“Exactly what I needed”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Mr C and his amazing staff met and exceeded all of our expectations. I knew from the moment we arrived, being greeted by wonderful people, that this was the place I was hoping it was going to be. The vision that was put into this world class fishing destination compliments its surroundings perfectly and every detail is very well thought out. Perched high on a hill to maximize those amazing Panama sunsets, poolside drinks with like minded friends, 5 star accommodations with the most comfortable beds in the world, huge showers that I could have stayed in all day, I could go on and on….There is really nothing that Mr. C has forgotten. Then to top it all off, his chef made my mouth water every evening with another fabulous dish, then went out of his way to teach me the sauces that were used.
Ok, I was so blown away by the actual place, I forgot to mention the fishing…….Huge fish and lots of them. This area of Panama is blessed with both size, quality and abundance. Trophy stuff that you will remember the rest of your life. After a day on the water, what could be better than to return to what I mentioned above.
All that needs to be said now is THANK YOU Mr. C You succeeded in providing exactly what I needed. Randy and Katt

TheGuestSuiteBoquete

“World Class”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

My first time to Panama and what a dream. Heavy traveling from Dubai, But when I got of the plane the team were waiting for me as they opened the plain door. I was walked to the VIP lounge where they sorted immigration and my bags for me then of to a hotel for the night as it was late. The next morning was picked up and taken for the internal flight to David and again walked through by the PBGFC team and into the waiting car. If first impressions count I was onto a winner, and I was. Its a hour from the David airport then a small boat ride and a small train ride to save the 200 stairs. The place is stunning on top of a hill in the middle of the jungle. Great infinity pool and sit up bar. The technology is second to none you have smart TVs in the rooms with Skype hard drives and Wi-Fi. when they say it is all inclusive they mean it, I only spent on a massage a couple of times which was needed after catching big yellow fin! All inclusive offered me unlimited of the following food, premium bar 24/7, laundry, fishing, airport pick ups flight and guides. Amazing for once, none of these normal monster bills on check out.

The team are very friendly and go out of there way to help. The best boats crew and fishing tackle I have seen anywhere, for the first time ever I did not use any of my own tackle once so wished I did not carry it. The fishing was hard the first few days as the fish were feeding on these tiny crabs, most frustrating being surrounded by bubbling water with the biggest tuna I have seen. Then it started after a few days when the crabs were gone with my new personal records on Yellow fin, Rooster fish and Grouper. I did not catch the Marlin I went for though, but then that’s why its called fishing and not catching I suppose. A few tips for you, you only get 15 kg luggage with the local airline coming from Panama city, so don’t bring your tackle as you don’t need it with the best of Shimano and Pen. Tell the chef what you like for lunch on the boat. Swim in the pool as I hear there are salt water crocks in the sea. Take a back up pair of sunglasses and water proof sun cream. If you get the chance go and see the mangroves do so, but don’t waist your time fishing there as the inshore and off shore is awesome . Go for the Fishing, wild life, peace and biggest movie collection ever as you are a hour away from anything else.

RussinDubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

“THE Jewel of Central America”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

Mr. C, Victor and all staff did their very best to make my bachelor trip a one of a kind adventure. I would call this a fishing destination noted for pampering, personal attention, great food, and picturesque vistas of an unspoiled land. No kinks to work out here. Suitable for families and a one of a kind trip!

Pocoloco627 Savannah, Georgia

“Panama Big Game Club World Record”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

My son and I visited the club for 5 days and cannot say enough about how good it was the current owners Mark and Karen made us feel at home from the very start the location fantastic with far reaching views and the accommodation first class.

The staff are also what you would expect from a five star resort.
Now for the fishing my son has not stopped taking about it since he caught a 70 IB Wahoo and a 72-75 IB Rooster fish which had it been weighed on land scales would have broken the world record for junior angler but the fish was returned alive.

This I might add is also a policy of the owner Mr.C. Quiet rightly to protect the areas fish stock.
I could take about all the good things on this resort all day and experienced no negative points at all on our trip thanks again the all the staff and Mr. C and his wife Karen see you again soon many thanks
John and Henry

Noodles29England

“Best time of my life!”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

My name is Cross I am 13 years old and from Texas. I went to Panama big game fishing club not knowing what to expect! But after only one day I knew that this was the best place I’ve never been in my life! I have gone fishing in Lakes rivers for quite a while now but nothing compared to the great ocean! I caught a bunch of beautiful fish but once the 300 pound tuna took the bait I didn’t know what to expect! I hold a club record for the tuna that I caught and remember I am only 13! If I can do it any kid Can do it!
The scenery of this place is unimaginable! It’s hard to describe the beauty that mother nature provides you at this place! The food is provided for you is also extremely good!! I also created a milkshake, It is called crosses big game super shake!

Crosspolston33

“A Gem in the Jungle”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2013

I’ve visited 19 countries with innumerable stays at rudimentary shelters to lodging for the rich and famous. I must say I was impressed, pampered and “wowed” by the ownership, staff, facilities, food and activities at the Panama Big Game Fishing Cub. Located on a jungle-covered hillside on Boca Brava Island, the first thing I appreciated was a bright blue tram (“the train”) that uses a cable system to deliver guests “fresh” to the top where the spa/pool, dining room and my suite was located. This avoids the 198 steps after a long day of fishing or other activities a guest desires. Thank you Mr. C! The new owner and visionary for this special place who is also a part time resident of Dubai, has the clout to realize it. Mr. C has not only invested $6 million but is predicting a total of $20 million before he is completed with new suites with private spas, expansion of the dockage space and additional gameboats.

