Sailfish Bay Lodge, Guatemala
Selected as one of 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."
Guatemala Fly Fishing - If you've ever dreamed of catching a 100 lb sailfish on fly, it's time to discover Guatemala sport fishing! With our year-round abundant sailfish population, you will have more opportunities for hook-ups than anywhere in the world. Our experienced captains and mates can help the knowledgeable or teach the novice the art of fly fishing for billfish. You may also have the opportunity for dorado on fly, a great fighter and challenge to your angling skills.
Accommodations
Sailfish Bay offers incredible Guatemala Sailfishing at its beautiful beachfront lodge overlooking the Pacific ocean. We are located on a barrier island between the Chiquimulia canal and the Pacific ocean. Our property is close to colonial Spain's first Central America seaport, now named Puerto Iztapa.
To get to our lodge we take a 5-minute boat ride along the canal that borders the coast.
Our resort consists of following:
(ONLY 16 anglers from across the Globe can fish our program at any one time)
- » 8 beachfront air-conditioned bedrooms with private bath
- » Outdoor bar
- » Swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific ocean
- » Restaurant/Dining area
- » Gift shop and office building
The pool, bar and Jacuzzi are located at the top of the property overlooking the Pacific ocean.
Our 2 two-story bungalows each have four rooms - two on the top floor and two on the bottom floor. The spacious rooms are designed with a contemporary theme and feature private bath and shower. Sailfish Bay is an ideal location for non-angling spouses and we welcome them with open arms.
The restaurant is set at the bottom of our property overlooking the bay. As many accolades as we receive on our fishing, we receive an equal number on our food and service.
You will enjoy breakfasts consisting of fresh fruit, cereal, pancakes and eggs cooked to order, fresh roasted Guatemalan coffee and freshly squeezed orange or pineapple juice. In the evening, your chef will prepare fresh fish on the grill, jumbo shrimp, and delicious soups. We also offer chicken and beef dishes as well.
The open bar features several local beers, national liquors and wine.
With 24-hour security personnel you are able to relax at the end of the day in a secluded, safe and comfortable environment.
Fishing
Guatemala Fishing - Catching Sailfish is Virtually Guaranteed!
Guatemala fishing 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.
Species & Seasons
Sailfish, which range from 70 - 120 pounds, can be taken year-round. The peak time for sails is Nov - April. The summer months produce good numbers of sails. May - September is considered the rainy season, but it usually just rains at night for an hour or two and our fishing is still superb. Our summer season is better then many other bluewater destinations prime time.
Marlin (Pacific blue, black and striped) can be taken year-round, although they show up more reliably in the fall from October-December. Marlin in Guatemala generally ranges from 200 to 500 lbs. Our lodge record is a 650 lb Blue marlin released May 28, 2009 by Brandon Fisher (Son of NFL Head Coach Jeff Fisher of The Tennessee Titans).
Yellow fin Tuna (15 - 30 lb average) is best in the summer months.
Dorado is very good all year with the peak time being May - August. May is an outstanding month for "numbers" and we seem to get our biggest dorado of the season in October.
Roosterfish, Jacks and other inshore species - The inshore fishing in our area can be outstanding. We just need a high tide and clear water for it to be most productive.
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.
Daily Schedule
6:00 AM Rise early for breakfast. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the boat and introduced to your captain and mates.
7:00 AM We depart the marina for fishing. Your daily boat charters include the boat with experienced crew, conventional tackle and bait, with a hot lunch, fruit, cold beverages and beer served onboard. Fly-fishing gear is available for you to use. Flies are $15.00 USD and can be added to your bill.
4:30 PM You will return to the lodge with time to freshen up and relax before dinner. You will be greeted by our staff serving tropical drinks and snacks.
Evenings at your leisure and our staff will be happy to handle any requests. Relax in the pool, nap in the hammocks, watch TV or walk along the beach. Just relax!
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.
"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.
How to get there
Travel to Guatemala City from the United States is easy with the following direct flights from: Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles.
Included in Fishing Package
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 in this package
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.
Upcoming Trips
April 10-15, 2010
Maximum party: 6 anglers
Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of package is necessary to hold space. Balance due 60 days prior to trip departure.
Special Notes
If you are interested in going to Sailfish Bay Lodge at times other than the above listed weeks, let us know and we can put together a package for you. Call shop for package pricing.
For package pricing please fill out the form to the right or contact us by phone (403) 271-1016 or by e-mail.
