Page 2 - 2019_Season_Newsletter

Letter from the Fishing Director
Fresh Off the Dock
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Tropic Star Lodge opened in 1963 as Club de Pesca de Panama. Ray Smith, a clear visionary in his time, built an oasis here in Piñas Bay as the home for the ultimate fishing experience. The lodge is tucked far away in the Darien Jungle, just seven miles from the notorious Zane Grey Reef in Panama. Originally the Lodge consisted of just five cabins and the Palace, Mr. Smith’s original home on the top of the hill. Club de Pesca de Panama was a home away from home to share with family and friends in both the thrill and the much more frequent quiet times of reflection waiting for that Marlin to bite. Today, we have the same commitment to serve as the home for our anglers to share
in the ultimate fishing experience.
Anyone can have a beautiful house, but a home has all the best of memories. Tropic Star Lodge is that home for our fishing family to swap stories, laugh with friends while enjoying a Pina Colada relaxing by the pool.
Our 2019 season kicked off with our annual season opening billfish tournament, and our fleet of Bertram’s were shiny and ready. A new round of renovations had been completed at the Lodge which included Bertram upgrades, refurbished cabins, and renovations to the Palace bedrooms. The staff eagerly awaited the arrival of our guests to open the new season and
experience our upgrades. The fish were biting and the excitement was off the charts. We had first time guests visiting as well as those who have been to the lodge for more than sixty trips. And it was two new family members who took the tournament win! The top boat of the Tournament was a Tropic Star Lodge boat, Miss Scandia, with Capt. Jose and Mate Eladio getting 1600 points over the two days of fishing.
December is a lot of fun at the lodge as everyone is in the holiday spirits no matter which holiday is celebrated. The Lodge is lit up with decorations and Christmas trees are scattered around the property.
It is always special sharing in the excitement of the junior anglers who join us for this season. December is also the best month of the year to get your Grand Slam. This year we had over 15 Grand Slams in December and loads of offshore slams (which consist of a Tuna, Dorado and a billfish). The Inshore bite is still very productive and even a few Wahoo are to be found.
The Black Marlin put on an excellent show during January and February this year. The Black Marlin is considered by most billfish anglers as the most elusive of the Marlin and a real prize to catch. In conservation news: 30 satellite tags were successfully deployed with our partners, The Guy Harvey