We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all
CPate
Dallas, Texas

Great accommodations, but very disappointing Bill Fishing.

2.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 18 Apr 2020
After multiple trips years ago with great memories, I decided to go back this past February 14-23 with a friend who fishes in Costa Rica but had never gone to Panama. We went supposedly in the very “best time of the year for Black Marlin”.
We fished for 7 days straight and never got anything, but just one. My friend got nothing and was upset beyond belief as I had “talked the place up”....my bad. It has apparently been “overfished”over the years and it shows.

Night after night the staff kept highlighting how great the food and service is.... and it is really good but we did not go there to eat and sleep.
You lose two days just trying to get there and also on the back end since airlines have greatly cut back on service. Four days of travel for 7 days of fishing is just too much time wasted.
Bottom line, outrageously expensive and a long way to go for no fish.
Date of stay: February 2020
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Problem with this review?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory White, Guest Services / Front Office at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this review
Responded 23 Apr 2020
Dear Cpate,

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. All reviews are taken seriously and we appreciate your comments and are happy to know that everything we can control you were pleased with.

We try to address everybody's concerns as soon as they are brought to our attention. In your case, the management team spoke to you during your stay. We understand that you were disappointed with your fishing and we’re very sorry that your number of Marlin releases fell below expectations.

We track Marlin and other species very closely and we are very happy to report that the numbers haven’t diminished over the last 20 years since we've started recording the data. We are very proud of our 20 mile no commercial fishing zone around the lodge and with the help of the Panamanian government the fisheries throughout Panama are thriving.

Our distinctive location in the Darien Jungle with no roads for over 100 miles provides a truly unique experience for our anglers. To get to the lodge guests arrive to Tocumen International Airport and are met with VIP Royal Saloon service that see our guests through security and customs. Guests are then met by a Tropic Star English speaking driver that ensures our guests get to and from the airport on both ends of their stay. On the return Copa Airlines offers direct flights to 13 different US cities with options to return home the same day. Other airlines offer this option as well. Many of our guests, however, enjoy the opportunity to explore Panama City.

Thank you again for your comments.

Kind regards,

Richard and Mallory White

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nearby Hotels
Contact accommodation for availability.
96.2 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Free parking
Restaurant
Contact accommodation for availability.
131.8 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Free Wifi
Pool
Le Lodge vu de la forêt
Contact accommodation for availability.
102.0 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Free parking
Contact accommodation for availability.
150.2 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Contact accommodation for availability.
131.7 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Contact accommodation for availability.
76.1 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Restaurant
Contact accommodation for availability.
104.6 km from Tropic Star Lodge
Contact accommodation for availability.
125.7 km from Tropic Star Lodge
View more hotels in Pinas Bay
Reviews (254)
Filter reviews
254 results
Traveller rating
232
9
5
5
3
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
232
9
5
5
3
Show reviews that mention
All reviews tropic star fish tuna panama city black marlin top notch bucket list my wife first class world class cubera snapper through customs jurassic park two days marlin bar take care local village
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
134 - 139 of 254 reviews
Reviewed 23 December 2019

Well, I will do my best to top my review from my last visit 2 years ago. Everything runs so smoothly from the time you are picked up at your baggage claim at the airport until the time they drop you off for your flight home. Outstanding teamwork. My Villa was gorgeous. A lot of attention paid to detail everywhere you look.
I was on another solo trip for 4 days over the full moon period. The 1st three days were extremely slow although my crew worked hard. We boated 4 Mahi for the dinner table. On the 4th day all hell broke loose and we caught 3 marlin in 2 hours during the lunch hour. Two blacks and a blue in the 350 lb. range caught while trolling through the scores of boiling baits. We also caught a 180 lb. shark that was a lot of work. Thanks to Richard for "changing things up". Our crew was rocking as we had the latino tunes just a blaring on the Polyannas sound system. Thanks also to Fidel, Armando & Weimer. All teamwork. True forever bonds are created.
That's fishing. Don't give up.
Richard & Mallory make you feel like family. Congrats on the addition to their family. I took some great pictures.
I'll be back. It's addicting.

