Guatemala Archives - Page 4 of 6

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021

The sails are Back!

No more roller coaster rides! For a couple of weeks, the fishing was like visiting an amusement park – up and down, up and down. I’m happy to say, our fishery has gained back the status of “Sailfish Capital of the World”.
For a while there, we were scratching our heads on what was going on. On the positive side, when the sailfishing was not up to par, a mixed bag of yellowfin tuna and BIG dorado made up for slow time. What better way to release a few sails and still catch sushi grade tuna and dorado.
Overall, the numbers on our fishing report illustrates how April started. Dorado and yellowfin tuna are still there and we expect it to last through the summer.
If you are planning a trip in the near future, I highly suggest to book soon. More and more people have started to look into the months ahead and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure of a lifetime. Live the Pacific Fins Experience!

FISHING REPORT:

April 1st: Gypsy – 4 sailfish raises, 4 bites and 4 releases.
April 1st: Knotwork – 7 sailfish raises, 6 bites and 3 releases.
April 2nd: Chechos – 20 sailfish raises, 17 bites and 13 releases. 2 Yellowfin tuna, 2 dorado.
April 2nd: Maverick (Flyfishing) – 31 sailfish raises, 11 bites and 4 releases.
April 3rd: Maverick (Flyfishing) – 11 sailfish raises, 4 bites and 2 releases.
April 3rd: Chechos – 12 sailfish raises, 9 bites and 7 releases.
April 3rd: Gypsy – 15 sailfish raises, 12 bites and 8 releases. 2 dorados.
April 4th: Knotwork – 14 sailfish raises, 9 bites and 6 releases. 1 dorado.
April 5th: Maverick (Flyfishing) – 6 sailfish raises, 4 bites and 1 releases.
April 8th: Maverick – 6 sailfish raises, 6 bites and 5 releases.5 yellowfin tuna.
April 9th: Gypsy – 22 sailfish raises, 14 bites and 12 releases.
April 9th: Sirena – 28 sailfish raises, 25 bites and 17 releases.
April 9th: Knotwork – 30 sailfish raises, 25 bites and 17 releases. 1 dorado (40lbs).
April 9th: Maverick – 18 sailfish raises, 13 bites and 8 releases.
April 9th: Chechos – 23 sailfish raises, 13 bites and 7 releases.
April 10th: Gypsy – 25 sailfish raises, 16 bites and 8 releases. 1 for 4 on Fly.
April 10th: Knotwork – 32 sailfish raises, 28 bites and 24 releases.
April 10th: Chechos – 20 sailfish raises, 6 bites and 4 releases.
April 10th: Maverick – 28 sailfish raises, 25 bites and 18 releases.
April 10th: Knotwork – 30 sailfish raises, 24 bites and 18 releases. 1 dorado (35lbs).
April 11th: Chechos – 24 sailfish raises, 18 bites and 8 releases.
April 11th: Maverick (Flyfishing) – 18 sailfish raises, 3 bites and 1 releases.
April 11th: Knotwork – 6 sailfish raises, 4 bites, 1 release (Flyfishing). 9 sailfish raises, 7 bites, 6 releases (Conventional).
April 11th: Gypsy: 28 sailfish raises, 19 bites, 11 releases.
April 12th: Knotwork: 14 sailfish raises, 13 bites, 7 releases. 1 dorado and 2 yellowfin tuna.
April 12th: Chechos: 10 sailfish raises, 6 bites, 6 releases.
April 13th: Chechos: 25 sailfish raises, 22 bites, 15 releases.
April 13th: Knotwork: 22 sailfish raises, 18 bites, 9 releases.
April 14th: Chechos: 19 sailfish raises, 18 bites, 11 releases. 2 dorado.
April 16th: Chechos: 17 sailfish raises, 15 bites, 8 releases. 1 blue marlin (est. 250lbs).

THANK YOU!