The private-style cabanas are immaculate with expansive views, air conditioning, additional silent fans, big screen TV. There are huge showers with “deluge” shower heads (“I don’t like weak shower flow,” says Mr. C), in-room coffee maker with whole coffee beans on top for fresh ground (nice touch but I didn’t get to use it since hot coffee was delivered every morning with my wake-up knock before fishing). The spa and pool are situated to overlook the river below framed by jungle and entertaining howler monkeys in the morning and evening hours as they compete for nearby fruit. To make sure the monkeys are not displaced with the new construction, Mr. C will plant hundreds of native fruit trees that will be selected to offer ripening fruit all year. There is a bar and big screen entertainment center at the pool “Tall Tails” where anglers meet to tell fish stories of the day. We didn’t have to lie about our biggest fish of the week-a 168-pound yellowfin tuna caught on spinning gear and a popper. Scattered around the complex are two-way phones where guests can make requests. Mr. C likes to emphasize, “If you didn’t get everything you want then you didn’t ask for it,” which tells you his zealous intent to satisfy guests.

The dining room is like an upscale restaurant with tablecloths, comfortable seating, scenic views and gourmet natural food including lobster thermidor, fresh fish, meats and vegetables. Be prepared to encounter deserts such as mango with vanilla ice cream and cherries, strawberry floats and pastries. Afternoon snacks included spicy buffalo wings, fresh tuna skewers, pepperoni pizza and ahi sashimi with soy sauce and wasabi. If you get up in the morning, breakfasts are made to order with huevos rancheros, eggs over easy with a side of bacon and toast and a variety of cereals with fresh fruit were common requests.

The staff makes the place first class and you won’t find any better boat crew than Capt. Chombo Antonio and mate Michael Rios and supporting staff on land such as Victor and Bartolito. Mr. C puts the same amount of effort into work and play to the point where they become inseparable and has the message blazoned on a prominent wall. He has done very well as a great host, along with his wife Karen, and has a vision to make Panama Big Game Fishing Club even better.

Tony Peña
“The Roving Angler”
Outdoor Writer/ Photographer

The_Roving_Angler Valley Center, California

“Unforgetable”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

One has a number of choices to fish these waters. If you want to go first class, this is the place. Really unbelievable location, staff, food, rooms. I was blown away when they delivered a pot of great coffee to our room at 5 am with the wake up knock. The breakfast, dinner and appetizers was like a 5 star resort every day. The pool/spa/bar is super clean and refreshing. The first late afternoon after great fishing, I dove in thinking “is this for real” and then I looked up to see a 1/2 dozen monkeys in the trees just above me. What is really impressive is that all of this is combined with awesome fishing, crew and boats. I loved the 31 Carolina and the captain/mate were top notch. They love the work and were genuinely “lit up” with each catch. I’m coming back with my wife next time.

Lorton M Coronado, California

“Great trip!”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2013

we had a fantastic trip@panama big game lodge! myself&two friends ,all over 50yrs w/a bit fishing experience and for the most part not easily impressed,were VERY IMPRESSED, captain, deckie ..best i’ve fished w/.boats are in great shape and fast and they don’t mind going long and fast if conditions warrant.the lodge is first rate and very wife/family friendly.we,ll be back!

Tom C Coronado, California

“WHY KAREN AND MARK CARE!”

5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2013

In this world today, most ventures are about the “money and greed” factor! Karen and Mark are carefully building in phases, a Marlin School Paradise! The facilities, staff, attending to your needs once off the plane and return, food, boat upgrades and fishing staff, etc., were even better than the year before!!!
I am expecting great things to continue from Karen and Mark, and as always the fishing is great!
If you want a safe and complete venture, than Panama Big Game Fishing Club is your choice!

Terry N Rosemary Beach, Florida

“”Fisher-Person’s Paradise””

5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 10, 2013

I have travelled to other countries including Panama before, and have experienced the difficulty of getting around. (Particularly, if you don’t speak the national laungage that well) I highly recommend the VIP assistance. Experienced unexpected delays in Albrook to David due to tower power shortage. I was not too concerned becouse I knew the PBGFC would not leave me stranded. We arrived later in the evening and went up to “spectacular pool” and met with Mr. C for the first time in person. Had a few cocktails, and ate a late supper they had prepared for us while lounging in pool from a long day of travelling. When we strolled down the steps to our “Paradise Palace” Tuna IV, our luggage was there and I walked around and was amazed how pleasantly appealing the quarters were. Unfortunately, we only had to days to fish becouse we needed to get back to Panama City for a reunion. (I could live there year round). In the two days of fishing, we did catch quite a few fish, but not the big blue or black I wanted, but hey, that’s why it’s called “fishing”. Lost at least one hook up on a Bill due to my lack of experience with these type of fish. The other group that went out did manage to hook a beautiful Marlin and plenty of tuna! I was also fortunate enough to talk with Mr. C and his Lovely wife personnally and enjoyed the conversations. Made me feel like we had been friends for a long while. I truly believe Mr C has a wonderful passion and respect for the locally fishery, as well as a strong desire to keep “Jurassic Park” the Premier “Fishing-Person’s Paradise”!

Capt. Rick Stivers & Maddie

Richard S Lothian, Maryland