Best Billfish Destination Archives - Page 7 of 7

May 23, 2019May 24, 2019

Missed the 2 part episode of Unfathomed in Guatemala? Here it is!

What is Unfathomed you may ask… Unfathomed with Captain George Gozdz strives to present the highest quality fishing show that appeals to fisherman and non-fisherman alike through portraying the outdoor lifestyle with cinematic storytelling. Fishing will serve as the bond to combine unique personalities, exciting destinations, and fishery education to provide an engaging viewer experience.

Meet Capt. George:

Throughout his childhood, fishing was George’s true passion. As a young boy, he fished the waterways of Florida and dreamed of one day becoming a famous fisherman like his television idols. As a young man, with that dream still in his heart, he entered the field of emergency medicine, but his down time was always spent on the water. 15 years in a high-stress work environment convinced this father of 2 to follow his dreams. After several years operating as a local guide, Captain George became a frequent guest host on a number of popular fishing shows. In 2010, this exposure and his reputation as an angler’s angler led him to being tapped as the host of one of the most popular fishing shows “Reel Time Florida Sportsman” that has run for 8 seasons. With over 100 shows, Captain George has garnered an incredible following and proven his loyalty to industry partners. With Captain George as the host, RTFS has had mass appeal due to its innovative approach with use of compelling storytelling based on the outdoors, combined with cutting edge cinematography.

Unfathomed 2019 Episode 2- Guatemala part 1. Join George as he travels to Pacific Fins in Guatemala and experiences the best billfishing in the world. Fishing is only half the lure in this beautiful country. George sets off on an adventure and experiences the volcano Pacaya, the mountain coffee fields, the ancient city of Antigua, and more.

Unfathomed 2019 Episode 3- Guatemala part 2. The journey of discovery continues in Guatemala. Incredible sailfish action is also highlighted by the rich culture of this wonderful country. After multiple sailfish releases including one on a fly rod, George travels to explore the volcano Pacaya.

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Don’t say, “I told you so”. The 4th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational is SOLD OUT!

We knew this was going to happen, but we didn’t know it would be this good! Since, its inception in 2016, The Guatemala Billfish Invitational has grown through the years. Past guests still feel like they are on Cloud 9 after each event. The main purpose of the tournament has always been to raise awareness for the conservation efforts by The Sailfish Commission in Guatemala.

This year is no different, the fun 3-day tournament where like-minded anglers gather to socialize and fish in a relaxed environment all in support of a worthy cause is still running strong.

In the last few years, major milestones have been accomplished and the momentum the Guatemala Sailfish Commission is obtaining are yielding immediate results for all in Guatemala.

This event wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors; Accurate Reels, Biscayne Rod, YO-ZURI, Yeti, Costa, DEEP Apparel, Kingsailfish Mounts, Guy Harvey Magazine, Nautilus Reels, Squidnation, Hook + Gaff Watches, Fishtrack and many more. A special THANK YOU to our new and returning guests, who without them it wouldn’t be possible. And, our very own Niels Erichsen for putting in lots of hours to make sure everything runs on all cylinders.

For all who can’t make it this year… we will be posting daily all the festivities taking place via social media. If I were in your shoes… I would be thinking about reserving a spot in next year’s event…

February 18, 2019February 18, 2019

The Bite Continues to be Strong!

We left off last week with the fishing being RED HOT. The February bite continues to be steady and our guests are having a great time.

Last week’s fishing report, the fishing grounds where between 20 to 30 miles offshore. This week… the fishing has been as close as 6 miles! Yes, close enough to take those Volcano backdrop shots.

Mercer Group: Fly fishing three days; aboard Chechos with Captain Carlos, raised 25 Sailfish, had 10 bites, and released 6.

Birk Group: (Split Group) Fishing three days; aboard Gypsy with Captain Marcial, raised 66 Sailfish, had 56 bites, and released 39. Also, a Dorado for the grill.

Birk Group: (Split Group) Fishing three days; aboard Maverick with Captain Jimmy, raised 44 Sailfish, had 37 bites, and released 30. Also, 2 Dorado for the grill.

Fisk Group: (Split Group) Fishing two days; aboard Knotwork with Captain Caluco, raised 35 Sailfish, had 30 bites, and released 20. Also, 1 Dorado for the grill.

Fisk Group: (Split Group) Fishing two days; aboard Gypsy with Captain Marcial, raised 63 Sailfish, had 55 bites, and released 44. Also, 3 Dorado for the grill.

Erichsen Group: Fishing two days in a local tournament; aboard Maverick, raised 31 Sailfish, had 27 bites, and released 15. Also, 1 Striped Marlin release.

Hulin Group: (Split Group) Fishing three days; aboard Sirena with Captain Rosendo, raised 59 Sailfish, had 46 bites, and released 27.

Hulin Group: (Split Group) Fishing three days; aboard Chechos, raised 89 Sailfish, had 76 bites, and released 57. Also, 3 Dorados, 1 Yellowfin Tuna, and 1 Black Marlin! estimated at 500lbs.

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019

Pacific Fins Contributes to Scientific Work with University of Miami

During 20-24 April 2018, Pacific Fins organized the 3rd Annual Celebrity PRO-AM Fishing Tournament. As part of the tournament, Pacific Fins instituted an annual satellite tagging event to support the billfish research efforts of University of Miami researchers Dr. Nelson Ehrhardt, and Doctoral Candidates Bruce Pohlot and Julie Brown.

The research aims at understanding behavior of billfish subjected to catch-and-release with the purpose of improving recreational fish handling and revival before release. This research is critically important due to the very shallow depth of the minimum Dissolved Oxygen (DO2) layer compressing the billfish habitat off Guatemala. Billfish cannot maintain sufficient oxygen for survival below the minimum DO2 layer. Oceanographic data collected by the investigators during the time of the tournament shows that minimum DO2 for survivorship of billfish was less than 7 meters (21 ft) from the surface; therefore, it is intuitive that if released fish is not properly handled it may enter the low DO2 region before it can regain normal behavior and become available to recreational fishing.

In addition, the results of the research will measure the percent retention of the tagged fish by local coastal longliners that operate in the same area shared with the recreational fishing industry. Satellite tagged fish that escape handling mortality and longlining will explain the origin and destination of the billfish that are caught in this important tournament. Results of the April 2018 tagging event generated a large database that is still being analyzed and results will be presented at the next Celebrity PRO-AM Tournament in May 2019. Pacific Fins gratefully acknowledges the funding contributions to obtain the satellite tags, mostly provided by Tournament participants and Celebrities.