Panama Real Estate Blog

The Hannibal Bank: Panama

The Hannibal Bank off the coast of Panama is largely undiscovered, except of course by those in know, specifically the professional anglers and sports fishermen and women. Located approximately 50 miles off of the Panama Coast on the Pacific side, the area is spotted with a number of small islands that used to be used as penal colonies by the various administrations of the country of Panama.

Times have changed in terms of the penal colonies, as the entire area has been declared a national park since the 1990s and subsequently has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, largely due to the ecology and endemic species found on the islands, as well as the rich and diverse marine life that inhabit the area.

These waters are now available for the sports fishing enthusiast and a number of tour and fishing excursion operators offer a variety of activities from diving to big game fishing, to surfing and exploring the islands. The area is unique in terms of the Hannibal bank itself, as the extensive drop, in ocean depth provides a supply of upward moving cooler water where many species of fish gather to feed, these species mostly referred to as bait fish which in turn attract the big game fish, such as a the sailfish, blue and black marlin and of course massive schools of yellow fin tuna.

The Hannibal bank is a small portion of the 3000 foot oceanic shelf that extends from the Ladrones islands to just off of Coiba, near an island named Montosa. The bank extends more than 200 miles and runs all the way to off the cost of Azuero, where the pro fishermen trawls and fish this area. The sport of fishing has become a great opportunity within the region, where many of the operators offer fully kitted out boats to get to the fishing grounds quickly. One has the opportunity of fighting the sports fish from the traditional seated position, as well as the latest craze of standing whilst fighting these fish, as offered by some of the operators, who in turn offer support but rather encourage you to truly immerse yourself into the sport and enjoy every possible experience that can be gained from this exciting thrill.

If the big game fishing is not for you, these operators also have access to the variety of channels and inshore fishing hotspots, where one has the opportunity of hooking a Snapper or Roosterfish, of up to 80 pounds. Additional species that add to the enjoyment of fishing these rich waters include the Wahoo, Dorado and of course many species of shark, to test you’re angling skills.

Dependent on what you would prefer to catch, selecting the right time of year is key to ensuring a better chance of snagging your prize. December to April is best for the marlin and sailfish, whilst February to June will increase your chances of catching the tuna fish, alternatively the rooster fish and snappers can be caught there all year round.

There are great providers of fishing excursions and tours within the region, with ultra modern equipment and boats. The friendly nature of the staff and operators will ensure that you have one the best fishing experiences of your life in this beautiful region off the coast of Panama.

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