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Live the Pacific Fins Experience

Mission Accomplished – Tournament Success

We knew it was going to be good, we didn’t know it would be this good!

On Monday, we finished The 1st Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational held at Pacific Fins and we are still on Cloud 9. The purpose of the tournament was to raise awareness for theĀ conservation efforts by The Sailfish Commission in Guatemala. In the last 2 years we have made huge strides protecting billfish in our region.

AnglersĀ raised 501 sailfish, had 383 bites and released 179!

With the tournament being such a huge success we already have dates for 2017!

Arrive: April 28

Fish: 29, 30, May 1 (3 days fishing, 4 nights)

Depart: May 2

Anglers are starting to confirm for next year’s tournament already and we suggest looking into this soon. DEMAND WILL BE HIGH. Call us at 888-700-3467 or email us.

In addition to the celebrities and clients who joined us, the local media was present, our tourism board – INGUAT, the head of The United Nations in Guatemala attended, along with the Vice Minister of Fisheries and other Government officials!

The kind words from everyone were humbling:

“Some trips stick with you, this one will.”Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski, Deadliest Catch, Discovery Channel

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to come down and support such a wonderful cause. I am honored to be able to work with you to make a difference in such a special place.”Rob Kramer, President, IGFA

“Rocked the tournament to 1st place, great job by all involved, looking forward to the 2nd annual!Doug Shenk, Client

“So great to be a part of this movement.”Peter Miller, Host, NBC Sports “Bass2Billfish”

“Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!”Capt Scott Walker, TV Show, “Into The Blue”

“I had a wonderful experience of food, fellowship and fishing!” Dr. Chris Stearns, Client

“What an epic trip at Pacific Fins. It gets better and better each time.”Ozzy Delgado, Guy Harvey Magazine

“A unique experience. To see the local fishery and also to understand the conservation efforts that are going on here. We expect to see a lot of sailfish here for years to come.”Mat Jackson, Grundens, Sponsor

“This is my 3rd trip to Pacific Fins. This place has truly touched my heart.”Terry French, Extreme Chef, Food Network

“The hospitality at Pacific Fins is wonderful.” Cory Lowe, Backbone Media

“The 1st Annual Billfish Invitational at Pacific Fins was fabulous. The best of everything, the host Niels, fishing, food and hands on service by the captains and staff. But the most important part of it all was that it benefits the Guatemalan Sailfish. We have already signed up for next year.” – Stacey & Johnny Mack Powers, Clients.”

Schedule – Tournament!!

Schedule of EventsĀ 

April 8 – Arrive in Guatemala City. Meet & Greet at Airport and transfer to the coast. Ā 

Press Conference for Celebrities

6:00 ā€“ 9:30 PM ā€“ Welcome Cocktail Party at Pacific Fins

Draw of the boats/Draw of the Celebrity Anglers

Promotional gifts ā€“ hand out

Reading of the RulesĀ 

April 9 – Fishing Day 1Ā 

Breakfast – 5:30 – 6:45 AM

7:00 AM Departure Pacific Fins

7:15 AM Departure Marina Pez Vela

Lines in 8:30 AM

Lines out 3:00 PM

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Pool Party at Pacific Fins

6:30 – 9:30 PM – Scientific & Conservation Chat with Nelson Ehrhardt, The Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami

Official dinner sponsored by United Nations Conservation Fund. Attending members of The Guatemala Sailfish Commission with Government Ministers and Directors

April 10 – Fishing Day 2

Breakfast – 5:30 – 6:45 AM

7:00 AM Departure Pacific Fins

7:15 AM Departure Marina Pez Vela

Lines in 8:30 AM

Lines out 3:00 PM

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Pool Party at Pacific Fins

Dinner & Mingling with Celebrity Anglers

April 11 – Fishing Day 3

Breakfast – 5:30 – 6:45 AM

7:00 AM Departure Pacific Fins

7:15 AM Departure Marina Pez Vela

Lines in 8:30 AM

Lines out 3:00 PM

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Pool Party at Pacific Fins

6:30 – 9:00 PM – Awards Ceremony

April 12 – Fly home after fun-filled event.

