The billfishing has always been good in Guatemala, but they have not seen this many fish in several years this early in the season. They seem to be holding in pockets of warm water at about 40 miles from the dock where there is plenty of bait to be found. This same area is also producing good numbers of dorado with some blue marlin showing in the spreads as well.
Not only are the sailfish concentrated in good numbers, there have been some monsters in the mix as well – with several greater than 150 lbs being brought to the boats over the past few weeks. The all tackle (IGFA) record stands at 221 lbs and they have seen fish closing in on that – there is certainly the opportunity for a new record on 20 lb tippet! The weather has been great with warm days and calm seas – perfect for prospecting out to the deep blue water and providing an opportunity to get away from cold winter starting to ramp in the North!
Even better, there are indications that the warm eddies are moving inshore so that the boats are now finding fish within ten miles of the dock, providing more time on the water for anglers to catch (and release) plenty of billfish on the charters.
If you haven’t been to Guatemala before or had the opportunity to cast a fly to a lit-up sailfish 20 ft from the stern of the boat, it is a thrill you will never forget. The boats are in the water and the crews are ready to fish – so if you are considering a trip, please contact us or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389 as the prime dates are filling up fast. The Great Sailfishing Company look forward to welcoming you to the best sailfishing in the world!