Register to win the most coveted award in Guatemala. Plus, win a spot for the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica.
Last year’s tournament generated 1534 sailfish raises, 1267 bites, and 764 Sailfish were released. 17 blue marlin raises, 11 blue marlin bites, and 5 released. Countless dorado (201) and 2 big yellowfin tuna. Making this tournament the largest in the history of Guatemala!
The theme for 2024 is to create awareness for the benefit of conservation of sailfish, being a resource of great importance for the country.
In this event, like the previous ones, we had different celebrities of international stature and personalities that contributed to sport fishing in the region. The tourney will consist of three days of fishing and will have anglers from all over the world.
This tournament allows amateurs and professional anglers to compete to be the team that releases the most sailfish, marlin, and brings in the heaviest dorado and yellowfin tuna.
The prize structure for 2024 has been updated: Top Professional Team (1st, 2nd & 3rd), Top Amateur Team (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Top Captain, Top Pro Lady Angler, Top Amateur Lady Angler, Top Marlin, Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna. Plus, everyone’s favorite, a Calcutta for those brave enough to bet on their skills and luck.
Last year’s event was the biggest yet. We had 10 lodging locations at capacity. It’s no surprise with such high anticipation that always builds throughout the year. So, if you think last year’s event was one for the record books… just wait till this December.
We started to receive reservations a year in advance, which we highly recommend for those that want to participate in this year’s event, to contact us and secure your spot. Due to limited capacity, you don’t want to be left out of this fun, but competitive tournament.
I’ve always been a firm believer that October is the month to be in Guatemala. It kicks off the season with lots of action and variety. 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 yellowfin tuna and dorado to go around for guests to take home fresh filets.Fall is known as a good blue marlin month and the numbers proved once again, that this is the time of year to keep in your fishing plans for 2024.
This past month the Gale Force Twins hosted their second all-ladies fishing trip and now they are getting ready for their first all-ladies fishing tournament on May 3rd, 2024. Ladies, contact us for more info.We want to give congratulations to the crew of Gypsy for putting guests Lynn Adkins and his twin brother on their first-ever blue marlin.
October Fishing Report :
October 7th – 21st: Knotwork – 42 sailfish raises, 38 bites and 28 releases. Blue Marlin: 3 raises, 1 bites, 0 releases. Dorados: 86 and 2 yellowfin tuna. (7 days of fishing). October 2nd – 23rd: Gypsy – 119 sailfish raises, 104 bites and 65 releases. Blue Marlin: 5 raises, 3 bites, 2 releases. Dorado: 185. (12 days of fishing). October 7th – 24th: Maverick – 53 sailfish raises, 50 bites and 39 releases. Dorado: 90. (7 days fishing) October 1st – 21st: Chechos – 37 sailfish raises, 30 bites and 18 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 4 raises, 1 bite, 1 release. Blue Marlin: 2 raises, 1 bite, 1 release. Dorado: 55. (6 days of fishing). October 1st – 21st: Tranquility – 59 sailfish raises, 51 bites and 37 releases. Blue Marlin: 2 raises, 2 bites, 2 releases. Dorado: 35. (3 days of fishing).
We realize many anglers focus on freshwater destinations – places like Alaska, Canada, and the American West during the summer months. But what many don’t realize this region hosts good numbers of blue marlin, plenty of dorados, and yellowfin tuna during the so-called “Off Season” (summer and early fall).
During this time of year, our blue-water fishery becomes more diverse. Water temperatures heat up, but our climate remains pleasant. We consider the summer (June – September) to be prime time for Dorado and Yellowfin tuna. You can catch these species many days until your arms completely falls off. To hear guests return to the dock catching 25 Dorado and 15 Yellowfin plus several sailfish in a given day is pretty normal in the Guatemalan summer months. And let’s not forget about Marlin. The summer is a great time for our blue marlin fishery, also.
Summertime is superb for family fishing, a father-son/trip, or a corporate excursion. The calm Guatemalan waters offer a wonderful time to take that trip and experience what this country has to offer.
We are always open to guests that can’t make a trip during other months.
June Fishing Report:
June 1st – 30th: Gypsy – 116 sailfish raises, 95 bites and 69 releases. Blue Marlin: 4 raise, 3 bite, 3 releases. Dorados: 39. (14 days of fishing).
June 2nd – 30th: Chechos – 207 sailfish raises, 170 bites and 114 releases. Sailfish on Fly: 4 raises, 2 bites, 1 release. Blue Marlin: 5 raises, 3 bite, 3 releases. Dorados: 41. (15 days of fishing).