March 2016 – Fishing Report

The Father and Sons team of Ricardo, Eduardo and Ricard Sola arrived from Ecuador for 3 days fishing on Chechos. They raised 214 sailfish, had 175 bites and released 95 on light tackle!

The Barillas Family fishing 1 day on Aguardiente raised 22 sailfish, had 16 bites and released 12.

Aggeo Ribeiro, Nelson Noquiera and Italo Gaetani arrived from Brazil for the 4th time. Fishing 3 days on Maverick they raised 95 sailfish, had 80 bites and released 61.

Greg Morris and Charles Pulley arrived for 2 days fishing on Maverick. They raised 149 sailfish, had 116 bites, released 84 conventional and 2 on FLY! They also raised 2 marlin and released 1.

Kurt & Ann Forsberg arrived from Sweden. Fishing 2 days on Sirena they raised 127 sailfish, had 101 bites and released 68. They also caught 1 Blue marlin.

Pat and John Silvernail and Michael Davis arrived for the 3rd year in a row. Fishing on Chechos for 3 days they raised 204 sailfish, had 162 bites, released 102 conventional and 5 on FLY!!

Jean-Marc Frey and Marc Cuevas arrived from France for 5 days fishing on Aguardiente. They raised 197 sailfish, had 91 bites and released 36 on FLY + 1 500 lb marlin!

Brad Courvelle arrived for 4th time. This time joined by his son Adam. In 2 days fishing on Maverick they raised 131 sailfish, had 103 bites and released 79. They also caught 1 Blue marlin.

The TaxSlayer Group arrived for the 8th time and the group consisted of Richard Marshall, Tony Farrell, Tommy Brumlow, Bill Fletcher, Joseph Gazzo, Chris Overton, Paul Schaller and Jamie Slatton.  In 3 days fishing on Sirena and Chechos they raised 234 sailfish, had 176 bites, released 107 conventional and 21 on FLY! They also raised 7 marlin, had 5 bites and released 2 Blues. One was 400 lbs!

Byrd Miller and his family of Byrd IV, Eliza and Cate arrived for the 5th time. Fishing on Maverick for 3 days they raised 174 sailfish, had 159 bites and released 108. They also raised 1 marlin and caught 3 yellowfin tuna.

The Stigliano Group arrived for the 4th time consisting of Rick, Randy Dean and Dick Stigliano, Gary Garrett, Gary Hanson, Perry Schweiss, Ed Yasechko, Bill Bianco and Sandy Naples. Fishing on Chechos, Maverick and Danmark in 3 days they raised 343 sailfish, had 249 bites, released 46 on FLY and 111 conventional! They also raised 7 marlin, had 2 bites and released 1 along with 3 yellowfin tuna.

The Ruano Group fishing on Tranquility for 1 day raised 41 sailfish, had 36 bites and released 21. They also raised 3 marlin, had 3 bites and released 1.

Todd Bazemore fishing on Aguardiente for 3 days raised 138 sailfish, had 103 bites and released 69 conventional + 6 on FLY. He also raised 1 marlin and caught 1 yellowfin.

George Hnat arrived for the 5th time with his group of Ed Scott, Richard Watkins, Kevin McClean and Andy McCoy. Fishing 3 days on Sirena they raised 148 sailfish, had 130 bites and released 116!
Brad & Liz Peters in 3 days on Sirena raised 90 sailfish, had 69 bites, released 41 conventional and 7 on Fly.

The Elias Group from Puerto Rico who visited for the 2nd time in 2 months raised 232 sailfish, had 214 bites and released 145! They also raised 3 marlin, had 2 bites and released 2 Blues!

Bill & Bill Buckley, a Father/Son Team who have visited 7 times raised 209 sailfish, had 178 bites and released 142 in 3 days on Maverick!

Cary & Julie Gosselin Group on Aguardiente in 3 days fishing raised 171 sailfish, had 137 bites and released 105.

