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matulevich
Houston, Texas

Things are changing

3.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 30 Apr 2022
This our third time to TSL. The fishing was fantastic. The crew on the boat was excellent; very professional and extremely polite. The staff on shore again excellent. This shall be the last time I visit the place. It's transitioning from a fishing lodge to a fishing resort. Small children and small pet dogs now visit the location. At Presentation Night, an award was given to a 10 year girl for catching a 400 lb blue Marlin. "Right". If this is the sort of fantasy you enjoy, by all means, TSL is waiting for you. The Fishing Manager was a bit condescending and enjoyed being tipsy at dinner on a few occasions. I never got the certificate for bringing Blue Marlin to the boat; it seemed the fishing manager was too busy smoozing a more affluent client.
Date of stay: December 2021
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Ursula Marais, General Manager at Tropic Star Lodge, responded to this review
Responded 06 May 2022
Dear matulevich,

Thank you for joining us for your third trip to Tropic Star Lodge this past December during the Christmas holiday. We appreciate you taking the time to leave your comments regarding your stay. We apologize that you feel that your trip was not up to the standard that you have come to know during your past visits to Tropic Star Lodge which has been under the same management team and fishing director.

We do feel that it’s important to mention that Tropic Star Lodge has and will continue to be a fishing lodge that welcomes families. In fact, we encourage junior anglers as we run our Kids Club Special during the December and summer months where kids 16 and under fish for free. Junior anglers are the future of sport fishing and conservation and we’re proud to support that. Also, many billfish records are held by girls and boys in the junior and small fry categories. For example, the current female Small Fry IGFA World Record for Black Marlin is 335 lb. Certificates given at Tropic Star Lodge, do not follow IGFA rules as the previous mentioned world record, as many of our anglers do not hook their own fish, we celebrate the accomplishment on our final night. We can assure our guests that the “10 year old girl” did catch that fish with the same help from our crews as many of our adult guests receive.

Our fishing director does have a gregarious manner and sense of humor and we’re truly sorry that this came across as condescending as all of us here are so very passionate about what we do and ensuring our guests have the best experience possible.



Best regards,
Ursula Marais
CEO/General Manager

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Reviewed 31 March 2022

My recent trip to Tropic Star Lodge (March ’22) was over 40 years in the making. I had been dreaming of fishing TSL since 10 or 12 yrs of age, seeing the ad in the back of Field & Stream and Saltwater Sportsman magazines. Fishing has been in my blood as long as I can remember, and I have been blessed by being able to blend my vocation and avocation into one. For the last 30 years I have run the largest saltwater guide service in the eastern US (maybe excluding Florida). With a career’s worth of time spent on the water striving to create memorable experiences for my clients, I feel particularly qualified to comment on the fishing related services that TSL delivers.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the world class shoreside amenities. Fortunately, I was part of a group of eight … myself, and seven investment banking and mining executives, who have spent their careers traveling the globe, entertaining, and doing business with the uber-wealthy. This group was exceedingly qualified to assess the shoreside aspect of TSL.

As my title suggests, TSL delivers a 5-star “Michelin” level experience at every turn.

Fishing: TSL is world renown for it’s Marlin fishery. Both Blue and Black are caught here in consistent fashion, with winter being prime season. The fishing is not far from the dock (25 minutes?), and the boats and crews are exceptional for this fishery. Anyone who knows Marlin fishing knows that it is somewhat of a crap shoot … during prime season, TSL may have 15 boats out on the marlin grounds for a full day, and 7 or 10 of them may hook up and land a marlin. This, or course, means 5 – 8 boats might not hook up. If you define your success solely on the landing of a marlin, you are opening yourself up for disappointment. However, if you have your eyes open to all of the other amazing things happening … the bait, the birds, the jungle shoreline, turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, the other fish species (tuna, dorado, sailfish, etc.), the proficiency of the captains and mates, etc., then I guarantee you will be blown away.

