Zane Grey Reef is a relatively small seamount of solid rock which
has its base on the flat continental shelf in 350 feet of water.
The sides of the seamount rise sharply to the peak which is
composed of three distinct pinnacles; the two to the south rise to
within 150 feet of the surface and are joined, but there is valley
205 feet deep between these two and a larger peak to the north. A
number of bait species and their predators congregate around the
seamount, sometimes in astounding numbers.
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The
ocean currents, rich in plankton, push northwards past the
seamount and bring food to all the assembled baitfish.
This
abundance holds the larger predators such as Almaco jacks,
Crevalle jacks, Cubera snappers, Mullet snappers and
groupers. The ZGR holds the biggest schools of jacks I
have ever seen. Then there are
large oceanic visitors such as Manta Rays, Hammerhead
sharks, Bull sharks as well as a variety of requiem sharks
waiting for an easy meal. |
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Near the surface, four species of billfish are
available; Black, Blue, Striped marlins are targeted by anglers,
as well as the quintessential Sailfish. Other predators such as Dolphinfish (dorado) and Yellowfin Tuna are often mixed in with
the Jacks, Bonitos and Rainbow Runners that cram the waters around
Zane Grey Reef. - Guy Harvey |
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All
species of billfish and non-billfish can be caught
year-round in the pristine waters off Pinas Bay. The prime
black marlin season runs from December through April. Then
the Pacific sailfish move in during April through July.
The striped marlin season is considered mid-March through
May. July brings another run of marlin; many in the five
hundred pound range. Most of our fishing is done six to
twelve miles offshore in very calm waters. Four to five
foot seas are considered "very rough" water at
Tropic Star Lodge. |
The
word "Panama" means "an abundance of fish".
Pinas Bay truly lives up to this meaning. In the waters around the
Lodge, you can catch dolphin, tuna, roosterfish, snapper, grouper,
amberjack, rainbow runner, and mackerel. In the last few years,
"Pacific" tarpon (which made the trip through the canal)
have been caught in the (50) to (100) pound range.
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Black, blue, and
striped marlin, as well as sailfish, are normally
"right outside our front door," making this a
truly unique location.
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