What to bring, and why it matters.
Follow this list closely. The models and colours are not arbitrary — they are what has worked here, and getting them wrong will cost you fish.
You do not have to fly with rods.
We hire jigging and popping outfits. Rods and reels are Penn, Shimano, Daiwa and St. Croix, spooled with appropriate braid.
| Rod and reel combo | $150 |
| Rod only, you bring the reel | $50 |
Livebait rods are carried on the boat and handed to you as we catch bait — those are not charged.
Spinning · 50–60 lb
- Rod — Shimano Terez Heavy, 7' to 8'
- Reel — Shimano Saragosa SW8000
- Line — PowerPro 50/60 lb
Speed jigging · 50–60 lb
- Rod — Shimano Trevala 6'6 medium fast
- Reel — Shimano Saragosa SW8000 or conventional
- Line — PowerPro 50/60 lb
Leaders
- Mono 80 lb — spinning and speed jigging
- Mono 120 lb — livebait
The list that works here.
Poppers
- Tackle House Feeder Popper 150
- River Dumbell Popper 150 F
- Daiwa Popper
- Strike Pro Tuna Hunter Jr 140
- Rapala Skitter Pop 120
- Colours — sardine, blue
Stickbaits
- Rapala X-Rap Subwalk, pink
- YoZuri Mag Darter 125
- Strike Pro Buster Jerk 15 cm
- Colours — blue, sardine, pink
Jigs
- Shimano Flat Drop 100 g / 130 g
- Shimano Coltsniper 80 g / 100 g
- Micro jigs to 40 g
- Colours — pink, chrome, blue
Plugs — must have
- Williamson Speed Pro Deep 130, bruised purple or hot pink
- YoZuri Crystal Minnow, red head / yellow body
Change them before you get here.
This is the part most people underestimate. The hooks that come on the lure will be straightened by ordinary fish on this coast — not exceptional ones.
- Trebles — heavy duty, Owner ST66 or equivalent, same size as the original
- Circle hooks for livebait — VMC 3X Nemesis 7/0 black
- Rings — 100 lb solid rings and split rings
Bring split ring pliers. You will use them.
The rest of it.
- Polarised sunglasses · good hat or cap · buff
- Long-sleeve shirt and long trousers
- Gloves
- Water shoes with real grip — for the rock. Important.
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Dry bags — the boat transfer gets wet
- Water bottle for the kayak
- Soap, shampoo, towel
- Optional — small echo sounder, chargeable at the lodge
Bring a waterproof VHF radio.
We strongly recommend every guest carries a portable waterproof VHF. If you come off the kayak or get into trouble, you call us and we come. That is the whole system.
They are not expensive, and they do two jobs: they can save your life, and they keep you in direct contact with your guide on the boat all day, which will get you more fish. Please do not leave it at home.
Two things before you travel.
A photocopy of your passport. Required under Panamanian law since 2019. Bring a physical copy.
A disclaimer form. You will sign it when you meet the driver. It is the standard document for any high-risk adventure activity anywhere in the world.
Bring the lure you always bring, too. It might work, and then you have a better story.