Fishing in Guatemala with Roxtons

This really is saltwater fly fishing at its best, The Great Sailfishing Company operating out of the Pez Vela Marina on the Pacific coast of Guatemala has earned a worldwide reputation as the best destination for your billfish fishing trip because anglers regularly have shots at 20+ sailfish per day.

The seas around Guatemala are rich in baitfish attracting blue, black and striped marlin as well as inshore species such as jack crevalle and rooster fish.

For all of the bluewater anglers, there are opportunities for blue marlin and black marlin as well as tuna and dorado.

Catching a billfish on a fly rod is different than fly fishing for any other fresh or salt water fish for that matter. Saifish in Guatemala average around 100lbs and can take 200 yards of backing in a few seconds. The adrenaline rush when fighting a sailfish is similar to catching a 70 to 140 pound tarpon and it goes off the chart if you hook a marlin or giant tuna. Be ready for a fight!

As soon as the billfish is close to the boat (20 to 60 feet, depending on the anglers preference) the captain puts the throttles in neutral, the mate reels in his trolling lure and the angler casts his fly. The idea is to use the "bait and switch" technique on the billfish so the fly has to be cast in front or slightly to the side of the billfish.

If the billfish does not take the fly the captain repositions the boat, the mate with the spinning reel casts again, the angler gets ready and the whole process starts over. It is a team effort to catch a billfish with a fly but one of the most exciting salt water fly fishing experiences you could possibly imagine.

The English speaking captains and crews at The Great Sailfishing Company have honed fly fishing techniques to the point of instint with the result that Guatemala offers arguably the finest sailfishing in the world.

All billfishing is catch and release using exclusively circle hooks - another reason why the fishing remains so consistant and the fish so prolific.

The Great Sailfishing Company offers a choice of accommodations to suit your party. They have several 3 & 4 bedroom villas that can accomodate up to 8 anglers in comfort in the secure grounds of the Villas del Pacifico resort. Each villa is staffed with a personal chef, maid and waitress which means there is maximum flexibility for menus and individual preferences.

Breakfast is served prior to leaving for the dock each morning, and on return you will find freshly made Hors D'oeuvers and cold drinks. Dinner might be dorado caught on the trip that day.

Fly fishing and conventional tackle are both accommodated on the fleet of Bertram sportfishing boats.

All the crews are full time, experienced and offer both encouragement and tuition if you wish; the only objective is for you to have a trip of a lifetime.

High quality Penn International and Shimano conventional gear is included, flyfishing equipment is available for a small daily charge, however if you wish to bring your own fly fishing equipment below is a guidline of what we suggest you take.

Rod
If you wish to bring your own rod please feel free to do so, but do not bring anything less then a 10 to 12 weight.

Lines
The lodge uses 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

Nylon / Leader
Tippet strength is your choice but we suggest 30lb.

Flies
We recommend Cam Sigler's "Pink Squid" tube fly and our most successful colour 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.

Other Items

• A good pair of deck shoes or trainers whilst on board
• Sun Screen
• Good polarized sun glasses
• And lastly a camera

The lodge can arrange guided tours of Antigua a former capital of Guatemala. Also readily available in the area are guided hikes up the active volcano of Pacaya, where you can stand within 50ft of active lava streams.

Season
November to May are regarded as prime months for sailfish.
May - September for marlin but fewer sailfish.

Time Difference from GMT
- 6 hours.

Electricity
110v standard AC.

Currency
The currency is the Quetzal but the US$ is widely accepted.

Tips
It is entirly discretionary, but tips are generally left for the guides and lodge staff.

As a general guide we recomend that the boat crew be given $100.00 per day per crew, the chef and waitress in the villas $25.00 per day and the maids $5.00 per day.

Visa requirements for UK citizens
No visas are required for UK residents for up to 90 days.

Medical Requirements
There is a very low risk of maleria, however Dengue fevor is endemic in the costal towns. Please consult your doctor for the relevent medication.

Insects
In the wet seasons mosquitos can be a problem. Take plenty of repelant and use it regulary.