CUBERA SNAPPER

#1 Stress Reliever

Catch Big Cubera Snapper off dozens of spots throughout the islands

Here are more Pacific Dogtooth Snapper, we call Cubera than anywhere in the world 

You very likely will catch one of your own

Pacific Dogtooth Snapper… Cubera for short, grow one pound per year.

The pictures on this page are 40 to 100 year old fish

A multi-day fishing charter is the best way to reunite old friends

#1 Stress Reliever

Cubera Snapper in Panama: Big Dogs of the Reefs

Cubera Snapper—locally named actually the native Pacific Dog Snapper (Lutjanus novemfasciatus)—grow to 4 feet and more than 80 lbs with red bodies and massive canines. Most similar to Atlantic Cubera but Pacific-adapted, they’re brute fighters around Isla Coiba—

Our guests have caught hundreds over the years. There must be more here than anywhere in Central America.

Migration, Territory, and Habits

• Pelagic Migration: Short coastal moves (10-100 miles); deeper dry season (December-April), shallower rainy (May-November).
• Territory: Defend rocky reefs; loose groups during feeds.
• Breeding: Aggregations December-January around full moons in 50-150 feet; maturity at 2-3 feet.
• Water Temp and Depths: Best 74-84°F (optimal 76-82°F); 10-300 feet, often 30-150 feet.

Biology and Fun Facts

These ambush kings hunt fish (mullet, sardines), crustaceans (shrimp, crabs), and squid over rocks. Masses used to swarm Coiba-area subsea spots—casting topwater plugs triggered competitive feeds with 4 cuberas battling for the lure! Gill-netting during late 90s spawns diminished numbers, but big ones are still catchable most days. Fun fact: Their “dog teeth” crush prey like vices!

Fishing Tips for Panama Anglers

• Techniques: Cast topwater plugs over rocks for explosive strikes and multi-fish chaos; heavy gear (50-80 lb) handles 20-40 minute bulldog fights.
• Hotspots: Coiba reefs and nearby rocks in 30-100 feet—prime for big ones any day.
• Why Chase Them?: Thrilling action and firm white meat—grill or ceviche fillets. Sustainable practices essential after past overfishing; release trophies per regs.

Cubera Snapper deliver reef-rattling battles in Panama—book a charter and cast for yours!

Contact  Coiba Adventure Sportfishing marlinpanama.com for guided trips. US 800-800-0907