Dorado Day and Thumb Burn!
By: Cody Ryan Greaney
-Panama is a vast land of tropical paradise only to be topped with some of the most prestigious waters on earth. For years, I had heard story after story of the record-breaking fishery and knew that, in time, this hidden gem would become better known. Though not yet a tourist-driven economy, the movements of infrastructure and stabilizing economy is progressive. My research on the area was extensive before choosing where I would visit. One would be a new lodge about an hour and a half ride from the city of David, Hooked on Panama.
I was picked up at the airport by Richard, who works for the lodge, and started the drive through many little towns. Along the ride, he explained many of the sights we passed while giving me an insight to the Panamanian culture. Before the lodge we stopped off for a look at the newly designed Deep Sport boats that the lodge is building. Many Texans know the brand of boat of Shallow Sport and the father of the �now owner� is one of the lodge�s partners. It was awesome to see �behind the scenes� as the new boats were taking shape.
We made it to the lodge, and my bags were carried to the Villa I would reside for the next few days. From my front porch, the views of the Pacific waves crashing upon the beach were indescribable that pictures don�t even do justice. The sun began to set that evening, and the anticipation for the day ahead made the night�s sleep hard to endure.
The morning came early but not nearly fast enough. After a quick but very filling breakfast, we proceeded to board the Ponga that was nestled on the beach to take us out to the new Deep Sport 36� fishing machine that was anchored in the bay. After boarding, the soft humming of the diesel engines only built the excitement as we traveled to our starting grounds about 22 miles offshore.
Hearing the engines start to power down, I jumped up and started helping Sammy rig the lines and outriggers. The previous evening, Sammy had caught several live baits, but we were saving those for later. When all the lines were set, we worked our way around many cuts and crevices in the ocean floor before coming across the current break. I knew that this structure and changing water could only mean fish! Sure enough, not long and the drag on the high reel started screaming� Fish ON!
The fish was stout, and the excitement built when the huge Dorado crested the water�s surface. A quick leader, gaff, picture and the fish was in the box. It wasn�t long until one of the outriggers popped and the reel started screaming. I told them it was their turn and everyone insisted that I grab the rod again. So I did. About 20 yards from the boat, the fish made a jump and spit out the huge marlin bait. Almost relieved to be temporarily free from the strain, I began to let the bait back out to continue our troll. This is where I made my error�
Without thinking, rather than controlling the drag to release the bait, I held my thumb on the spool and continued our joking and high fives. It only got about halfway back out when I realized the amateur mistake I had made. A Dorado again hit the bait, but this time the only stop between the free spool and the predatorily aggressive fish was my thumb! It took only a split second for me to realize what I had done but hours to relive that split second, as my thumb was throbbing and burning. We all had a great laugh and if you can�t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?
The fishing continued, and the day continued to be great. As we decided we had our fair share of Dorado in the box, we proceeded back toward the lodge. Along the way, we passed one of the most beautiful islands I�ve seen, saw numerous whales and dolphins and jumped sailfish.
It was clear that the fishing in Panama was true to its name, �an abundance of fish.� The staff was outstanding, and the personalization is second to none. The lodge�s motive is to keep the groups small enough where they can make sure every portion of your trip is handled with the utmost attention to detail.
For more information on the lodge or how to book your trip, call or e-mail Cody directly: cody@DetailCompany.com or (512)576-2200.
Fish With: Aqua Adventures Panama
| | |
