Costa Rica fishing destination is right for me?

    Let us help you find the perfect destination and travel package. Our services are free. We just help you save time and make all the arrangements!