In 1961, Texas oilman, Ray Smith, built the Lodge as his “home away from home.”  In 1963 it was opened as a fishing lodge under the name, Club de Pesca.  Shortly after Ray Smith’s passing in 1968, the Club was sold to Edwin Kennedy who renamed it Tropic Star Lodge to complement a sister lodge in Canada known as the Arctic Star Lodge.  In 1976, the Lodge was purchased by the late Conway D. Kittredge, of Orlando, Florida, and is now operated by Piñas Bay Resorts. One of Conway´s daughters, Terri Kittredge Andrews, and her husband, Mike, are the Chief Executive Officers of Piñas Bay Resorts.

 

THE LODGE

 The original owner’s home is known as El Palacio (The Palace.)  It is situated 122 steps up the mountainside, but the cable car is the popular choice. Accommodations for 6 guests, with 3 bedrooms (each with its own private bathroom), sunken living room and large terrace expose you to a breathtaking view of Piñas Bay and the densely covered mountains of the surrounding rainforest. The Palace is perfect for groups traveling together or families.

 

The spacious air conditioned cabins have a   beautiful view. Each room has two twin beds (or one king bed if requested) and a private bath/dressing room. The cabins have bench swings and chairs out on the wraparound porches, inviting you to a relaxing afternoon or evening while enjoying the sights and sounds of the rainforest.  Mosquitoes are a rarity in this particular location of Panama, making our bit of paradise even more desirable. Casa Grande is great for groups to be close by and share a large porch with a bay view and easy access. One cabin has wheelchair access.

 

Meals are one of the many highlights at the Lodge.  The catch of the day is offered as well as our regular main course selection.  The chefs prepare various specialties, such as the famous Tropic Star Lodge Black Bean Soup, freshly baked bread and pies, ceviche, sashimi, Baked Alaska and many more varied and delectable dishes. Our scenic dining room offers the perfect setting every night for our multi course dinners, served with complimentary wine. When you arrive on Saturday, dinner is buffet style at the pool, where the chefs prepare your fish, chicken, ribs or steak kabobs on the outdoor grill. If you have special dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know at the time of your booking.

 

During the last evening, the managers conduct a presentation of certificates to those clients which have caught their first of a particular billfish species or any other outstanding catch and/or world record.

 

 

 

FISHING        PAGE 3

 

Panama is an Indian word meaning “an abundance of fish”.

 

At Tropic Star Lodge most of the fishing is 6 to 18 miles offshore in calm waters. The roughest seas (4 to 6 ft.) normally occur January through March.

 

In the Pacific waters around the Lodge, you can catch Black, Blue, and Striped Marlin, as well as sailfish year round. You will also have a good chance of reeling in huge dolphin, tuna (some over 200 pounds), above average roosterfish, snapper, grouper, amberjack, rainbow runner, wahoo and mackerel.  In recent years, a few tarpon have also been caught. The prime Black Marlin season is December through mid-April. Typically there is an additional run of marlin in July, August and September.  The majority of the marlin released in this time period average in the 500 plus pound range. Pacific Sailfish are here year-round and are very abundant from mid-April through June.  If it’s a grand slam you’re after, March to mid-April is the best time, as well as July and August.  Your grand slam could be a Black, Blue, Striped Marlin, Sailfish, or even a Swordfish!  We highly recommend you spend some time fishing the rocks, so you may want to bring some of your own lucky plugs and lures.

 

IGFA World Records: TSL has broken over 250 IGFA World Records. We currently hold over 40 World Records, the majority of them being Black, Blue, Striped Marlin, and Pacific Sailfish.  Tropic Star Lodge is recognized worldwide for our records set on light and ultra light line.

 

We are very proud and delighted to announce that our young anglers have set over 40 of their own IGFA World Records in the Junior Angler division at Tropic Star!

 

About Our Boats:  Our entire rainbow fleet of customized, fully rigged, 31-foot Bertram boats with twin diesel Detroit engines are more than efficient for our waters in Piñas.  Our fleet consists of fourteen boats, but we always keep at least one in reserve for back up, to ensure that you are always fishing.  We have tuna tubes/live-bait well combos and downriggers on each boat.

