First off I want to say that I am in no way affiliated with the resort or any of the brands I mention in this report, and am far from an expert on this type of fishing. I just wanted to post this in case others were on the fence on whether to give Panafishing a try during this unstable time.
I was originally booked to fish with Pierre in Pedasi on May 2020, but a total blockade on immigration to Panama during that time caused a reschedule to February 2021. Took my Covid test at Walgrens for free and headed out on 2/14 just ahead of the huge winter storm in Texas. Arrival at Tocumen after a short layover in Houston was no problem as they checked the test result paperwork in an organized fashion. We stayed at the Santa Maria Hotel (Marriot property) near the airport which I recommend. Carlos the Panafishing driver picked us up along with a father and son from Pennsylvania which were great lodgemates. It would only be the 4 of us since the other guests from Europe had canceled due to travel restrictions.
The lodge is well appointed with air conditioned rooms, WiFi, and pool along with a common outdoor area for dining and tackle prep. Pierre has by far the best selection of rental tackle and tackle for purchase I have ever seen at a fishing resort (including Stella’s and Blackhole Rods). You could easily travel with nothing and not miss a beat. Point of note about the fishing program; cooler fillers need not apply. This is a CATCH and RELEASE fishery with a focus on topwater. NO BAIT, NO TROLLING. Be prepared physically and mentally to earn every fish you catch.
The fishing was slow by Pierre’s standards but I managed two nice roosters on a popper and stickbait (190-150 mm), along with a few jack crevalle. We got into a great topwater frenzy the second day for the biggest Sierra Mackerel I have ever seen. The exotic list got checked with an African Pompano. The slow pitch Jigging was very slow for me only yielding a few small amberjack.
On the way home, we tested at the Tocumen airport ($50.00 each) and had no issues with customs or immigration. I did remove the spools from my reels and put them in checked luggage (reels themselves were carried on). Pierre along with being a great fisherman is a great host solving any issue that comes up. The rest of the crew was great too (Freddy and Melissa cooking + Kieren and Pedras on transport). The food was world class and the drink selection was outstanding.
We’ll be back next year to give it another go with better fishing conditions hopefully. If you can get away and don’t mind dealing with a bit of testing, contact Pierre as this is arguably the best season which is typically booked solid until May. Due to cancelations from Europe, he is unusually available for short notice bookings.
Gear Used
Reels
Stella 10K HG x2
Stella 6K HG x2
Daiwa Saltiga 15H
Rods (All 3 piece travel rods)
Fisherman Galois Massa 813T
Fisherman Galois Casting Massa 813T
Zenaq Expedition 73
Phenix Redeye 760-3
Abu Garcia SJC-633/180 KR SJ
Lures
Poppers and Sinking Stickbaits (190-150mm)
Leader
130lb. and 80lb.
Sent from my iPad
I was originally booked to fish with Pierre in Pedasi on May 2020, but a total blockade on immigration to Panama during that time caused a reschedule to February 2021. Took my Covid test at Walgrens for free and headed out on 2/14 just ahead of the huge winter storm in Texas. Arrival at Tocumen after a short layover in Houston was no problem as they checked the test result paperwork in an organized fashion. We stayed at the Santa Maria Hotel (Marriot property) near the airport which I recommend. Carlos the Panafishing driver picked us up along with a father and son from Pennsylvania which were great lodgemates. It would only be the 4 of us since the other guests from Europe had canceled due to travel restrictions.
The lodge is well appointed with air conditioned rooms, WiFi, and pool along with a common outdoor area for dining and tackle prep. Pierre has by far the best selection of rental tackle and tackle for purchase I have ever seen at a fishing resort (including Stella’s and Blackhole Rods). You could easily travel with nothing and not miss a beat. Point of note about the fishing program; cooler fillers need not apply. This is a CATCH and RELEASE fishery with a focus on topwater. NO BAIT, NO TROLLING. Be prepared physically and mentally to earn every fish you catch.
The fishing was slow by Pierre’s standards but I managed two nice roosters on a popper and stickbait (190-150 mm), along with a few jack crevalle. We got into a great topwater frenzy the second day for the biggest Sierra Mackerel I have ever seen. The exotic list got checked with an African Pompano. The slow pitch Jigging was very slow for me only yielding a few small amberjack.
On the way home, we tested at the Tocumen airport ($50.00 each) and had no issues with customs or immigration. I did remove the spools from my reels and put them in checked luggage (reels themselves were carried on). Pierre along with being a great fisherman is a great host solving any issue that comes up. The rest of the crew was great too (Freddy and Melissa cooking + Kieren and Pedras on transport). The food was world class and the drink selection was outstanding.
We’ll be back next year to give it another go with better fishing conditions hopefully. If you can get away and don’t mind dealing with a bit of testing, contact Pierre as this is arguably the best season which is typically booked solid until May. Due to cancelations from Europe, he is unusually available for short notice bookings.
Gear Used
Reels
Stella 10K HG x2
Stella 6K HG x2
Daiwa Saltiga 15H
Rods (All 3 piece travel rods)
Fisherman Galois Massa 813T
Fisherman Galois Casting Massa 813T
Zenaq Expedition 73
Phenix Redeye 760-3
Abu Garcia SJC-633/180 KR SJ
Lures
Poppers and Sinking Stickbaits (190-150mm)
Leader
130lb. and 80lb.
Sent from my iPad
