Start 2026 with key fishing and travel news—from Alaska and Bristol Bay to Panama and Bolivia. Get updates, trip insights, and gear tips from Half Past First Cast.

Our recently-completed trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge was our first time to go there in January. It was also our largest group – 20, from 11 states. Sixteen of the 20 were first-timers at the lodge. By providing travel notes, we hope to minimize hassles and problems on our future trips.

After three trips to Panama, we figured we had the process down pat, but every trip presents its own challenges. Fortunately, the travel aspects of fourth trip were remarkably smooth. Because it wasn’t eventful, it may not be extremely helpful to document it, but if our experiences help any future travelers avoid problems, it’ll be worth it.