Hannibal Bank Fishing in Panama with Isla Parida Lodge

Fishing trips to the legendary Hannibal Bank are the things anglers' dreams are made of. Located off Panama's Pacific shoreline, Hannibal Bank sits on the edge of the continental shelf. The famous Bank is in the Gulf of Chiriqui, about halfway between two islands - Isla Montuosa and Isla Coiba. Isla Coiba is also famous for its superb fishing opportunities.

Hannibal Bank is basically an underwater mountain that features steep drop-offs, rocky crevices, and the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The area got its name from the United States Navy ship, the U.S.S. Hannibal. The crew was conducting studies of the area for the building of the Panama Canal when they discovered the geological feature. The structure of the Bank, along with the clean water and year-round warm temperatures, combine to make this area perfect for an abundance of baitfish. This, in turn, makes it a haven for large predatory fishes.

Although the area is remote, anglers can find several professional Hannibal Bank fishing charters and guides who know the area well. Little fishing pressure and the widespread practice of catch-and-release ensure healthy fish populations throughout the entire year. In other words, something is always biting at Hannibal Bank. Fishermen have the choice of fishing offshore, or inshore around the numerous islands and islets of the Gulf of Chiriqui.

Some of the fish you'll most likely encounter include roosterfish, Cubera snapper, dolphin, wahoo, African pompano, rock snapper, snook, bluefin trevally, amberjack, grouper, Almaco jacks, and sailfish. All of these species provide thrilling action, and some are quite tasty, too. You can find a local restaurant to cook your catch for you, if you wish. That being said, the real attraction here is marlin - big ones.

Black marlin and blue marlin ply the waters around Hannibal Bank, and they're more than willing to give you a good fight. Marlin in excess of half a ton have been caught at the Bank. The other star of the angling show is the yellowfin tuna. You'll be utterly amazed at just how many big tuna live in this water. Many times, you can see clouds of them swimming underneath your vessel.

The fishing at Hannibal Bank is great all year, but some months are better than others for certain fish species. For example, the marlin are most numerous in winter and early spring, while the largest and most numerous yellowfin tuna are usually found in December, February, March, April, May, and June. Plan on hitting the dolphin in late winter or early spring, and target wahoo in the fall months. The fishing for roosterfish, grouper, Cubera snapper, and amberjack is consistently great all year.

If all this sounds like a dream come true to you, book a Panama fishing trip soon. You can get a short flight from Panama city to one of the islands near Hannibal Bank. You'll be surprised at how reasonable the rates are for Hannibal Bank fishing charters, inshore fishing guides, and accommodations. The area is beautiful and pristine, and you'll experience the fishing vacation of a lifetime.