Sailfishing

Pacific Sailfish vs. Atlantic Sailfish

Sailfishing in Guatemala features some of the world's most productive waters for Pacific sailfish. The experienced captains that sailfish Guatemala waters make their living in an area called the "Pocket", a deep underwater canyon that is 15 miles wide. On many days fishing will start between only 5 to 20 miles offshore. There are no reefs in Guatemala.

Typically most boats troll two naked ballyhoo from the outriggers and have two pitch baits ready for fish that come up on the two bridge teasers. Sailfishing in Guatemala is so exciting because all of the action occurs close to the boat. When a huge Pacific sailfish comes up slashing at the bridge teaser, it may only be about 20 feet behind the boat. Pitching a bait to this excited fish will have your heart pumping – guaranteed!

Circle hooks are the only hooks used for Guatemala sailfishing. Not only do these hooks offer many conservation benefits but if you use the correct technique you will also improve your hook-up ratio. Once the fish takes the bait, you will put the reel in free spool and allow the fish to run for a count of four. Then, simply close the drag lever to the strike position and reel one turn. The hook will set perfectly in the corner of the mouth almost every time. If you are new to fishing with circle hooks, don’t worry as our crew always consists of an experienced captain and two mates that will be glad to coach you.

Fly fishing for Pacific sailfish is another technique employed in Guatemala. Since we average seeing so many fish each day – more than three times the amount in Costa Rica – we are THE place for fly fishing for billfish. Learn more about how we fly fish and how we compare to other fly fishing resorts.

When most of us think of Atlantic sailfishing we think of South Florida’s east coast and the Florida Keys. Most sailfishing tactics in these areas employ live baits and kites are very popular. In many cases the fishing will take place just off a reef in fairly shallow water compared to what we experience in Guatemala on the Pacific coast. We do not use live baits in Guatemala, as our experience over the years has shown that it results in many more gut hooked fish.

Of course the other big difference is the size of the fish. In Gautemala Pacific sailfish average around 90 pounds and fish well over 100 pounds are not uncommon. Atlantic sailfish on the other hand average about 45 pounds.

If you have any questions about Guatemala sailfishing, our experienced staff will be more than happy to help you. Just give us a call at (888)700-3467, or email .