PACIFIC FINS
Destination Overview
Guatemala is a rugged country with a rugged coastline on its western shore. It’s mountainous interior is made up of over 30 volcanoes, and a few of them are active. It’s Pacific coast has a reputation among saltwater fishermen as the billfish capitol of the world. No other destination offers more rises, bites and releases than Guatemala.
Sitting along the coast within boat range of the “billfish honey spot” is Pacific Fins Resort, that offers a luxury environment for fishermen who come to experience fishing for the greatest blue water trophy fish in the world.
The Equatorial Counter Current, a well defined west to east ocean flow, creates a type of “billfish highway” which gathers most of the billfish just off of Guatemala’s Pacific coast. It’s not uncommon for the lodges fleet of boats to release 85 sailfish a day, with 35 of them on a fly. It is also very possible to hook into a black striped Marlin, blue Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish and Tuna.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Sailfish, black striped Marlin, blue Marlin, Dorado, Roosterfish and Tuna.
Location: Pacific Coast Guatemala
Seasons: All year
Nearest Airport: Guatemala City
Electricity: 110 volts
Documents needed: Passport
Fishing Program
If you have ever dreamed of catching a 100 pound sailfish on fly, Pacific Fins is where you will have your chance. With a year-round abundant sailfish population you will have more opportunities for hook-ups than anywhere else in the world. Sailfish usually travel alone or in small groups and average from 70 to 100 lbs.
Though they can be caught all year, November through May is the most productive season. Marlin from 200 to 500 lbs are available all year though October through December are the best months. You may also have the opportunity for Dorado or Tuna on fly.
Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna are the most common species in Guatemala. On average you can experience 15 to 20 bites a day. And during the peak season, from October through June, 40 or more bites a day is not uncommon. The top boats release over 2,000 sailfish a year. On March 11, 2006 the daily release record was achieved with an unbelievable 124 sailfish released. These Pacific sailfish average 90 to 100 pounds, but sailfish over 125 pounds are common.
The lodge’s experienced captains and mates are great instructors and will be happy to take the time to teach the novice the art of fly fishing for billfish. During the day your crew will serve you a hot lunch, snacks and fresh fruit. They will also prepare fresh Ceviche or Sashimi right in the galley. Of course beer and soda will also be available. Combine this great fishery with the comfort and hospitality of the Resort and you have a recipe for an incredible fishing experience.
Pacific Fins’ fleet features the newest, fastest and most luxurious sportfishing yachts in Guatemala. Every boat is meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. All of the boats are equipped with top of the line gear and tackle and the crews are the best in the world, with each boat featuring an experienced Captain and two excellent mates.
Best Fly Fishing Seasons
Sailfish: All year, though November – May is the most productive
Marlin: All year, though October – November is the most productive
Accommodations
Pacific Fins is a true luxury fishing resort and is well aware of the expectations of its well traveled clientel, so the service, and facilities more than equals the world class fishing experienced by its guests.
Guests are lodged in Villas that include two bedrooms with two queen beds, two bathrooms and a lounge area that features a flat screen TV with SKY Satellite Service. Sliding doors open on to a sun deck overlooking the beautiful tropical grounds, pool and marina.
Four beautiful air-conditioned Villas offer two bedrooms with two queen beds, two bathrooms and a very comfortable central lounge area featuring a flat screen TV with SKY Satellite Service. Sliding glass doors open on to a sun deck overlooking our beautifully landscaped tropical grounds, pool and marina. In addition to the Villas, two Suites are available that include 2 queen beds and a bathroom, and offer more privacy.
After an exciting day on the water there is no better place to share the stories of the day than in the lodge’s bar where the staff will prepare your favorite drink while you relax either in the bar or at the beautiful pool. Drinks are all-inclusive in your package.
For dinner the restaurant will offer you a Gourmet A-la-Cart Menu prepared by local Chefs. Fresh seafood with the local seasonings are a must, but should you care for a prime steak, the chef will impress you with the quality cuts available. Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts are all part of your dining experience! In the morning breakfast is served by the pool consisting of fresh fruit, cereal, pancakes, eggs cooked to order, fresh roasted Guatemalan coffee and freshly squeezed orange or pineapple juice.
On Site Amenities and Activities Include
Satellite TV and VCR
Wi-Fi/internet access
Laundry
Bar
Gourmet Food
Non fly fishing activities
Daily Laundry Service
Full Wi-Fi internet connection throughout the Resort
Vonage Phone Service for calls to the US
Sky TV English programming for the Villas
NFL Sunday Ticket at the Bar & Restaurant areas
Getting There
International flights into Guatemala City can be arranged from most major cities in the U.S. It is only a 2 hour flight from Miami and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Houston. Many U.S. hubs offer non-stop flights.
Most parties arrive the afternoon prior to their first day of fishing. American passports holders do not require a visa to enter Guatemala. Most other passport holders do not require a visa either, but you should check your individual requirements before leaving.
Once you arrive in Guatemala City, you will be met by a Pacific Fins chauffeur. You will then drive 60 miles south to Iztapa in the comfort of our air conditioned van. Cold beer and sodas will be provided for your beautiful 1 hour and 15 minute drive on a modern four lane expressway.
Along the way, you will see beautiful farms, forests and active volcanoes (safely in the distance!). Iztapa, the home of Pacific Fins Resort, is a farming and port town of 10,000. Many affluent Guatemalans enjoy the beauty and charm of the area and have waterfront vacation homes in the area.
Most parties have an early morning departure following their final day of fishing and choose to spend their last night in Guatemala City. There are several premium hotels to choose from, and many fine dining restaurants nearby. The Pacific Fins staff will be more than happy to make dining recommendations and reservations for you
Rates
Rates are based on double occupancy.
2019 – 2020 WINTER SEASON RATES
October 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020
Standard Package
3 days fishing - 4 nights lodging - 2 anglers per boat/suite: $3,550. pp. extra days $1,015 ea.
Performance Package/31 to 33ft boats (tournament ready):
3 days fishing - 4 nights lodging - 2 anglers per boat/suite: $4,375. pp. extra days $1,275 ea.
Luxury Package/35 to 40 ft boats:
3 days fishing - 4 nights lodging - 2 anglers per boat/suite: $5,050. pp. extra days $1,375
Call for rates on longer and shorter packages, and additional or fewer anglers.
Included: Captain & 2 deckhands (1 deckhand on “economy” package. All fishing tackle and natural bait, either for conventional and/or fly fishing. Beer, rum/vodka, sodas, Gatorade, and bottled water. Fresh fruit and snacks. Hot lunch prepared fresh on board by our mates (box lunch on “economy” package) Fishing from 7 am to 4:00 pm. Transportation in a Luxury Van with an English-speaking driver to and from the airport. Full a-la-carte breakfasts. Gourmet dinners, Beer, wine, and spirits included while at the Resort , laundry service daily. Wi-Fi Internet service throughout the Resort. International calls to the US via Vonage Phone Service. Sky TV Satellite Service with English Programming
Flat Screen TV’s in each Villa
Excluded: Airfare to/from Guatemala City, meals or beverages while in Guatemala City, items of a personal nature or gratuities for the Resort staff and captain/mates
To book any of our trips give us a call to start the process