Since the start of the global pandemic last year, the travel industry has been turned upside down. And although we don’t know exactly when we will get back to normal, we know that we can’t do it without you.
Today we’d like to share a genuine THANK YOU to you, our guests.
We want to take the opportunity to express our gratitude for all of your support. We know that traveling during these times is not always an easy experience, although you make it seem so effortless – So, thank you!
Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for introducing Pacific Fins to friends and family. For the long travels, for the late night travels, for the long calls, for the longer email chains… for the passions stirred, for the experiences created.
Thank you for working with us. We know it’s been a challenging time for the entire travel industry, but please accept our sincere appreciation for your continued support, kindness, and understanding. It may be difficult now, but we know that together we will get through this – stronger than ever.
We can’t wait to continue making your fishing dreams a reality, together. In the meantime, we are never more than a call or email away!
From your friends at Pacific Fins, THANK YOU and look forward to your visit.

February 28, 2020February 28, 2020

Chef Tom Colicchio is fishing the Invitational!

We are excited to welcome to the 5th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational, James Beard award–winning chef, Tom Colicchio.

If you are a fan of watching reality food competition on Food Network or other networks, like Bravo TV’s Top Chef… then you should not miss out on this opportunity to fish along side one heck of a Chef.

Host of Bravo’s Top Chef; Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio & Gail Simmons

Colicchio has been involved with Top Chef since its beginning in 2006, where he has served as head judge. He is also the main consulting producer on Bravo’s Top Chef spin-off series entitled Top Chef Masters. He also won an Emmy Award in 2010 for Outstanding Reality-Competition Programming as an executive producer of Top Chef, on which he appears.

These days, Colicchio is busy as ever. When not filming, he has to manage his restaurants, but would love to have more time out on the water.

Colicchio was the host of the reality series Best New Restaurant (an adaptation of the British reality show Ramsay’s Best Restaurant) in 2015. Colicchio appeared in the fifth episode of the first season of HBO’s Treme as himself along with fellow chefs Eric Ripert, David Chang and Wylie Dufresne. He made another cameo in Season 2 alongside Ripert. In 2011, he made cameos in the Season 23 premiere episode of The Simpsons, “The Falcon and the D’ohman,” and The Smurfs.

This is your chance to mingle with a cool guy and other celebs. Want to learn more about the 5th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational, give us a call: 888-431-5556 or email me; [email protected].

February 13, 2020February 13, 2020

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 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.

January 24, 2020January 24, 2020

Guatemala 2020: Fishing Report

A new year, same forecast… a lot of fish on the radar.

I have to say, it’s been a little while since our last newsletters. But, it’s not because we are fishing and laying around the pool… it’s because we have been hard at work in making sure YOU will have the best experience during your next visit.

One of the many upgrades we are doing; putting new engines on our luxury boat, Knotwork. Also, on your next trip, you’ll notice a fresh change in our rooms. Since, it’s the busy season, our staff is working diligent around the clock.

Now to the good stuff… what you been waiting to hear… FISHING REPORT!

When our peak season started in October, it started with a bang. Lot’s of action offshore and Inshore (with the Rooster). The sailfish were hungry and so was the blue marlin. The yellowfin tuna was still biting good and plenty of dorado for everyone to go around.

Fast forward to today, the action has kept strong and steady. Pacific Fins has been busy and so have our boats. One of the recent fishing highlights is the day our fleet released in one day; 177 Sails!!! and 2 blues (Maverick / Gypsy / Chechos). If you ask me… no one had time to eat lunch.

More highlights:

Houston Group: Fishing three days; aboard Maverick with Captain Jimmy, raised 138 Sailfish, had 125 bites, and released 90. Also, 1 for 2 on blue marlin (est. 150lbs), yellowfin tuna and a dorado.

Incredible job by the crew and angler to get this shot, Blue and Sail!

Dillard Group: Fishing four days; aboard Maverick, raised 90 Sailfish, had 69 bites, and released 60. Also, 2 Dorado for the grill.

When your goal is to release 60 sails on your trip and catch your first blue marlin – Priceless!

