Guatemala Fishing

Men's Journal's "100 Greatest Adventures"

in the world, Sailfish Bay is Guatemala Fishing at its finest. As Guatemala's only beachfront fishing lodge we are located right in the middle of the world's best sailfishery and operate one of the best Big Game programs on the planet

Our program has been featured in

Fortune (FSB), Men's Journal, The Angling Report, Florida Sportsman, Gray's, Surfer, Sporting Classics, Fly Fish America, Fish & Fly, Business Jet Traveler

and many other top publications.

Jeff Morrow, President, of The Southern Sailfish Association has this to say about Sailfish Bay:

"Sailfish Bay Lodge offers world-class accommodations and the world's most productive fishery for sailfish. For guaranteed sailfish action exceeding anywhere else on the globe, I highly recommend Sailfish Bay. It is the trip of a lifetime. I'm totally impressed with your operation."

Men's Journal said the following about our program:

Guatemala
Enormous Trophy Fish - All But Guaranteed

"When easterly ocean currents flowing along the Pacific Coast of Central America collide with El Salvador, they retreat, turn west - and create a bay so brimming with billfish it makes anglers giddy. Smack in the middle of this little known area sits the Sailfish Bay Lodge, which employs Guatemalan sportfishing gurus and boasts an astounding record; in a three-day run last year, a father and son reeled in 134 big-water beasts. Newly built bungalows along the beach have opened up the action to more anglers. When your arms tire - and they will - of reeling in the billfish, tuna, and dorado, work out your legs instead with a hike up 12,333-foot Agua volcano, 90 minutes away. At the summit, surrounded by four smaller volcanoes - including two that are still active - you might just forget about the fish waiting your return."

World's Best Sailfishing - Conventional or Fly

Guatemala has gained an international reputation as having one of the highest concentrations of billfish, in particular Pacific Sailfish - year round.

Guatemala holds both the conventional and fly fishing records with most sailfish released in one day. Sailfish Bay records include 70 sailfish releases in one day on conventional gear by the Buck Nichols Group on March 13, 2006. They also released 235 sailfish in 3 days of fishing aboard "Maverick" and "Gypsy" March 13, 14, and 15. Our fly fishing record for one day is 22 releases (2 anglers - Michael Barnett & James Yates) on February 14, 2004.

Guatemala's Pacific Coast is Literally Sailfish Heaven!

The coast here in Guatemala forms a giant bay. Strong currents coming west to east from the Mexican coast turn back after hitting the coast of El Salvador and create an enormous, natural occurring eddy, rich in bait and pelagic fish where billfish and many other sport fishing species are found in great numbers. Your trip will provide memories for a lifetime.

Scientists who have studied the large numbers of sailfish off the coast of Guatemala have concluded this might be the largest breeding ground for Pacific Sailfish in the world. While we call our prime season November thru May, sailfish are caught year round in Guatemala. We have an amazing fishery. We protect it by practicing catch and release and using circle hooks.

In addition to the always abundant sailfish population, you may also have the opportunity to hook dorado, tuna, blue and black marlin. At certain times, our inshore fishing offers shots at roosterfish and jack crevalle.

Fishing pressure? What fishing pressure? The sport fishing fleet here is small - unlike most other bluewater destinations.

Catching Sailfish is Virtually Guaranteed!

Flight Time
Miami	2 hrs
Atlanta & Dallas	3 hrs
Houston	2 hrs 30 mins
Los Angeles	4 hrs 30 mins

Big Game Fishing - Guatemala

You will be greeted at the Guatemala City airport and transferred 90 minutes to Sailfish Bay Lodge for your Big Game Fishing adventure. The modern four lane highway includes close up views of three volcanoes, two of which are active. The next morning your fishing experience begins!

Party of	2 Days 3 nights	3 Days 4 nights	4 Days 5 nights	5 Days 6 nights	6 Days 7 nights
4 People	$1,996	$2,796	$3,506	$4,316	$5,026
3 People	$2,376	$3,340	$4,216	$5,176	$6,046
2 People	$2,606	$3,800	$4,836	$5,980	$7,016

 

All prices are per person and for one boat.

 

Party of	2 Days 3 nights	3 Days 4 nights	4 Days 5 nights	5 Days 6 nights	6 Days 7 nights
4 People	$1,398	$1,958	$2,456	$3,022	$3,518
3 People	$1,782	$2,505	$3,162	$3,882	$4,534
2 People	$2,084	$3,040	$3,868	$4,784	$5,612

 

All prices are per person and for one boat.

NOTE:

- We offer Day Charters on a space available basis. Please call 1-800-638-7405 or email for Rates.

Rates Include

: Reception in Guatemala City and round trip ground transfers between Guatemala City and Sailfish Bay, accommodations; meals and open bar (local beers & spirits) at the Lodge, private charter fishing including captain and crew, use of conventional tackle and lures, last night accommodations at The Radisson in Guatemala City, Sportfishing Worldwide pre-trip information containing detailed packing and tackle lists, travel info, and helpful hints.