 

Fishing Tackle:  Each boat is provided with Shimano or Penn International reels, and custom Tropic Star Offshore Series Cape Fear rods in the 16 to 50 lb. class.  If you want to fly fish or fish with light tackle (anything under 16 lb.) you will need to bring your own.  You will find your boat equipped with spinning rods, bait rods, hand lines, harnesses, belly gimbals, Moldcraft lures, one set of teasers, marlin and sailfish leaders with circle hooks, gaffs, and a limited supply of plugs.

 

About Circle Hooks: Tropic Star Lodge is one of the first to move over to circle hooks for all bait fishing.  Our crews have received international recognition for the innovation and skill they apply to the rigging of circle hooks to their Panama strip baits for sailfish, as well as live bait for marlin.

 

 

CONSERVATION/CONAMAR FOUNDATION

 

The government of Panama is recognized worldwide for its efforts toward conservation during the last ten years.  A Presidential decree written into law on August 25, 1997 protects all billfish from being caught for commercial value.  There is a noncommercial fishing zone within a twenty mile radius that protects the Piñas Bay fishing area.  The challenge was getting Panama to enforce these new laws but as a direct result of this legislation, our fishing has dramatically improved. Tropic Star Lodge is proud to have played a pro-active part in the adoption of this superb legislation. 

 

Pinas Bay is proud to be one of the founders of the CONAMAR Foundation, established in honor of the late Conway D. Kittredge.  The CONAMAR mission promotes conservation and protection of nature, the environment and marine species, as well as contributing to the social responsibility of preserving the natural resources for future generations. This foundation has been very active at the national and regional levels to protect game fish and marine fauna in general.  Tropic Star Lodge is strongly committed to the CONAMAR Foundation, which is the prime moving force in Panama for sports fishing and conservation. For more information or to subscribe to our monthly Newsletter, please go to  www.fconamar.org 

 

 

THE REST OF YOUR DAY (after fishing)…    PAGE 4

 

Cocktails are served along with appetizers prepared from the catch of the day, plantains, and homemade potato chips.  Guests usually socialize, exchanging their fish stories in the air-conditioned bar, the restaurant’s veranda, or the pool. The freshwater swimming pool and poolside bar are very popular places to be after a day of fishing. 

 

For our more adventurous guests: There are several nature hikes you can take right from the Lodge.  A popular hike for many guests is the trail up and over a small mountain where you’ll find a beautiful secluded white sand beach. There is limited snorkeling equipment available for “White Beach” adventures.  Please keep in mind that this hike is only for the physically fit.  Another great way to experience the surrounding rainforest is in a kayak; this is not as strenuous as the hike and this activity is accessible to most people.  Kayaks are complimentary and you can go off on your own to explore the bay or even paddle up the Piñas River. 

 

Visit the local Indian village: This is a complimentary, guided tour. However, a $5.00 donation will be collected and given to the Indian chief to benefit his people. This trip is available for groups of six or more. This trip is normally done one day a week after fishing. These beautiful indigenous Indians demonstrate a few of their traditional dances and display artisan crafts for sale.  If you are so inclined, appropriate gifts to take to the native people are used clothing, cloth, thread and needles or school supplies for the children.  Bring your camera, they love having their picture taken!   Any gifts should be separate and identified as “excess luggage“as each guest has a weight limit on baggage.  The excess luggage will travel to the Lodge when space is available or by boat.

 

 

TROPIC STAR LODGE KIDS’ CLUB

 

During July and August, Tropic Star Lodge offers a “Kids’ Club” special.

This offer entitles one child (16 & under) to go free with one fishing adult.  Transfers must be paid for each child.

 This special includes enrollment into the IGFA Jr. Angler Program for each child, compliments of Tropic Star Lodge.

(The Kids’ Club cannot be combined with any other offer)

 

 

NON-FISHING PACKAGE

 

Non-fishing guests can also enjoy the Tropic Star experience without fishing.

 During peak times, availability for non-fishing parties may be restricted. 

