Guatemala Fishing
Big Game Fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado and More   Guatemala Fishing Vacations

Sailfish Bay Lodge - Guatemala Sailfishing



Destinations | Blog | Newsletter & Specials | Corporate Excursions | Press | Testimonials | Contact Us



Guatemala Fishing at Sailfish Bay Lodge

Path: Home > Fly Fishing - Destinations > Guatemala Sport Fishing - Guatemala Destinations


Project "Vela" with Castaway Films. April 2010 - Somewhere off the coast of Guatemala. Fly Fishing for Sailfish in HD (be patient while it loads): Project Vela

Sailfish Bay - a Sportfishing Worldwide Owned Program

"BIG GAME FISHING"

"On a scale from 1 to 10, Sailfish Bay is an 11." - Doug Boutilier, President, Mountain West Bank

"World-class captains and crews. Well-trained and personable staff. You have the whole package." - George Haskins, Director of Retail, The Orvis Co.

"Thumbs up all around. This trip is an out of the park homer." - Tom McIntyre

"Sailfish Bay was one of the finest assignments I've ever had, hands down." - Scott Bowen, Fortune (FSB)

Selected as one of Men's Journal's "100 Greatest Adventures" in the world, Sailfish Bay is 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 fishing 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. Sailfish Bay is ideal for a personal getaway, executive retreat, incentive program, or entertaining key clients & staff.

Please click here for the story in Fortune (FSB):
Fortune (FSB)

The Fishing

World's Best Sailfishing - Conventional or Fly

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.

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 and you usually have Guatemala's calm ocean to yourself...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guatemala Fly Fishing - Big Game

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.

Fly Fishing Instruction

Sailfish Bay's captains and mates are among Guatemala's finest for fly fishing. Loaded with experience our crews know how to rig rods/reels, tie flies and tease sailfish close to the boat. Our captains and crews will work closely with those clients needing extra help on fly fishing and we can teach you the correct hook-up procedure for billfish.

Accommodations & Property

Sailfish Bay offers incredible Guatemala Sailfishing at its deluxe 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:

-2 two-story bungalows (housing 16 - 18 anglers)
-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 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.

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, lobster and delicious. 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.

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!

Adventure Travel

We are proud to be a "complete" company and in addition to customizing your fishing program, Sailfish Bay can arrange a variety of high or low energy activities throughout Central America�s most diverse and beautiful country. Combo golf and fishing packages, heli-trips to Lake Atitlan and the Mayan Ruins in Tikal, and a romantic stay at the Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua are just a few of the many tours we set up for our clients.

Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park occupies 370 square kilometers of the Pet�. It is part of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, which is home to hundreds of wild birds and animals including, howler monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and parakeets. The temples of Tikal tower above the rainforest. Five enormous temples dominate the jungle. It is worthwhile to stay over night in the Tikal National Forest. You will need time to visit the expansive temples and breathtaking views of dusk and dawn.

Antigua
Nestled between three volcanoes, Antigua Guatemala is among the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas. It's majestic settings, cobblestones streets, crumbling ruins and sprays of bougainvillea bursting from terra cotta roofs make Antigua a stunning town that even the most worldly traveler can appreciate. Antigua is located 45 minutes from Guatemala City and 1 hr 15 minutes from Sailfish Bay.

Lake Atitlan
Considered one of the world's most beautiful lakes, Lake Atitlan is a magical setting to visit and relax. Few visitors leave Guatemala without seeing Lake Atitl�n and the Maya-Quich� town of Chichicastenango, both found about two hours from Guatemala City. There are enough activities around the lake to keep visitors busy for several days as they explore Mayan villages, shop, go horseback riding or bird watching, tour a nature reserve and butterfly garden, and visit local artists in one of the world's most beautiful natural settings.

Golf Packages
Guatemala offers 5 excellent private golf courses. As a member of The Mayan Golf Club, a beautiful tree lined course-overlooking Lake Amatitlan; we have playing privileges at the other courses. All courses offer scenic views of volcanoes, are expertly maintained and challenge every golfers skill.

To learn more about Sailfish Bay or call about availability. 1-800-638-7405. Or feel free to drop us an email at: Contact Us


Guatemala Fishing at Sailfish Bay Lodge Sample Fishing Package
2010 Rates
November 16, 2009 - April 30, 2010

2 days 3 nights3 days 4 nights4 days 5 nights5 days 6 nights6 days 7 nights
4 people$1996$2796$3506$4316$5026
3 people$2376$3340$4216$5176$6046
2 people$2606$3800$4836$5980$7016

All prices are per person and for 1 boat.

May 16 - November 14, 2010 - SPECIAL Pricing

2 days 3 nights3 days 4 nights4 days 5 nights5 days 6 nights6 days 7 nights
4 people$1398$1958$2456$3022$3518
3 people$1782$2505$3162$3882$4534
2 people$2084$3040$3868$4784$5612

4 per person rate = 30% OFF
3 per person rate = 25% OFF
2 per person rate = 20% OFF

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 or Inter-Continental 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 or Inter-Continental in Guatemala City. These hotels offer superb accommodations and they are located in the heart of Guatemala City's most popular restaurant and nightlife district. Both hotels are 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.
Rates Do Not Include: 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 CITY BY 7 PM OR THE HOTEL EXPENSE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT.
Season: November - May - Prime sailfish season
June - Oct - Mixed bag - sailfish, dorado, tuna, and more. Take Advantage of specially priced rates.
Capacity: ONLY 16 anglers at any one time can fish this extraordinary program
Location: Puerto Iztapa, Guatemala
Other Activities: 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.


  Sailfish Bay Guatemala Gallery






   Gallery


Home | Destinations | About Us | Terms | Sitemap | Links
All Rights Reserved © 2010 Sportfishing Worldwide Last Updated 07.26.10
Sportfishing Worldwide
955 Pavilion St. | Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tel: 513-984-8611 or 800-638-7405 | Fax: 513-984-0831