Sailfish Bay
The Fishing
World's Best Sailfishing - Conventional or Fly
Guatemala has gained an international reputation as having one of the highest concentrations of billfish, in particular Pacific Sailfish - year round. Sailfish Bay had an unbelievable 134 sailfish released on conventional over a 3-day period and our fly fishing record for one day is 22 releases.
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 it's a rarity to see another boat while fishing offshore. 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.
Fly Fishing
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.
We have an array of Cam Sigler, Abel, Winston and Diamondback fly rods. They range in size from 12 to 14 weights. Our reels consist of Abel, Diamondback, Tibor, and the Billy Pate "Marlin". We recommend Cam Sigler's "Pink Squid" tube fly and our most successful color is pink and white. If rigging them yourself, 6/0 "J" hooks are preferred. When sailfish are less aggressive on the surface, we suggest a partially sinking streamer style fly, pink and white with the same size hook.
We use the following fly lines: *Wulff Bermuda Triangle Taper Saltwater SWTB12F *Cortland Tropic Plus Lazor Line (Billfish) with a Int. Clear Sink Tip - WF13 or WF14 *Orvis Big Game Intermediate Wonderline WF-14-S Tippet strength is your choice but we suggest 20lb.
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. Lodge owner Robert Fallon will work closely with those clients needing extra help on fly fishing. He can teach you the correct hook-up procedure for billfish and we don't charge extra for this service. So far our fly fishing clients have had a 100% success rate catching sailfish on the fly!
Accommodations & Property
Sailfish Bay is a 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 resort we take a 5-minute boat ride along the canal that borders the coast. Our adventure complex consists of following:
-8 beachfront air-conditioned bedrooms with private bath (Total capacity = 16 anglers) -Outdoor bar -Swimming pool -Jacuzzi -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 were done with a contemporary design 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 seafood soups. The open bar features several local beers, national liquors and a selection of Chilean wines.
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 and tackle may be rented at USD $30 per person per day, payable directly at the lodge.
4:30 PM You will return to the resort with time to freshen up and relax before dinner. You will be greeted by our staff serving tropical drinks and snacks. Evenings are 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 Peté. 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 Atitlán and the Maya-Quiché 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. 709-780-7363.
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