Guatemala fishing has built a reputation around the globe for its insane billfish fishing; with a vast list of IGFA records, as long as your arm, it has become the go-to place for any serious specimen angler in search of dream fishing. When you team the outstanding fishing with one of the best and longest-standing crew teams in Guatemala, you will find yourself in complete billfish paradise.
The Great Sailfish Company have been running successful fishing charters since back in 2002 and have made so many anglers dream a reality. With their tremendous amount of knowledge both for fly and conventional fishing, you will find it hard to book a better fishing charter boat and team anywhere in the world.
The undisputed sailfish capital: Guatemala has the perfect conditions to attract vast billfish numbers throughout the year. Laws making possession of Sailfish illegal coupled with vital conservation, ensure that the fishery continues to flourish. The fleet averages a good amount of billfish each day throughout the season.
You will be fishing the fish-filled waters off Guatemala, where the Sailfish swim free and are abundant in numbers. These South American waters of the Atlantic Ocean are full of nutrients, which attracts the many species of fish you will find there. Along with the fantastic Sailfish and Marlin bite, the sea off Guatemala is teaming with all the other species you would expect in such fish-rich waters. Head over to our YouTube channel to see for yourself what a Guatemala fishing holiday is like.
We all know that nothings guaranteed in fishing, but this is about as close as you can get to perfection. Have you ever dreamt of teasing lit up Sailfish to within 20ft of the stern, multiple hook-ups and constant action? Then dream no more, as this is a proper saltwater anglers dream location.
The great action is the vast amount of baitfish all year round and put this together with warm eddies, making the ideal habitat for enormous Sailfish pods present year-round. With the large abundance of billfish available, pacific Sailfish, particularly Guatemala fishing holidays, has become a magnet to conventional and fly fishers both experienced and new to the sport.
Even though the ratio of raises to hook-ups is much more excellent with conventional tackle than fly tackle, it remains the perfect place to tick off this sort after action for any travelling fly angler due to the sheer amount of chances per day. The waters surrounding Guatemala in the primary sport fishing season usually are very calm, and the strong currents pushed up from Mexico makes the Sailfish feed very aggressively.
When the Sailfish is running, you can expect to raise twenty billfish to the stern of the boat, making it an ideal destination to learn how to cast a fly to a Sailfish and experience the thrill of a hundred pound plus fish dancing on the end of your rod. If you choose to fly fish, then before the boat leaves the marina, you will get a short instruction explaining the procedure in detail of how to time the cast and, more importantly, the signals and directions you will get from the captain in the flybridge. Fly fishing for any billfish is a team event, and the instructions from the captain will need to be listened to as this will determine a successful day on the water.
If you fancy a break from the Sailfish, then the Dorado and Tuna action is also world-class and are the perfect species to target if you wish to bring something home for the table. In addition to the Sailfish, the Marlin bite is red hot at certain times of the year, and you can expect to raise two or three of these vast Marlin each day.
Inshore fishing gets overlooked in Guatemala due to how exceptionally excellent the Offshore bite is. But let us inform you that you must set aside at least one day to try and tempt some of the enormous Roosters that get caught every day. The Cubera Snapper fishing is also off the scale, and these get caught either by trolling baits, or why not throw big splashing poppers as the bite from either of these species will feel like a steam train hitting your lure. You will catch Jacks and lots of other snappers that live in and around the reefs along with these two prevalent species.
The fishing grounds start pretty much as you leave the breakwater and can be as far out as 50 miles, although it is more common to find the fish in what we term as “The pocket”, a deep-water canyon that has huge drop-offs ranging from 1000ft – 5000ft. The Sailfish at this destination in Guatemala are renowned speedsters and will leave you grinning from ear to ear as they scream off at a rate of knots. You will be holding on for dear life as you do battle with these stunning fish in the clear blue waters in the Sailfish capital of the world.
Your guides on this holiday are all experienced skippers and deckhands. They have all been fishing these waters for a long time, meaning that you get the best possible fishing experience available. Whether you choose to fly fish or the more traditional trolling, then the captain and deckhands will be more than happy to help in any way you need. Suppose you are choosing to target the billfish on fly tackle. In that case, you will get full instructions before you leave the marina. You all must work as a team when fly fishing as instructions from the captain will get called out on when to cast and, more importantly, when to set the hook and excellent communication is key to success.
