fbpx

Live the Pacific Fins Experience

March Madness – Fishing Report

You can’t mention “Spring Break” without thinking of a fishing trip. Guests who traveled to Pacific Fins in March were greeted with really good numbers.This is the time of year many love. It’s when not only you get intense sailfish action, it’s when the man in the blue suit aka blue marlin start to be more abundant as well.Yellowfin tuna will be active around spinner dolphins, and dorado will be in the larger class (Pics below don’t lie).

Plus, you can’t never rule out a striped marlin in the spread.For those looking to travel with family, March through June is a great time to be here. It’s also months that book 10 to 12 months in advance. Which is why, I always advice those that couldn’t find a spot to start planning for the following year.We still have a few spaces available, want to be part of an epic season? Call your fishing partners, grab your passports, pack your bags, and head to Guatemala!

March Fishing Report :
March 1st – 30th: Chechos – 306 sailfish raises, 261 bites and 166 releases. Blue Marlin: 4 raises, 3 bites, 0 release. Dorados: 41. (20 days of fishing).
March 2nd – 30th: Knotwork – 314 sailfish raises, 273 bites and 163 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 7 raises, 4 bites, 1 release. Blue Marlin: 2 raises. Striped marlin: 1. Dorado: 30, 2 yellowfin tuna, and 2 Rooster fish. (22 days of fishing).
March 3rd – 31st: Gypsy – 205 sailfish raises, 142 bites and 72 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 77 Sailfish raises, 22 bites, 7 releases. Blue Marlin: 4 raises, 2 bites, 1 release. Dorado: 17, and 1 yellowfin tuna. (21 days of fishing)
March 2nd – 28th: Uno Mas – 199 sailfish raises, 152 bites and 87 releases. Blue Marlin: 3 raises, 2 bites, 1 releases. Dorado: 12. (13 days of fishing).
March 17th – 29th: Mojo – 164 sailfish raises, 123 bites and 81 releases. Blue Marlin: 5 raises, 3 bites, 2 releases. Dorado: 10. (9 days of fishing).
March 3rd – 5th: Mijooo – 20 sailfish raises, 17 bites, 10 releases. 5 dorado. 1 roosterfish (3 days of fishing).March 6th – 26th: Sirena – 72 sailfish raises, 57 bites and 35 releases. Dorado: 13. (7 days of fishing).
March 15th: Fresh Catch – 23 sailfish raises, 23 bites and 11 releases. (1 day of fishing).
March 16th: Captain Hook – 55 sailfish raises, 46 bites and 33 releases. (1 day of fishing).
March 17th – 22nd: Fishy Business – 42 sailfish raises, 32 bites and 20 releases. Striped Marlin: 2 raises, 1 bites, 1 releases. Dorado: 2. (3 days of fishing).
March 17th – 22nd: Danmark – 40 sailfish raises, 33 bites and 22 releases. Dorado: 3. (13 days of fishing).
March 24th – 25th: Intensity – 22 sailfish raises, 18 bites and 12 releases. Dorado: 1. (2 days of fishing).

October Monsters – Fishing Report

If we compare October 2021 numbers to 2022’s you will find that fishing was slower than expected – sailfish that is. One thing is for certain, the meat fish was not in short supply.
The dorado were so thick that at times they wouldn’t let the sails get to the bait. There were a lot of yellowfin tuna and dorado to go around for guests to take home fresh filets.

October is known as a good blue marlin month and the numbers proved once again, this is the time of year to be in Guatemala.We want to give a HUGE CONGRATS to the crew of Maverick for an impressive catch. Anglers Greg Wagner and Shawn Slocum from Minnesota battled a 250lb yellowfin tuna and prevailed.Looking to visit us? we highly suggest to lock in those dates as soon as possible, as many remaining 2023 dates are filling up fast!

October Fishing Report :
October 1st – 29th: Knotwork – 93 sailfish raises, 86 bites and 70 releases. Blue Marlin: 10 raises, 8 bites, 4 releases. Dorados: 74 and 18 yellowfin tuna. (12 days of fishing).
October 2nd – 29th: Chechos – 101 sailfish raises, 88 bites and 61 releases. Blue Marlin: 19 raises, 11 bites, 6 releases. Dorado: 55 and 6 yellowfin tuna. (11 days of fishing).
October 16th – 25th: Maverick – 11 sailfish raises, 9 bites and 8 releasesDorado: 8, and 6 yellowfin tuna – one being a beast (250.4lbs) (3 days fishing)
October 4th – 31st: Gypsy – 82 sailfish raises, 66 bites and 52 releases. Blue Marlin: 5 raises, 4 bites, 4 releases. Dorado: 38. Yellowfin tuna: 4. (12 days of fishing).

