There aren’t many fishing bucket lists that don’t include Panama…a beautiful country with lush rainforests, friendly people, and of course some of the best fishing in the world. If you’re ready to check it off your list, Hooked on Panama is a perfectly situated fishing lodge that caters to the serious fisherman, but also boats one of the most beautiful beachfront locations to be found in Panama.

The lodge’s location is perfect as far as we’re concerned, with the famed marlin and tuna grounds of Isla Montuosa and the Hannibal Bank a short run away, and inshore spots for roosterfish and cubera snapper right in front of the lodge that you’ll have to yourself. It is a fairly remote location so you feel like you’re off the grid…except that you are never far from a cold beverage or the resort’s beautiful beachfront pool, and getting there is easy on a new modern highway.

The main lodge is 3,000 square feet and consists of the restaurant, bar and game room with pool and card tables. There is a large covered lanai so you can choose between outdoor or indoor dining. Ten individual cabins provide comfortable air-conditioned accommodations just steps from the lodge and beach. The grounds are well manicured with tropical foliage and the surrounding area has a wealth of wildlife including howler monkeys and a variety of tropical birds.

As for the fishing – The lodge sports boats in the 33-35 ft. range, all fully outfitted with top of the line equipment for trolling, baitcasting and spin fishing. Shimano and Penn reels are on all boats as well as the latest in communications and fish finding equipment. The local captains have extensive regional knowledge and will definitely put you on the fish, which can range from black marlin and tuna offshore, to roosters and snapper inshore, to sailfish and dorado in between.