Kenyon Group: Fishing three days; aboard Maverick with Captain Jimmy, raised 186 Sailfish, 170 bites, released 120. Also, 1 blue marlin (est. 200lbs). 2 Dorados.

Shulman Group: Fishing four days; aboard Chechos with Captain Carlos, raised 133 Sailfish, 111 bites, and released 87. Went 3 for 3 on blue marlin (est. 300lbs), 1 striped marlin (est. 150). 4 Dorados and 3 yellowfin.

Sawor Group: Fishing three days; aboard Gypsy with Captain Caluco, raised 99 Sailfish, had 87 bites, and released 67. Also, 4 Dorado.

Balensiefen Group: Fishing two days; aboard Maverick, raised 42 Sailfish, 34 bites, and released 30. 3 dorado.

Maga Group: Fishing for one day; aboard Chechos, raised 25 Sailfish, 25 bites, and released 17.

Odom Group: Fishing three days; aboard Maverick, raised 60 Sailfish, 52 bites, and released 30. 6 dorado.

Young Group: Fishing three days; aboard Gypsy, raised 59 Sailfish, 57 bites, and released 48 (conventional gear). Went 3 for 8 on Fly (sailfish). 6 dorado and 1 yellowfin.

Plihal Group: Fishing one day; aboard Chechos, raised 32 Sailfish, 29 bites, and released 17. 4 dorado.

Alvarez Group: Fishing one day; aboard Chechos, raised 9 Sailfish, 8 bites, and released 4.

Bullmhan Group: Fishing one day; aboard Sirena, raised 12 Sailfish, 12 bites, and released 8. Also, went 1 for 2 on blue marlin (est. 250lbs). 2 dorado.

Wilburn Group: Fishing two days; aboard Chechos, raised 54 Sailfish, 47 bites, and released 34. 3 dorado.

Blaine Group: Fishing four days; aboard Gypsy, raised 42 Sailfish, 34 bites, and released 30. 3 dorado.

Wish I can post more pics to get you excited, but you can do that by following us on our online social platforms.

There’s a reason why Guatemala is one of the world’s top destinations for saltwater anglers. Actually, there are multiple reasons, such as impeccable fishing for Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna. Even if you aren’t an avid angler, odds are you’ve heard about the volcano excursions, Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Tikal – to name a few.

Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best or you’re casting lines for the very first time, we are here to help you land the catch of a lifetime!

I echo what National Geographic says about Guatemala: List of Best Trips to take in 2020.

January 23, 2020January 23, 2020

Mark Your Calendar!

Last year’s event was a huge success and this year’s invitational is shaping up to be one for the books!

The 5th Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational will take place April 23rd – 27th, at our beautiful Pacific Fins Resort. Well-known anglers from across the globe will compete in this exciting three-day event while raising money to support Guatemala’s conservation efforts.

This tournament provides a unique opportunity to fish the most prolific billfish destination on the planet in prime time, while you network with fellow anglers, celebrity guests, and potentially earn bragging rights for the next 12 months! The tournament will kick off on April 23rd at the lodge with the professional chefs creating a full-on feast for the check-in and opening party. Fishing dates are April 24th, 25th and 26th, with an award’s ceremony taking place the night of the 26th. Guests will depart on April 27th.

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. The experienced captain and crew will always do everything in their power to keep you on the fish.

One advice we can give… last year’s event sold out… so don’t wait till last minute.

Pacific Fins Resort & Marina is Guatemala fishing at its best. The boutique hotel offers private villas and suites and is located in the world’s most productive billfishing destination. The world-class chefs offer Á la Carte dining, open bar and personalized concierge service. The setting on the water and attention to detail is unmatched. For more information contact Ozzy Delgado at 888-431-5556 or [email protected]. You can also visit PacificFinsResort.com.

December 13, 2019December 13, 2019

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

December 12, 2019December 12, 2019

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.

November 14, 2019November 14, 2019

Maverick Wins Again!

It’s no surprise, we take pride in our fishing fleet. Every new guest that visits us, fall head over heels on their experience. That is why returning guests request the team they first fished with.