The Greatsailfishing Lodge is designed to provide comfort and safety for its guests. It can accommodate groups of up to fourteen anglers in eight bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. All rooms are fully air-conditioned, and the staff are available 24/7 to assist with any requests.
Located near the Pez Vela Marina, home to the Guatemala Sportfishing Fleet, the lodge is just a short drive from the charter boats daily.
A property manager is present daily during breakfast and when guests return from fishing to ensure everything runs smoothly. They are available to answer any questions or fulfil any requests. Additionally, the lodge can help arrange day excursions for golf, shopping in Antigua, or other activities if guests decide to take a “lay day” from sailfish fishing.
The Greatsailfishing Lodge offers:
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Guatemala
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, you will make your way to the arrivals hall where there will be Great Sailfish Company representative waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The transfer takes approx. 1.5 hours but there will be drinks available. Once you have checked in to the resort the rest of the evening will be yours to relax around explore the resort.
Overnight accommodation: Soleil Resort (Twin Room) F/B
Over your next 5 days fishing, you will be served a full American breakfast before your transfer to the marina. The typical fishing day is 7 am until 4 or 4:30 pm. Depending on how you wish to target the fish, a briefing will be given before heading out. It is important at this time that everyone works together and listens to instructions given by the captain and deckhands. Lunch and beverages will be served on board the sportfishing boats.
Overnight accommodation: Soleil Resort (Twin Room) F/B
In addition to the abundant Sailfish population, you will have the opportunity to catch Blue/Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Roosterfish and Wahoo. We strongly advise spending at least one day’s inshore fishing as the Rooster and Cubera snapper fishing is extremely good. You can either troll live baits or try your hand at some popper fishing. When you are fishing offshore the boat will troll with teasers to raise the fish then the deckhand will tease the billfish within twenty foot of the boat so you can carefully cast your fly, make sure you listen to the captain who will shout instructions on when to cast and more importantly when to set the hook. He has a great advantage point up in the bridge and he will be able to see further into the water than you.
Overnight accommodation: Soleil Resort (Twin Room) F/B
At a prearranged time the hotel will arrange your transfer to take you back to Guatemala airport for your return flights.
Depart Guatemala
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from October to May.
Season: October to May
Peak: January to March
Weight: 40lb to 180lb
Average Weight: 90lb
Season: November to April
Peak: April
Weight: 200lb to 800lb
Average Weight: 350lb
Season: December to March
Peak: March
Weight: 200lb to 950lb
Average Weight: 400lb
Season: April to October
Peak: August
Weight: 5lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 15lb
Season: November to June
Peak: April to May
Weight: 5lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 20lb
Season: All Year
Peak: August
Weight: 10lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 30lb
Season: All Year
Peak: August
Weight: 5lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 20lb
If your group size is smaller than 4 people then please contact a member of the Sportquest Holidays team for an up to date price
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/10/2025 | 31/05/2026 | 7 | £6,114 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on four adults sharing transfers, fishing and two adults in twin rooms for accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
I can not fault the holiday, we had a great time. The fishing was fantastic, we had 26 sailfish and a 200LB Blue Marlin in ONE day! The accommodation was excellent also the staff and food.
Thanks Ron.
Hello Ron, thank you for your feedback. Sounds like you guys had a great time. I was following you on Facebook whilst I was out in Costa Rica. Guatemala is one of the best places in the world for Sailfish and you having 26 Sailfish and a Marlin in one day..... surely you can not ask more than that!
All the best Ron
Peter I know Mr Blacker is sending you a detailed report with some pictures. I just wanted to add my hughe thanks to your staff and all the crew. We had one of the best trips of our lives. I also think it will be hard to beat this.
Hi, Yes I did receive Mr Blacker's report and all your pictures all I can say ios wow. I wish I had been on that trip with you guys.
Regards Peter
Caught my first Sailfish on the fly and then ended up having 6 more all in 3 days fishing. Simply the best Sailfish fishing destination, great service, great guides and boats. Well worth the journey.
Dave, congratulations on the sailfish on the fly. I can also remember my first one as if it was only yesterday. What next shall we look at a destination for Roosterfish next time. Cheers Peter
Hi Peter just a few lines to let you know how much we enjoyed our fishing trip to Guatemala from the minute we landed we were looked after by the rep who called himself jeremy so we would remember his name. To the time we were dropped back at the airport a week later.