A HOT bite and Guy Harvey visits Pacific Fins

Wow! is how to describe this past month. It was a busy one for sure. Two hosted trips; first with Dr. Guy Harvey and the other with George Gozdz of Unfathomed.
It’s no surprise the bite in April was really good. There were days of amazing numbers – which resulted in 1218 sailfish raised. This gave first time visitors to our region the experience of a hot bite. Also during this month, another big group traveled to Guatemala to fly fish. What better opportunity to catch and release billfish on fly than in our waters!
There were 28 blue marlin raises, which we knew April was going to be a better one than March numbers. And of course the supporting cast of yellowfin tunas and dorados were out in full force.

April Fishing Report :

  • April 1st – 30th: Chechos – 433 sailfish raises, 371 bites and 257 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 20 sailfish raises, 6 bites and 2 releases. Blue Marlin: 12 raises, 5 bites, 4 release. Dorados: 13. Yellowfin tuna: 7 (1-150lbs) (22 days of fishing).
  • April 1st – 30th: Knotwork – 349 sailfish raises, 287 bites and 178 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 7 sailfish raises, 5 bites, 3 release. Blue Marlin: 6 raises, 3 bites, 1 release. Dorado: 8. Yellowfin tuna: 8. Roosterfish: 2. (22 days of fishing).
  • April 1st – 30th: Maverick – 169 sailfish raises, 150 bites and 92 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 52 raises, 19 bites, 11 releases. Blue Marlin: 5 for 5. Dorado: 4. Yellowfin tuna: 18 (1 on Fly). (14 days of fishing).
  • April 1st – 30th: Gypsy – 120 sailfish raises, 88 bites and 55 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 30 raises, 10 bites, 2 releases. Blue Marlin: 1 raises, 1 bite, 1 release (on Fly). Dorado: 5. Yellowfin tuna: 9. (12 days of fishing).
  • April 10th – 29th : Sirena – 110 sailfish raises, 84 bites and 70 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 4 raises, 1 bites, 1 release. Blue Marlin: 1 for 1. Dorado: 1. Yellowfin tuna: 1. (Based on 8 days of fishing).

Guy Harvey Expedition Meets all Expectations

On April 19th marked Dr. Guy Harvey’s first ever visit to Pacific Fins Resort and for four days the action was caliente!  

The renowned artist and conservationist brought his posse of Steve Roden, CEO of the Guy Harvey corporation; Fred Garth, Editor of GH magazine; Brian Rowland of Rowland Publishing; and, of course, his daughter Jessica, who holds numerous fishing world records. The GH crew, along with 13 guests who came from far and wide to hang out and fish with Guy and Jessica. 
All the guests were able to fish with Dr. Guy Harvey and Jessica for a unique experience. The 4 boat 3 fishing days expedition manage to raise 144 sailfish, had 119 bites, released 78 sailfish and some dorados and yellowfin tuna action. One of the groups wanted to try out even rooster fish and they released 2 in just 30 minutes. Also had the opportunity for some sailfish on the fly rod. 

During the expedition one of the wildest days, the boats circled a massive school of literally thousands of spinner dolphins as they launched high into the air. Why do they do this? Only they know. What we do know is that the anglers hooked up on lots of tuna.  

An added bonus for everyone was getting to watch Guy himself paint an original piece of art during the trip. Amazingly, Guy was able to finish the painting just before dinner on the last night. Appropriately, he painted a sailfish surrounded by spinner dolphins, an animal behavior interaction Guy has never painted before. The last step was to auction the art to the highest bidder.

When all was said and done the auction raised $18,000 and Guy generously donated the entire proceeds to the local K12 school near the resort. 

As part of this donation during their visit, Billfish Conservation Project members, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Pacific Fins, and Casa Vieja Lodge joined the school for a kind donation of 10 computers as a startup project to help the local education on Marine Science. Dr. Harvey Foundation will donate the course materials to start education that will help 100% on conservation.  

While this may have been Guy’s first visit, plans are already in the works for another Guy/Jessica trip next year. If you’re interested in fishing and hanging out with Guy and Jessica, call 850-766-2201 or email [email protected]

It’s really nice to witness Dr. Guy Harvey painting an original. Especially a first for Pacific Fins.

To all the GH Expedition participants, form all of us at Pacific Fins, THANK YOU for making it a great trip!

In the end, this is what’s it all about. Pacific Fins, Billfish Conservation Project, and Casa Vieja Lodge donate 10 computers to the school of Santa Marta in Iztapa. To support the education program donated by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Everything with the support of the Minister of Education in Guatemala.

Our Fleet Never Looked So Good

Now available at Pacific Fins gift shop, our fleet will have their own standout artwork on long-sleeve UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) performance shirts, hooded and non-hooded. Other items that you can look forward to finding at our new and improved gift shop: sunglasses, sun masks, hats, and much more. 

So, don’t forget to check out our gift shop before leaving the resort so you too can always have something to look back on for that great experience you shared with friends and/or family.