Our boat Maverick with Captain Jimmy Fajardo and crew, win the XVI Annual Club Nautico International Tournament, held in Guatemala.

Teams from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, South Africa and the United States, battled for the coveted first place trophy.

The team stats on for the 3 day tourney: 112 sailfish raises, 98 bites and released 71. We are so excited to have such a great crew represent Pacific Fins.

At this very moment, we have our boat Chechos, with Captain Carlos, on the way to the El Salvador International Tournament. Good luck to our team!

November 1, 2019November 1, 2019

October: Great Start to the Season

The month of October, which is the start of our peak season, was just epic for all species; Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Stripe Marlin, Yellowfin tuna, Dorado and Roosterfish.

The hot Dorado bite we saw all Summer doesn’t seem to slow down. They just got bigger in size!

Mr. Mackinnon showing off his big Dorado

The Sailfish has been consistent through this period and the numbers of raises are ranging anywhere from 18 to 35 – and sometimes more. Doubles and triples are starting to be common.

Offshore, if you run into the Yellowfin tuna, the bite has been productive. Our average size tunas are in the 40-60-pound range. But, recently we got to witness a 184lb beast hit the dock.

The man in the blue suit, the blue marlin has reign supreme this month. Watching a blue marlin come into the spread and crash the party is a site like no other. Everyone’s heart rate goes into overdrive witnessing how it can swallow a 5-pound bonito like nothing. If that doesn’t get your attention, once hooked, you will see a spectacular jumping ability and power it possesses. All our groups have been raising anywhere from 2-3 fish per trip.

The Blue Marlin, something about them that will make everyone SMILE

Mixed in with the Sailfish, our clients have had their share of releasing striped marlin, which have produced Billfish Grandslams – a bucket list accomplishment many anglers want to achieve.

Rooster fishing… has been nothing short of amazing. When the waters near shore are clear, look out… these aggressive feeders are not just beautiful, they also pack a good fight.

Johnny Mac with 2 of 33 Roosters released during his 30th trip to Pacific Fins. I’d say that’s one heck of a day!

If October was a sign of things to come, we suggest booking early. You don’t want to miss what this season has in stored.

Give us a call at 888-431-5556 or email us at [email protected]

October 31, 2019October 31, 2019

The Powers make history on their 30th trip!

It’s no secret, people love Pacific Fins. Since its inception in 2006, we have strive for excellence. Yes, the fishing has a lot to do with it, but it’s much more. One of those assets is the people who work for us. Not all resorts/lodges are equal. PF is unique in dedicating the amenities and options for our guests away from their home.

Our repeat clientele is very high, Why? Our staff are the friendliest and warmest around. You become part of the family and that sets us apart from everyone else. It’s a bold statement, but don’t let us tell you, this can be echoed by those clients and the reviews on many online platforms.

Here is a great example by Mr. And Mrs. Powers:

“Who knew on our thirtieth trip we would break the resorts record on Rooster Fish 33 in one day. Then to follow up the next three days 24 Dorado up to 60 lbs , and 15 Sailfish. Pacific Fins Resort, has excellent food, order off a menu, the staff and service are five star. The resort has become our home away from home. The fantastic fishing, conventional or fly is always outstanding, after all Guatemala is the Sailfish Capital of the World. You never know what you are going to catch, Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, and the world famous Sailfish. Pacific Fins Resort will have its fourth annual fun fishing tournament in April 23rd through the 27th, 2020. Come and join us or anytime. Who knows we might be there!” – Johnny Mack AKA Mr. Maraca and Stacey Powers

The Powers at the 2nd Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational with Uncharted Waters host, Peter Miller.

Johnny Mac with his famous maracas – his lucky charm.

The Powers have done it all here, from winning the Guatemala Billfish Invitational (picture above) to having their names on a plaque on their favorite Suite. We want to THANK them for their loyalty and friendship through the years. Johnny/Stacey be careful, there are other clients behind you trying to take away that prize.