Frequently Asked Questions
Top 15 Commonly Asked Questions
Find answers below to our most frequently asked questions regarding your sport fishing trip to Panama. We are here to make sure your sportfishing adventure is 100 percent authentic. Should you have any questions feel free to contact us direct.
Will I need a Panamanian fishing license?
No, we will provide all the necessary licenses on board throughout your fishing vacation. Our boats are fully licensed and registered with the Panama Maritime Authority.
Will fishing tackle be provided?
Yes, our vessels are well supplied with World Class Tackle which includes Shimano Rods and Reels, Phenix Rods, Seeker Rods, trolling lures, jigs, poppers, and everything you will need to provide all anglers a sport fishing trip of a lifetime.
Can I fish with my own tackle?
Yes, just make sure you bring the right gear to tackle these strong & aggressive fighting fish. If you plan on bringing your own gear, we will discuss this in more detail when you make your booking. We will always have extra in the event of any faulty equipment.
Can we fish for a specific species?
Is live bait supplied or is it extra?
How much should I tip the crew?
10% – 15 % is customary and well earned. Our crews work very hard to ensure your trip is all you expected.
Can I keep the fish that I catch?
Yes, but certain species of fish are CPR Only (Catch, Photo, Release). These species include all Billfish, Cubera Snapper, and Roosterfish. If you would like to keep other gamefish, the crew will clean it and fillet it for No Additional Charge.
I want to do more than just fish during my Panama fishing vacation/holiday – Can you help me?
Do you clean and fillet our fish?
What do I need to bring?
A good sense of Humor and Strength to Fight Big Fish because we are going to have a wonderful time catching Offshore and Inshore Fish. A rain jacket during the months from Mid May through Mid-November, sunglasses (preferably polarized), sunscreen, and a camera.
Any important medication you may need throughout the day. Seasickness: if you do not have a prescription, we recommend taking Dramamine prior to leaving dockside. Plus a calendar to tell us when you would like to return to enjoy another fishing Adventure with Come Fish Panama.
What is your Payment and Cancellation Policy?
All charters are subject to weather conditions and we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to bad weather. Come Fish Panama requires that all clients take out travel insurance for their trips. In the event that a trip is canceled or rescheduled due to unforeseen weather-related circumstances, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss of trip costs, airfares, lost vacation time, or any other financial consequences as a result of their booking.
Come Fish Panama makes every effort to conduct all trips on time and to the proposed itinerary. However, if Come fish Panama is unable to take you fishing in the event that a tropical cyclone warning or a strong wind warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for all or part of your trip, or in the event of any other natural disaster that prevents us from running your trip, or if wind speeds exceed the safe operating limits specified for our operation by the Panamanian Maritime Authority.
Financial consequences of any fishing time that is missed and any travel connections or accommodation bookings that need to be changed as a result of these unforeseen weather events are to be claimed on your travel insurance. Cancellations are exceptionally rare, but Come Fish Panama believe travel insurance is a wise investment.
Before taking any travel insurance from any company, please read the full product disclosure statement and be satisfied that the policy provides you with appropriate coverage for sports fishing in Panama’s domestic waters, as well as sufficient cancellation coverage for the trip and your travel expenses.
If the client decides to cancel the charter the following cancellation policy applies:
A: All fishing vacation packages require a minimum deposit of 10% downpayment to reserve your epic sports fishing dates. 40% is due 60 days prior to your arrival at the lodge. 30 days prior to arrival we require the final 50% due to finalize your payment.
A Full Refund Less $350.00 per package will be returned if written E-mail of cancellation is received by Come Fish Panama at least 90 days prior to your scheduled arrival at the lodge. We will be more than happy to reschedule you for a future sports fishing adventure with Come Fish Panama if needed. Should you reschedule with us we will apply your initial $350 from your previous sport fishing package to your new package.
A 75% Refund will be returned if written E-mail of cancellation is received by Come Fish Panama at least 60 days prior to your scheduled arrival at the lodge.
A 50% Refund will be returned if written E-mail of cancellation is received by Come Fish Panama at least 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival at the lodge.
No Refund will be returned by Come Fish Panama within the 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival at the Lodge.
Note: Any credit card refund or cancelation transaction by Come Fish Panama will apply a service & administration fee of $450.00. Any re-booking due to cancellation Come Fish Panama will apply a service & administration fee of $250.00 per angler. In addition, any late payment will be feed at $100 per 30 days and $50 per week after that.
Additional restrictions may apply.
Vessel or Mechanical Trouble – Please note occasionally boats can have mechanical problems. Come Fish Panama reserves the right to substitute the vessel with a replacement of equal quality or issue a credit for a future trip.
What is not included in my sport fishing package?
Meals, drinks, and other expenses you might incur in Panama City along with oversize, overweight bags on your domestic flight.
****FUEL SURCHARGE Notice*****
With the volatility of fuel costs lately we have to make our customers aware of our variable fuel surcharge policy. We base our fuel costs in our packages at max of $ 4.00/gallon USD
This will help prevent any decisions made once your offshore or inshore sport fishing with us and providing you the same amount of running and gunning for the species of your choice each and everyday! We thank you and we truly are grateful for your understanding.
How do I get to Boca Chica or to the Resort?
There are numerous options:
- You can either fly from Tocumen International Airport on Copa Airlines or take a flight on Air Panama out of Albrook Regional Airport in Panama City to David Airport in the Providence of Chiriqui (approx. 50 min. flight). We will arrange to pick you up and transport you to Boca Chica or to our Sport Fishing Resort.
- If you and your group are adventurous you can rent a vehicle and drive yourself from Panama City to Boca Chica (approx. 5-hour drive).
- You can also book our private Come Fish Panama transportation van/bus to transport you and your group while you sit back and relax and enjoy the countryside.
Which airlines fly to Panama? Which ones fly to David?
There are several major airlines that fly into Panama Tocumen International Airport. Below you will find airline carriers that are servicing the PTY, Tocumen International Airport. Panama’s International Airport is approx. 30 minutes away from downtown Panama City.
Copa Airlines
United Airlines
American Airlines
Alitalia Airlines
Condor Airlines
Avianca Airlines
Delta Airlines
Iberia Airlines
KLM Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Air France
Lufthansa Airlines
From Panama City to David, the following airlines have flights:
Frequently Asked Questions? Contact Us
Rather Talk?
Should you prefer to speak directly to one of our fishing representatives regarding our frequently asked questions link, feel free to call us at any of the numbers listed below.