June 1st – 28th: Knotwork – 39 sailfish raises, 34 bites and 27 releases. Blue Marlin: 2 raises, 1 bite, 1 release. Dorados: 8. (5 days of fishing).
June 1st – 20th: Sirena – 39 sailfish raises, 34 bites, 26 releases. Blue Marlin: 1 raise, 1 bite, 1 release. Dorado: 12. Yellowfin Tuna: 1. Wahoo: 1. (5 days of fishing)
June 23rd – 30th: Uno Mas – 28 sailfish raises, 21 bites, 12 releases. Blue Marlin: 1 raise, 1 bite, 1 release. Dorado: 3. (2 days of fishing)
June 1st – 30th: Maverick – (Boat Maintenance).
July Fishing Report:
July 2nd – 23rd: Gypsy – 69 sailfish raises, 58 bites and 37 releases. Dorados: 19 and 17 yellowfin tuna. (6 days of fishing).
July 21st: Chechos – 15 sailfish raises, 14 bites and 9 releases. Dorados: 1. (1 day of fishing).
July 15th – 30th: Knotwork – 69 sailfish raises, 54 bites and 37 releases. Dorados: 4 and 14 yellowfin tuna. (7 days of fishing).
July 9th – 21st: Sirena – 15 sailfish raises, 14 bites and 17 releases. Dorados: 5. (2 days of fishing).
July 22nd: Intensity – 9 sailfish raises, 9 bites and 6 releases. Dorados: 3. (1 day of fishing).
July 1st – 31st: Maverick – (Boat Maintenance).
8th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational
Get ready anglers! The 8th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational just got bigger. Which means is shaping up to be the biggest in Guatemala’s history. It’s no surprise we have this turnout. Last year’s event was our largest and the vibe after that one indicated that 2023’s event will surpass it.As last year, we will have a woman’s division. Yes… we will have several ladies competing for a beautiful trophy from Kingsailfish Mounts.In the coming weeks, we will be making announcements about the tournament and the special guests that will be part of this year’s event. So, if you think last year’s tournament was one for the record books… we can’t wait for this one!
The newsletter you’ve been waiting for! The 8th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational Tournament.
The 7th annual tournament generated a record 2023 sailfish raises, 1725 bites and 1078 Sailfish releases. 11 blue marlin raises, 1 striped marlin, countless dorado and yellowfin tuna. Making the tournament the largest in the history of Guatemala!
The objective for this tournament is to create awareness for the benefit of conservation of sailfish, being a resource of great importance for the country. In this event, like the previous ones, we had different celebrities of international stature and personalities that contribute to sport fishing in the region. There was 35 brands and entities supporting sport fishing in the country, as well endorsed by the National Fisheries Association in Guatemala. The tournament will consist of three days of fishing and will have anglers from the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Guatemala. This tournament gives the opportunity for amateurs and professional anglers to compete to be the team that releases the most sailfish, marlin, dorado and yellowfin tuna.Awards: Top Professional Team (1st, 2nd & 3rd), Top Amateur Team, Top Captain, Top Pro Lady Angler, Top Amateur Lady Angler, Top Marlin, Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna.Plus, a crowd favorite, a calcutta for those brave enough to bet on their skills and luck.
The 2022 Guatemala Billfish Invitational was the biggest yet. We had 8 lodging locations at capacity. It’s no surprise with such high anticipation that always builds throughout the year. So, if you think last year’s event was one for the record books… just wait till this December.We started to receive reservations and we highly recommend for those that want to participate in this year’s event, to contact us and secure your spot. Due to limited capacity, you don’t want to be left out of this amazing fun, but competitive tournament.
Tournament dates: December 7th – 11th, 2023. For more information, please contact us at 1-888-431-5556 or [email protected]
The newsletter we have been waiting for… The 7th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational Tournament was recently organized from December 8th to the 12th, 2022. We are still on a high… WHAT AN EVENT!
Guatemala is a country that over the years has proven to have the best sailfish fishery in the world. It’s the perfect destination for many anglers to obtain multiple shots in one day and this event proved such statement.
Our main objective for this tournament is to create awareness for the benefit of conservation of sailfish, being a resource of great importance for the country. In this event, like the previous ones, we had different celebrities of international stature and personalities that contribute to sport fishing in the region.
There was 35 brands and entities supporting sport fishing in the country, as well endorsed by the National Fisheries Association in Guatemala.
The tournament consisted of three days of fishing with 102 participants from the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Guatemala. This tournament gives the opportunity for amateurs and professional anglers to compete to be the team that releases the most sailfish.
