Sailfish are abundant year round, since 1994, the fleet has averaged raising more than 20 billfish per day per boat – YEAR ROUND!

Our rainy season of mid-July through September coincide with the slower travel period of our typical client, with October through June being prime booking months. The larger sailfish up to 150 pounds are usually taken during the Fall, but for pure volume of 80 – 100 pound fish, December through June tends to be the rule. During this time you’ll be tantalized with 20 – 40 bites per day and, on some of those exceptional days, more than 100! Our statistics show 40 plus sailfish release days have been experienced in every month of the year. Fly fisherman take note: feather tossing anglers aboard the RELEASE let go 57 sailfish in one day in 2006 and they did it while conforming to all IGFA rules and regulations. Days with finicky or non-aggressive feeders are few and far between!

Marlin add to the excitement and they generally show up in concentrations for a week or more several times a year. At any time, a run to the far offshore drop can normally put you on yellowfin tuna as well as the average 400 pound blue marlin. As an average, while targeting sailfish every Casa Vieja boat will encounter a marlin every third day during the year. This number can be seriously upped by requesting a strictly marlin venture!

Throughout the year there are lots of football size tuna and dolphin in the 20 – 40 pound range to be caught, should that be your choice. Along the coastline, and within minutes of the docks, roosterfish are plentiful and of impressive size. This type of fishing is also done the comfortable way by all vessels in our fleet. Scheduling a day of inshore fishing is an excellent way to round off your trip.

Conservation

For more than a decade, billfish conservation has been central to our fleet’s philosophy. With total release as its commanding theme, our captains added the exclusive use of circle hooks with bait and billfish to their operating procedures long before it was popular. As innovators in this style of fishing we have upped our hook-up ratios while insuring a far healthier condition of our released fish.

Casa Vieja Lodge is right at home in a country whose national policy make it illegal to possess a sailfish. Guatemala’s fishing laws are exemplary of a strong national marine conservation ethic and of a country which is the region’s leader in billfish protection. Although always under test by commercial interests, the future of billfishing in Guatemalan waters appears quite secure.

FAQ’s

• What is the typical length of stay?
Although a typical package consists of three days of fishing and four nights lodging, you may take as many days as you would like.

• What is the skill level expected on the trip?
From beginners to experts, we have fished them all. Our captains are happy to adapt to your style or we can show you how we do it. There is no beter place in the world to learn or improve your skills as an angler.

• What are the qualifications of the staff?
Most of our staff has been with us for many years and has been trained to American hotel standards.

• Exchange rates and procedures?
US Dollars are widely accepted at most places. Quetsallies are the currency of Guatemala.

• Is this a child friendly resort and what age is acceptable?
Children are always welcome, we plan on running a summer “fishing school” program for families.

• Travel options? Transfers?
Guest are transported in our own vans driven by our trained chauffeurs. Helicopter transfers can be arranged on request.

• Is the water safe?
While we have a filtration system throughout the Lodge, we still recommend bottled water for drinking.

• Insurance needs?
Trip insurance is not required but is recommended; ask our staff to provide the info.

• Passport and visa?
Passports are required and passport info will be needed before your arrival to Guatemala.

• Language?
The Lodge staff speaks English and the boat captains are American.