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Isla Coiba, Panama, fishing charters, billfishing, dorado fishing, tuna fishing,
MV CORAL STAR OF PANAMA
THE COIBA NATIONAL PARK & HANNIBAL BANK FISHING EXPERIENCE
| Black Marlin | Blue Marlin | Pacific Sailfish | | Yellowfin Tuna | Wahoo | Dorado | | Roosterfish | Grouper | Amberjack | | Bluefin Trevally | Cubera Dog-toothed Snapper | Pargo |
 The world renowned Hannibal Bank and Coiba National Park are legendary for their outstanding fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to hook up with some of the largest fish in the western hemisphere. At least seven currents feed these waters throughout the year, making the Hannibal Bank along with the numerous islands, pinnacles and seamounts the heart of the food chain in these waters. The size as well as the variety of fish available, truly makes this area one of the hottest fishing locations on the globe. With the numerous islands that dot the landscape, even if you're fishing offshore for large pelagic species, inshore fishing is within site.
 The peak season for billfish is December through April, with the prime months being January, February and March. For Blue Marlin and Black Marlin fishing, our Captains/Mates will typically use live bait: small tuna or large Bonita. Sometimes the Sails or Dorado are so thick, that we have to use 15lbs. Tuna or use our downriggers that are equipped on each boat. Billfish are not the only hot items in this area of Panama. Large Tuna become abundant during the months of February, March, April and May. The larger Tuna over 200 lbs. are most abundant during March and April. The islands surrounding Coiba are known as "Wahoo Alley". During December, and then again in late April and May, Wahoo, 40 to 60 lbs. are abundant. For Dorado, prime season is January, February and March, with bulls of 50-60 lbs. Ask your Captain, he will be happy to show you some great inshore fishing. Plugging and popping for Cubera Snapper, Amberjack, Roosterfish and Grouper are but a few of the treats that await those that enjoy inshore fishing. Giant Roosterfish have been caught in the bays around Coiba Island. Weighing up to 60lbs., these Roosterfish will really test your equipment and skills. We fish for Roosters with live blue runners, trolling with Rappalas, casting with Cisco Kids or popping with Peli-poppers.
Along with great fishing, Coiba National Park is an amazing remote getaway. Serene and tranquil, with the calls of the howler monkeys in the distance or scarlet macaws flying overhead back to their nests for the evening it's easy to completely escape. Relax and take in the gentle, peaceful nature of this island that time forgot. We are not known for our nightlife we are known for our wildlife!
THE CORAL STAR ADVANTAGE
 The M/V Coral Star offers a unique opportunity to stay as close to the fishing grounds as possible. Our floating lodge enables anglers to stay within 15-25 minutes of one of the most spectacular, isolated fishing areas in the world. Located well over 35 miles from the mainland, this area is still pristine. Our Mothership has a 115' beam with a 230 ton displacement and was originally built in Denmark for use in the North Sea. She has a steel hull with ice crusher capacity, which makes her an exceptionally sea-worthy and stable vessel. With the numerous islands in the area, we tucked her back into a cove during the evening for the additional comfort of our guests and relaxing tropical scenery.
The ability to move our lodge is one of the best features of the Coral Star. This movement means limited boat rides to and from the fishing grounds, no matter where the fish are biting. When we say 10-12 hours of fishing, we mean fishing time, not the time it takes to get to and from the fishing grounds. Even our half day fishing time is 5 to 6 hours. The elimination of a long boat ride to and from the fishing grounds can save up to 12 hours of precious fishing time per week over a land based facility. After 10-12 hours of fishing and you are still not done? In the evening feel free to fish off the back of the Mothership!
In addition to making the most of your fishing time, our small and personalized charters afford the opportunity for groups and clubs to organize their own private adventure. Our maximum capacity is 16 guests, most charters run with 12-14. It is the perfect size for exclusive groups and private parties interested in fishing, diving and/or nature activities, such as hiking, photography, bird watching, snorkeling and sea kayaking. Our staff works with exclusive groups to put together individualized tailored itineraries based on your particular groups interests, so even guests who do not like to fish have a selection of other activities to participate in.
SPORT FISHING FLEET AND GEAR
 We offer a fleet of 7 sport fishers ranging in size from 28' to 34', which can easily fish 2, 3 or 4 anglers on each boat. All boats have twin diesel engines and offer plenty of shade, which is very important 8 degrees from the equator. All boats have heads and beds for additional comfort and anglers can request standup battle stations or fighting chairs on their specific boat. Each sport boat has live bait wells and Tuna tubes and all are equipped with Furuno Depth Finders, VHS and backups, Rupp Outriggers stand-up equipment, fighting chairs or battle stations and all marine safety equipment.
