Hosted Trip f i s h i n g i n Pa n a m a
Hosted by Mike Fitzgerald and Joe Codd April 7 - 14, 2018
Chasing a wild variety of species with fly rods and conventional gear in Panama
We Share Your Passion
Pesca Panama Sportfishing
Take Your Travel Experience Further: The Hosted Trip Difference Unparalleled Service and Knowledge Every Step of the Way Dear Traveler, Imagine a fishing destination where you can catch a seemingly unlimited number of saltwater game fish. This perfectly describes the fishing along Coiba Island Archipelagos, which includes the world famous “Hannibal Bank,” all located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama. This is the extraordinary world of Pesca Panama Sportfishing. Aboard the live-aboard barge, Hannibal you’ll be treated to a unique saltwater fishing adventure in a truly exotic landscape of pristine ocean waters and lush tropical islands that could well exceed anything you have ever imagined. Unlike Panama’s shore-bound resorts, the floating lodge keeps you close to the best fishing action at all times, and their fleet of five Ocean Masters, 17’ Panga and four Ocean Kayaks, means shorter runs to the fishing grounds. That translates into much more fishing time than anglers having to range up to 100 miles per day to-and-from Panama’s mainland fishing resorts. The April timeframe is probably best for those wanting a “speciesdiverse” experience. Black marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, all types of snappers, amberjack, jack crevalle, pompano, lots of yellowfin tuna, some dorado, snook, wahoo, and others. We expect that over the course of 5 days of fishing our group will land upwards of 20 different species. One of the biggest advantages on this trip like this is that you don’t have to bring a lot of tackle along with you unless you absolutely want to. The lodge has gear suitable for bait all the way up to “grander” black marlin. You’re welcome to bring what you like, but there is a large supply of both hard lures and flies to keep you adequately supplied. The lodge does not supply fly rods and reels. We suggest 8-12 wts. with a 10 being suitable for a wide variety of species. For those who do wish to bring their own gear, we will be providing a complete list of recommended fly and conventional tackle. We hosted a group in 2017 and it was a tremendous saltwater experience! We look forward to you joining us on the 2018 departure. Sincerely,
Mike Fitzgerald Jr. President
Joe Codd Saltwater Department Manager
What to Expect
• A no frills floating lodge offering not only world-class fishing in a fantastically remote and beautiful setting, but one that also offers great food, exceptional service, and a friendly and attentive staff. • Long days on the water for lots of species. The captains will fish those anglers that are willing and able, from sunrise to sunset. • No wasted time enduring excessively long boat rides to prime fishing areas because the Hannibal moors along the coast of the richest fishing waters. The only long boat rides will be for those that want to explore the outermost reaches . . . for the most part you’re already there!
About the Accommodations
Guests stay aboard the 80’ floating lodge, Hannibal. This provides fishermen with a clean and comfortable base camp, with close and easy access to Hannibal Bank and the many islands in the Coiba Island National Marine Park. The mobility of the lodge allows you to travel to remote tropical settings where the fishing begins right at your front door. Newly renovated, the lodge can accommodate up to 16 guests. With four beds each, the four air-conditioned cabins share two clean bathrooms with hot-water showers and plenty of fresh water. Also to be enjoyed is a very comfortable, air-conditioned salon, as well as an on-the-water dining area along the front of the ship, complete with a friendly cash bar. Delicious Panamanian/ American cuisine is prepared daily by their chef. Featured is the “catch of the day” served with fresh vegetables and tempting homemade desserts. Laundry service is available on a daily basis, so there is absolutely no need to pack a full duffle for this trip.
Proposed Itinerary for Panama April 7 - 14, 2018
Saturday, April 7
Arrive into Panama City - hosted transfer to the El Panama Hotel. There will be a welcome dinner for those arriving before 6 pm.
Sunday, April 8
Gentlemen’s Start: 9 am transfer from the hotel to the Marcos A. Gelabert Airport in Panama City for a one-hour connecting flight to the town of David. In David you will be greeted by a captain from Pesca Panama, who will take you on a short 5-minute ride from the airport to the marina, where your 27’ Ocean Master, captain, and mate will await you. The lodge will have already departed for its four hour journey down the tidal Chiriqui River and out to the first group of protected offshore islands where it will moor for the night. You will meet your crew, board, and depart port, intercept the lodge in transit somewhere along its route, rendezvous, unload your luggage and fishing gear, have a hearty lunch, and head out for an afternoon of fishing. Your first evening on board will set the tone for the next week of world class fishing and adventure, with appetizers, dinner, cocktails, and music. You will be rested and ready for an early Monday morning breakfast and departure.