Take a souvenir from your home away from home and support your favorite boat crew.

New York Yankees CC Sabathia!

We are excited to announce, New New York Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia to participate in this year’s Guatemala Billfish Invitational.

Baseball is his passion, The New York Yankees is his team, but the man loves to fish!

It is no surprise that when you talk baseball or the New York Yankees, the name CC rings a bell. Yes, CC Sabathia… a left handed pitcher that made history through out his career.

One of those history making news; On December 18, 2008, Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees. It was the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history at the time. 

On March 26, 2009, manager Joe Girardi announced that Sabathia would be the Opening Day starter and the starter for the home opener at the new Yankee Stadium. Sabathia finished the season 19–8 with a 3.37 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 230 innings. His 19 wins were tied for the most in the major leagues that year. He was also awarded the August 2009 AL Pitcher of the Month Award, posting a 5–0 record in 6 starts with a 2.64 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 44 13 innings. The Yankees finished the regular season with a 103–59 record, the best in the Major Leagues. 

Sabathia earned his first career postseason victory with the Yankees in the first game of the 2009 ALDS against the Minnesota Twins. He gave up two runs (one earned) in 6 23 innings with eight strikeouts as the Yankees swept the series in three games. Sabathia also won the American League Championship Series (ALCS) Most Valuable Player Award; in two starts against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, he went 2–0 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings. The Yankees beat the Angels in six games to advance to their first World Series since 2003.

Sabathia was effective, posting a 3.29 ERA in 13 23 innings to help lead the Yankees to a series win over the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies in six games. The World Series championship was the Yankees’ 27th, their first in the new Yankee Stadium, their first since 2000, and the first of Sabathia’s career. In five postseason starts, Sabathia went 3–1 with a 1.98 ERA. Sabathia finished fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting behind Zack Greinke, Félix Hernández, and Justin Verlander. He also received the Warren Spahn Award for the third year in a row.

Want to be a part of this great event? Book early as there is limited space available.

The tournament costs $3,500 per person and includes four night lodging, double occupancy, daily laundry service, a la carte meals, beverages, transportation to and from the airport and three days of fishing. When fishing with Pacific Fins you can expect all of the tackle and gear to be top-notch and the crews to be on their game. During the tournament there will be four anglers per boat. Each day of fishing also includes snacks, fruit, lunch and beverages. 

Last year’s event sold out… so don’t wait till last minute.

Two Big Shows: Meet You There!

For years now, we have entertained the thought of attending trade shows. These events take place in the biggest cities across the country in any industry you can imagine. A gathering of industry experts, enthusiasts, and media under one roof in a setting that promotes business, education, and fun. There is much value in attending a trade show for your industry. In fact, the upside is so great, it would be a shame to miss out.

One of those shows we will be attending is the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show (January 31st – February 1st, 2020).

 The Atlanta Fly Fishing Show, which is held at (Infinite Energy Center) is the largest fly fishing extravaganza in the Southeast. See the newest rods, reels, clothing, accessories, lodges and camps along with non-stop fly-tying and casting demonstrations. 

We will have a booth C9, next to our friends, Nautilus Reels. Come by and say hello, it’s going to be a good one.

Another show that is a biggie, not just for us, but to all in the industry… Safari Club International Convention (SCI). Ask any member who has attended the SCI Convention, and you will likely hear, “Sensational, you have to go! It is the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market and it’s a knockout!” 

This hunters’ heaven has everything the mind can dream of and occupies over 452,000 square feet of exhibit space. Six continents are under one roof where members come to book hunts, fishing trips, rendezvous with old friends and shop for the latest guns and hunting equipment. That only scratches the surface of products available at SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention. Notable authorities of the outdoor sports and shooting industries attend the premier hunting show annually.

There are dozens of informative and educational seminars designed to provide attendees the opportunity to learn new hunting techniques or refine old ones, discover imaginative ways to prepare wild game, or to glean tips on the best care for your equipment and gear. Countless topics that appeal to the hunting sportsman are covered.

Yes, it’s true! SCI’s Convention is the most dynamic and diverse hunting show today. You will find it to be the most powerful buying and selling environment in the outdoor industry. Mark your calendars and join us in the Fishing Village, Booth 784, February 5 – 8, 2020, for the 48th Annual Hunters’ Convention in Reno, Nevada.

Retiring in Style

Is there a better time to discover the world than after retirement? With today’s busy life, not everyone has the luxury to spend a lot time out of the office. 

Travel after retirement is clearly the most popular and desired pursuit for this phase of life. Retirement should be the time for you to do things you have always dreamed of doing. Imagine retiring and to celebrate the thing you like the most… FISHING. How about 10 Consecutive days on the flat calm pacific waters of Guatemala? Yes, you read correctly… 10 days! To some it may sound crazy, but others seem to think is the perfect gift for yourself.