The holiday surpassed our expectations the food the hotel & the weather. But the fishing was out of this world between the two of us we had 58 sailfish from about 80 pounds upto about 150 pounds & we had approx 25 to 30 Doradro up to about 28 pounds. we had a quick work out of the figures & that works out at 1 Sailfish every 30 minutes over the 5 days fishing not including the Dorado which were great fun & would have been good sport on light tackle. All the boats & there crew were fantastic & we left the marina bang on time every day so we got as much fishing as possible.
Thanks H Blacker
Ps we are saving our pennies for the next time.
Wow thanks for the feedback and all the pictures, yes you boys did get into all the fish. One sailfish every 30 mins is just amazing. Save hard and we will see you again next year. Regards Peter
It was just mad from the time our lures hit the water, we had pods of Sailfish all over our baits. We will never forget it; what a trip. All we have left to say is a big thank you.
Peter, thanks for the feedback and I am glad you boys had a blast. Thanks again and look forward in seeing you again.
Peter just got back from my trip and just wanted to let you know how sore my back is, it was not from the long off road drive but from playing too many fish. Must say a great trip just wish we could get a helicopter to fly us in.
Dr White, thanks for the feedback and the great pictures, i have added them all to our website. Also thank you for your continued business.
Kind Regards Peter
Great lodge
Super guides and staff
Food and drink in abundance.
Some of the very best boat fly fishing in the world
Ryan, thank you for taking the time to send in your feedback. I am so happy that both you and Mike had a great trip. Also thanks for all the pictures, what an amazing trip.
Kind Regards Peter
The staff and crew on our holiday were out of this world. The fishing was incredible have never seen action big game fishing like this in our lives.
We raised so many fishing on a daily basis, at times the boat was complete chaos with us running around while others in the group were playing fish. At one point we had a triple hook up. We would love to return just need to start saving up fast.
Hugh
Hugh
Ha ha I did warn you what this place is like, go at the right time of year with the correct moon phase and its going to be an amazing trip. I would have loved to have seen the triple hook up, next time take some video for us to share.
Regards Paul
Somedays we only had to travel a short distance but on others the boat journey was quite long.
The organisation of the complete operation is a real credit to you all, fantastic holiday so thank you.
Thanks for talking to me and the feedback. As discussed on someday you have to travel further to find the current lines which change on a daily basis. As you experienced it is well worth the journey as your catches proved.
Hope to talk to you again soon.
Tight lines Peter
Only complaint was on the flight over Alcohol was for purchase only by plastic only no cash accepted. Fishing in the mornings was full on, but for some reason the afternoon bite was quite. We all had a great holiday thank you.
Neil, thats strange in relation to the drinks on the flights. You flew with united we will make sure we get this added to peoples pre departure to make sure anyone travelling is carrying a credit card. Long flight with no alcohol is not joke. Glad you all got plenty of action with the sailfish, in relation to the bite being quite in the afternoon these things can happen, it can also be the other way around. Glad that you all enjoyed the holiday and look forward to seeing your pictures. Regards Mel
All went perfectly
Hi Ken, what else do we need to say...... Well done Ken on the amazing fishing you had and look forward to helping you in the near future
All the best
Paul
Over the last few years, Silver King Lodge in Costa Rica has built a reputation as one of the best Tarpon fishing destinations found anywhere in the world. Located in a lush tropical environment on the banks of the Rio Colorado on the northeast coast of Costa Rica, it's home to abundant numbers of big Tarpon.
The Zancudo Lodge, where over 70 IGFA records have been set, is world-renowned for its lure and fly fishing inshore and offshore and its finest service. You will receive access to all the required fishing tackle from ultra-light to heavy fly fishing tackle with all poppers, lures, jigs and small flies will also be included.
The world-class resort in Costa Rica called Crocodile Bay has won so many awards on Trip Adviser that we class it as a must go for any big game angler. It is also the perfect destination to take your non-angling family, as the eco tours onsite are unbelievable and if you were to stay there for a whole month, you would never get through them.
Christmas Island Lodge is a unique and natural operation that magically combines all the elements critical to fly fishing success. Endless hard sand flats, remarkable numbers of cruising fish, the best guides on the island and consistent year-round weather is what awaits all who visit this unique atoll.
At Kwanza Lodge the fishing is varied with the opportunity to one day, fish the freshwaters of the river Cuanza for super huge Tarpon and then the next to be some nautical miles offshore fishing for huge Marlin. The guides will make sure that all your requirements are catered for, so if you wish to troll all day or even popper fish then this will be tailored into your itinerary.
