Despite the fact that relatively good billfishing can still be had in a number of productive spots right here at home, saltwater anglers tend to be a curious bunch. We dream of far-off locales and spend an entire year saving and planning for those precious three days away from home where we can think of nothing but the next strike.
Given that, it's easy to understand why the most frequently asked question of magazine editors and travel writers is a straightforward one: "Where should I go on my next billfishing trip?" Despite its simplicity, that's no easy question to answer. The keys to a successful trip are numerous and depend entirely upon what you need and expect. That's why one angler may return from a fishing trip of a lifetime while another may be totally dissatisfied, despite having had the same experience.
Making the right decisions on how, when and where to go are cornerstones to a good fishing trip. What follows is a resource to help you select the best possible trip for your circumstances, based on a handful of general travel scenarios. Obviously, many more destinations could be listed, and some locales could easily fit into more than one scenario. Before making a final selection, consult a professional fishing travel wholesaler who may suggest some top-notch alternatives for each of the profiles below.
Group of Anglers
Many travelers prefer group fishing trips because of the economies such an arrangement offers. But when sharing a charter, it's important to communicate to make sure everyone has the same fishing objectives, such as species, location and fishing methods. Trolling for big, elusive game fish such as marlin can create challenges among a group, and it's important to have an agreed-upon chair rotation, first-fish rule or other equitable way of giving every angler a chance at fighting a fish. No matter what size the group, two anglers per boat is the optimum for blue-water charter fishing, so you will need to select an operator that can provide group accommodations and enough boats to spread the group out on the water.
1. Coiba Explorer, Panama. Located in the Coiba Island region on the Pacific coast of Panama, the 115-foot mothership Coiba Explorer II and its fleet of 28-foot twin-diesel Albemarles is right in the middle of some of the best fishing on the globe. The famous Hannibal Bank is a feeding ground for black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna surpassing 300 pounds, wahoo, dolphin and shark, as well as exceptional light-tackle near-shore action. During late March 1999, a small group on four boats raised over 50 marlin, hooking 37 and releasing 17 blacks and two blues in only four days of fishing.
The mothership is fully air-conditioned, and its nine private staterooms include VCRs and access to a video library. All boats have the latest in electronics, including color depthfinders and a full range of Penn tackle. Since live baiting black marlin is an effective technique on these grounds, all boats are equipped with four tuna tubes to keep bait in top condition.
Groups of up to 18 anglers can be comfortably accommodated, and group discounts are offered in packages that include three and six days of fishing. Fishing season: November to April. Sea condition: calm.
2. Tropic Star Lodge, Panama. World-class black marlin fishing put Piqas Bay on the map decades ago, and this famous spot is still producing quality action. Black marlin average 200 to 400 pounds but can exceed 1,000 pounds, as was recently attested to by Sam Pancotto, who released a grander in February 1999. Blue and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and dolphin add variety. The Zane Grey or Piqas Reef is only 15 minutes from the dock and is the epicenter for the fishing here.
With 11 twin-diesel 31-foot Bertrams, Tropic Star Lodge can accommodate sizeable groups. Guests stay in air-conditioned twin bedrooms with private baths. The "Palace," a beautiful bungalow secluded on a hillside with sweeping views of the bay, has three bedrooms, a sunken living room and "royal" amenities. Tropic Star Lodge, built in 1961, has a tradition of first-class service, experienced crews, great dining and a high repeat client business.
Groups are welcome, and three- to six-day fishing packages are available. Season: December to May. Limited service from June to August. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
3. Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico. Striped, blue and black marlin, sailfish, broadbill swordfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo and more can all be encountered at "Cabo." There's something good swimming in these waters year-round, and catches of multiple species of billfish are quite common between June and December. Los Cabos is a regional term for the area including Cabo San Lucas and San Josi del Cabo, 25 miles to the east. Hundreds of charter boats are available in these areas, and no place is better for getting a group of friends together for a good time. Charter boats from these ports overlap depending on fish movements.