Our guest, Mr. Nigel Sowerby on his 10 day adventure at Pacific Fins:

“I recently returned from Pacific Fins. I’ve been fortunate to fish with them the last several years. As I am back at home reviewing my numbers it confirms why I choose Guatemala as my retirement gift to myself. 74 sails released conventional,

21 on fly, 4 marlin, 3 mahi and 2 tuna over the course of my trip. The fishing is always superb, but I believe it goes beyond that for me. The staff is first-class. The captains and mates are attentive and fine teachers of the sport. The great thrill

of releasing sailfish on fly during this trip I won’t forget and to fight and add 4 marlin into the mix!

My non-angling friends who joined me got to see whales, turtles, rays and and dolphin. They loved the resort and found Guatemala to be a special place. The whole experience was relaxing with lots of excitement out at sea in beautiful weather.

I plan on visiting 2 more times in 2020 and again in 2021. I can’t wait to return!” – Nigel Sowerby

Time to Burn Those Calories…

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving break with family and friends. Now is time to burn some of those calories and Guatemala is the perfect diet plan.

The holiday its self is reserved for turkey and football like most families, but rest assure, after the break is for catching fish!

As we move into December, the fishing reports have been great. Guests have had double digit releases of sailfish and blue marlin are here. The Dorado bite has been sporadic. One day you’ll find them and others you don’t see them. Same goes for Yellowfin tuna, but the reports indicate that there are few around – hence, it’s not the season yet…

If past December fishing reports indicate, this is the month to be here… I wouldn’t sleep on it.  

Recent fishing highlights:

We had the pleasure to welcome back Peter Miller of Uncharted Waters. He was here to film his second season of Uncharted Waters and we look forward to watching it on Discovery Channel.

If you like Nascar racing, we also had the pleasure to have visit us, Tab Boyd, spotter for Hendrick Motorsports driver, William Byron.

Tab Boyd (right) posing with a double with longtime friend, Frank Bolter.

Fishing Reports:

Gibson Group: Fishing 3 days; aboard Maverick – raised 72 Sailfish, had 67 bites and released 47. Went 1 for 4 on Rooster fish and 4 dorados. 

Rizek Group: Fishing 3 days; aboard Maverick – raised 112 Sailfish, 98 bites and released 67. And 2 dorados.   

Castaneda Group: Fishing 1 day; aboard Gypsy – raised 33 Sailfish, 27 bites and released 19. 1 dorado.

Nicolarsen Group: Fishing 2 days; aboard Gypsy – raised 49 Sailfish, had 37 bites and released 27.

Balensiefen Group: Fishing 2 days; aboard Maverick – raised 41 Sailfish, had 35 bites and released 28. 8 dorados.  

Bolter Group: Fishing 2 days; aboard Chechos – raised 72 Sailfish, had 67 bites and released 47. Went 1 for 4 on Rooster fish and 4 dorados.

Adamiec Group: Fishing 3 days; aboard Chechos – raised 40 Sailfish, had 34 bites and released 30. 

As you can see, the fishing is good and we expect it to keep on. If you haven’t made any plans to visit Guatemala soon, make sure you book early as we have started to get lots of inquiries. 

Fall Fishing in Guatemala, Should Be On Your Radar

Fall is quickly approaching and October starts our peak season.  I may sound like a broken record, but Guatemala’s calm Pacific Coast is hands down one of the greatest billfishing destination in the world. Our waters hold some of the highest concentration of billfish year round.  Guatemala has both the conventional and fly fishing records for most sailfish released in one day.  In addition to sailfish and marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado are omnipresent. And if we have another banner season of yellowfin tuna like we are having in 2019, it’s going to be one not to miss.

Your trip will become a lifetime remembering experience, coupled with volcano, mangroves and natural reserves in the background. You are in for a sportfishing experience of a lifetime.

A sight that never gets old…the acrobatic displays of billfish.

Coming in HOT! Nothing gets the blood pumping than a lit up Sail on your bait.

There is no surprise in the fishing industry and internationally, Guatemala is the GO-TO destination – “Anyone looking for high numbers of Pacific sails need look no further than Iztapa and neighboring Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, where sport-fishing fleets tally two dozen or more releases most days this time of year.” – Saltwater Sportsman Magazine.

September and October are still part of our “Marlin Guarantee” promo.Book our most popular package, 3 days fishing, 4 nights for Sept or Oct and we guarantee your boat will get at least 3 Marlin Bites on conventional tackle over the length of the trip! That’s right… 3 bites by the man in the Blue, Black or Striped suit over 3 days fishing! For more info, contact us. 

I could keep on writing about our fishery, but I would rather not spoil the surprise.

Check out our website at https://pacificfinsresort.com for more information.  Feel free to contact us at 888-431-5556 or [email protected] with any questions. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!