Guatemala: Still the best Pacific Sailfishing in the World.

December, 2023: Several of us at Frontiers have the bluewater bug, and we occasionally need our fishing fix offshore with fly rods and light-tackle conventional gear.  I just returned from Guatemala with my son, Jeremy, and a client friend who brought his two sons.  The dorado (mahi mahi) and sailfish were incredibly prevalent, along with bonito. We also had two blue marlin hooked. Since my last trip 15-years ago, I am pleased to report that Guatemala continues to be a premier fishery.

A Long History with Offshore Destinations

Often I am asked how my parents arrived at our company’s name, Frontiers Travel. When they founded it in 1969, it truly was the first of its kind. In addition to quality and customer service, we prioritized exploring new and remote destinations, including offshore and bluewater fisheries with both conventional and fly tackle. We were fishing at Tropic Star Lodge in Panama in the 1970s.  As Costa Rica emerged, we spent a lot of exploratory time there in the late 1980s and early 90s.  We took our first exploratory trip to Guatemala in 1995 and were amazed at the abundance of sailfish and often very calm seas.  28 years later, the destination has frankly improved with better boats and crews, and conservation initiatives protecting the fishery.  Plus, the lodging, service, and cuisine have also developed and gotten better over the years.

Guatemala has set incredible records in sailfishing, with some boats releasing over 2,000 sailfish a year. This includes remarkable achievements like over a hundred sailfish releases in a single day, showcasing the area’s extraordinary potential.  While these numbers are not the norm, the waters remain incredibly consistent for sails.

Unique Combination Makes for an Ideal Destination

Guatemala is easy to access from most points in the States with direct flights from New York, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. Fishing for sailfish launches at the coastal town of Iztapa, about a 2.5 hour drive from the Gautemala City Airport. Frontiers can also arrange a short charter flight if that’s your preference.  This region is now renowned for its exceptional fishing resource, attracting passionate anglers worldwide. This fishery offers a unique combination of factors that make it an ideal destination for sailfish:

• Guatemala’s Pacific coast provides an ideal habitat with a high concentration of sailfish. The rich and fertile waters of the Pacific Ocean create an environment where these fish thrive, leading to an exceptional fishing experience. These waters are also home to a rich variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and various other fish species. This diversity adds to the overall experience of fishing in the area.

• With access to top-class equipment and experienced crew members, each fishing trip offers the potential for success. Knowledgeable captains and mates with well-maintained gear significantly enhance the chances of a great catch.

• The government recognizes the value of sailfish, leading to legislation mandating catch-and-release for sails and making it illegal to possess any sailfish. This approach helps to protect the species and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

• This country is also known for its reasonable travel costs and excellent fishing packages at resorts. This affordability, combined with the high probability of catching large numbers of sailfish and other species, makes Iztapa an attractive destination for anglers.

The Return Trip

This was my fifth trip to Guatemala since 1995.  My last trip down though was 15 years ago.  It was wonderful to be back; and I was thrilled to see that the fishery is better than ever.   After a night and a day in the incredible historical city of Antigua, we made our way to the coast and stayed at Pacific Fins Resort, which has been one of the leading lodges since the 1990s.

Over our three days of fishing Jeremy and I spent two of them with the fly rod with hookless teasers.  A 13- or 14-weight rod is suggested, and giant pink poppers are the best.  We also fished one day with conventional tackle.  Over the three days, we released 14 sailfish, four of which were fly caught; caught over 20 dorado (some on the fly), plus a few bonito.  We also lost two blue marlin.  Our friends were mostly conventional gear fishing, and their numbers were even more impressive.

Each day, we returned in the later afternoon to a wonderful pool, ice cold Gallo beers, and memorable hors d’oeuvres – followed by a full dinner menu featuring fresh fish.

The winter months tend to be great.  If you want to escape the winter chill to enjoy some days on the water with sun and temps in the 80s and low 90s with abundant sailfish in the teasers, contact our Central America Sales Specialist, Joe Koziara.  He will get you to Pacific Fins!

~ Mike Fitzgerald, Frontiers President