Ben White’s group of 19 anglers spent his bachelor party fishing out of Pacific Fins. Ben was joined by Brian Cooney, John Rogers, Bj Jones, Trey Allen, Robert Paine, John Lairsen, Shawn Walker, Sean Casey, Barry Haydon, Reagan Smith, Matt Warren, Don Pendergras, Scott Bain, Hunter Jones, Gordon Muir, Zach Wassmuth, Christopher Thomposon and Brian Patek.  In 2 days fishing on Chechos, Sirena, Maverick and Danmark they raised 250 sailfish, had 201 bites and released 138 conventional, 2 on fly, 6 yellowfin and 1 marlin. They also caught 4 Roosterfish inshore.

Feb 2016 – Fishing Report

Geoff Begnaud, Paige Melancon, Keith Duplantis, Michael Moore, Richard Hargett, Lee Serrati, Michael Hamilton, James Edwards, Tory Gundersen and Travis Haskins arrived for 3 days fishing on Maverick, Sirena and Mijo.  They raised 375 sailfish, had 297 bites and released 219!!  They also raised 5 marlin, had 2 bites and released 1 + 6 yellowfin tuna.

Eric Dressler, Kevin Rowley, Stephen Smith and Walter Norman arrived for 3 days fishing. On Chechos they raised 152 sailfish, had 135 bites and released 73 conventional and 5 on FLY.

We were excited to welcome a group from SMITH Optics to Pacific Fins. SMITH chose Pacific Fins to shoot footage for their upcoming magazine ads, commercials and videos!! They also spent a day filming in Antigua absorbing the local culture and touring the jade museum, local ruins and more.  The group included Shon Lassiter, Ozzy Delgado, Mike Gleason, John Hechtkopf, Bryan Holeman and Tal Roberts.  In 3 days fishing on Chechos they raised 82 sailfish, had 75 bites and released 43 + 1 on fly.

Andrew Dupps arrived for the 2nd time.  He rewarded key employees Dennis Hensley, Tom Murray and Matthew Mannion with a trip to Pacific Fins. In 3 days fishing on Sirena they raised 82 sailfish, had 70 bites and released 50.

Bill Milligan, John Camp, Don Carpenter and Trace Devanny arrived for 3 days fishing on Maverick. They raised 82 sailfish, had 70 bites and released 52 + 3 dorado.

Don Phillips and Mary Sue Sanborn arrived for 3 days fishing on Sirena. They raised 100 sailfish, had 86 bites and released 97.

Steve Weaver and Brian Holtzinger returned for the 2nd time. Fishing on Maverick they raised 124 sailfish, had 106 bites, released 63 conventional and 8 on FLY!

Roland MacKenzie and Jim Forsythe returned for the 5th time. Fishing on Chechos for 3 days they raised 153 sailfish, had 132 bites and released 97! They also released 2 marlin, 1 Black that was 400 lbs.

Dr. Alberto Ramirez (Dad), Dr. Alberto Ramirez (Son), Edgar Stokes, Hector Reyes, Luis Gonzales, Manolo Chavez, Rafael Perez (Dad), Rafael Perez (Son) and Jorge Perez arrived for the 8th time.

The Ramirez Group 1 on Chechos in 3 days fishing raised 136 sailfish, had 119 bites and released 65.

The Ramirez Group 2 on Maverick in 3 days fishing raised 134 sailfish, had 117 bites and released 95.

The Perez Group on Canaso 2 in 3 days fishing raised 113 sailfish, had 100 bites and released 76.

The Portillo Group on Sirena in 3 days fishing raised 102 sailfish, had 80 bites and released 49 and 1 on FLY.

Tom Tomfohdre arrived for the 13th time. Joining Tom were Rick and Lynn Tomfohdre, Merry Harlacher, Richard Sauers, Larry Bentley and Judy McLaughlin. In 4 days fishing on Chechos and Maverick they raised 104 sailfish, had 82 bites and released 57. They also raised 6 marlin, had 2 bites and released 2 and caught 8 yellowfin.

The Font Group on Aguardiente in 1 day fishing raised 31 sailfish, had 17 bites, released 6 on light tackle and 1 on FLY.

The Paramo Group on Knotwork in 2 days fishing raised 44 sailfish, had 38 bites and released 27 conventional and caught 2 dorado.

John and Stacey Powers arrived for the 9th time. Fishing on Sirena for 3 days they raised 28 sailfish, had 24 bites and released 15. They also raised 3 marlin, had 3 bites and released 1 and caught 2 yellowfin tuna.