 

 

 

PRIVATE YACHTS

 

We have a limited amount of private boat memberships. Memberships are reserved for yacht owners

 and their guests only.  December-March these memberships are sold out months in advance, so please

 submit your applications early.

 

Sorry no charter boats will be approved for membership.

 

 

TROPIC STAR LODGE IS OPEN DECEMBER THROUGH MID-SEPTEMBER        PAGE 5

January thru March the fishing package is 6 days 7 nights only.

April Thru Mid-September 3, 4 days and our 6 days fishing packages are all available.

The fishing remains remarkable throughout the year!

 

Tropic Star Lodge is closed for our maintenance program from October through November

ARRIVAL IN PANAMA CITY

 

Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you will be met at the gate by our VIP Royal Saloon Meet and Greet Service. After you clear Immigration and Customs, you will be escorted out of the terminal.  Your city Transfer Service will be curbside as you exit the terminal and will take you to your hotel. Transfers are for the following hotels: Miramar Intercontinental Hotel, Bristol or Crown Plaza.  You will receive a letter detailing the luggage pick-up time for Friday evening and Saturday morning’s pick up time for transportation to the domestic airport. If you do not receive this letter, please ask for it.  Note: Tips for airport personnel, drivers and hotel porters are not included and are at your discretion.

 

 

TRANSPORT TO AIRPORT AND ARRIVAL TO PINAS BAY

(You must show your passport, so keep it handy for flights to and from Pinas.  DO NOT PUT IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!!!)

The next day you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the domestic airport. You must arrive at Albrook Airport at least forty-five minutes prior to departure so that carry-on luggage can be weighed and loaded aboard the aircraft. If there are any changes we will leave a message at your hotel. 

After a 50 minute flight you arrive at the Piñas Bay airstrip. You are then transported to our panga boat for the breathtaking 10 minute boat trip to the Lodge. 

 

Depending on the tides, it may be necessary for you to get your feet wet while boarding the panga.  Be prepared with slip off shoes or beach shoes that can get wet and/or easily removed; wear shorts or pants that can be rolled up.

Upon your arrival at the Lodge, you will be greeted by our staff and given a short orientation followed by lunch.  There is a Welcome Party on Saturday evening around the pool, followed by a buffet barbeque dinner, where you can get acquainted with the other guests.

 

FISHING DAYS  

 

Your 5:30am wake up call is a staff member knocking on your door with a cup of coffee, juice or tea.  Breakfast is served in the dining room at your leisure.  The fishing boats depart the Lodge at 6:30am or later if requested. Lines up at 3:00pm, unless you have a fish on!  For safety purposes all boats must return to port well before dark. Other activities include swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, exploring jungle rivers, hiking and kayaking.

 

DEPARTURE FROM PINAS BAY TO PANAMA CITY

 

You are transferred to the Piñas airstrip for your flight back to Panama City, then transported to your hotel or Int’l Airport.  The remainder of the day is open for you to enjoy Panama City. 

(Remember to keep passports handy for your arrival back into the city.)

 

DEPARTURE FROM PANAMA CITY

 

The next day, transfer from your hotel to the Tocumen International Airport for your departure flight out of Panama City. The time will be given to you 2 nights before you depart. Any changes must be done by 4:00 p.m., the following day after you receive (48 hours prior to your departure) .

 

 

DAYS	6 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS (December thru Mid September)	4 DAYS & 5 NIGHTS (January thru March not available)	3 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS (January thru March not available)
FRIDAY	ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY TRANSFER TO HOTEL	ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY TRANSFER TO HOTEL
SATURDAY	TRANSPORTED TO AIRPORT AND ARRIVAL IN PINAS BAY	TRANSPORTED TO AIRPORT AND ARRIVAL IN PINAS BAY
SUNDAY	FISHING	FISHING
MONDAY	FISHING	FISHING	ARRIVE IN PANAMA CITY TRANSFER TO HOTEL
TUESDAY	FISHING	FISHING	TRANSPORTED TO AIRPORT AND ARRIVAL IN PINAS BAY
WEDNESDAY	FISHING	FISHING	FISHING
THURSDAY	FISHING	DEPARTURE FROM PINAS BAY TO PANAMA CITY	FISHING
FRIDAY	FISHING	DEPARTURE FROM PANAMA CITY	FISHING
SATURDAY	DEPARTURE FROM PINAS BAY TO PANAMA CITY		DEPARTURE FROM PINAS BAY TO PANAMA CITY
SUNDAY	DEPARTURE FROM PANAMA CITY		DEPARTURE FROM PANAMA CITY

 

 

 

MAKING A RESERVATION        PAGE 6

Make your reservation for a fantastic and memorable fishing trip today!