3 28 Pursuit Walkarounds 2 28 Albemarle 2800 Expresses 1 30 Rybo-Runner 1 34 Delta
Our fishing gear is constantly updated and maintained to ensure that you have the right gear! Each sport boat is equipped with a full complement of AVET 2 Speed Reels with custom Seeker Rods. We also offer Penn International 20's, 30's, 50's and 80's along with 7500 spinning reels and Penn Rods. Have a favorite rod/reel combo? Feel free to bring it along.
Your assigned sport fisher, captain and mate are at your command for the entire charter. If you want to fish for one particular species all week, or fish offshore half the day, inshore the other, or fish in the morning, snorkel the afternoon it's up to you! Just let your captain and mate know what you want to fish for, when you want to fish and how you want to fish, they are there to help you land the fish you've been waiting for. No game plan not a problem, all captains are familiar with these waters, what's been biting and where, and can make several suggestions for your consideration then go from there.
SPORT FISHING PACKAGES
 Our remote location requires all guests to fly into Panama the day prior to their charter date and fly home the day after their charter ends. Once you arrive in David, our ship crew will meet you at the Airport in David or at the Coral Star Landing. All charters are 6 days, 5 nights and start on Saturday and end on Thursday in David, Panama. The first and last day you can expect to fish for 5-6 hours, depending upon your travel arrangements and tides. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday you can fish up to 12 hours, however, all sport fishers must be back at the Mothership 30 minutes after sundown for safety reasons.
Sample Itinerary - Saturday: Arrive in David, Panama and meet with the Coral Star crew for transportation to the marina. You board our fleet for the scenic ride down the Chiriqui River to meet up with the Mothership, located at the mouth of the river. Board the Mothership, go over ship safety and emergency equipment locations while our crew transfers your luggage to the Mothership and loads lunch and beverages on-board the sport fishers. Once complete, you are out fishing. Arrival back to the Mothership depends upon your preferences. Appetizers usually begin at 5:30; dinner is served at approximately 6:30.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: Breakfast is served beginning at 5:30am, sport fishers depart as anglers are ready. Depending upon the anglers fishing strategy, the Mothership prepares and moves to Coiba Island or Isla Montousa, run 2 days at Coiba Island and 2 days at Isla Montousa. Fish sun-up to dark :30. After a quick shower, most guests are up at the fantail bar for appetizers and beverage service, with dinner served at approximately 6:30.
Thursday: Breakfast served beginning at 5:30am, transfer luggage to sport fishers, depart as anglers are ready. Troll the deep canyons working your way in toward the Chiriqui River, or head directly in to fish inshore species. Depending upon your travel arrangements, most sport fishers will return to the Marina at approximately 3:30. Transportation to the David Airport is included. The last flight from David to Panama City is at 5pm.
Arrangements for travel within Panama (hotel, in-country flight, transfers, etc.) can be made through Starlite Travel or our Reservation Office, but are not included in your charter price. Rates vary depending upon dates, length of stay, hotel choice, etc.
Celebrity Weeks - Traditionally, during the fishing season we have professionals that join us aboard to spend time fishing and offer their expertise in an informal open discussion and technique instruction as well as answering general fishing questions. These special celebrity weeks are a great way to gain insight and learn from an expert. Celebrities include writers/photographers; specialists in casting and stand-up techniques; knot typing; inshore popping and jigging; fly fishing and much more! For more information and availability, please call our reservation office.
OPTIONAL CORAL STAR EXCURSIONS
The Coral Star also offers diving and nature exploration around Coiba National Park. Feel free to call us for more information regarding these programs which are offered during the fishing season, December through May.
During June-September, the Coral Star moves to the Gulf of Panama, Canal Zone and Atlantic, to offer an amazing Two Ocean Expedition/Canal Transit. Visiting the Darien Jungle, Pearl Islands, transiting the World Famous Panama Canal, exploring Fort San Lorenzo and the sleepy town of Portobelo, this cruise offers an intimate look at Panama's past and future. It also discovers the paths of the true pirates of the Caribbean, the Spanish galleons and the Camino Real and so much more!
Call us for up to date availability, current rates or for more information about designing an itinerary for your own personalized private charter. We accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express or personal checks. We require a 25% deposit to secure the date and the balance of your charter is due 60 days prior to your charter date. Your best opportunity is to book well in advance; this allows you to pick the date you want, whether you want prime or regular season, based on Moon Phase, Tide Range, currents, etc. We recommend booking a year in advance for prime season, as it sells out quickly, however, an occasional cancellation or move may open a few slots on any given week. Call our reservation office for complete information, or ask to be put on our email list for monthly updates on what we're catching and last minute deals!
In 2008, Avet Reels purchased the M/V Coral Star business. The ship has been totally re-fitted and relaunched !
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