May 2025 - Pacificfins Resort

The Tournament and Celebration of the Year!

The 10th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational is shaping up to be the most unforgettable tournament yet! Compete in Guatemala’s most prestigious billfish competition, meet celebrated figures in fishing and marine conservation, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime live performance by country music star David Lee Murphy.

This year, we’re also thrilled to welcome back Chef Matt Moore, the renowned serial griller, cookbook author, and TV personality, who will be joining us to prepare mouth-watering culinary delights throughout the tournament. Additionally, Dr. Guy Harvey, the legendary marine biologist, artist, and conservationist, will be making a special appearance to celebrate this milestone. This is a tournament like no other!

A Decade of Excellence: The 10th Annual Invitational celebrates ten years of bringing together the best anglers and fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Join us in Guatemala, one of the world’s premier billfishing destinations, for a unique experience!

Unbeatable Location: Located in Guatemala, known for its world-class billfishing, this tournament offers anglers the chance to catch trophy species like Marlin, Sailfish. Dorado, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Exclusive Event: Join a select group of anglers, VIPs, and industry leaders for an invite-only event that promises unmatched camaraderie and competition.

Live Performance by David Lee Murphy: After an exciting day on the water, relax and enjoy a live show by David Lee Murphy, known for hits like “Dust on the Bottle” and “Party Crowd.”

Meet Dr. Guy Harvey: As one of the leading voices in marine conservation, Dr. Guy Harvey will join us to share his expertise and passion for conserving our oceans, bringing the mission of the Guy Harvey Foundation to life, and making this year’s tournament even more special.

Culinary Delights with Chef Matt Moore: We’re excited to welcome back Chef Matt Moore, the serial griller and author, known for his amazing BBQ skills and culinary creations. Get ready for mouth-watering dishes that will keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the tournament. Chef Matt will be serving up exclusive meals that blend his love of grilling with the flavors of Guatemala.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

– [Sean Kelly – Bajio Sunglasses]“The Guatemala Billfish Invitational is an experience like no other. The fishing is world-class, the competition is fierce, and the camaraderie is second to none. This tournament has everything!”

– [Christopher Thompson – Angler]

“With David Lee Murphy, Dr. Guy Harvey, and Chef Matt Moore, this year’s event is shaping up to be the most exciting and unique one yet. I can’t wait to return!”

Ready to Compete? Register Now!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 10th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational. This is your opportunity to experience world-class fishing, enjoy an incredible live performance by David Lee Murphy, meet Dr. Guy Harvey for a unique conservation experience, and savor the culinary delights of Chef Matt Moore. Spots are filling up quickly—register now to secure your place in the tournament!

The prize structure for 2025: Top Professional Team (1st, 2nd & 3rd), Top Amateur Team (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Top Captain, Top Pro Lady Angler, Top Amateur Lady Angler, Top Marlin, Fun Fish – Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna.

What a month! April brought offshore action and fierce competition on the greens. Whether you were swinging for birdies or chasing billfish, the Hook & Hole Challenge delivered thrills from sunrise tee times to sunset bites. Here’s the full recap and what’s been hot on the water

Hook & Hole Challenge Recap

Three Days. 18 Holes. Offshore Showdowns.

Day 1 – Golf at Mayan Golf Club
Winning team: Gypsy (Joseph Wilson & Mike Eckard) / 68 (-4)
Closest to the pin: Jim Dykema (Knotwork)
Longest drive: James Dykema (Knotwork)
Putting contest: Logan Beall (Libertad)

Day 2 & 3 – Offshore Fishing:
Most billfish released boat: Maverick
Overall Champions: Gypsy (Joseph Wilson & Mike Eckard)
Best Moment: 6 year-old, Logan Beall (Blue Marlin)

Special thanks to our sponsors: Bajio Sunglasses, Yeti, Flor de Caña Rum, Mayan Golf Club

1st Place Overall goes to team Gyspy – Mike Eckard and Joseph Wilson

2nd Place Overall goes to team Maverick – Doug Dodson, Sami Dodson, Howard Rothwell, and Bob Pearson.

3rd Place Overall goes to team Knotwork – Amy Pollack, Jim Dykema, James Dykema, and Jimmy Johnson.

April brought continued bluewater action with an excellent bite across sailfish and dorado—plus a few surprise marlin encounters.

Sailfish kept up the heat with consistent raises and high release numbers across the fleet. The bait was stacked, and the fish responded. Most boats averaged 20–40 bites per day, with top crews reporting even higher numbers on peak days.

Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) remained plentiful around floating debris, especially on the run-out. Anglers brought in fish in the 15–30 lb range, with several larger bulls over 40 lbs adding fireworks to the mix.

Marlin sightings were fewer than March but still notable. One estimated 300+ lb blue marlin was released during the Hook & Hole Challenge—a highlight moment we won’t forget!

Guests continue to rave about their time on the water and at the lodge. One recent visitor said, “It’s not just the fishing—it’s the people, the food, and the energy of the place. Every day felt like a dream.”

The combination of fishing and our first land-and-sea competition made April truly special. Whether you’re coming back for more or planning your first visit, we’re ready to make your trip unforgettable.

April Fishing Report :

April 2nd – 29th: Maverick – 377 sailfish raises, 319 bites and 200 releases (1 on the FLY!). Blue Marlin: 15 Raises, 8 Bites, 3 Releases. Dorados: 38 (18 days of fishing).
April 2nd – 29th: Chechos – 412 sailfish raises, 313 bites and 188 releases. Blue Marlin: 6 raises, 3 Bites, 1 Released. Dorado: 44 (3 on FLY!). (22 days of fishing).
April 4th – 27th: Gypsy – 360 sailfish raises, 302 bites and 175 releases. Blue Marlin: 4 raises, 2 bites. Dorado: 88. (18 days fishing)
April 2nd – 29th: Knotwork – 442 sailfish raises, 301 bites and 200 releases. Blue Marlin: 5 raises. Dorado: 86. (25 days of fishing).
April 7th – 29th: Bandido – 367 sailfish raises, 304 bites, and 198 releases (2 on FLY!). Blue Marlin: 6 raises, 4 bites, and 2 releases. Dorado: 99. (17 days of fishing).
April 2nd – 26th: Libertad – 249 sailfish raises, 207 bites and 127 releases. Blue Marlin: 12 Raises, 6 bites, 3 releases. Dorado: 42. (14 days of fishing).
April 2nd – 18th Uno Mas – 91 sailfish raises, 56 bites, and 38 releases. Dorado: 14 (6 days of fishing).