Welcome to Panama Canal Fishing

 Cichla cf. ocellaris was introduced into Panama via a freshwater creek in the Chagres River drainage region unintentionally in the late 1950s (experts are not certain of the exact date). A well-known aquarist and medical doctor began raising peacock bass in a small pond in his back yard for sale as aquarium fish. Within a year, heavy rains flooded the pond, causing some young spawners  to escape into a nearby creek which drained into Lake Gatun. By 1964, the lake and nearby rivers and creeks were overrun with the cichlids, providing sport fishing opportunities that had not existed previously. Since then, C. cf. ocellaris has become the dominant sport fish species in the area. 

  All Robalo or snook species are capable of inhabiting both fresh and saltwater and are known to seasonally occupy Gatun Lake, which forms a water bridge connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as an integral part of the Panama Canal. Of the twelve species only 4 are known to reach sizes in excess of 10 lbs. – two Atlantic Ocean species (Centropomus undecimalis and Centropomus poeyi) and two Pacific Ocean species (Centropomus viridis and Centropomus nigrescens). The eight species of smaller Robalo usually grow to less than 8 lbs. and can be readily distinguished by from the four larger species by their noticeably longer anal spine, anal fin configuration and body shape.  

Elusive and very exotic Tarpon Atlanticus found in the Gatun Lake has been a highly prized game fish. Size can be from small size 6 pounders to upwards of 130 massive pounds of muscle. A beast when at the end of a rod and an intense fight come and try your luck.