Guatemala holds the World Record for sailfish, both conventional and on the fly.

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uatemala is a hot destination for billfish, in particular Pacific sailfish. When we say hot, we mean it. Sport fishing boats average between 15-20 sailfish caught and released daily. In December 2000, one local boat reported over 70 sailfish caught in one day. We have consistently had anglers return from a trip in Guatemala to tell us they have 40 one day, 30, 20. The numbers are unequaled by any other destination we know. Not only are the sailfish abundant in great numbers, but action is good year round.

What is about Guatemala that attracts so many sailfish? The shape of the sea bottom, the flow of ocean currents, water temperature, sea life, etc., all contribute to create a habitat in which Pacific Sailfish thrive. In fact some say Guatemala has the world’s most fertile Pacific Sailfish breeding grounds. Fishing normally takes place in an area called the "Pocket", a deep underwater canyon that is 15 miles wide. On many days fishing will start between only 10 and 20 miles offshore.

Marlin fishing in recent times has been exceptional and is clearly some of the best in the world. Blues, stripes and blacks are all caught in our waters, with blue marlin in the 300 to 700 pound range being the most common. In recent years it has not been uncommon for the best captains to raise 4 or more marlin in a day. Marlin can be caught year round in Guatemala but the largest concentrations seem to occur in late spring through December.

Fishing International is pleased to offer two superb locations for the angler looking to take advantage of Guatemalan sportfishing excellence: Puerto San Jose and Puerto Iztapa.

Also below: Iztapa

Puerto San Jose

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ust a short distance from the sportfishing marina, the village of Puerto San Jose is home to the Hotel Soleil Pacifico Resort on the broad sand beaches of the Pacific coast. The private villas in the large and secure four-star Resort provide the opportunity to spend time with your friends or family undisturbed. Each villa offers a private or semi-private pool and is staffed with a personal chef, maid and waitress so that you can enjoy total flexibility and even have your catch prepared as you like it, when you like it. The villa is fully stocked with soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits as well as snacks and other conveniences. Each group receives a cellphone with sufficient credit to call home or to have as a contact number.

Flyfishing and conventional tackle are both accommodated on our fleet of Bertram sportfishing boats. The crews are full time, experienced and offer both encouragement and tuition if you wish; our only objective is for you to have a fishing vacation of a lifetime. High quality Penn International, Okuma and Shimano conventional gear is included, flyfishing equipment is available with the first fly complimentary.

In addition to a fantastic angling experience, we can also arrange other activities in Guatemala whether you want to climb a nearby volcano, visit the colorful colonial city of Antigua, known for its excellent language schools and international flavor, or travel to Tikal, the largest remains of the Mayan World with the tallest pyramids set in the rain forest jungle.

• Add a day of inshore fishing for roosterfish, mackerel,
  snapper, snook and other inshore fish.
• Bird watching up the Chiquimula River.
• Guided private tours to: Antigua Guatemala, Tikal,
  Lake Atitlán, native American marketplace in Chichicastenango,
  jade fields of Zacapa, etc.
• Take an extra day to play a round of golf on one of Guatemala's private courses.
• Stay at a private house with maid/cook, stocked bar (national drinks) and refrigerator.
• Available Dates: Please call us to confirm space availability and/or to request specific dates.

Private Villas in Puerto San Jose

These wonderful private villas offer you many benefits:

• Privacy for your group.
• Only your schedule to consider.
• Flexible menu revised according to your preferences.
• Fully stocked with snacks, juices, cold drinks, cigars etc.
• The bar is stocked daily with beer, wine, juices, soft drinks.
• Located in a secure area next to the Resort.
• Two tennis courts for your use.
• Short 5 minute walk to the beach.
• Either a private or semi-private pool.
• Private van transport to/from the marina.

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If resort accomodations are more to your liking, we offer the outstanding accomodations and amenities of the wonderful Hotel Soleil Pacifico Resort, including:

• 60 standard/double rooms
• 24 mini suites
• 14 suites with 1 bedroom and living room/kitchenette
• 11 four-person bungalows with 1 bedroom and living room/kitchenette
• 11 six person bungalows with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room and private jacuzzi

More Pictures of Hotel Soleil Pacifico Resort & Conference Center and the new Pez Vela Marina.
Warning: Contains Many Very Nice large pictures of the accomodations.

This is one of the best opportunities for a truly memorable trip. Guatemala has the most average raises per day, greatly increasing your chances to catch and release a real trophy fish.