A Cold Front moved in and slowed the sailfishing down for about 7 days.

Patrice Garziglia, Maxime Garziglia and Fabbri Jardens arrived from France for 4 days fishing. On Aguardiente they raised 22 sailfish, had 19 bites and released 11. They also raised 22 roosterfish, hooked 14 and released 2.  And for additional variety they caught 4 Jacks, 2 dorado and 6 yellowfin tuna.

The Massarelli Brothers arrived. Joe, John and Mike. Joining them were Margie Massarelli and sons Mikey, Joseph and Jack.  Fishing 4 days – Chechos raised 22 sailfish, had 19 bites and released 14. Also raised 2 marlin and had 1 bite. And finally 1 dorado and 4 yellowfin. Canaso 2 raised 7 sailfish, had 6 bites and released 5.  Also raised 3 marlin, had 2 bites, released 1 Striped and 1 Blue. And finally 4 yellowfin.  Danmark raised 15 sailfish, had 14 bites and released 10 along with 6 yellowfin tuna.

The Elias Group from Puerto Rico on Maverick in 3 days fishing raised 8 sails, had 5 bites and released 3. They also raised 3 marlin, had 2 bites and released 2.

David Schofield arrived for the 2nd time in the last 3 years.  Joining David were Stacey Schofield, Michael Packwood and Patty Sholar. Fishing on Aguardiente for 2 days they raised 8 sailfish, had 7 bites and released 6.

John and Claudia Faris arrived for 3 days fishing on Maverick. They raised 19 sailfish, had 14 bites and released 12. They also raised 1 marlin and caught 1 dorado.

The Oscar group on Sirena raised 4 sails, had 4 bites and released 2 in 1 day fishing.

Chris Jones entertaining key clients arrived for the 4th year in row. Joining Chris were Jakob Anthony, Anders Jensen, Georgios Vourlidis, Jacob Christensen, Gregg Plunkett, Manny Zavlas, Court Smith, Daniel Mulligan, Mike Fogarty and Benjie Halsell. Fishing on Sirena, Chechos and Maverick for 2 days they raised 135 sailfish, had 112 bites, released 55 conventional and 8 on FLY. They also raised 4 marlin, had 3 bites, released 1 along with 2 dorado and 2 yellowfin tuna.

Stan Shoemaker on Maverick closed out his 2 days with 54 raises, 34 bites and 23 released on FLY!

Ansgar Hehenkamp in 3 days fishing on Aguardiente raised 111 sailfish, had 55 bites and released 24 on light tackle and 5 on FLY.

THE TOURNAMENT CALLING YOUR NAME!

For additional information and availability:

Phone: 1-888-700-3467
Email: [email protected]

Join us April 8 – 12, 2016 for the 1st Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational! The start of an epic experience where you will tackle the mighty billfish off Guatemala’s Pacific Coast with celebrity anglers and make a difference in the future of Conservation in Guatemala!

“What the Sailfish Commission is doing in Guatemala should be the blueprint for the world.”Rob Kramer, President, IGFA

Profits will go to The Sailfish Commission of Guatemala.Ā YOU WILL be making a difference!

This FUN 3-day tournament is where like-minded anglers will gather to socialize with each other and fishing celebrities in a relaxed environment all in support of a worthy cause.

We have confirmed the following Celebrity Anglers:

Capt Wild Bill from The Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”
4-time Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto
Capt Scott Walker of the TV Show “Into The Blue”
Former Food Network Extreme Chef Winner Terry French
Dr. Nelson Ehrhardt – Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science (University of Miami)
Rob Kramer, President, IGFA

We have confirmed the following International Sponsors: Go Pro, Papaā€™s Pilar Rum, Grunden’s USA, Guy Harvey Magazine, Smith Optics, King Sailfish Mounts, Simrad, Shimano, Soft Science, Dr.Dans, Rod Runner, Scylla Lures, Sea Deck, and Fortress Marine Anchors.

Guests will arrive in Guatemala on April 8 and depart on April 12. Fishing on 9,10,11. 3 days fishing, 4 nights. Ā Activities will be planned for each day and include all celebrities participating actively within the group.