To accommodate early flight departures, our clients spend their final night at The Radisson in Guatemala City. This hotel offers superb accommodations and is located in the heart of Guatemala City's most popular restaurant and nightlife district. The Radisson is only a 10-minute drive to the airport for an easy commute on departure day. We also provide a list of recommended restaurants in your final packet mailed before the trip.

Not Included

: International airfare to/from Guatemala City, optional but HIGHLY recommended trip cancellation insurance, rental fly fishing equipment ($20 per person per day), meals, bar tabs and personal expenses in Guatemala City, $3 airport improvement tax; gratuities to captains/mates, staff, drivers and hotel nights in Guatemala city caused by late arriving flights.

YOU MUST ARRIVE INTO GUATEMALA BY 7 PM. IF YOU ARRIVE LATER THEN 7 PM YOU WILL NEED TO OVERNIGHT IN GUATEMALA CITY.

FAQ on May 16 - Nov 15 Timeframe

Each year our clients who travel with us during this time are pleasantly surprised at how good our fishing is year-round in Guatemala.

The sailfishing is still very productive and we become more of a mixed bag fishery during this time. Dorado, Tuna, Roosters and Marlin are strong possibilities.

Do you offer discounted rates because this is not a good time for fishing in Guatemala?

No, not all. One of the main reasons we offer discounted rates during this time is the intent to try and sway traveling anglers from the freshwater destinations like Alaska, Montana, Iceland, etc that are more heavily booked at this time. A good rate is added incentive.

Will I raise 40 sailfish a day?

Most likely not, but releases of 6 to 8 sailfish a day is the norm. Many days we can see double digit releases of sailfish on conventional gear. Throw in prime time for dorado and tuna and it is a good "bend of the rod" time of year. Fly fishers will love this time of year.

What if we do not want to fish every day can we custom tailor the package?

Sure, at this time of the year it is much easier for us to be flexible. Fish offshore. Fish inshore. Fish a half day. Take a day off to break up the fishing. Rest, relax by the beach and pool.

Is this a good time to bring my family?

It is a wonderful time to bring the family. Many of our clients will fish with us two times a year and zero in on the summer to save a few dollars to bring more anglers.

Is this a good time to bring non-anglers?

It is an excellent time to bring your non-angling spouse(s) or kids. With our superb accommodations right on the beach it is an ideal destination for non-anglers. In addition, we can customize side trips to Antigua, coffee farms, sugar factories, and more.

Does it rain a lot?

It rains, but mostly at night. It does not affect you during the day while out fishing. Each night for about an hour or two or sometimes longer we get a shower.

Travel Time

Flight Time
Miami	2 hrs
Atlanta & Dallas	3 hrs
Houston	2 hrs 30 mins
Los Angeles	4 hrs 30 mins

PRIVATE PLANE AND HELICOPTER OPTION

We also have the capability to schedule those clients wishing to fly out to the coast via private plane or helicopter. Please call 1-800-638-7405 for details.

Boats

Sailfish Bay boats include "Maverick" and "Gypsy", our twin 32 ft Blackfins. Gypsy is captained by Pia and Maverick by Rolando.
We also own "Sirena", a 35 ft Viking captained by Carlos.
Our 4th boat is "Mariner", a 40 ft. Pacemaker captained by Juan Bomba.
Our 5th boat is "Bavarian", a 36 ft Pacemaker very similar to Mariner.
Throughout the season, when needed, we charter other local boats directly from the owners. We know the captains, crews and equipment onboard.
We feature Penn, Shimano, and Alutecnos reels.
For fly fishing we have Cam Sigler fly rods. Our fly reels are either Abel, Ted Jurascik "Pacific", or the Billy Pate "Marlin" reels. Lightweight conventional tackle is available onboard as well.
"Maverick", "Gypsy", "Sirena", "Mariner", and "Bavarian" are equipped with GPS and radio. Because the fishing community is small and friendly, captains in Guatemala regularly talk with each other during the day ensuring all clients have the best fishing available. Our captain and mates have been sportfishing in Guatemala for 15 years. They are considered among the best in Guatemala and are experts at both conventional and fly fishing. We are also skilled at hooking up marlin and our boats are always rigged for them.
Depending upon water conditions, fishing can be as close as 8 miles and up to 50 miles from shore.
Our boats are stocked with bottled water, sodas, beer, and fresh fruit. Lunch is provided onboard.

Circle Hooks and Catch and Release

By law, Guatemala is the first country to mandate the use of circle hooks while billfishing and all billfish are catch and release. We support both laws. Guatemala has proven to the fishing community the hook up rate using circle hooks is superior to J hooks and does not cause internal damage to the fish. Our crew will be happy to teach the hook up technique using the circle hooks.

Additional Boats we charter

• Allure - 39 ft. Bertram
• Bora Bora - 37 ft. Hatteras
• Piragua - 31 ft Bertram

Each year we arrange corporate outings for our clients. Sailfish Bay is an ideal destination for executive retreats, incentive programs, sales meetings, and client entertaining. We can also arrange tournaments for your group with up to 18 boats available in Guatemala.  CALL (800)533-7299 FOR MORE INFORMATION Mon - Fri 9-5 CST

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