fishing CR and Panama q's

[bluey]

Hey Guys

I am looking into fishing out of Costa Rica and also into Panana around Coiba , hannibal etc

Just wanted to know from those of you who fish there
Is there anywhere near Coiba where you can refuel a boat without having to go all the way back to Golfito ?

Also since i would be staying in CR and you have a 90 day visa when entering, What is the story when riding out to Panama to fish and re entering CR
Do you need to fill out customs forms each time and how many times can you do this ?
Are there limits on doing this, Do the CR or Panama customs have restrictions ?

Thanks for any help you guys can give on this

Mucho Appreciated

[squirtis]

Originally Posted by bluey

Hey Guys

I am looking into fishing out of Costa Rica and also into Panana around Coiba , hannibal etc

Just wanted to know from those of you who fish there
Is there anywhere near Coiba where you can refuel a boat without having to go all the way back to Golfito ?

Also since i would be staying in CR and you have a 90 day visa when entering, What is the story when riding out to Panama to fish and re entering CR
Do you need to fill out customs forms each time and how many times can you do this ?
Are there limits on doing this, Do the CR or Panama customs have restrictions ?

Thanks for any help you guys can give on this

Mucho Appreciated

your boat?

In Panama you can usually get diesel at the port in David, which is about 50 miles from hannibal bank....Port of Pedregal?

Make sure if you are fishing anywhere inside the Coiba National Park that you stop at the ranger station on Coiba and pay for you weekly fishing license. Not heavily patrolled, but if they stop you and you dont have it....who know's...

not sure where your check in would be for customs coming from Costa Rica?

Newly changed in Panama for right now is 30 day visa instead of 90 day.

Check with a sailing place, those guys always seem to know about that stuff..

Sorry, thats all I got for ya...

[gmuff]

Every time you pass in to Panama's waters you have to check in first before fishing. Its a big pain in the ass and could take a big part of the day. I think the first port is burica which is 90 miles from Golfito. From there hannibal bank is a short ride. We just purchase some bigger boats at the lodge. One of my first trips will be to hannibal bank. Fuel is over a dollar less in Panama so fill up there. If you have any more questions I could probally ask around to find the answers.

[bluey]

Thanks Curtis and Gregg

Yeah i am looking at a Cabo 35 to most likely be the boat i'll buy and take down that area.
I wasn't sure though whether you had to go back to Golfito to refuel
which would prob be after 4 days or so on the water

Thats pretty sweet then if we could refuel withn a 50 mile run
and Geeeeeez $1 less for fuel in Panama ? ( what is the current price in CR Gregg ? )
Sounds like thats the plan

Thanks for the info Guys

[tap]

Refueling is not that simple. To get to the port of Pedregal there are four main channels and each have their own navigational challenges-especially if you are unfamiliar with the area as you appear to be. From the ocean Pedregal is a good 45 minute run at cruising speed but you need to know the shallow spots in the river/estuary system before you go. You can check in to getting a port pilot to meet you at the main 'boca" for safety purposes. An alternative between December and July is to refuel at Cebaco Bay Sportfishing Club located on Cebaco Island about 20 miles east of Coiba. That's a snap. You just tie up next to the ship in a calm, deep bay and load up (Welcome to Cebaco Bay - Sportfishing Club). The fuel is more expensive but you are paying for safety and convenience. Lots of yachts in-transit stop there. You can also try Puerto Armuelles which is right around the corner from Costa Rica (it's the first big port in Panama).

The rangers station on Coiba is on the far north end of the island.

Tony Pena
"The Roving Angler"

[squirtis]

Originally Posted by tap

Refueling is not that simple. To get to the port of Pedregal there are four main channels and each have their own navigational challenges-especially if you are unfamiliar with the area as you appear to be. From the ocean Pedregal is a good 45 minute run at cruising speed but you need to know the shallow spots in the river/estuary system before you go. You can check in to getting a port pilot to meet you at the main 'boca" for safety purposes. An alternative between December and July is to refuel at Cebaco Bay Sportfishing Club located on Cebaco Island about 20 miles east of Coiba. That's a snap. You just tie up next to the ship in a calm, deep bay and load up (Welcome to Cebaco Bay - Sportfishing Club). The fuel is more expensive but you are paying for safety and convenience. Lots of yachts in-transit stop there. You can also try Puerto Armuelles which is right around the corner from Costa Rica (it's the first big port in Panama).

The rangers station on Coiba is on the far north end of the island.

Tony Pena
"The Roving Angler"

Excellent point on the Cebaco bay guys...did not know they offered fuel. Will have to check that out when we take our boat from Panama City up towards David...perfect stop off!!

Thanks for sharing Tony!!