2025 BOQUETE PANAMA GRAND ADVENTURE!

Note from Zach: Lord willing, every year we will take one out of the country trip. Last year we took a world-class fishing trip to Costa Rica. Everything was first-rate and we had a literally amazing time! Until you've been offshore and seen 10,000 porpoises over a two day period, or watched heavy rain drops bounce off a gently rolling ocean as far as the eye can see, it's hard to grasp the wonder we experienced. We enjoyed great beachfront accommodations, including memory foam mattresses, cold A/C, and a modern kitchen...perfect for processing the 120 pounds of vacuum sealed Yellowfin Tuna filets we brought back with us. 😊 Another highlight was when Jason Gillispie hooked a 500 pound Blue Marlin and fought it for almost four hours before it broke off (captain & crew's best estimate when it broke water). There was also a wonderful, laidback beach vibe which included listening to locals perform at beachfront restaurants while we watched the sun set over the ocean. The only thing I would change, if I could, would be the temperature and humidity...it remained constant. That's where Boquete comes in! Looking forward to 2025, I initially planned to scout another world-class fishing area (Boca Chica) a little farther south in Panama. While researching what the area had to offer, I discovered all these "tours" that were available. I quickly noticed they all originated from the same small town...yup, you guessed it, "Boquete."  The various tours intrigued me, so I decided to make Boquete my basecamp and focus. I fell in love with the place!  By the time I finished scouting, it was clear to me Boquete, and all it had to offer, should be the focus, and I should add one day of fishing. As I've said before, if the Colorado Rockies had a baby with a lush tropical forest, that would be Boquete. Boquete sits at 3,700' above sea level at the base of a volcano (Volcan Baru) and its temperature is perfect! No wonder it has the largest expat population in Panama!  This will be a 7 day - 6 night all-inclusive trip, except airfare since United's group policy has changed, and everyone has to book their own flight. NOTE: We can bring back fish from this trip as well!

Spots: No limit at this time. I'll just have to see as guys signup. 

Location: Boquete, Panama 

Dates: January 28th - February 3rd (Tuesday thru Monday)

Cost: $2,045.00 per man + airfare! 

Travel: From DFW to DAV (David, Panama). As far as I know, it's a 3-leg trip (DFW to Houston - Houston to Panama City - Panama City to David, Panama). Copa is the local airlines that flies from Panama City to David. NOTE: I will be leaving two days early on Sunday, January 26th to make sure everything is in order and to work with a local captain to determine if there is good flounder gigging in Boca Chica for a possible future trip. IMPORTANT: PLEASE COORDINATE ALL TRAVEL THOUGH ME SINCE BOQUETE IS AN HOUR FROM THE AIRPORT, SO I CAN PICK UP EVERYONE AT THE SAME TIME. 😊

Airfare: I purchased my ticket two days ago and it was $822.00 Round Trip. However, as we all know, the longer you wait to book, the more you are likely to pay for airfare. Earlier this year, when I went to scout, I think I paid around $1,400.00. I'm very happy with $822.00! 

Includes:  All transportation from when you arrive in David until you return to David to fly home, lodging, meals, tours, tips, and vacuum sealing of fish. Pretty much everything except airfare, meals on flying days, and souvenirs. 

Lodging: There are several beautiful properties available. Which one we stay at will be determined by how many guys end up going. If you plan to go, please sign-up ASAP so I can lock in our accommodations. Historically, the rates climb quite a bit as we get closer.

AGENDA: PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION. 

Tuesday: Arrive in David. I will be waiting to pick you up at the airport. We'll settle in and grab dinner. 

Wednesday: Morning Tour - Treetop Zipline - almost 3 miles! It was awesome! Afternoon Tour - Hanging Bridges - 2.8 miles (6 bridges).

Thursday: Whitewater Rafting - Passport required because we will be rafting between Panama & Costa Rica. Very beautiful & relaxing!
Friday: Morning Tour - Coffee Plantation. Afternoon Tour - Waterfalls Hike - 2.8 miles - Beautiful, but strenuous (there are rest options).

Saturday: Offshore Fishing - depart from private dock at a Mangrove plantation. World-class fishing...potential to catch many & large!

Sunday: Rest & souvenir shopping. Or, something else if everyone wants to. 

Monday: Depart for home.

What to bring: Major items include: Passport, comfortable clothes well suited for hiking & walking around...same goes for footwear, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, toiletries, etc... Prior to the trip date, I will be sending out more specific trip information.

What not to bring: We ask that you refrain from bringing/drinking alcohol in consideration for others who might join us. 

Note from Zach: We've been blessed year after year to return to Terra Firma located on the beautiful Llano River, just outside of Junction, Texas. Terra Firma is owned by my good friend Mark Cole. This is another very popular trip; one that guys come back to year after year. With few exceptions, every year we have guys attend who have never been fly fishing, but leave with a new skill set. This is the most relaxing trip of the year...fish...don't fish...read a book...tie flies...or just catch up on sleep between meals, fellowship, and campfires. For all you beginners, or any other skill level, our host, Mark, will be giving free fly-fishing lessons and instruction. He has years of experience, is a very good teacher, and is more than happy to pass on his knowledge!  Looking forward,  I'm considering doing something different this time of year in 2026, so if you haven't been before or want  to attend while you can, I hope you will join us! Lum's BBQ is reason enough! Anyone who has been before knows what I'm talking about! 😊 If you would like to attend but do not own any equipment...NO PROBLEM! We have plenty of extra equipment...just let me know when you signup.

Spots: There are 10 spots available.

Location: Terra Firma Ranch - Junction, Texas
 

Dates: March 28th – 30th (Friday thru Sunday)

Cost: $185.00 per man + fishing license (License must be purchased prior to arriving)

Includes: Lodging, snacks, drinks, and all meals once you arrive. Note: Let us know if you need to purchase or borrow equipment.

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Lodging: Terra Firma’s lodging consists of a barndominium which sleeps 6-8 and a house that sleeps 4. Both are perched on a ridge above the beautiful Llano River. Terra Firma boasts 1,000’ of beautiful river frontage perfectly suited for fly fishing, and additional access to hundreds of yards of river downstream. Seasoned fisherman love it!

Main Event: Other than going to town (Junction) to eat, everything will take place on the ranch. During this weekend, you will have the opportunity to relax, learn, fly fish, hike, or just sit around. Side note: There is a great/deep hole/bend in the river at the top of Mark’s property. It is a great spot for anyone who would like to catfish or do other types of fishing…crank baits, jigs, bobber, etc.
 

Agenda: Friday: Arrive in the afternoon, get settled in, fish if you have enough time. 

Saturday: Hit the river and lessons for anyone interested.

Sunday morning: Fish the morning, then head back home.
 

What to bring: Prior to the trip date, I will be sending out more specific trip information & coordinating caravanning if needed.

What not to bring: We ask that you refrain from bringing alcohol.