Offshore Fishing
Pinas Bay, Panama

In 1961, Texan Ray Smith decided to build a special little fishing lodge in Panama. Ray’s idea was simple – to find the best bill fishing in the world and then build his “home away from home” in paradise. Two years later in 1963, Ray opened the then-called Club de Pesca Fishing Lodge to the public. This incredible fishing lodge has been breaking bill fishing records for almost 50 years now! The amazingly consistent fishing and incredible accommodations makes this fishing lodge one of the world’s most exclusive international angling destinations.

The Fishing

High Season - December to March

High Season - April to September

Most of the action is between 6 and 18 miles offshore in tranquil waters. January through March marks the time of year with the roughest seas – 4 to 6 ft. The part of the Pacific close to the fishing lodge is world famous for YEAR-ROUND Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin and Sailfish. The best time for Black Marlin runs from December through mid-April. Typically, there is also a good run of Marlin from July to September as well. Marlin in this area average 500 plus pounds! Though sailfish are available year-round, they are most abundant mid-April through June. Best chances for GRAND SLAMS – March to mid April and July to August. Besides offering some of the world’s greatest bill fishing, anglers also have a shot at huge tuna and dolphin, roosters, grouper, amberjacks, Wahoo, snapper, mackerel and even the occasional tarpon.

The Lodge
All of the fishing lodge’s spacious private cabins and deluxe rooms are air-conditioned and have spectacular views of the Pinas Bay. Bedrooms have two twin beds (or one king on request) and have private bathrooms. Cabins also have lounging area porches with chairs. Guests often enjoy the lodge’s freshwater pool and outdoor bars, but also have easy jungle access to the beautiful white-sand beaches of La Playa Blanca. Meals at the fishing lodge are amazing – multi-course dinners are complimented by great wines and are served in the lodge’s bay-view dining area. Of course, gourmet selections include the “catch of the day.”

Location
The lodge is located approximately 150 miles southeast of Panama City in Pinas Bay on the Pacific Coast. Specifically, the lodge is nestled in the side of a mountain at the border of the Darien Jungle. There are no roads within a hundred miles – the fishing lodge is reached by boat or plane. Typically, charter flights deliver guests to the airstrip at Pinas Bay, then a 10-minute boat ride is needed to get to the lodge.