Among the celebrities who attended:
• Alex Avila: Former Major League Baseball Player.
•George Gozdz: Host of the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel television show, Unfathomed and also a professional guide.
• Peter Miller, Host of Uncharted Water (Discovery Channel TV) professional fisherman and 3-time world sailfish champion.
• Matt Moore: World renowned chef and host of his show on the Food Network.
• Bob Dipiero: Renowned composer and singer of country music. He has composed songs that have been in the top 20 and 15 songs in the USA.
• Gary Burr: Member of the country music hall of fame in the USA and composer of songs for artists such as: Cristina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, LeAnn Rimes and Ringo Starr; among others.
The tournament in 3 days, generated a record 2023 sailfish raises, 1725 bites and 1078 Sailfish releases. 11 blue marlin raises, 5 bites and 4 released. 1 striped marlin, countless dorado and yellowfin tuna. Making this tournament the largest in the history of Guatemala!
Tournament Results
1st Place Pro Team for a total of 7500 points, team Piragua. Anglers: Danny Difabio, Austin Collins, Alex Avila, and Luis Perez. Congrats Captain Manolo Diaz for also taking home first place Captain. Team won overall prize money of $25,000!Congrats to Piragua’s Captain Manolo Diaz, well earned.2nd Place Pro Team for a total of 7100 points, team Intensity. Anglers: Peter Liechty, Blaine Arthurs, Ryan Foret, and Brent Tatford. Team won 2 daily calcutta’s totaling $11,000. Congrats to Captain Mike Sheeder and his crew for putting up a great fight to the end.3rd Place Pro Team for a total of 6500 points, team Chechos. Anglers: James White, Helen Chamizo, Joaquin Chamizo, and Jayce Chamizo. Captain Carlos Diaz. Team won day 1 calcutta $5,500.Congratulations to badass angler, Helen Chamizo for taking home First Place Lady Angler. She surely made a lot of guys look bad.1st Place Amateur Team for a total of 10,000 points. Yes! 10,000 points with 97 Sailfish Releases and 1 Blue Marlin, team Sirena with Capt. Chendo. Anglers: Kyle Jones, Wendy Ashley, Greg Fabrizzi and Kat Halpin.1st Place Marlin with 1 blue marlin and 1 striped marlin release, goes to team Makina. Anglers: Steve Summers, Christine Summers, Stacey Wills, and Tim Wills. Captain Wicho Ramirez. Congrats to Steve Summers for personally catching the Grandslam (blue marlin, striped marlin and a sailfish).1st Place Dorado for a total of 127.4 pounds, team Allure. Anglers: Sean O’Connell, John Logan, Alvaro de la Hoz and Tony Semaan. Captain Julio Morales.1st Place Yellowfin Tuna goes to team Mijooo. Anglers: Ozzy Delgado, George Gozdz, Phillip Weikert, Juan Manuel Cobar and Cole Sellers. Captain Joel Fajardo.Gary Burr and Bob Dipiero made one of the nights special by performing an intimate concert for all the anglers.Another highlight that gave the 7th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational stamp of approval, we got the IGFTO (International Game Fish Tournament Observers). To have professional observers on the boats makes it clear to follow all rules by releasing the correct species and that the fish were properly handled. The president Steve Hargett coordinated and assigned observers to boats each day. This organization promotes conservation therefore without a doubt accepted our invitation and donated $2,500. Thank you Steve, Lisa, Reese, Robert, Rick, Kenny, Marci, Barbara, Terry, Art, and Julio.
We want to give THANKS to all our participating anglers for making this an amazing event. We are happy to see all having a great time, meeting and making new friends. From the kick-off party and Poolside Celebration to the neighboring resorts; (The Hook, Sailfish Oasis, Aeroclub, Intensity Sportfishing, Casa Del Rio, and several private rental homes) who took part in the Invitational. To the awards presentation at the awards dinner and all the parties and fishing in between. This is definitely a tournament that any novice or serious angler needs to be a part of. We are pleased to support the Billfish Conservation Project and the week-long festivities that generated much needed funds for a worthy cause – A total of $35,000 was collected.
In addition, we are going to be posting on our social media pages pictures that were taken during the event. Get ready as 2023 dates are: December 7th through the 11th, 2023. Trust me… we already have teams booked. Call or email us to be a part of this history making event. You don’t want to miss it in 2023!
TO ALL ANGLERS AND SPONSORS, CHEERS TO YOU FOR MAKING THE BIGGEST TOURNAMENT IN GUATEMALA!
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 1⁄3 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 2⁄3 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 2⁄3 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.