 

For information and reservations, call the Orlando, Florida reservation office at 1-800-682-3424

or  407-843-0125, fax 407-839-3637, e-mail us at BONNIE@TROPICSTAR.COM

or write to our U.S. reservation office at 635 N. Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32805.

 

The Orlando reservation office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. 

Please visit our web page at http://www.tropicstar.com.

 

To make a reservation, you will need to provide the following information:

Your name, address, telephone, fax numbers and e-mail address

Number of guests in your party

Number of boats required for your trip

Number of guests in your party

Number of guests fishing from each boat

What dates you would like to go to the lodge

Number of fishing days

What dates you would like to go to the loge

 

December and April thru September 6 days 7 nights and partial weeks are available

 

Specify if you prefer fly or conventional fishing (fly fishermen must bring their own tackle)

 

DEPOSITS

Your deposit is due within fourteen (14) days from the date of booking your trip with the Orlando reservation office.  Deposits are 50% of the weekly rate multiplied by the number of guests.

 

 Reservations are not confirmed until your deposit is received.   If you do not submit your deposit within 14 days from the date that you made your reservation, your reservation is subject to cancellation.  The space you reserved will be considered available for the next interested customer.     Should you decide to rebook, your reservation may need to be put on a waiting list.  You will be notified if and when space becomes available.

 

FINAL PAYMENT

The balance of the Pinas Bay Resorts SA invoice is due in the Orlando office (90) days prior to your arrival at the lodge and can be paid by Check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.   At this time, you must pay your Tropic Express, S.A. Invoice and this must be paid by Credit Card, ONLY!.  If the Orlando office, within the designated time frame, has not received final payment, Piñas Bay Resorts reserves the right to sell the space in question with forfeiture of all monies previously paid.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Payments made on your trip are refundable for cancellations received, in writing, at least ninety-one (91) days prior to your arrival, less a $1,000 per person cancellation fee ($500 may be applied towards a trip within one year of your cancellation).  If you cancel your trip, for whatever reason, 0-90 days prior to your arrival at the Lodge, all payments will be nonrefundable.  Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

 

Travel insurance is recommended in the event of a family emergency, an act of God, or any other unforeseen situation that would require you to cancel your trip.  If you are booking your trip through a travel agency, ask them about travel insurance.  If you need additional information on travel insurance, you may call

Adventure Travel @ 800-940-5883

.

Required Documents for United States citizens, a valid passport is required to enter the Republic of Panama and the expiration date must be valid 6 months prior to Arrival. Your airline will sell you a Panamanian tourist card before departing the United States for Panama upon presentation of your passport. Guests coming to Panama from countries other than the United States must check with officials in their respective homelands as to what documents are required to enter the Republic of Panama. Be advised that required documentation is subject to revision; what was acceptable last month or last year may not be acceptable on the dates you are traveling. It is your responsibility to check with the airline or your travel agency about any changes that may have been made by the Government of Panama that would require any additional information or documents.   For up to date information on Passports, Visas, etc. you can log onto http://www.travel.state.gov . New in 2006, Passports must be valid at least 6 months after you return back home, from your trip.  

 

Health Requirements:   You must be in good physical health to visit the Tropic Star Lodge.  There is a fair amount of walking and you must be agile enough to get in and out of small transport boats and airplanes.  Our dock is 500 feet long and although it is not strenuous to most, it can be to some. If you are under a doctor’s care, please share with him that the Lodge is very remote and medical assistance is limited.  Also, if you are on any medication, you must bring it with you in your carry-on bag.