Fish can be caught year-round in Bocas del Toro, though there are better times of year for weather/conditions and for certain species. Generally speaking, the two BEST fishing seasons are late-August to early-November and February to May. These seasons are influenced mostly by weather trends, which can differ a bit year to year. July is usually the wettest month and December is usually the stormiest month (with rain, wind and swell). March-April is the driest time and September-October is the calmest time (little ocean swell). Read more below about our most common targeted species and their times of year…
Wahoo - Swimming at speeds over 65mph, these big powerful fish are capable of blistering runs, making them one of the most prized gamefish of Bocas del Toro. Wahoo fold their dorsal fin into their torpedo shaped bodies and make the reel scream while pealing off line. They also happen to be one the the highest quality table-fare in the world!
*best targeted September-November and February-May
*best targeted September-November and February-May
Yellowfin Tuna - The schooling Yellowfin in Bocas are typically 25-60lbs, with larger ones mixed in. They can sometimes be caught mixing with the Blackfin on the nearshore banks and ledges, but are more commonly found in deeper water further offshore. They can be caught near large dense weed lines formed by the Caribbean counter current, or working bait balls with flocks of diving birds. These fish fight like a freight train and their prized meat is well-known everywhere.
*best targeted February-May, though sometimes show up in September and October as well
*best targeted February-May, though sometimes show up in September and October as well
Blackfin Tuna - Typically 5-20lbs, with 25-30 pounders not uncommon in Bocas. They are most commonly caught on our nearshore banks and ledges and can be found in great numbers when the bite is on. Be ready for the best kind of chaos, when nearly every line in the spread simultaneously zips off! Blackfin are VERY hard fighting for their size and make excellent quality table-fare.
*caught year-round, though most frequent September-May
*caught year-round, though most frequent September-May
Dorado (Mahi Mahi) - Also known as Dolphinfish or Mahi-Mahi, Dorado lurk in the waters offshore of Bocas del Toro. They are most frequently caught along weed lines 20-30 miles from the shores of Bocas. Excellent table-fare, exceptionally beautiful, and pound for pound hard fighting brutes, Dorado are on most anglers check-list.
*found year-round in the waters offshore of Bocas, though restrictive ocean conditions make them difficult to target December-February
*found year-round in the waters offshore of Bocas, though restrictive ocean conditions make them difficult to target December-February
Kingfish - Also known as King Mackerel, these are a cousin of Wahoo. They get massive in Bocas del Toro and are far better table fare here than anywhere else I’ve eaten them. These hard fighting Bocas Kings are tasty and healthy, just try em’ for yourself
*caught year-round, though most frequent September-May
*caught year-round, though most frequent September-May
Barracuda - Lean, mean, hard fighting machines, the toothy Barracuda in Bocas del Toro get huge and have a veracious appetite. They are commonly associated with ciguatera (a neuro-toxin) in other regions of the world, but we don’t get that here! The Bocas Cudas are surprisingly tasty!
*caught year round
*caught year round
Jacks - We get several species of Jacks in Bocas from the tasty Yellow Jack (often taken on spear) to the hard fighting giant Jack Crevalle
*caught year round
Grouper & Snapper - We do have a large diversity of Grouper & Snapper species in Bocas del Toro and they all taste good! These can be targeted in a variety of ways from spearfishing to deep-dropping.
*caught year round
Tarpon - Bocas del Toro in known for its massive Tarpon. We catch them in our protected back bays and creek mouths (normally <50lbs), but the big dogs are usually found at the larger river mouths in the ocean where they can grow over 200lbs! Fighting these massive leaping prehistoric giants is an exhilarating experience on our medium weight spin tackle. We’re also happy to take the die hard fly-fisherman to our secret spots, but do not provide fly fishing gear, so please bring your own.
*best targeted May-December, though we do have some year-round resident Tarpon
*best targeted May-December, though we do have some year-round resident Tarpon
Other: Snook, Cobia, Billfish - The Atlantic Blue Marlin does migrate through waters offshore of Bocas, but it takes a special type of group, a larger fuel budget, and the right conditions to target them. We have the right boat, gear and knowledge for Marlin fishing, so if this is something you’re interested in, please ask more (but it’s only for the hard-cores!). There are a few other species that can be targeted in Bocas, though their presence seems to be inconsistent from year to year. When they are here, we’ll make a recommendation. Otherwise, we’re better off targeting other more consistent fish.