Billfish are the ultimate prize in big game fishing, and few experiences compare to the electrifying sight of a Sailfish tail-walking across the surface or the sheer power of a Blue Marlin stripping line in unstoppable runs. These apex predators are the reason anglers travel the globe, seeking out the world’s most productive waters and the memorable encounters they provide.
From the Pacific hotspots of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Colombia, where Sailfish swarm in staggering numbers, to the legendary grounds of Madeira, Panama, Rodrigues, and beyond, where Blue Marlin test even the most seasoned anglers, our carefully curated destinations deliver world-class action in spectacular settings. Supported by expert crews, top-class lodges, and proven fishing grounds, each trip promises not just incredible sport, but a complete adventure on the open ocean.
Below, you’ll find our collection of Billfish fishing lodges and experiences.
Blue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world, celebrated for their raw power, blistering runs, and aerial battles that leave anglers breathless. With their electric blue backs, towering dorsal fins, and sword-like bills, they dominate the open ocean and stand as one of the most coveted trophies in all of sportfishing.
These predators begin life in the deep blue, feeding on schools of tuna, dorado, and squid as they grow into muscular, unstoppable hunters. Capable of weighing well over 1,000lb, Blue Marlin tests both angler and tackle to the absolute limit, demanding strength, stamina, and skill in equal measure. Every strike is sudden and violent, a moment of pure adrenaline followed by a fight that can last hours.
Chasing Blue Marlin is the pinnacle of big-game angling, and the destinations we offer put you in the heart of their world. From the legendary waters of Madeira, famed for producing record-breaking giants, to the rich offshore grounds of Panama and the remote Indian Ocean island of Rodrigues, these fisheries provide some of the very best opportunities anywhere on earth. With expert crews, world-class lodges, and oceans alive with possibility, each trip promises not only the chance of a fish of a lifetime but a memorable adventure at sea.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read the full species spotlight here, or keep scrolling to see our handpicked selection of Blue Marlin experiences.
Madeira is a name steeped in Blue Marlin history, producing some of the biggest fish ever caught in European waters. Situated in the deep Atlantic, just off the coast of Africa, the island’s proximity to deep-sea drop-offs means you’re fishing prime Marlin territory within minutes of leaving the harbour. June to September sees some of the heaviest fish of the season, with specimens regularly pushing past the 700lb mark. For anglers seeking the ultimate test close to home, Madeira remains one of the world’s true big-game hotspots.
Visit the tour page: Blue Marlin Fishing, Madeira
Panama’s Pacific waters are legendary for their richness, and when it comes to Blue Marlin, they deliver in style. Offshore seamounts and deep-water drop-offs attract these ocean giants year-round, with peak action coming when baitfish gather in massive schools. Anglers can expect sudden, savage strikes followed by long, punishing battles against fish that can top 500lb. With expert crews, modern boats, and access to some of the most productive waters in Central America, Bluewater Fishing Panama offers a big-game experience that few destinations can match.
Visit the tour page: Blue Water Fishing, Panama
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Few fish light up the ocean like the Sailfish, with their dazzling speed, spectacular leaps, and unmistakable dorsal fin cutting through the surface. Celebrated as the fastest fish in the sea, they can hit bursts of over 60mph, giving anglers blistering runs and nonstop action from the moment they take the bait.
Found in abundance across the Pacific and Caribbean, Sailfish thrive in warm, bait-rich waters where pods of fish often hunt together, giving anglers multiple shots in a single session. Their average size of 70–120lb makes them more accessible than some of the ocean’s giants, yet every fight is packed with raw excitement as they greyhound across the surface and tail-walk in an effort to throw the hook.
Chasing Sailfish isn’t just about the catch, it’s about the theatre of the fight, the spray of the sea, and the heart-pounding moment when your line tears away. From Costa Rica’s prolific Pacific coast and Colombia’s hidden gems to Guatemala’s legendary fisheries, these destinations consistently deliver some of the best Sailfish action anywhere on earth.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read the full species spotlight here, or keep scrolling to see our handpicked collection of Sailfish trips, each offering the chance to experience the thrill of this iconic billfish in truly spectacular settings.
Zancudo Lodge is world-renowned for its prolific Pacific fisheries, and Sailfish are at the very heart of the action. With expert captains, top-class boats, and waters teeming with billfish, anglers can expect fast-paced days filled with multiple shots at these acrobatic predators. Back on shore, the lodge delivers luxury accommodation, fine dining, and Costa Rica’s trademark hospitality, creating the perfect balance between adrenaline offshore and comfort at base.
Visit the tour page: Zancudo Lodge, Costa Rica
On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Antigua Beach House offers anglers the rare chance to combine luxury beachfront living with thrilling offshore action. Just a short run from the lodge, the warm blue waters come alive with Sailfish, providing steady opportunities throughout the season. The combination of unpressured waters, expert crews, and breathtaking surroundings makes this one of South America’s most exciting and exclusive Sailfish destinations.
Visit the tour page: Anigua Beach House, Colombia
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Contact Us
At Sportquest Holidays, we know that chasing Billfish is about more than just the catch — it’s the thrill of the fight, the beauty of the setting, and the adventure of being out on the open ocean. Whether it’s raising Sailfish off Costa Rica and Guatemala or hunting Blue Marlin in Madeira, Panama, or Rodrigues, our handpicked trips put you at the heart of the action.
If this blog has inspired you to take on these incredible gamefish, our team of experts is here to help. We’ll match you with the perfect destination, crew, and season to create a trip you’ll never forget.
Call us on 01603 407596 or email info@sportquestholidays.com to start planning your ultimate Billfish adventure today.
