CR or Panama?

kraken33 · Feb-21-2008, 12:37 PM

One of my best buddies is turning 30 at the end of April and four of us are headed to either Costa Rica or Panama for a week to celebrate. We want to fish 3-4 days with at least a couple days off shore. We are on sort of a tight budget and are looking to spend laround 500-700 a day to fish. Since this is a celebration we also would like to go somewhere we can have some fun once we get off the boat too (if you know what I mean).

I have never been to either coutry before so I am pretty much open to any suggestion. So where should we go where we can catch some fish and work on a hangover?

The Notorious S.U.A · Feb-21-2008, 12:39 PM

panama hands down

fishkillerbill · Feb-21-2008, 12:42 PM

Panama-----check out Coralstar.com----mother ship fishing--but plan to stay 1 day before or after the trip and hit Joesaphine's in Panama city for your b-day bash--believe me it will be worth it

kraken33 · Feb-21-2008, 12:56 PM

two votes for Panama. Thanks guys. I will check out the coralstar. Any specific spots, or boats/guides? I appreciate all the help!

fishkillerbill · Feb-21-2008, 01:18 PM

There are a couplr land based operations also-I have heard good things about them also---I think one is Pesca Panama-and another is Tropic Star Lodge---also a bder has an operation down there--is name is Chad there's a post around here somewhere-I liked the Coral Star-because they move the mother ship each day so you have a shorter run to the fishing grounds--big tuna-wahoo-marlin-sailfish-dorado-amerjack-snapper-sierra mackeral-we had a blast-also when they near an island they have a lanuch and paddle boats-so you can snorkle-you fish on 30 foot boats from the mother ship

kraken33 · Feb-21-2008, 03:00 PM

I agree fishkiller, having a mobile home base is idea. I would love to do something like that! Not sure if I can get that kind of money together though. I am familar with the Tropic Star Lodge, but I will check out the Pesca Panama place.

squirtis · Feb-21-2008, 07:07 PM

Hey,

check out my report from January.

Then e-mail Chad from his website at Paradise Fishing Lodge

He is a personal friend and his captains are top notch going back to Pesca Panama and Coiba Explorer days.

He is land based, but only 1 1/2 hours drive from David. The company your looking for is not a problem either.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/co...1-12-08-a.html (HANNIBAL BANK 01-12-08)

Also Check Tony's report from Chads place as well.

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/co...08-w-pics.html (Paradise Lodge (Chad’s Place), Panama Jan. ’08 w/pics)

kraken33 · Feb-21-2008, 09:39 PM

Great report squirtis, that place looks awesome! If I can manage to scrape together that kind of $ I'll be all over that place.

squirtis · Feb-22-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraken33

Great report squirtis, that place looks awesome! If I can manage to scrape together that kind of $ I'll be all over that place.

No worries!

Just contact Chad, he may be able to work something out with you guys where you stay inshore a couple of the days or something to save a little dough?

I don't know for sure, he is totally full in March and beggining of April, but if he is not booked your week I imagine he will try and help ya out!!

Good luck and PM me if ya have any questions

kraken33 · Feb-22-2008, 10:41 AM

I'll have to ask him what he can do, thanks again squirtis.

Does anyone have any expereince with fishing with Chris in Costa Rica (Kinembe II sportfishing) ? I have been talking to him and he has been really responsive to my quetions and I see a few people have fished with him in the past. He seems to have resonable rates. Is that a good option this time of year (Quepos in the end of april)?

lilharcher · Feb-22-2008, 05:06 PM

Chris is a good guy (I had a good experience fishing with him) and I would recommend him for inshore fishing but the fishery is very limited in Quepos to basically Rooster fish and Pargo (there are other Jacks and such but for the most part, you are fishing for bottom critters and Roosters).......I was there last year in April and the bite was only so-so. Although I think he does do some trips offshore, he has a center consel and don't know how comfortable it would be with a couple of decent sized guys offshore. Fishing inshore is perfectly fine and comfortable but the inshore thing there is only good for a day or so before it gets old.......chasing the Pelagics offshore (in my opinion) is so much more fun and rewarding.

As for Panama, you have so many more options with respect to inshore and offshore fishing. Many of the inshore areas in Panama are remote and untouched (unlike Quepos) and because of this, there are a lot more species to target. Thus, you could target inshore species 2 - 3 days and probably not get sick of it. If you are after big game offshore, do your homework (read the reports on this board) and you will see that CR doesn't compare with Panama (unless you want to catch sailfish).........in Panama, you should have chances at Blue and Black Marlin, Sailfish, larger-model YTF, Dorado, AmberJack, Pargo, Mullet Snapper, etc. etc........in Costa Rica, you are primarily weeding through the Sailfish to get a couple chances at Marlin.

Just my 0.02......whereever you decide, I'm sure you'll have a great time!!

kraken33 · Feb-22-2008, 05:18 PM

From all the suggestions I am thinking Panama is the way to go. I really appreciate all the help fellas.