ā€œGuatemala is the real dealā€ ā€“ Captain Scott Walker, Into the Blue TV

We have created a website for the Tournament. Check it out!
Guatemala Billfish Invitational

Who should attend this event? A group of buddies. Father/Sons. Lady anglers. Families. Solo anglers. Companies. If the principals of your company can’t make it – reward key staff or send your best clients. You want to impress someone? We will impress them! Join us.

Mailing Address:
Pacific Fins Resort & Marina
955 Pavilion St
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Jan 2016 – Fishing Report

This is nuts. Frankie Dupre returned for the 2nd time in 3 months. Joining him on this trip were Brandie Metts and Brittany Butler.  In 2.5 days on Sirena they raised 209 sailfish, had 195 bites and released 135!!

Stan Shoemaker fishing Day 1 on Maverick raised 27 sailfish, had 15 bites and released 9 on FLY!

The Padillo group on Mijo in 1 day raised 60 sailfish, had 52 bites and released 31.

Jeff Koeppel, Josh Goodmanson, Gary Frost, Ottmar Schmidt, Shawn Kimberly and Derek Gilvray arrived for 2 days fishing on Canaso and Danmark.  They raised 242 sailfish, had 205 bites, released 131 conventional and 1 on fly.

Ansgar Hehenkamp raised 35 sailfish, had 20 bites and released 10 on light tackle.

The Holcomb group on Chechos in 1 day raised 55 sailfish, had 48 bites and released 34.

Bill Wiatt, Corbin Johnson, Graham Johnson, Mark Weber, Mark Moore and Joe Romagnoli arrived for 2 days on Chechos and Sirena. In ONLY 2 days they raised 323 sailfish, had 284 bites and released 207!

The Flores group raised 58 sailfish, had 51 bites and released 34 on Chechos in 1 day.

Rick Ragsdale, Kyle Ragsdale, Allen Pack and Nathan Brown arrived for 3 days fishing on Aguardiente. They raised 152 sailfish, had 144 bites and released 118!!

The Manolo group fished a few hours on Aguardiente. They raised 6 sailfish, had 5 bites and released 5. They also caught 2 yellowfin.

David Martin arrived for the 8th year in row with his sons Hunter and Michael. Fishing 2 days on Sirena they raised 88 sailfish, had 80 bites and released 58. They also caught 1 Striped marlin.

Dick and Todd Nelson arrived for 3 days fishing.  On Danmark they raised 137 sailfish, had 120 bites and released 76!

Kay Lay returned for the 2nd time and brought her son Walker.  In 2 days fishing on Chechos they raised 72 sailfish, had 53 bites, released 33 conventional and 2 on Fly.

Richard Walden arrived for the 2nd year in a row. Johan Calitz and Cobie Myburgh joined. In 2 days fishing on Sirena they raised 128 sailfish, had 124 bites and released 97!

Josh Hermes arrived for the 2nd year in a row. This time entertaining 16 key clients.  In 1.5 days on Chechos, Sirena, Danmark and Maverick they raised 201 sailfish, had 163 bites and released 129. They broke off the 2nd day early to watch the NFL Playoffs.  They also raised 2 marlin and released 1!.

Kevin Bodine returned for the 2nd time. He was also joined Jamin Carnahan and Bruce Dalton.  On Day #2 they released a GRAND SLAM. 2 Blue marlin, 1 striped marlin and a Pacific sailfish!  In 3 days fishing on Sirena they raised 119 sailfish, had 103 bites, released 88 and caught 2 dorado.

Jim White returned for his 6th visit. Joining him on this trip was friend Gary Voigt. Check out these numbers!! In 3 days fishing on Maverick  they raised 136 sailfish, had 102 bites, released 57 on light tackle and 8 on FLY.

The Perdomo group on Aguardiente raised 28 sailfish, had 26 bites and released 20 in 1 day fishing.

Brian North and David North returned for the 3rd time. This time joining them was friend John Tinucci. In 2.5 days on Maverick they raised 79 sailfish, had 73 bites and released 47. They also raised 1 marlin.

The Marrucci group on Danmark raised 20 sailfish, had 18 bites and released 12 in 1 day fishing .