Monday, April 9
You will be up early, refreshed and ready to head out for your first big day of fishing. Today you will fish all the way to world famous “Hannibal Bank” and “Coiba Island.” For your five days of fishing, you will ply the region’s prime offshore and inshore fishing grounds as the lodge moves to follow the action. (Note: That means no long return trips to the mainland every evening!)
Tuesday, April 10 - Thursday, April 12
For the duration of your stay, the lodge will remain near the prime fishing grounds.
Friday, April 13
On your last day of fishing, plan to depart the barge early and fish your way back to David. You will re-trace your arrival route by fishing a half day, intercepting the lodge as it works its way up the tidal river to port. You can change and pack gear, and then your crew will take you to your transport shuttle in time for the 3pm flight from David to Panama City and your overnight prior to departure on Saturday morning.
Saturday, April 14
Take the Pesca Panama shuttle from your hotel to Tocumen International Airport for your departing flight home. *Itinerary subject to change
Rates
Panama Fishing Package Based on shared berth accommodations: $4,795*. Fishing two to a boat. Inclusions: Airport meet and greet, all ground transfers, round trip domestic air flights Panama to David and return. Hotel overnights in Panama City on both ends of the fishing itinerary (accommodations at the El Panama Hotel are double occupancy). Single rooms are available for $125 additional per night. 4 full days and 2 half days of guided fishing with a captain and mate per boat. Lunches, beer, water and sodas aboard your fishing sport boat per day, all meals while aboard the Hannibal. All fishing equipment is provided.
Exclusions: International air to and from Panama City, Meals in Panama City, Cash bar aboard the Hannibal, staff and guide gratuities. $150 Coiba National Park access fee payable in cash on the first evening aboard the Hannibal. Deposits Payment Refund Policy: A non-refundable deposit of 50 per cent of the land cost is due at time of reservation. Balance payable at time of final land package invoicing, 45 days prior to departure. Final / full payment is also non-refundable unless client replacement is provided.
*Rates subject to change.
Your Airline Connection
Our Airline Department can coordinate your travel to and from Panama City providing a seamless trip from start to finish. United, Delta and American Airlines are some of the most popular airlines servicing Panama City, with non-stops available from many major airports.
Your Hosts Mike Fitzgerald Jr.
President mefitzgerald@frontierstravel.com | Toll-free: 1-800-245-1950 As son of the Frontiers founders, Mike was brought up in the outdoor travel business. He has handled a number of sporting programs for Frontiers through the years. Today as President, Mike works closely with the Senior Management Team and the Department Heads and is quite involved with our saltwater programs. He is passionate about the outdoors and conservation. He has been on the Board of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust for many years. Mike has hosted groups in Montana, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Panama, the Bahamas and Africa. He looks forward to joining you at Pesca Panama.
Joe Codd
Saltwater Department Manager jcodd@frontierstravel.com | Toll-free: 1-800-245-1950 As Manager of Frontiers Saltwater Fishing Department for over 17 years, Joe has had the opportunity to fish most of the world’s premier flats and bluewater destinations. This hosted week aboard the floating lodge Hannibal will be Joe’s third visit to this Central American country, but his first to Coiba National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet. Joe has hosted groups in the Bahamas, Seychelles, Argentina, Panama Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Guatemala and Belize.
United States Office 600 Warrendale Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044 Toll-free 1-800-245-1950 Phone 724-935-1577 Fax 724-935-5388 Email info@frontierstravel.com Website www.frontierstravel.com
European Office Kennet Cottage, Kempsford Gloucestershire, GL7 4EQ, England Tel +44 (0)1285 700 940 Fax +44 (0) 1285 700 322 Email info@frontierstrvl.co.uk Website www.frontierstrvl.co.uk
The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3315
Copyright © 2016. Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved.
The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3315. Copyright © 2017. Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved.
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