Carl Jocumsen’s crew may win the award for the most dedicated Bassmaster Classic fan base. I caught them at the launch on the final PRACTICE day and got them riled up — it didn’t take much.
We love catching what the Panamanians generally refer to simply as “pargo,” but which is more formally called the Mexican barred snapper.. We’ve caught a few in the past, but on our May 2026 trip they seemed to increase in number and in size.
While a full-body paddlefish replica doesn’t appeal to me, I would like a preserved snout. The distinctive paddle that provides their name is actually called a “rostrum,” much like on the sawfish we accidentally caught in the Florida Keys. They make an amazing mount.
Gyotaku is the art of Japanese fish prints dating back to the 1800s, and not surprisingly mahi mahi still make great subjects for this craft a few centuries later. If you’re looking for examples where they intersect, check out these mahi gyotaku and gyotaku-like shirts.
We made a vow that there would be no more anniversary gifts, but if you’re going to break your vows a piece of fishing artwork is a good way to do it.