Jeff and Thomas Erdmann arrived for 3 days fly fishing on Sirena. They raised 81 sails, had 48 bites and released 18 on fly.

John Davis, Jim Starkweather, Roy Van Wyk, Al Penson and Zach Dunlap arrived for their 6th visit.  Fishing 3 days on Chechos they raised 103 sailfish, had 84 bites and released 61!

Claudio and Christopher Martinez arrived for 2 days fishing on Aguardiente.  They raised 32 sailfish, had 30 bites and released 18. They also raised 3 marlin and released 1.

It was a pleasure having April Vokey of FlyGal Ventures – Fly fishing guide, instructor, writer, speaker and TV show host of Shorelines – join us last week fly fishing for sailfish. Sheā€™s a world-class angler and such a pleasure to be around. Her husband Charles joined her. In 5 days on Maverick they raised 52 sailfish, had 26 bites and released 15 on FLY.

Culinary/Fishing Combo

Attention: Looking For Adventure?

Join Pacific Fins Resort and World-Renowned Chef Terry French from The Food NetworkĀ January 18-22, 2016 for 3 days fishing and 4 nights (Detailed itinerary below).

Learn to cook directly from The Rebel Chef! Terry is an avid fisherman, winner of The Food Network’s “Extreme Chef” in 2012 and a big fan of Pacific Fins.

**PRICING: Our Normal Rates Apply! That’s right! It won’t cost you any extra to fish our fertile waters and get taught by one of the world’s best chefs. Here is the link to our rate page:Ā 3 days fishing, 4 nights

**NOTE:** We will also being doing this program May 11-15 and July 20-24, 2016!

Experience a true adventure lifestyle with inspired cooking demonstrations in Global cuisine and cocktails created by Chef Terry.

Itinerary

Jan 18: Arrive in Guatemala City. Transfer to Pacific Fins on the coast for your 3 day, 4 night stay.

Begin the adventure with an intimate cocktail reception. Meet and greet with Chef Terry French as he introduces his Tapas Bar and passed small bites. Sure to excite even the most experienced palate.

Jan 19: First full day of fishing targeting sailfish, dorado and marlin in the world’s finest bluewater fishery!

That evening a Cooking Demonstration learning and following Chef Terry’s lead into the world ofĀ Japanese cuisine as he shows you just how easy sushi-making can be. Maybe with that dorado you caught earlier in the day!

5-course dinner with intro to sake tasting

1st course – Okinawa ceviche tender fish marinated in citrus and spice fruit
2nd course – Yakitori garlic sweet spiced skewered chicken and baby onion
3rd course – Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancake char grilled shrimp and pickled radish
4th course – Japanese Ginger Beef Rolls with asparagus and mushroom
5th course – Japanese sweet cakes with ginger mango syrup and grilled fruit

Jan 20: 2nd full day of fishing targeting sailfish, dorado and marlin in the world’s finest bluewater fishery!

Guatemalan Taco BBQ and Tortilla making class with Ron Zacapa Rum Tasting.

Learn grilling techniques from Chef Terry with beautiful cuts of seafood and meats grilled over an open fire. Also, learn the art of making handmade tortillas with a vegetable and salsa bar while sipping and learning the true taste of Ron Zacapa rum in all its glory.

Jan 21: 3rd full day of fishing targeting sailfish, dorado and marlin in the world’s finest bluewater fishery!

Chef’s Signature Global Tasting Menu

“A true taste of the world” as we share our good-byes and revel in this superb experience. Chef Terry takes you on another 5-Course tasting adventure with fine seafood, meats and vegetables enhanced with exotic flavors and technique’s he has learned in the finest restaurants around the world!

Jan 22: Depart Guatemala for home.

A husband/wife team. Corporate entertaining with your key clients or staff. A group of buddies. Whoever you would like to bring!

Or what about that PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT to a loved one? How special would that be?

As Terry, would say “it is going to be GUATELICIOUS!”

Here is a video of Terry presenting at the World Culinary Showcase in Chicago this year: Chef Terry French

For additional information and availability:

Phone: 1-888-700-3467
Website: www.pacificfins.com.gt

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Mailing Address:
Pacific Fins Resort & Marina
955 Pavilion St
Cincinnati, OH 45202