Palawan Fishing Charters
Palawan fishing charters work the West Philippine Sea, island channels, reefs, and drop-offs for tuna, sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, giant trevally, snapper, and grouper.
Top Rated Charters in Palawan
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Palawan, PH Fishing Guide
Palawan is the Philippines’ wild frontier for anglers, with countless islands, reefs, and deep offshore waters that deliver year-round fishing variety. Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron serve as the main jumping-off points, with trips ranging from small bangkas for inshore reef fishing to larger sportfishing boats running offshore for big pelagics. Half-day trips usually work sheltered channels and reef systems, producing snapper, grouper, mackerel, and trevally. Full-day charters push out into the open West Philippine Sea or along the Sulu Sea side, where tuna, sailfish, dorado, and marlin roam. Multi-day liveaboard trips explore remote islands and banks where pressure is nearly nonexistent.
The fishery here is diverse. Inshore, the countless reefs and coral heads hold red snapper, grouper, trevally, barracuda, and queenfish. The offshore structure drops quickly, so boats often start trolling for tuna and billfish just a few miles from land. Key offshore grounds include the waters off El Nido and farther west into the open sea, where migratory yellowfin tuna and billfish patrol current lines. Coron’s wrecks also hold snapper, grouper, and jacks, while Puerto Princesa offers quick access to both reef and offshore pelagic action.
Seasons shift with monsoons. Summer (March–June) is calm and best for offshore runs, with yellowfin tuna, dorado, and billfish at their peak. The rainy season (July–October) brings rougher seas but keeps reef fishing steady for snapper, grouper, and trevally. Winter (November–February) is the best time for sailfish, with wahoo and tuna mixed in. Reef fishing is reliable year-round, offering a sheltered option when offshore conditions are tough.
Techniques vary. Offshore boats troll skirted lures, rigged baits, and teasers for marlin, sailfish, and mahi. Tuna are targeted with trolling, live bait, or vertical jigging. Inshore, anglers drop cut or live bait to reef bottoms, jig with metal lures for grouper and trevally, or cast poppers for giant trevally. Palawan’s mix of untouched reefs, bluewater drops, and remote fishing grounds makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations.
Fishing Seasons in Palawan
Spring (March–May)
Spring (March–May) is prime offshore season in Palawan. Calm seas allow longer runs west into the Philippine Sea. Yellowfin tuna feed aggressively, sailfish begin to show, and dorado gather offshore. Inshore reefs stay productive for grouper, snapper, and trevally. Calm mornings and stable weather make this a favorite season for mixed offshore and reef trips.
Summer (June–August)
Summer (June–August) keeps offshore tuna strong, though seas can be rougher during the southwest monsoon. Dorado and wahoo remain in the spread, and billfish are still present farther out. Many anglers shift focus to reef and channel fishing during windy days, targeting snapper, grouper, and giant trevally. With less fishing pressure in this season, the reefs and wrecks often produce excellent catches.
Fall (September–November)
Fall (September–November) sees the offshore bite ramp back up as seas settle. Sailfish numbers increase offshore, while tuna schools remain steady. Dorado and wahoo patrol current lines, striking lures and baits. Inshore, trevally and snapper feed actively, especially after stormy weather stirs up bait. This is a transitional season with options both offshore and inshore.
Winter (December–February)
Winter (December–February) is peak sailfish season off Palawan, with fish feeding along offshore current lines. Wahoo are also strongest now, often taken high-speed trolling. Yellowfin tuna remain available, though less concentrated than in summer. Inshore, reef trips shine, with snapper, grouper, and jacks reliable around coral heads and wrecks. Cooler weather and calmer seas make this a comfortable and productive season to fish.
Gamefish in Palawan
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–150 lbs. Offshore year-round, peak in spring and summer, taken trolling, chunking, and jigging.
- Sailfish – 60–100 lbs. Best in winter and spring offshore, targeted trolling rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures.
- Blue Marlin – 150–500 lbs. Summer offshore, hooked trolling large skirted lures and live skipjack.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10–30 lbs. Offshore in spring and summer, found near debris and weed lines.
- Wahoo – 20–50 lbs. Best in winter and early spring, taken trolling fast-running lures along drop-offs.
- Giant Trevally (GT) – 20–80 lbs. Found around reefs and channels, year-round, best on heavy poppers and jigs.
- Snapper – 2–12 lbs. Common on reefs and wrecks year-round, best with cut bait and jigs.
- Grouper – 10–40 lbs. Reef resident, caught year-round, peak in cooler months, targeted with live bait and vertical jigs.
Palawan Fishing FAQs
Where do fishing charters in Palawan depart from?
Most trips leave from Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron, with access to reefs, islands, and offshore bluewater.
What types of trips are common in Palawan?
Half-day charters fish reefs and channels for snapper, grouper, and trevally. Full-day trips push offshore for tuna, dorado, sailfish, and marlin. Multi-day liveaboard trips run remote islands and banks.
Do I need a fishing license in the Philippines?
No personal license is required when fishing with a licensed captain, though protected marine zones must be avoided.
When is the best time to fish Palawan?
Spring and early summer are best for tuna and dorado, winter is peak for sailfish and wahoo, and reef fishing is productive all year.
What techniques are common in Palawan?
Trolling is used offshore for pelagics, while reef fishing relies on bait rigs and vertical jigging. Popping is popular for giant trevally on reefs.
What species can I catch on reef trips?
Snapper, grouper, trevally, and barracuda are common around coral heads, wrecks, and island channels.
How close is the fishing to shore in Palawan?
Reefs and island channels are within minutes of departure, while offshore pelagic waters are reached within 5–15 miles.
How many anglers can fish on a Palawan charter?
Smaller bangkas carry 2–4 anglers, while larger sportfishing boats handle 4–6 or more for offshore trips.
Are liveaboard fishing trips available in Palawan?
Yes, multi-day expeditions to remote islands and banks are available, focusing on tuna, billfish, and giant trevally.