General Information
Sailfish in this area are abundant year-round, and since 1994, the fleet has averaged more than 20 billfish raised per day, per boat, YEAR-ROUND! The rainy season from mid-July through September coincides with the slower travel period for anglers heading to Guatemala, with October through June being prime booking months. The larger sailfish (up to 150 pounds) are usually taken during the Fall months, but for a pure volume of 80 to 100-pound fish, the December through June timeframe is fantastic. During these winter and spring months, you can often experience 20 to 40 bites per day. Lodge statistics show that numerous 40-plus sailfish release days have been experienced every month of the year. Days with finicky or non-aggressive feeders are few and far between.
Marlin adds to the excitement and they generally show up in concentrations for a week or more several times a year. At any time, a run to the far offshore drop can normally put you on yellowfin tuna as well as blue marlin that can average 400 pounds. Usually, while targeting sailfish, every Casa Vieja boat will encounter a marlin every third day during the year. This number can be seriously upped by requesting a day or days that focus entirely on marlin. Throughout the year, there are also great numbers of football-sized tuna, and dolphin in the 20 to 40-pound range are readily available.
For more than a decade, billfish conservation has been central to Casa Vieja and the fishing fleet’s philosophy. With a total release policy, these captains also exclusively use circle hooks with bait billfish when operating. As innovators in this style of fishing, they have upped their hook-up ratios while ensuring a far healthier condition of all released fish. Guatemala’s fishing laws are exemplary of a strong national marine conservation ethic and of a country that is the region’s leader in billfish protection. Although always under test by commercial interests, the future of billfishing in Guatemalan waters appears quite secure.
Boats and Equipment
The Lodge employs several boats.
Contender 28T
Powered by twin 150HP Yamaha four-stroke outboards, these smaller boats give anglers the ability of fishing inshore for roosterfish, grouper, and snapper as well as the ability to fish offshore. It’s the perfect boat for fly anglers and light tackle specialists. Ideal for two anglers, with a maximum of three with a captain and a mate.
Captain Hook (Captain Ron Hamlin)
This 40-foot Whiticar is Guatemala’s premier charter boat. This legendary sport fishing machine offers the finest tackle and a fast, comfortable ride with dual Cummins Diamond series 450HP engines. Traveling to and from the fishing grounds each day is as fantastic an experience as the fishing itself. Onboard Captain Hook you can relax in an air-conditioned salon featuring a full entertainment center and a galley that is equipped with a refrigerator and freezer, a microwave oven, and a stovetop. Hot lunches such as cheeseburgers, dolphin, and chicken sandwiches are a trademark of “Captain Hook.”
Rum Line (Captain Chris Sheeder)
This 40-foot Gamefisherman was built in 1989. The boat has a top speed of 24 knots with twin Cummins 450s, and can easily fish five anglers in comfort. While in Stuart, Florida, it recently had a quarter-million dollar re-fit before being shipped to Guatemala.
Intensity (Captain Mike Sheeder)
Launched in 1993 and immaculately maintained, the 37-foot Gamefisherman has 900HP of diesel power. Up to five anglers can enjoy an unforgettable day aboard Central America’s most famous game boat. A longtime member of the old Fins ‘n Feathers fleet, she’s an incredible fish-raiser.
Makaira (Captain Jason Brice)
A truly exceptional example of the Rybovich day boat, this classic has been fully restored with new Cat diesels in 2005. This 1961, 37-foot offers the same day boat style that traditionalists demand. Makaira has always been one of Fins ‘n Feathers’ best fish-raisers and most requested boats. She has held the record for most billfish caught in a single season for two years. The Makaira fishes four anglers in comfort.
Spindrift (Captain Nicho Alvarenga)
This 38-foot Stolper 380 Tournament Express was custom built-in 1998 in Stuart, Florida. She is the essence of a no-compromise fishing machine. Powered by twin Cummins diesels, Spindrift has been engineered to have a low-frequency hull signature said to attract fish. Cruising at 25 knots with comfortable bench seating for up to six, the Spindrift’s raised bridge deck gives anglers an excellent and unobstructed view of the baits. Below the deck, you will find a well-appointed, fully air-conditioned cabin.
Release (Captain Chico Alvarenga)
A 37-foot Merritt built in 1961 by Buddy Merritt himself. He called the Release “The Perfect Fishing Boat” and built her with one purpose in mind: to raise and catch fish. In 1999, she was meticulously restored and re-powered with twin 450HP Cummins Diesels giving her a 24-knot cruising speed. Hosting up to five anglers, Release is the Queen of the fleet. Release’s open teak cockpit and clean wake make her truly a “World Class” fishing machine. Her ability to back down at high speeds and spin on a dime makes catching doubles, triples, and quads seem easy. The combination of it all makes her the ultimate fly fishing boat! On March 11, 2006, the Release set the new one-day record for sailfish caught on the fly with 57 fish in a single day!
