It is not exactly a secret that Guatemala is one of a handful of premiere bill fishing capitals in the world. But as of today the fishery is still in its infancy. It has a truly robust sailfish population, and days of raising 30 to 50 to even 100 sailfish, is nothing new! Many consider Guatemala the best fishing in the world for big pacific Sailfish! Now add in chances for big marlin; for big mahi-mahi (dorado); plentiful yellowfin tuna and more- and any given day on the water is likely to be one of the best fishing days of your life.
These productive Guatemala fishing waters are as close as 6 miles offshore of the Port of San Jose, Marina Pez Vela and Iztapa Guatemala; meaning short runs to the fishing grounds. This area provides truly spectacular year-round sport fishing action. Some months are better than others but it there is absolutely no bad time to fish in Guatemala. What would be considered a “bad day” of billfishing in Guatemala would definitely be a great day most anywhere else in the world.
One thing we at Hunt Nation really like about this operation is their hands on approach to the fishing. They relish teaching our clients how to do it for themselves! They teach you how to do the “bait and switch” – calling it their Free Fishing School. With this operation, you get to actually hook and fight fish — as opposed to most charter where you are simply reeling in what the mates hook. If you enjoy doing it yourself- book this trip! The mate will be right there with you coaching.
Butch, our VP, has sampled the Guatemala fishery with some clients, and while some very weird and unusual weather slowed the bite on a couple of their days, they still managed to raise over 40 sails in 3 days, landing 19, plus one 55” long mahi-mahi. And this was actually some poor fishing for the area!! Normal weather probably would have doubled or tripled that catch- or better.
Whether you – as an offshore sport fisher prefer fighting sailfish & marlin on conventional gear, or on spinning tackle, or on-the fly, they typically will provide you with multiple shots at sailfish (pez vela), blue marlin (marlin azul), black marlin, striped marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi) or yellow fin tuna. Inshore fishing trips target rooster fish, Spanish mackerel, and jack crevalle. Try fly-fishing for sailfish – using the bait and switch technique. Tends to become an addiction for anglers once you release your first sailfish on the fly! In terms of best days, one boat caught over 124 sails in a single day on conventional light tackle and another boat released 50 in a one day using the fly.
The most common boat fished in Guatemala is the famed 31 Bertram which is fast and maneuverable and provides more cockpit space due to its special layout for sport fishing than that of many boats greater than 40 feet or more. Here is what your boat looks like:
LODGING: This operation has excellent facilities they use for their clients housing and feeding. They offer luxurious lodging and accommodations for our charter fishing clients. Our Hunt Nation clients enjoy a relaxing tropical setting with gorgeous pool, house, bar, grill, kitchen and pool. You will welcome the cool air-conditioning in each bedroom at the end of a long day of fighting sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi) in the hot Pacific sun. Courteous staff know how to spoil our clients. Daily laundry service, maid services, hosts and attendants are included in our Hunt Nation sport fishing packages. Our packages include water, sodas and local liquor adult beverages. We ask our outfitter charters to go the extra mile in providing the ultimate in pampered VIP service for everyone. Our all-inclusive sport fishing packages include the entire resort & services for your use.
Pool: A beautiful pool and poolside bar serves as the focal point of the property. Many anglers hang out at the pool bar and grill simply relaxing or partying and bragging about the fishing the released that day. Sometimes clients party a bit at the pool bar & forget that they have an early start the next morning for long day of fabulous Guatemala fishing! Be ready for the early wakeup call!
TRAVEL: You will fly in to the La Aurora International airport (Guatemala City International Airport) where you will be met by their chauffeur. The Sport Fishing lodge is approximately 90 miles from the airport. The drive is quite beautiful. Along the 4 lane highway will see 5 volcanoes in the distance and take in and beautiful Guatemala mountain scenery. There are many places to eat along the way to the lodge if you are hungry from your travels and arriving late (after dinner). It is recommended to choose flights that are not arriving between 4 pm & 7 pm due to significant traffic congestion during those hours. WE believe travel here is quite safe, but do stay away from night life and the towns, just like all big cities. Stick with the transport they provide at the lodge. We have taken our wives. The fishing lodge is located in an extremely safe, secure, affluent area and has superb 24/7 security and highly-screened entry protocols. Many wealthy Guatemalans have built vacation homes in the same safe neighborhood as the Lodge.
TOURS: Tours to historic Antigua, for fine dining, jade mine viewing, horseback and Mayan Ruins can be done.
PRICING: All prices are subject to change without notice, until deposits are received. A 50% deposit is required to save your dates. Deposits are non-refundable, but can be used for different dates with reasonable notice. Travel Insurance is urged- see below.
By a large margin, our clients prefer the packaged trips for their savings and their simplicity. The most commonly purchased package is the 4 night, 3 fishing day package. If you want a longer stay, just ask us to arrange that and we will be happy to assist you. Packages include your resort lodging, chef cooked meals, 31 foot Bertram boat with full electronics, fishing mates, tackle (one lost fly allowed) and most drinks.
PACKAGE # 1: 4 NIGHTS, 3 DAYS FISHING: 4 PERSONS – $2995 PER PERSON.
3 PERSONS- $3995 per person
2 PERSONS- $5975 per person
PACKAGE #2: 3 NIGHTS, 2 DAYS FISHING: 4 PERSONS – $2140 PER PERSON.
3 PERSONS- $2850 per person
2 PERSONS- $4275 per person
ALA CARTE ONE DAY- NO LODGING: 4 PERSONS – $400 PER PERSON.
3 PERSONS- $534 per person
2 PERSONS- $800 per person ONE PERSON $1600.
NOTICE: The war on oil production has driven fuel prices to untenable levels. The Guatemala fleet has had to make an effort to compensate for this significant added cost of operation. When the marina diesel fuel prices are above $5.00/gallon there is a $150 per fishing day surcharge to help recover a portion of the costs. This is per boat for the day and is not a per person charge.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED, ESPECIALLY ON INTERNATIONAL TRIPS. Hunt Nation regularly assists clients with purchasing this. Normally you insure the total trip cost including flights. You can go to this website for what we believe is the best insurance : https://partner.globalrescue.com/huntnation/ JUST CLICK ON THE LINK!
