Any personal experiences, time of year, etc would be appreciated. Cheers.
Haven’t been to Guatemala in years for Sailfish…but, when I did, I chartered my own boat…unreal fishing. It was in Mid-February.
I used to do alot of business and my buddies and I grabbed a one day charter.
From what I’ve seen, Casa Vieja has it dialed in with the Captain’s and accommodations.
Typically you fly into Guatemala City where they will pick you up in a small van and head to the coast. It’s a few hours. time to your trip to arrive during morning hours…driving in Guatemala at NIGHT is NOT safe.
The Casa Vieja is a complete compound…I’ve heard great food and fishing.
I wanted to catch a Sailfish on the Fly rod…back in 2010 or so, and we raised 1/2 a dozen and I did get one to the boat…15 wt…let me see if I can find some pics.
It’s just like on the videos…what they do is tease up the sails, then you present a giant fly and game on…but, it’s not as easy as it sounds…you have to time your hook set and figure if the sail is going left to right or right to left…I missed several in beginning…but, did get two on, and one to the boat.
We did a long day trip…
If you are considering taking a few days before or after…Antigua is incredible city, safe, very touristy, but, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the culture and the people.
Again, NO safe driving at night…but, ok during the day…just get local information…some best in class boutique hotels in Antigua.
DC
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I think @Zika has been there.
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I went a few years ago and fished for two days. It was insane! Would highly recommend going!
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I have a relative that goes every year typically around April to May. He doesn’t fly fish, but says it is one of the best trips and lodges he’s stayed at. His wife doesn’t fish and stays at the lodge and she also loves it. So it is a good spot for a couples trip. I have heard their fly fishing operation gets it done - it is primarily teased fish, not bait balls like Los Locos.
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We are potentially planning two couples, but both ladies will fish. I want one on fly, but will do the normal thing the rest of the time. We are looking at this spring. I believe it is usually calmer than the Atlantic; is there a month to avoid as far as seas?
I wouldn’t rule out Sailfish Oasis. Capt. Kiwi and Liz are super nice. Lodge is quaint with friendly and attentive staff. Great food as well.
@anon49879493 hit the nail on the head about it though. I have been out at night once in my seven trips there and it was with the property manager - would not advise.
I would try to get there early Spring for prime sail bite. Seas generally are not a problem - spaced swells. Get too far into the year and it will be rainy.
I would even say to stay in Antigua the night before your flight as it is closer to the airport and you get to experience it - cool place.
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I caught my first Pacific sail on fly at the Fins and Feathers Lodge, the predecessor of CV. Outstanding fishery and crews, great staff, nice lodge. Yes, be cautious at night or stay at the compound.
Spring is the best season and the seas are generally calm.
Have fun and post up a report.
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Check with the Lodge…but, when I went with my Captain he indicated that you normally have to only fish Sail on Fly or conventional…the reason during my trip is we had 4 sets of teaser out the stern at varying lengths to bring the sails up to the boat.
Of the sails we teased up, some would be 75 or so feet behind the boat and we’d pull up the teaser and it would start attacking the teaser as it was being pulled away…they would be pulling until it got within casting range.
What I did was sit on the starboard stern wit the 15 wt in my hand and about 50 feet of line wrapped and ready…you are sitting backward for hours waiting…if you get sea-sick bring along some strong prescription pills…
It’s like a gun fight, it happens in just a few seconds…the Captain yells - “Vela Izquerda” - which means “Sail on the Left”. The mate is pulling in the teasers quickly and this monster fish is slashing…we had one double attack and it was insane for about 30 seconds.
Be sure to check with the lodge on the protocols for fishing…for sails and conventional and make sure your team is in agreement.
DC
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Mark, let me put you in touch with my buddy Tom (retired blue water private sport fishing yacht captain). I’m sure he can offer a lot of good insight. I’ll text you both to connect.
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My advice on rods…. take a 12 wt as well.
When I was at Los Locos we used 12 weights on the striped marlins. Much easier to cast accurately. I’ve fished with a 14 wt before and it was like casting a broom stick. The 14 is for backbone when the fish sounds, but I found the 12 worked nearly as good and we would back down on the fish anyways if they went deep.
Honestly, the way I see this going, I will show up with flip flops and a hat…
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These are world class anglers in this specific fishery…IMHO, no need to bring anything…they know what they are doing…and, they do it every day.
Hat, boat shoes, long sleeve shirts, and a good camera…enjoy !!!
If you with the family, definately, as mentioned previously, check out Antigua.
In Guatemala City, some great restaurants and hotels…I used to live for weeks at a time at the Intercontinental Hotel…when I was consulting…the Marriott Across the street is very nice as well…the low end, local hotels are not where you want to take the wife.
DC