MORE WORLD RECORDS THAN ANYPLACE ELSE IN THE WORLD

In 1961, Ray Smith, a Texas oil tycoon, built the Lodge as his "Home Away from Home."

In 1965, it was opened as a fishing lodge named Club de Pesca de Panama.

Soon after Ray Smith built his dream, he caught one of the first IGFA World Record marlin on 12-pound line.  "There are going to be all kinds of records set here now that the place is being fished a little harder," he was quoted at the time.  His prophecy has more than come true.

Each year yellowfin tuna are boated in the 150 to 250 lb. range. 

In shore, the short list includes amberjack, snapper, grouper, roosterfish, pompano, rainbow runner, jacks and mackerel...

ZANE GREY TERRITORY

Zane Grey discovered the fishing potential of Panama's Pinas Bay in the late 1920's, but the secret was well kept for many decades.  The famed author chased the world over searching for Black Marlin what he called Silver Marlin before he discovered the great reef that slopes from 120 to 350 feet and supports aquatic life beyond the imagination.

Little has changed in the interim years.  Zane Grey's reef is now known as Piñas Reef, and to this day, the population of fish has not diminished.

"Panama" means "an abundance of fish," and Piñas Bay truly lives up to this translation.  Most of our best fishing is 20 minutes away right out our front door, making this a truly  unique location.  Our seas are quite calm which makes us even more popular with the lady and junior anglers!

CONSERVATION in Panama has been very aggressive in it's preservation of sportfishing.  In August 1997 a law was enacted that protects ALL billfish from being caught commercially.  The Piñas area has a 20 mile "non-commercial" fishing zone radius prohibiting any type of commercial fishing.  Tropic Star guests also do their part by releasing all billfish, with very few exceptions.  The IGFA gave the 1999 conservation award in the country category to Panama and the Panamanian President went to Florida to personally accept this prestigious award.  Panama was also host and co-sponsor of the First Sport Fishing Economic Conference of Central America.  At Tropic Star, we've helped pioneer the use of circle hooks, which drastically improve the survival rate of all billfish.  Ongoing conservation efforts help to preserve our world-class Fishery.   A paradise sliced from the side of a mountain and surrounded by a dense jungle rich with wildlife and tropical flora, surrounded by Piñas Bay and the bountiful Pacific Ocean.  The lodge is 150 miles south of Panama City (50 minutes by air) and 100 miles from the nearest road.  We land on a private concrete airstrip in the village of Piñas.  You are met and transported to the Lodge via a 15 minute boat ride along the rugged shoreline in the protected Bay of Piñas.  It is truly "National Geographic Country."

Notably, Mike Leech past president of the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) says with regard to Tropic Star "If I had my choice of spending one week at any fishing lodge in the world, it would be Tropic Star Lodge."

Tropic Star Lodge - A resort so remote it is only accessible by boat or plane.  A place where luxury and adventure meet.

There are no telephones, fax machines, or televisions at the Lodge, but Ray Smith, spared nothing  when building what is now widely recognized as one of the most luxurious and truly great fishing lodges.  Robb Report Magazine has named Tropic Star as the BEST fishing lodge in the world, calling us the "crown jewel" of fishing.

Our spacious, air conditioned, twin bedded rooms (king size upon request) feature private baths and dressing areas.  The cabins have a surrounding porch which offers a view of the mountains and bay.

If our guests want to view the Bay from 150 feet up the mountainside, they can pay an extra fee to stay in the original owner's home known as El Palacio, or the Palace.  It is reached by cable car or 112 steps up the mountainside!  The Palace can sleep six and has a sunken living room and outside terrace, both with a beautiful panoramic view of the harbor and surrounding mountains.

Even in the middle of the Darien Jungle our guests will have a "Royal" experience when dining.  Your day starts with a made-to-order breakfast.  Lunch and snacks are served aboard the boat or veranda for non-fishing guests.  Upon your return in the afternoon hot fish fingers or sashimi are served on the porch or by the freshwater pool, a cooling way to wind down the day's adventure.

In the evening, out guests gather in the dining room where a multi-course candlelit dinner, complete with wine, is served.  Fresh baked pies, cherries jubilee, or baked Alaska provide a sweet finish to a perfect day.

Other than our World Class bill fishing, we also offer bottom fishing, fly-fishing and trolling or casting along the rocks.

On your return to our tropical paradise, our staff will be waiting to greet you, as the fish stories get bigger by the minute...

We have much more to offer to entice our non-fishing guests or our fishing guests who would like to take a half or full day off from fishing.

You can escape everyday life and relax in harmony with the unspoiled environment.  We offer kayaks to enjoy the coast or go up the Piñas river and feel the wilderness all around you.  A hike or boat ride brings the perfect solitude of our beautiful white beach with its pristine turquoise waters and rich coral banks ideal for snorkeling.  There are jungle trails to be hiked up the mountainside and at the very top the view is spectacular!

Special arrangements can be made to visit a nearby Indian village where you can trade for hand woven baskets, carvings, beads and other crafts.  And let's not forget, you can float your cares away in our fresh water swimming pool, or take some sun on the deck while being pampered by our friendly staff.

Birdwatching can be done from your own porch.  A favorite is watching the weaver birds make their nests in the swaying palm trees.  Tropical butterflies and bright colored hummingbirds can be seen without wandering off the sidewalk.

Sam Pancotta's 1,000 lb.+ Black Marlin

SPECIALS

Guaranteed Marlin: August - September 30th

If your boat fails to catch a marlin, everyone on your boat receives free airfare.  Which includes: a per person $500 limit on full weekends and $250 on 1/2 week bookings.  We are that confident that our marlin fishing will live up to it's past reputation in August - September.

Kids Club:  Tropic Star Lodge together with IGFA are working hard at introducing kids to sport fishing.  We have a great incentive to bring the kids down.  July - August, kids come free!  (1kid per fishing adult)  Seeing the smile and pleasure these kids get from catching a marlin, sailfish, or roosterfish and even small baitfish on the dock at night, is what fishing is all about.