Fishing Report “Coral Star” March 21-26, 2009

[Tony Pena]

Blue, clear water moved into the Gulf of Chiriqui this week. That may sound good, however, the lack of plankton biomass (that makes the water look green) scattered the normally reliable bait schools resulting in slow fishing – by Panama standards.

Our “Coral Star” group still caught quality fish, topped by several black marlin to 400 lbs., a 150 lb. blue marlin, 150 lb. yellowfin tuna, 40 lb. roosterfish, 120 lb. hammerhead shark and 55 lb. dorado. The nutrient – poor water was most evident at night when the ships lights attracted less larvae, etc. than normal.

Without “the small things that fish eat” the black skipjack moved to inshore areas and out of the traditional marlin and giant tuna grounds such as Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa. The most reliable big game spot was the deep reefs west of Isla Ladrones where a good concentration of black marlin were found.

Inshore, African pompano showed well all around Isla Coiba as well as mullet snapper, greenbar snapper, rainbow runner, jack crevalle, bluefin trevally and bigeye trevally. Popping the rocky shorelines produced mostly jack crevalle. Swimming plugs, such as the Yo-Zuri Hydro Magnums, caught a variety of near shore gamefish. Live bait such as green jacks (cojinua) and bigeye scad (ojones) which were easier to catch at the various anchorages than the daytime skipjacks, were especially attractive to the roosterfish.

AVET Reels and “Coral Star” owner Harry Alajajyan was onboard with Capt.Tred Barta and wife Anni to film a promotional video. They caught a black marlin at Isla Ladrones, wahoo, 50 lb. cubera snapper and more variety to fill-in the action sequences in addition to showcasing the improvements to the “Coral Star” fleet from new engines to great food including an onboard ice cream maker. Barta’s unique wit and (self-proclaimed) wisdom kept everyone laughing and entertained throughout the week.

The “Coral Star” ownership has great plans to further improve the operation as well as making additional upgrades (they are putting in a new teak deck this week) for a long term stay on these productive fishing grounds.

There are still some openings for the remainder of the season. Call the U.S. office at 866-924-2837 (toll free); email: [e-mail]; web: www.coralstarsportfishing.com

Tony Peña
“The Roving Angler”

Bigeye trevally

African pompano

Roosterfish

Needlefish on fly by Ron Cady

More Pompano

Cubera snapper

Making bait

Cojinua

Bigeye scad (ojones)

Park Ranger's Pier at Coiba Island

Getting Park Permits

Tred Barta and Harry Alajajyan with camera crew

Lobster

Cocktails

Roosterfish - George Valentini

Jack crevalle

Roosterfish

Awards night is fun

Sunrise