Mutis (Mutis Port) is a gateway to the Gulf of Montijo at less than 30 minutes from the Santiago city in Veraguas or 4 hours from Panama City. Gulf of Montijo is by far the most popular fishing destination in Veraguas, all sorts of watercraft taking to their local waterways regularly to catch the huge variety of fish species that inhabit these areas.
This magnificent natural refuge offers over 100 kilometers of winding waterways to explore with all of this surrounded by lush greenery about 894 km2 (89 thousand hectares) of RAMSAR mangrove forests (Wetlands of International Importance) is one of the worlds most exuberant, diverse, and productive ecosystems.
Imagine fishing in this pristine environment where up to a dozen species can be pulled from the one snag. Sound tempting?
Daily tours operate throughout this extensive mangrove lined estuary system which is home to a great diversity of species including the famous mangrove red snapper and other varieties, yellow croaker or yellow seabass, different varieties of grouper, 3 types of snook the great fighter, and the king of all, the majestic tarpon. In all, over 160 species of fish can be regularly caught in this magnificent waterway.
Its most important tributaries are San Pablo, Río de Jesús, San Pedro, Caté, San Andrés, Cubívora, Ponuga y Suay, among many others.
Some species exist only in this zone while others visit at some point each year. Some fish come into the estuary to breed as the calm waters provide good habitat for the eggs and small fish to thrive.
It’s also a fish nursery, where many juvenile fish including, reef species, will spend a few months of their early lives protecting among the mangrove roots of their natural predators and gorging themselves on the abundant baitfish and prawns. They also provide a food source for bigger predators.
Where to fish in the Gulf of Montijo?
We know where the “Structures” are! We mean fishing spot, in terms of channels, sand bars, weed beds, rock bars, mudflats, and mangroves. Fish are attracted to structure either as a place to live and shelter or to find food. We know what types of structures attract fish.
Learn the favorite techniques and lures used by our experienced fishing crew to hone your skills, and give you the best chance of consistently catching fish in the saltwater rivers, creeks, small bays, and inlets.
The tides will often make the difference between a good catch and a poor catch
The key to success in estuary fishing lies in understand four general areas; habitat, tides and time, bait, and tackle.
Spend a full 8 hours jigging, casting, and trolling, targeting in these brackish waters is the perfect setting for an early break and look for the best catch.