Anyone want to go to Panama this fall/winter?

We're looking to go either towards the end of September, or late November into the winter time.  Anyone interested?

I need revenge after hitting the 10 year swell on our spring trip.  While we got into some nice fish, we didn't get to fish the area we really wanted to get to.  A few weeks later a crew from Hobie and Sportfishing Magazine did get to hit that area, and this was there result.

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/gallery/photo-galleries/2013/07/phenomenal-panama-kayak-fishing-adventure?image=153916

-Allen

Well, that's right around anniversary / birthday time.  Do you have more details than just Panama?  Is this staying on a boat?  East side or west side?  Cost? 

Well, that's right around anniversary / birthday time.  Do you have more details than just Panama?  Is this staying on a boat?  East side or west side?  Cost?

Pacific side Panama.  We're planning on staying in the house on Cebaco Island that we missed out on last time due to the swell ... http://www.paddlepanama.com/portfolio-item/yakfishing-vacation-at-cebaco-island/

When you say anniversay/bday time?  When?

-Allen

I might be interested if the dates are right.  Need more details

I might be interested if the dates are right.  Need more details

Check the link I posted.  Details are there.  Let me know if you have further questions.

Costs will in the $2K-ish range depending on number of people and number of days.

Any particular dates work for you?  We're trying to avoid October and most of November, because that is the heart of the rainy season.  Although personally I like the rainy season in Central America.  It only rains for a couple hours in mid afternoon, but those 2 hours are like something you've never seen.  Fishing can be lights out in the rainy season too.

-Allen

Anniversary is October, Birthday is November


Sent from my GD300

And I missed my passport expiration so it's going to take longer to get one now.

EDIT:  And I don't want anyone to schedule a trip for a bad time frame just because it works for me.  I think we'll try for the La Paz trip next year.

Sent from my GD300

And I missed my passport expiration so it's going to take longer to get one now.

EDIT:  And I don't want anyone to schedule a trip for a bad time frame just because it works for me.  I think we'll try for the La Paz trip next year.

Sent from my GD300

FWIW, we may not run the La Paz trips next year.  My charter boat raised their rates making it somewhat cost prohibitive for me to continue running.  The Panama trip is a good alternative.  I think the fishing is better in Panama anyways, although the experiences are entirely different (mothership vs. land based).

-Allen

I think I'd prefer land based anyway, so maybe I can do this next September.  I won't have enough vacation time saved up to do it this September (Elk hunt!)

 After reading the "How many fish the ocean alone" thread, I am guessing you will request any who join to keep a couple hundred yards from you.  Will a restraining order need to be given out ?   

I will have to give it some thought.   I had planned on a trip to Brazzaville the last week of Nov but my fishing buddy found out he is scheduled to become a Grandfather around the first week of Dec.  I have not heard the "I gotta back out" yet but I am certain his family is pressuring him to should the little one come early.  I have arranged for the time off and Panama would save a few bucks.    I am still into my first few years of Kayak fishing so would want to find out what I would be getting into down there.   

After reading the "How many fish the ocean alone" thread, I am guessing you will request any who join to keep a couple hundred yards from you.  Will a restraining order need to be given out ?   

Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy fishing around others and don't shy away from it.  It's just that I don't shy away from fishing alone either.  But no matter in this case.  I'm not guiding this one, I'll be a participant like everyone else.

I will have to give it some thought.   I had planned on a trip to Brazzaville the last week of Nov but my fishing buddy found out he is scheduled to become a Grandfather around the first week of Dec.  I have not heard the "I gotta back out" yet but I am certain his family is pressuring him to should the little one come early.  I have arranged for the time off and Panama would save a few bucks.    I am still into my first few years of Kayak fishing so would want to find out what I would be getting into down there.

What are you getting yourself into?  Warm blue water.  Big fish.  Good times.

-Allen

Warm Blue Water ?   Big Fish ?      With that kind of of talk, you might as well include "what are you wearing right now" and a rhythmic 70's beat.    haha      I crave hitting water where you better be good at re-entering a kayak because you will be diving in several times an hour to cool off.   

I will need to press my friend to see if he can stay committed to our trip or not before I can commit myself to something else. 

Trust me,   get me around anglers who are experienced with any kind of fishing I am new to, and I am like a 6 year old with endless questions.... 

Boom a chicka boom boom.

Your friend is not going.  He just can't bring himself to admit it yet.   

-Allen

I might be interested if the dates are right.  Need more details

Check the link I posted.  Details are there.  Let me know if you have further questions.

Costs will in the $2K-ish range depending on number of people and number of days.

Any particular dates work for you?  We're trying to avoid October and most of November, because that is the heart of the rainy season.  Although personally I like the rainy season in Central America.  It only rains for a couple hours in mid afternoon, but those 2 hours are like something you've never seen.  Fishing can be lights out in the rainy season too.

-Allen

I'm assuming the 2Kish is without airfare?  If so, I checked flights from ANC to Panama City....cheaper than flying to see my family at Christmas.  I'll be able to cash in some miles for that one.

Mid to late September work better for me.  I can try and shoot a bear and caribou before or after that trip.

Do you need a Visa to get into Panama?

Interesting that the hosts have ability and physicality requirements, too.... ( see links)

Allen, not in the cards for me for a while, maybe in a year. I should be able to actually pick up a yak again and paddle it by then. Without the aid of heavy meds. Which means I should be a lot lighter then too...

Kind of have me yearning to see what's become of the country since i was stationed there in 1980. Never got to see much of the Pacific side.