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Why Visit a Family Fishing Lodge
Why go to a Family Fishing Lodge in Panama
Panama is blessed with some of the world’s most productive fishing grounds, thanks to its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice fisherman, you’ll have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish species, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, snapper, and roosterfish. The Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba Island, and the Tuna Coast, which are renowned for their prolific fish populations and pristine marine ecosystems. These areas offer a variety of fishing experiences, from offshore big-game fishing to inshore reef and flats fishing.
Selecting the Right Family Fishing Lodge
Check the Charter Company has its own lodge, many operators sell you the idea they operate the lodge. When you arrive you end up in a hotel or an establishment that doesn’t really carter to an anglers needs.
Lodges such as Selva Terra Private Island Resort, that know the local waters well and have Captains that have been in business for decades and are the best bet in making sure you stay safe and catch Panama big game fish. Selva Terra also operates as an all-inclusive, making your stay that much easier.
Vessels & Tackle
Make sure that the operator has all the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, life raft, communication electronics, emergency supplies.
The more reputable Charters companies provide top of the line equipment that is specific to catching species native to Panama’s fishing grounds. If in doubt, ask some questions before you book the charter.
Ask the question “will my Captain speak English ?” so many operators will say their crew does. However when you arrive you are provided with a center console boat and crew that doesn’t speak any English. Selva Terra guarantees an English speaking Captain on every boat.
Selecting a Lodge with Sports Fishing Boats
Understanding the Hidden Costs
Operators these days lure in the angler by offering what seems a low price point, make sure when you are comparing pricing understand what is included.
If you’re planning which family fishing lodge to visit in Panama it’s essential take your time researching before selecting a Charter Company. Many Charter companies boats don’t even have a bathroom with soap and running water, so be prepared and bring your own. These days there are too many inexperienced ill-equipped operators offering low prices in the area. Don’t get caught out fishing Panama’s tuna coast without a trained crew and a dry boat.
Selva Terra specializes in family fishing and is one of the only operators that offers truly All-inclusive pricing:
- All local taxes
- Offshore Boats are > 30ft specially equipped for Panama Sports Fishing and have toilet and shade
- Ocean Front accommodation with all-inclusive food and open bar
- All equipment for sportfishing including bait and tackle
- Own marina to board your vessel (no wet feet!)
- English speaking Captain
Tipping Crew In Panama
Captains get paid $75 to $100 per day and crew between $30 and $50. The standard tip per day is around $150 for the boat, but of course this is optional.
Other Family Activities for Non-Fishing Days
Check whether your lodge offers other activities other than fishing. Many reputable lodges are exceptional at fishing, but only offer fishing. Perhaps someone in your family doesn’t particularly love fishing as much as Dad or Mum does? Then the more activities a lodge offers, the higher the chance everyone will be happy at the family fishing lodge.
Selva Terra offers more than an anglers paradise, but also caters to adventurous travelers as well as those who just want to relax on holiday. The following activities are available during your stay at the lodge:
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Island Hopping
- Horseback Riding
- Surfing and Towing Sports
- Jungle Hikes – See the howler monkeys!
- Kayaking or SUP in the Mangroves
- Sunset Tours
- Coffee, Rum, Bees & Butterfly Tours
- Ziplining
Family Sea Adventures
Selva Terra recommends bringing the whole family together for a unique adventure vacation. There is literally no better place to get the your family into fishing and making sure they fall in love with your favorite hobby! At our family fishing lodge included in your package are paddleboards, sea kayaks, and snorkeling equipment, spa, yoga facilities, horseback riding and a beach club to ensure the whole family gets to enjoy the vacation. In the water, you could learn to dive and see the rainbow of life under the sea; green turtles, pufferfish, sponges, coral, mollusk, as well as vibrant schools of fish are all waiting to be discovered.
Family Land Adventures
For a more land-based adventure, the Gulf of Chiriqui offers two distinct national parks for you to explore. Coiba National Park is located on the largest island in Central America. Formed between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago, the animals on the island developed in distinctly different ways from mainland animals: here you can find the Coiba Island howler monkey, Coiba agouti, and the Coiba spinetail. Linked to the Galapagos Islands this spot is home to hundreds of animals still unclassified in modern science. It’s the last home to many endangered species, such as the crested eagle, possum, and the howler monkey. Take your kids on an impossible-to-forget hike in this new ancient world.
Our second national park, the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park, comes to life August through November; when humpback whales use the grounds to teach their babies the rules of the sea, diving, and swimming. An unforgettable view for every child.
What to Bring With You
Fishing off the coast of Panama in the hot sun means you should definitely bring plenty of sun protection. Depending on the style boat you’re using, there might not be many places to hide. You should consider selecting a Charter Company with a boat that provides shade protection. So be prepared, bring a hat, sunglasses and appropriate clothing to protect yourself.
Keep in mind that offshore conditions when fishing in Panama may change swiftly. It is therefore important when selecting a Panama family fishing charter company they have the resources to monitors satellite weather and maintain communication with the fleet. Many Operators don’t even have a backup boat available in case of a mechanical issue. Experienced Charter Companies provide morning and mid-day weather reports to the Captains.
A Private Island Experience for Your Family
If your family consists of 10 people or more, you will have the whole island resort to yourselves. No matter which activity you and your family chose to partake in, your time among this ageless nature will be a memory you share forever. Contact us today via email: [email protected] or explore our fishing packages today.
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