Our trip was geared towards targeting the inshore fishery for Roosters, Cubera Snappers, Trevally, etc. and we had a sub-focus of throwing flies. TSL has recently begun developing what is an astounding inshore fishery … pulling live baits on 30lb class conventional tackle, trolling swim baits on spinning gear, and casting poppers and swim baits on hefty spinning gear. The trolling (bait or lures) was significantly more effective (and easier for older clients or those more limited physically), but we caught fish every day on poppers and flies. For those who really prefer casting (flies or lures), the lodge is actively refining it’s offerings to cater to those desires. For example, TSL Fishing Director, Richard White, knew I was passionate about throwing flies, and that I was willing to do whatever I could to try for a rooster fish on a fly … something not done to date at the lodge. Without my asking, Richard took it upon himself to set up a special trip for me to spend a morning in a panga, w/a guide, casting flies along specific rocky shorelines and pocket beaches that were known to hold juvenile roosters. It was a breathtaking experience, and although we didn’t get a rooster to bite, we found small African Pompano, jumbo bonito (that any east coast angler would drool over), and tenacious jacks … all while surrounded, up close and personal, with the impenetrable Darrien Jungle, and spectacular rocky shoreline … it honestly felt like King Kong could emerge from the jungle at any time.

Our group, fishing three boats over six days, caught close to 20 species of fish, including black marlin, yellow fin tuna, bonito, snook, jacks and pompano all on fly rods. My bottom line regarding fishing … come with plans to see and enjoy all aspects of the fishing that TSL has to offer, and let the lodge know exactly what you are hoping for, and there is ZERO chance that you will leave disappointed.

In terms of the shoreside amenities, I am still in awe at how they pull it all off so seamlessly. TSL is completely isolated and self sufficient, yet they don’t miss a trick ... every aspect from when you land in Panama City, through planes, busses and pangas to get to the lodge, all through your stay, and your safe delivery back to Panama City … and all done with a smile, and the warmth of an old friend. Patterson, who appears to be head of food & beverage services, knew everyone by their first name within about 30 minutes of arrival on Saturday (and there were about 30 new guests in our week). A knock on your door at 5:30 every morning with the (pre-selected) beverage of your choice. Dinner choices are selected each morning (from 5 – 7 incredible options), and every night your dinner is placed in your spot … every server know YOU. Cold face cloths greet you every day as you walk up the dock after fishing. The new Marlin Bar off the charts. TSL is literally Disney Land for adult anglers.
But THE FOOD !!! OMG … the wealthy bankers/CEOs in our group were BLOWN AWAY at the caliber of food … both content and presentation. Multiple members stated definitively that TSL dining rivals the best that London or New York has to offer … all while in the middle of the jungle!!

Finally, shoreside experiences. In addition to fishing, TSL offers an idyllic setting reminiscent of Fantasy Island. An amazing pool, jungle hikes to a deserted white sand beach, cultural visits to the local village, turtle nesting/release tours, SUP paddle boards, kayaks, ping-pong, billiards, corn-hole, darts, and more. Just like the fish, everything here is oversized, including pigeon sized grasshoppers, business card sized beetles and leaf bugs … but there are no biting flies/mosquitoes (thank god!)

In my business, I always try to undersell and over perform, so it makes me slightly uneasy to present such a strong endorsement of TSL … however, having met the leadership, and seeing the dedication of the local staff, I have no doubt that my spectacular experience was just another day in the jungle for them.

If you are looking for an exceptional fishing vacation, in an amazing, pristine natural environment, without giving up the comforts you are accustomed to, you would be hard pressed to find a comparable opportunity, and I would strongly urge you to consider Tropic Star Lodge.

Date of stay: March 2022
    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
2  Thank RandySigler
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 reviewResponded 5 April 2022

Dear RandySigler,

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your thorough and thoughtful review of your recent trip to Tropic Star Lodge. We very much appreciate your comments especially provided your background and thrilled to know that Tropic Star delivered you a 5 -star “Michelin” level experience both on the water and shore side. Thank you for positive feedback of our dedicated staff. We will certainly pass along your praises to the Chef and his team as well as Patterson and his team. Richard has been working hard to ensure the fishing techniques offered by lodge crews are as dynamic as the fishery itself. Like Richard always says, go for what’s biting! Again, we’re thrilled that we were able to host you for your fishing vacation and we’re sincerely happy that it was exceptional every way you slice it.

