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Few places in the world can match Guatemala’s Pacific coast for sheer numbers of billfish, consistent action, and the overall quality of the sport-fishing experience. Since the late 1990s, this fishery has held its place at the very top of the big-game fishing world, delivering not only extraordinary numbers of Pacific sailfish, but also healthy shots at blue marlin, striped marlin, dorado and yellowfin tuna.
A Legendary Fishery
Guatemala’s Pacific sailfish average 60 to 80 pounds, with larger specimens frequently encountered. They are aggressive on the bait and put on unforgettable aerial displays in the calm, protected seas for which this coast is famous. Blue marlin in the 200- to 400-pound range regularly appear in the spread, with top boats encountering five to 10 on the right days. Offshore, anglers also find schools of yellowfin tuna and large dorado, rounding out a world-class fishery.
From Miami, Houston or Dallas, it’s just a two-hour flight to Guatemala City, followed by a short transfer to the coast. Charter operators provide airport pickup and seamless ground transport, with private air options also available. Runs to the fishing grounds are typically only 10 to 30 miles, often accompanied by turtles, dolphins, whales and flocks of seabirds, all against the backdrop of Guatemala’s towering volcanoes.
On the grounds, crews deploy a mix of teasers and natural ballyhoo baits. Most anglers use 20- to 30-pound stand-up gear for sailfish, while a 50-pound outfit is always rigged for when a blue marlin appears. Guatemala’s crews are among the most accomplished billfishermen in the world, with unrivaled skill in teaser-and-switch tactics and fly-fishing techniques. In fact, more than 50 sailfish have been released in a single day on fly tackle by one angler here—a record that underscores the fishery’s productivity.
A Conservation Success Story
Guatemala was the first country to mandate the use of circle hooks in the early 2000s, a move that has paid tremendous dividends. Today the fishery thrives, with sport-fishing harvest strictly regulated and all billfish caught by recreational anglers released alive.
Catch rates remain the envy of the sport-fishing world. Top boats consistently average 12 to 16 sailfish releases per day, with 30-, 40- and even 50-fish release days not uncommon during peak season. In 2016, aboard Decisive, I released a record-breaking 3,671 billfish in just 155 days of fishing, averaging more than 23 releases per day. These were not marathon overnight sessions but traditional daytime charters, with anglers doing their own hooking and fighting, which is central to the Guatemala experience.
The Fleet
What makes Guatemala especially unique is that it is almost exclusively a charter fishery. For eight months each year—October through May—the fleet of professional captains and crews fish side by side, sharing information and working together to put visiting anglers on the bite. This camaraderie and culture of cooperation have been hallmarks of the fishery since its early days, when pioneers such as Capt. Ron Hamlin and Capt. Chris Sheeder called these waters home.
That spirit of teamwork is balanced by healthy competition, which drives captains and crews to continually refine their craft. Many groundbreaking techniques were perfected here, and the standard of service remains among the best anywhere in the world. For anglers, this means that booking with one of the established operators ensures a truly world-class billfishing adventure.
Lodges and Lifestyle
Guatemala’s sport fishing anchors at Marina Pez Vela, located in the country’s principal Pacific port. While there are no flashy resort hotels in the area, the leading operators each run their own private, all-inclusive lodges. Packages typically include accommodations, meals, transfers and fully crewed fishing days. Boats range from 31 to 48 feet, with two mates working the deck, and hot lunches, snacks and drinks served on board. The experience is seamless, with multilingual staff and genuine local hospitality rounding out the package.
Top All-Inclusive Operators
- Casa Vieja Lodge
- Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures
- Pacific Fins
- Sailfish Oasis
Beyond the Fishing
For those looking to extend their trip, La Antigua is just an hour from the coast. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic town dates to the 16th century and sits at 6,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by volcanoes. With cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, artisanal shops and fine dining, Antigua offers the perfect cultural counterpoint to days spent offshore. Many anglers choose to spend a few days here after fishing, with several boutique accommodations providing luxurious private sanctuaries.
