If you ask around as to where the world’s finest sailfishing is to be found, it won’t be long before the conversation turns to Guatemala. The simple fact of the matter is that there are a lot of sailfish here and anglers typically raise 15 to 25 fish per day in the prime months of the dry season. At the Great Sailfishing Company anglers can pick from private villas complete with personal cook or tasteful accommodations within the main resort. Both venues offer as secure setting, fine food, maid service, local alcoholic drinks, shuttles to and from the marina, tackle, and last night’s accommodations in Guatemala City. In addition, anglers fish from well maintained boats with experienced captains and mates that really understand the nuances of catching sailfish on the fly. For those who want to break up their stay with guided tours of local craft markets or a few days of inshore fishing for roosterfish, snook and snapper, your host will be happy to accommodate you. For the finest sailfishing experience available at a fair price and custom itineraries built to suit your specific needs, this operation receives our highest marks. The offshore waters immediately outside of Puerto San Jose/Puerto Iztapa Guatemala are without question the most sailfish rich waters in the world. The largest numbers of sailfish landed by both conventional anglers and fly anglers in a single day have both been set from this port. The fly caught record was set in 2006 and tallied more than 50 sails released by a single boat and the conventional tackle record also set in 2005 included more than 130 sailfish released. With that said, days in which 20-40 fish are raised are not uncommon and it is safe to say that for anglers looking for maximum number of shots, this is the place. Most of the fishing occurs in an offshore bowl that begins roughly fifteen miles offshore and terminates roughly forty miles offshore. The region’s sailfish typically run from 70-120 pounds and are known to be willing takers of both flies and baits. While the fish are in the region year round, prime time is considered November through mid April as this is the time when the seas and weather are most agreeable.
Fly Fishing Tactics in Guatemala:
The process of hooking a sailfish on a fly is coordinated team effort. Hookless teasers are trolled behind the boat and when a sailfish “comes into the spread” and begins slashing at the teaser with its bill, the captain slows the boat while the mate teases the fish in towards the transom. Mean while the fly angler drops his fly into the water in preparation to water load the fly for the cast. As the fish draws into the 20 ft. range, the mate will yank the teaser from the water and the angler will cast the fly immediately to the right of the fish. If all goes as planned, the fish will turn on the popper and take it from the surface. Then the angler must hold tight until fish swim 8-10 ft. with the fly and then set the hook by pulling straight back in the opposite direction of the fishes path. Typically anglers will rotate turns in 20 minute increments but this can be adjusted as clients see fit. Having a second angler at the ready is also important, as often times more than one fish will be teased in.
The Great Sailfishing Company Accommodations:
The Villas del Pacifico is a large secured vacation complex used primarily by affluent Guatemalans seeking weekends at the beach. There is a large and handsome resort with multiple pools, beach front, restaurants, and bars as well as 120 rooms. Groups of two anglers or less typically opt to stay at the resort where meals and local drinks are included in the package price. For groups of 3-6 anglers there are also a host of attractive private “cupulas” or private homes that will serve as a private base for your trip. The cupulas have 3-4 bedrooms, a combination of private and shared baths, AC, and often a private pool. As part of the package you will have your own private chef, server, and daily maid service. Meals are excellent and an open bar is included at each house.
Daily Schedule:
6 AM - Breakfast
6:30AM - Pick up
7:00AM - Depart the marina
5:00PM - Return to dock
6:00PM - Hors d'oeurves
7:30PM - Dinner
The Great Sailfishing Company Season:
Year-round with prime dry time November – May
The Great Sailfishing Company Fish Species:
Sailfish, marlin, dorado, roosterfish, tuna, snook, and snapper
The Great Sailfishing Company Lodge Capacity:
24 anglers
The Great Sailfishing Company 2008 Rates:
5 nights / 4 days $2, 890- $7,970, depending on number of anglers (28-31 foot boat)
Included:
Meals, accommodations, all local drinks (including beer, rum, red wine, and some premium imported liquor), limited cell phone usage, your first fly, use of quality fly tackle, all ground transfers.
Not Included:
Additional flies, specifically requested alcohols, espresso drinks (available at the main resort only), additional cell minutes, and additional tours to places like Antigua.
Billfishing