Tropic Star Lodge

For over 30 years, Tropic Star Lodge has set the standard as the premier saltwater lodge for outstanding marlin and sailfish. In terms of the fishing, quality of service and accommodations, ease of access, and value, we recommend Tropic Star wholeheartedly. As Tropic Star Lodge enjoys a high percentage of repeat clientele, we urge you to book well in advance to ensure availability for your preferred dates.

Tropic Star is easily reached by charter flight from Panama City, and is a veritable paradise sliced from the side of a mountain at the edge of the Darien Jungle overlooking Pinas Bay. Surrounded by exotic wildlife and tropical flora, it is one of the most comfortable and truly great fishing lodges in the world. There have been more than 150 IGFA world records for Pacific sailfish, as well as black, blue and striped marlin, broken here - more than anywhere else in the world. All species of billfish and other offshore game fish, including huge dorado and tuna, can be caught year-round in this area. Inshore species include roosterfish, grouper, cubera snapper, amberjack and rainbow runner.

Tropic Star operates a fleet of twelve 31-ft twin-engine Bertrams, which can comfortably accommodate one to four anglers. All conventional tackle is provided but fly fishermen must take their own gear. The majority of fishing is within 20 minutes of the lodge. The prime black marlin season runs from December through March and in the month of September. Then the Pacific sailfish move in during April through July prime time being May to June. The striped marlin season is considered mid-March through May. All species of billfish and non-billfish can be caught year-round.

The Lodge can accommodate 36 guests in spacious, air-conditioned, twin-bedded rooms, each with private bathroom and dressing area. Guests enjoy a great view of Piñas Bay from every room. From the made-to-order breakfasts and great picnic lunches aboard the boat to the gourmet dinners served each evening, guests will find the quality of the dining to be outstanding. A luxurious private villa called El Palacio is also available for up to six guests at an additional cost.

Tropic Star Lodge

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Tropic Star Lodge

Tropic Star Lodge

Weekly Schedule:

Tropic Star run their weeks from a Saturday to Saturday.

PER-PERSON RATES:

December 1, 2012-March 16, 2013 and August 3-Sept 29, 2013 based on double occupancy and a fixed Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary: 2 per boat $7,595*, 3 per boat $6,295*, and 4 per boat $5,500*.

Palace upgrade (sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms): $3,000

March 16-30, 2013 and June 1-August 3, 2013 based on double occupancy and a fixed Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary: 2 per boat $6,395*, 3 per boat $5,295*, and 4 per boat $4,500*.

Palace upgrade (sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms): $2,300

*PLUS $550 per-person Tropic Express air charter and ground transfer package. The transfer fee of $550 per person payable to Tropic Express by MasterCard, Visa or American Express is not included in the rate and must be added to the package price. The transfer fee includes round-trip airfare Panama City/lodge, meet-and-greet at the airports, and up to four transfers between the airport and hotel in Panama City.

Please contact us for other package variations such as 5-night/4-day fishing or 4-night/3-day fishing packages. Partial weeks available from March 16-September 29, 2013. Rates for partial weeks and for children under 12 are available upon request. Lodge closed October and November for maintenance.

Rates subject to change without notice and fuel surcharges may apply.  THEIR PRICES FOR THE 2013 SEASON ARE FIXED ON FUEL PRICES UP TO $4.00 A GALLON AT THE PUMP. IF FUEL PRICES INCREASE ABOVE THIS AMOUNT, A FUEL SURCHARGE MAY APPLY.

Prices include:
31-ft Bertram tournament-rigged sportfishing boat with tower, experienced captain and mate, and first-class fishing tackle; deluxe air-conditioned room with private bath and scenic view; full breakfast, boxed lunch, and four-course dinner with complimentary wine and non-alcoholic beverages.

Prices do not include:
International flights; hotels and all expenses incurred in Panama City; gratuities to captain, mate, dockmasters, and lodge staff; alcoholic beverages; Panamanian room tax ($50 per room per full week or $25 per room per half week); Tropic Express transfer package fee ($550); and miscellaneous personal items; and Panama Departure Tax ($20 per person).

Deposit
A deposit equal to 50% of the entire package cost is required within 14 days of reservation. Final balance is due 120 days prior to scheduled arrival.

Tropic Star Lodge

Time Difference
GMT -5 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London - Atlanta: 9 hrs 40 mins
Atlanta - Panama City: 3 hrs 56 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months after the last day of your trip.  

Species
Offshore: marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo
Inshore: roosterfish, snook, trevally, jacks, mackerel and cubera snapper

Season to Travel
Year-round: peak period November to July

Tackle and Kit
We would recommend a 9ft single-handed 12-15 weight rod for sail fish, a 9ft single-handed 10-11weight rod for tuna, dorado and roosterfish. All rods should be rigged with a highly corrosion resistant reel with a durable and smooth drag system, which holds a large line and backing capacity. High density shooting heads to match recommended rod weights for the sailfish with lighter weight shooting heads for smaller species, a selection of bluewater flies, poppers and polarised sunglasses.

Clothing
Lightweight long sleeved shirts and trousers, deck shoes, sunscreen and hat. We would also recommend a light waterproof spray jacket.

Tropic Star Lodge