I just got back from a quick strike mission down to Panama. Mostly rod and reel fishing, but we also did a bit of spearfishing.
We were in the Gulf of Chiriqui’ on the pacific side, staying on Islas Secas.
Though January is early for the hot Tuna bite, we still managed to put a handful of small Yellowfins on the boat, all caught on poppers.
We did some deep dropping in 100 to 150 fathoms and caught a couple handfuls of “Cherna” which is Panama’s version of a red grouper. Really good eating.
Fishing around the islands was slow, but we still managed to put a couple different types of snappers on the boat using slow pitch jigs and live baits.
All the Jack Crevalle you could want to catch, they eat like shit, but fun on light tackle.
We dove a couple pinnacles one afternoon and speared a decent Cubera in the fifty pound class as well as some nice Colorado snappers.
Marlin bite is slow, but will probably heat up soon.