A dry desert environment, mega-resorts, golf and a trendy social scene attract hordes of visitors. Season: year-round. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
The Elusive Family/Fishing Vacation
Family vacations don't always lend themselves to a quality fishing experience, but some deft planning can combine both. Family size, activities desired, range of ages and level of outdoor aptitude need to be considered if you want to fish together, rather than splitting up the activities. The operator should have good safety practices, comfortable boat(s) and a crew that interacts well with clients of all ages. Trolling for hours can be boring even to adults, so look for fast action with sailfish, tuna and other pelagics in addition to marlin.
1. Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Mexico. Part of the Mexican Riviera, these neighboring Pacific resorts offer visitors a scenic glimpse of authentic old Mexico or modern, upscale, high-rise hotels, respectively. The offshore waters have consistent action with sailfish and yellowfin tuna from schoolies to 300-pounders. Black and blue marlin are targeted less frequently than they might be, thanks to the prolific sailfish action, but the charters that search for something bigger than a sail do fairly well with fish up to grander size. Inshore variety helps spice up a family vacation.
ocated in the tropical doldrums, the offshore waters are usually calm. Charter boats are generally of local origin and vintage quality, but some fast twin-diesel Cabos and other modern craft with professional crews are now available. Boats depart from Bahia de Zihuatanejo as well as Ixtapa Marina and fish the same offshore waters.
All manner of accommodations, restaurants and typical resort activities can be tailored to your family lifestyle. It is generally less expensive to stay in a hillside bungalow with a view of Zihuatanejo than a hotel in Ixtapa, but you may sacrifice some service and room amenities for the view.
Season: December to May peak season, with good fishing still available between June and November. Sea condition: calm.
2. Cancun, Mexico. This mega-resort clustered around a white-sand lagoon jutting into the Mexican Caribbean may have as many as 20,000 visitors on a given day. With so many U.S. and Canadian citizens packing the high-rise hotels and chic shops, Cancun has gained a solid foothold in tourist entertainment, compensating for what it has lost in local charm and native culture. Its world-famous hotel zone began construction 28 years ago on Laguna Nichupti, withstanding several hurricanes and recessions in the process. Families will feel comfortable in the "zone," where familiar trademarks, franchises and restaurants abound. Tours can be taken into the Yucatan countryside, where jungle-covered 2,000-year-old Mayan ruins, remote turquoise beaches and friendly local people await.
Blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin and wahoo provide fast spring action. Good charter fleets and experienced crews are available at the Marina Hacienda del Mar and at other marinas nearby, including Isla Mujeras, Cozumel and Puerto Aventuras.
Season: April to June. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
3. Kona, Hawaii. If you're looking for a family vacation, Hawaii has to be pretty high on your list. That should be fine with any fisherman, because once you're in Hawaii, a quick trip to the fishing village of Kailua-Kona will give you access to year-round fishing for blue, black and striped marlin, as well as big yellowfin tuna and wahoo. Consider the world's most reliable run of spearfish a nice springtime bonus.
It goes without saying that this option offers a plethora of family activities, ranging from secluded relaxation to adventurous excursions. And since charter boats in Hawaii are numerous and relatively inexpensive, you should be able to squeeze a day of world-class fishing into your trip with little hassle - from the wife or the pocketbook.
Season: year-round. Spearfish peak in spring, blue marlin June to September and striped marlin November to March. Sea condition: calm.
Money's No Object
The world is yours. You are limited only by the type of experience you want based upon your personal needs. It's important to communicate closely with your outfitter so that a trip can be customized as much as possible. Some big-budget anglers want to be pampered and luxuriate during the whole trip, while others may thrive in a steamy jungle draped in mosquito netting and eating local dishes if it means getting a chance to experience some exotic fishing.
1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Whether at Lizard Island Resort or on an exclusive mothership out of Cairns, Australia has built its big-game reputation around remote fishing for grander black marlin along the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the world's top boats and crews fish these waters, and it's one of the best training grounds for mates learning how to rig oversize baits and wire big marlin.
Typically, anglers are flown out by pontoon plane from Cairns to rendezvous with a mothership and one or more sport-fishers. The whole operation follows the migration of black marlin in order to give the angler the best opportunity to hook a big female. Since most trolling is an afternoon proposition, plenty of time is available for enjoying the pristine reef environment or for light-tackle pursuits. All operations are first-class, from accommodations and gourmet food to boats and crews. Season: August to December. Sea condition: moderate to heavy.