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

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Reviewed 22 March 2022

Tropic Star is a must on the buck list. I could have not asked for a better staff at the lodge or a better captain and mate. I will be going back!!!!! They went out of their way to make you feel welcomed and a part of the team when fishing. thanks very much Freddy

Date of stay: March 2022
2  Thank Dream753206
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 reviewResponded 24 March 2022

Dear Dream753206,

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your five star rating of your stay at Tropic Star Lodge. We really enjoyed your visit! Thank you for your nice comments about our staff and the crew you fished with. We look forward to see you guys back to the Lodge soon!

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

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Reviewed 21 February 2022

My first time to TSL. From the pre-trip organization to our return to Panama City everything about the experience was first rate. The location is beautiful, our accommodations (Suite 1A & 1B) were great, the food superb, plentiful, and of a wide variety, the staff and service fun, skilled, and incredibly attentive, and our fellow guests became friends by the time we left. Though the bite was down a bit, our group of 3 all caught marlins (2 blacks and a blue) as well as sailfish and mahi mahi. We fished primarily offshore but people were getting decent results on cubera snapper and a few roosters inshore, Tuna were just coming in. They post fishing reports regularly on the website so check that out. Our captain and mate were excellent. Tackle was in great shape and boat was fine but is in line for a refurb (they are cycling them all through over time). Ours didn't have A/C as some do. You might want to ask about availability for that as it can get pretty hot out there. Highly recommend one of the visits to the village. Massage at the spa was welcome relief for sore muscles. We did the hike to White Beach on Saturday afternoon - beautiful and well worth it but though not terribly long it is a strenuous hike. I can't imagine there is another place like TSL. It is that special. (Note: I stopped with the responses below re: style and amenities. They really don't apply or are irrelevant to the TSL experience. You can be confident that you are taken care of at TSL)

Room tip: 1A/1B were great and centrally located with a great view of the bay from the deck.
Date of stay: February 2022
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
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2  Thank Flatlander2018
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 reviewResponded 23 February 2022

Dear Flatlander2018,

We are so happy to have been part of an experience of a lifetime! Thank you for your compliments on our staff as well as the lodge itself. We agree a massage during your stay is a must. Tropic Star Lodge is a very special place not only for our unique location but where you arrive with a handshake and you leave as family. A special congratulations on your Black and Blue Marlin! Thank you very much for taking the time to write such a nice review of your stay. We hope to see you back at Tropic Star Lodge soon.

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

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Reviewed 15 February 2022

I struggle to find any criticism whatsoever. The staff commitment to my satisfaction and happiness was excellent. The cleanliness of my villa was perhaps the cleanest of environs I have ever stayed in. The food was good and there was plenty of it. Top shelf beverage offerings. Fishing was really good. Boats also good. Recommend getting the upgraded Bertram with the air conditioned cabin. A little break from the heat was nice.

Date of stay: February 2022
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank ryanbT4771MS
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 reviewResponded 21 February 2022

Dear ryanbT4771MS,

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. We’re so happy to hear it was a trip of a lifetime! The AC option for our 31’ Bertrams is certainly a nice break from the heat. By the end of the year we should have two more in our fleet. We’ll pass along your compliments to the team. We look forward to seeing you return again for your next fishing adventure.

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

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Reviewed 14 February 2022

We flew down to Panama on the 3rd, spend 1 day at the canal and the fished 6 days at Tropic Star. The trip was one of the best. The attention to detail was awesome! From the transfers around Panama and back and forth, everything was very smooth and seamless. The resort, I can't think of 1 bad thing to say! The food was amazing, the staff was so polite and helpful. The fishing, awesome!! It was a little slow the week we were there, but it was still good. We got 1 black, several sails and plenty of mihi. No inshore b/c they said it might not be good but 1 boat tried it and they got 3 rooster fish, you just never know. I highly recommend Tropic Star!

Date of stay: February 2022
    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank dansV685VJ
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 reviewResponded 21 February 2022

Dear dansV685VJ,

Thank you for leaving your five star review of your recent visit to Tropic Star Lodge. We’re glad to know that your trip down was seamless and that you enjoyed your stay at the lodge. Congratulations on the Black Marlin! We take pride in our fishery and the variety of species found here including Black Marlin to Roosterfish. We look forward to having you visit again soon.

Best wishes,
Mallory and Richard White

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