Prices for 2024 Pontoon boats with sardines $285 Fishing Equipment $5 per person Four Persons Maximum on the 26ft. boat Six Persons Maximum on the 28ft. boat (Fly fishermen will need to bring their own tackle.)
These prices do not include a tip for your guide. As a guideline the recommended tip is 10-15% (As stated elsewhere I rent my pontoon boat to the guide, so please pay for everything directly to the guide, in cash, each day upon return from your trip.) Filleting and skinning fish $0.15 per fish. (Zip lock bags work great for carrying fillets with you.)
General Information Charters are full day (up to 8 hrs. assuming a 7:00 AM start.), however, as it is a charter, you can tell the guide when you want to come and go. (Most parties come in after about 5-6 hours) We can not offer reduced price half day charters. I recommend that people plan on being in Arenosa by 7:00 AM but I have people that don't get here before 8:00 or so and they still catch fish. You will need to bring ice and what you want to eat and drink with you. Adult beverages are permitted. If you need a cooler, besides the one for fish, we have clean ones that you can use for food and drink. The boat is covered but you will still want to bring a hat and or sunblock. Oh, and don't forget zip lock bags to put fillets in. As for restroom facilities, we have a porta-potty on the boat or the guide can take you to one of the uninhabited islands around the lake if nature calls.
We have many novice or even first time fishermen as well as those that live in Panama or are avid fishermen that have their own favorite tackle. In order to accommodate for this, the charters are priced a la carte, with one price for the boat and and live bait with separate fees for fishing tackle. The tackle we rent is light spinning gear (6 ft. rods with 30 lb test braid) with hooks and split shot suitable for fishing with live minnows. Live minnows are by far the most productive way to catch Peacock Bass but the guide does have a limited amount of top water type lures for those that want to try their hand with artificial lures. If you want to do any fly fishing you will need to bring your own equipment. The boat can safely carry eight or more people from a weight standpoint. However, I we normally limit groups to no more than six fishermen to assure a pleasurable trip. NO PETS ALLOWED, so please be kind to them and leave your pets at home. Cancellations Please contact me as soon as you can, if are not going to be able to make the trip. For those of you flying in to Panama or have guests that are, I DO REQUIRE that you contact me once everyone is in Panama to reconfirm your reservations. The main concern is that the guide does not end up with live minnows that he has already paid the local boys that catch the day before. Just so you know, if you call me at 6:00 PM the night before telling me you are not coming the guide has already bought the minnows. So please contact me as soon as you can with any change in plans. You can email at [email protected] or Telephone : Panama 011-507-6-792-8027 or 011-507-6-272-3339 or USA 001-305-432-2080
Safety The boat has adult life vests on board. If you are bringing small children and feel you need life vests for them you will have to bring your own. Also, there is a basic first aid kit on board for minor injuries should they arise. The guide takes every precaution to operate the boat in a safe manner to avoid damage to it or injury to any passengers. However, Lake Gatun is full of partially submerged stumps and it is possible at any time to bump into one. Therefore, please hold on while standing and never stand outside the railings when the boat is in motion. In order to catch fish you have to use sharp hooks. Please, remember that these same hooks will readily hook you or your friends. Be aware of where both are when you are casting. The last thing you want to do is to get a hook in someone or yourself.
For more information contact: Dennis Melton Email: [email protected] Telephone : 011-507-6-267-3339 Voice or WhatsApp