2. Bom Bom. This small, exclusive honeymoon-style resort island off the West African coast offers one serious billfishery. Lots of big sailfish and blue marlin in the 600-pound class, with a few granders sprinkled in, make for fast action. Bom Bom has been a consistent producer over the years and caters to experienced as well as novice anglers.
First-class accommodations in an idyllic tropical setting, complete with white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and quality charter boats, make Bom Bom a good choice, albeit an expensive one. Long flights to the African continent will also set you back a fair amount, in terms of both time and dollars.
Season: September to December for sailfish, March to September for blue marlin. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
3. Midway Atoll, Hawaiian Islands. Big blue marlin and a burgeoning broadbill fishery continue to attract adventurers to this atoll located 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu. A bonus of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, striped marlin, dolphin and world-record-class giant trevally add variety. Midway Sport Fishing operates a small, specialized fleet of 38-foot Bertrams and Glacier Bay outboard catamarans, with a complete array of fly, spinning and trolling tackle, experienced crews, personalized service, comfortable accommodations and gourmet food at the Clipper House Restaurant. The package makes for a very self-contained operation.
Midway is a historic remnant of World War II as well as a wildlife refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts guided tours for the enjoyment and education of visitors. Season: May to October. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
4. Tahiti/Bora Bora. Spectacular scenery, emerald lagoons and the carefree charm of the South Pacific have beckoned tourists to these sister islands for generations. Part of the Society Islands, this region not only attracts honeymooners and families but hard-core big-game anglers as well. One of the largest blue marlin ever documented, a 2,500-pound behemoth, was caught commercially in Tahiti waters, as well as a list of granders dating back to Zane Grey's exploits. Bora Bora, 125 miles northeast of Tahiti, has equally impressive fishing for blues as well as other pelagic gamesters. International tournaments are held at both venues, adding to their credibility as serious billfish waters as well as vacation dream trips.
Simple to lavish resorts, some built over the water for the ultimate communing-with-nature experience, and modern charter operations make for an unforgettable trip, though perhaps a bit pricey. Season: September to March. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
Budget Bargains
Landing big fish on a small budget is not an impossible task. This usually means looking for savings in the area of travel, accommodations, food, boats or simply by roughing it on occasion. What you don't want to sacrifice is the actual fishing experience or safety. There are places that have quality billfishing and true big-game action, yet are reasonably priced.
1. Baja, Mexico. Many coastlines and islands of the world have great fishing but lack facilities and local knowledge of sport-fishing techniques. These remote areas are more suited to experienced anglers. Some regions like Baja, however, have good, low-cost facilities because of the large volume of anglers, competition, and single-owner self-contained resorts.
Most equate Baja with Cabo San Lucas, but other options are available for the budget-minded angler. At the East Cape on the Gulf of California coast miles north of Cabo, nine fishing resorts compete for the angler's attention. Bargain package rates include air, ground transfers, accommodations, all meals, fishing charter and tackle. Light-tackle fishing for blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna and wahoo can be world-class here at a neighborly cost. Season: April to November. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
Up the coast a bit lies La Paz, also known as a bargain spot due to its moderately priced hotels hugging the bay shoreline (about $35 per person), "free port" shopping status, inexpensive but fresh seafood, and several outboard panga fleets that are priced well below typical cruiser rates. (Relatively low-cost cruisers are also available.)
Striped, blue and black marlin fishing can be excellent here, with plenty of yellowfin tuna, sailfish and dorado added in for good measure. Numerous tournaments are held during the season, and it usually takes a big blue or black exceeding 600 pounds to win here. Season: June to November. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
2. Tuna Coast, Panama. The Azuero Peninsula separates the Coiba Island region from Piqas Bay in the Gulf of Panama. Its southern coastline, or "Tuna Coast," is only a few miles from the 1,000-fathom line, which is a natural migratory route for yellowfin tuna, blue, black and striped marlin, sailfish, wahoo and sharks. Sport fishing is just being explored here, but early results are exciting, with sailfish, marlin and tuna found in big numbers close to shore in calm water.
Outboard-powered pangas are the only boats available unless a charter is arranged directly from Panama City. Most captains are inexperienced but know the hot spots and are eager to learn. Anglers must go self-contained with all fishing tackle.