Room tip: All have a gorgeous view.
Date of stay: December 2019
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank canukontario
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory W, Guest Relations Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 28 December 2019

Dear Canukontario,

Thank you for leaving such a kind review of your return trip to Tropic Star Lodge. Sometimes “changing it up” is all it takes to put you on the fish. Such an exciting way for you to wrap up your stay! You said it best, fishing is fishing but teamwork and forever bonds are the constant that carry throughout the sport. All of us here look forward to your next trip back to Tropic Star Lodge. You’re family!

All the best,
Mallory and Richard White

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
Reviewed 15 November 2019

I went with a group of friends as well as my brother and father. It was in so many ways the trip of a lifetime. We fished for four days and caught fish every day but that was not at all. Every member of the staff was extraordinary. By the end of day one not only did they know what we drink but they bring you coffee upon wake up every morning in your room. It was positively magical. Thank you to everyone at Tropic star for such a memorable experience. I hope to be back soon!

Date of stay: August 2019
Trip type: Travelled with family
Thank DugStowe
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory W, Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 24 November 2019

Dear DugStowe,

We are so happy to hear that your fishing trip to Tropic Star Lodge was a trip of a lifetime full of fish and memorable experiences. Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and mentioning our extraordinary staff. We’re so glad they helped make your trip to Tropic Star magical. Thank you again and we can’t wait to have you back.

All the best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
Reviewed 5 August 2019 via mobile

Once again the staff at Tropic Star treated us to a wonderful anniversary experience. They went out of their way to make it a special trip, including a special flower arrangement and coordinating with our family to procure some surprise gifts. As always they also arranged some excellent big game fishing. The only thing better was my wife suggesting we spend our 40th anniversary fishing at TS! We’ll be back!

Date of stay: August 2019
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
1  Thank gdkurdys
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory W, Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 6 August 2019

Dear gdkurdys,

We are so happy to hear that your return trip to Tropic Star for your 40th Wedding Anniversary was a wonderful one! It was so great for us to have been part of such a special trip and help with your surprise gifts. Congratulations on the great fishing too –that epic Sailfish day and Black Marlin, especially! We appreciate you for taking the time to write about your time here and leave your review. We can’t wait to see you both back to Tropic Star Lodge soon.

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
Reviewed 29 July 2019

Husband & I love to fish so we booked the lodge for 4 nights. We fished for 4 days. We were there in the off season (billfish like marlin & sailfish have gone farther out). We fished mostly near the shore for different species. We caught Jack

Date of stay: August 2018
1  Thank JerMac2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory W, Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 30 July 2019

Dear JerMac2013,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your review of your stay from May 2017. Tropic Star Lodge is an adventure from start to finish! Congratulations again on all your catches during our inshore season -Roosterfish, African Pompano, Jack crevalle , and Yellowfin Tuna. Your video of one of your Roosters is still one of our favorites! We hope to see you back soon for your next fishing vacation.

All the best,
Mallory and Richard White

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
Reviewed 21 July 2019

There are so many great things about the lodge, I don't know where to start. We are first time visitors with no expectations. From the minute we arrived at the lodge we were treated like family. "All" of the staff were courteous and helpful for whatever we needed. The wakeup knock on the door was a beautiful way to start the day. After breakfast we went fishing. The boats were excellent as was the gear but the captain and mate made the difference when it came to catching fish. The facilities were clean, neat and well maintained. We look forward to returning in 2021. If you like to be pampered don't miss Tropic Star Lodge. Yuu will be met by Richard White, his wife and new baby. Thanks for a great time, Tom & Carol.

Date of stay: July 2019
Thank TOM Z
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mallory W, Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 25 July 2019

Dear TOM Z,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a “six-star” review! We agree the wakeup call with a warm cup of coffee is a beautiful way to start your fishing day. We are so happy to know that you enjoyed your time out on the water with our talented crews as well as our land based facilities. We look forward to your visit in 2021 and pampering you both all over again!

All the best,
Richard and Mallory White

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC
View more reviews