The town of Pedasm is a four-hour drive from Panama City or a half-hour flight with ground transfer from Chitri. The area is not prepared for tourism and is priced for the "local dollar." Local motels and restaurants are bargains, with prices that resemble the 1950s (a filet mignon dinner here still costs $5).
Season: April to December. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
3. Mazatlan, Mexico. The developing city of Mazatlan offers a proven and historic sailfish fishery, with ample opportunity for marlin and tuna farther offshore. Multiple catches of billfish have occurred here for decades, though the area has been slow to catch up to current trends of fast boats and tag-and-release. That's all changing now, though, thanks in large part to the Marina El Cid and its Aries Fleet. With a marina-front hotel complex and a fleet of newer boats in the 31-foot range, this combination of quality accommodations and inexpensive access to proven fishing grounds is hard to match in this hemisphere.
Another economical option in Mazatlan comes from Pro Team Sport Fishing, which offers 26-foot Robalos to reach the grounds fast and an all-inclusive lodge - called the Casa de Marlin - for a low-cost, secluded fishing getaway. Through Pro Team, four anglers can stay for five days and four nights for a total of $1,500, and that includes the cost of the charter, lodge, tackle, breakfast and lunch aboard the boat.
Season: Sailfish year-round, blue marlin July to September, striped marlin December to March. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
Looking for Non-Stop Action
There aren't too many places on the globe where the billfish stocks are so high that anglers can expect almost constant action. A combination of pristine environment, remoteness, little or no commercial exploitation and a lack of nearby population centers will help produce an angler's Valhalla. A few of these places still exist, and if you time your trip to coincide with peak fishing periods, some phenomenal results can be yours.
1. Guatemala. It's no secret that the Pacific waters offshore of Iztapa teem with sailfish. The unusual aspect of this fishery is that it seems to be getting better each season. Last December, the Capt. Hook with Capt. Ron Hamlin released 71 sailfish in one day. Later in the month, a three-day, four-boat tournament released 269 billfish (including sailfish, blue and striped marlin) for an amazing score. Crews based at the Artmarina Fins & Feathers Inn are now setting records for sailfish on fly.
Though some months are hotter than others, it's impossible to find a time when this location doesn't produce double-digit bites. Season: December to June for sailfish, October and November for blue and black marlin. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
2. Quepos, Costa Rica. Since 1992, centrally located Quepos has brought the focal point of sailfishing to Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Typical days here average five to 10 sail releases per boat. When the action heats up, 40 or more releases can get even hardened anglers excited. Charter boats from all over Costa Rica flock here during sailfish season to take advantage of the consistent action that's complemented with good shore-side facilities and guest accommodations. Season: December to April for sailfish, September to November for blue, black and striped marlin. Sea condition: calm.
3. Venezuela. The La Guaira Bank off the coast of Caraballeda, Venezuela, is one of those sweet spots that could qualify for just about any fishing scenario listed here. Multiple catches of blue marlin are likely each day during the spring, grand slams are commonplace during the fall, hefty yellowfin and dorado add variety to the mix, and the area's fleet of local charter boats will please the economical angler.
Anyone fishing for record numbers of fish would be wise to spend a good part of his time in Venezuela, as proved by the fact that most of the big winners in the tagging contests each year come from this area. Season: Year-round. Sea condition: moderate to heavy.
4. Virgin Islands. The U.S. and British Virgin Islands fisheries, centered at St. Thomas and St. Croix, respectively, are about as consistent from year to year as any destination. Although blue marlin are definitely the number one game fish, white marlin, sailfish and prolific numbers of wahoo add to the variety. Book your trip around the full moon if you can find a vacancy, since that's the favored fishing period - a distinction confirmed by catch statistics and tournament organizers. Grander blues are found in Virgin Islands waters, including the former all-tackle record of 1,282 pounds caught in 1977, but it's the sheer number of fish that brings the bulk of anglers here.
Traveling to fish couldn't be easier anywhere than in the Virgin Islands, where quick connections to the U.S., active nightlife, plentiful accommodations at all price ranges and a number of local and international charter operators combine for a package that can be tailored to anyone's preferences.
Season: year-round, May to October for blue marlin. Sea condition: calm to moderate.
