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  • Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Aerial of Tropic Star Lodge and the Bertram fleet in Piñas Bay, Panama
    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Marlin jumping on a green line off Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Tropic Star Lodge marina and sportfishing fleet at sunset, Piñas Bay, Panama

    Piñas Bay, Panama — marlin and sailfish:

    Tropic Star Lodge

    Black marlin

    Zane Grey Reef

    Bertram 31s

    Overview

    Tropic Star Lodge sits on remote Piñas Bay in Panama’s Darién Province, about 20 minutes from Zane Grey Reef. Guests fish black marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish offshore, and roosterfish and cubera on the inshore grounds, from Classic or Premium Bertram 31s. Twenty-three air-conditioned rooms and villas take up to 45 guests.

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    Guests fly to Tocumen International (PTY) in Panama City, overnight, then take a 30-minute drive and a charter of just under an hour to Bahía Piñas. A short bus and 10–15 minute water taxi finish the trip to the lodge.

    Peak weeks (January–February) run as 7-night, 6-day packages and book 1–2 years out. Inshore (March–May) and Standard / blue marlin weeks (June–September and December) also offer shorter 3- and 4-day packages. The annual Billfish Tournament is in November; the Roosterfish Tournament is in May.

    Black marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, yellowfin, dorado

    Piñas Bay / Darién, Panama — Zane Grey Reef 20 minutes out

    23 rooms and villas — up to 45 guests

    Classic or Premium Bertram 31s

    Dates: Peak Jan–Feb · Inshore Mar–May · Standard Jun–Sep

    Call or use the form for information about billfish and inshore fishing at Tropic Star Lodge.

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    Fishing Tropic Star Lodge

    Piñas Bay’s offshore bite is black marlin (heaviest in January and February), blue marlin (June–September and December), and sailfish that regularly top 100 pounds. Yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo run with the billfish. Grand slams are common in July.

    Inshore, roosterfish are the draw from March through May, with fish over 70 pounds on the books. Cubera snapper, bluefin trevally, broomtail grouper, and tarpon in the backwaters keep a second rod busy. Local captains and mates — many second- or third-generation on this coast — run the Bertram 31s with GPS, VHF, tuna tubes, and live wells.

    Sailfish held alongside a Tropic Star Lodge boat, Piñas Bay, Panama
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    Sailfish held alongside a Tropic Star Lodge boat, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Anglers with a roosterfish at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Angler with a bull dorado (mahi-mahi) at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Father and son with a dorado at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Big-game rods and reels on the dock at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Villa sitting room with jungle view at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    The lodge

    Twenty-three air-conditioned rooms and villas look over the bay or the garden. Options run from double-occupancy lodge rooms to two- and three-bedroom villas and private residences. The Palace is the three-bedroom villa with master suites and a view of Piñas Bay.

    Dinner is four courses at the Bayview Restaurant, wine included. The Marlin Bar faces the water. A freshwater jungle pool and hot tub sit in the trees; the rainforest spa is part of shoreside packages (three treatments and three jungle excursions).

    23 rooms & villas

    Up to 45 guests

    Bayview dining

    Jungle pool & spa

    Villa sitting room with jungle view at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Jungle swimming pool at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Villa exterior with pool in the jungle at Tropic Star Lodge, Panama
    Balcony looking into the jungle at Tropic Star Lodge, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Tropic Star Lodge pier and dock house on Piñas Bay, Panama
    Gangway down to the Tropic Star Lodge dock and Bertram fleet, Panama
    Aerial of the Tropic Star Lodge dock and sportfishing fleet, Piñas Bay, Panama
    Guests hiking a jungle trail near Tropic Star Lodge, Darién, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge 2026 rates

    Book through Angler Adventures. These 2026 figures are for a Bertram 31, two anglers, six fishing days (Doug, 25 August 2026). Season names below are the ones we quote: Peak, Inshore, and Standard. The lodge site lists the same windows as Black Marlin / Inshore / Blue Marlin.

    SeasonDatesPackageRateNotes
    PeakJanuary–FebruaryBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$8,590Black marlin weeks. 7-night / 6-day packages.
    StandardJune–SeptemberBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$7,750Blue marlin weeks.
    InshoreMarch–MayBertram 31, 2 anglers, 6 days$6,240Roosterfish and cubera.
    Transfer / charterYear-roundPanama City to lodge$745Per person plus room tax. VIP meet-and-greet, up to four ground transfers.
    2027Not postedAny week, including 26 Feb–6 Mar 2027Call 860-434-9624Lodge has not posted 2027 dollars yet.

    Rates still vary by boat (Classic or Premium Bertram 31), party size (1–4 anglers), and package length. Room upgrades extra. Seasonal discounts and other boats — call or email us.

    2027 lodge rates are not posted yet. Call 860-434-9624 for the week you want, including 26 February–6 March 2027. Our services are free.

    Included

    • 7 nights lodge accommodations (for 6-day packages)
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and wine with dinner
    • Daily guided fishing
    • Use of the pool, bars, restaurant, and spa
    • 3 spa treatments and 3 jungle excursions for shoreside guests

    Not included

    • Round-trip charter from Panama City ($745 per person)
    • Room upgrades
    • Gratuities for guides and staff
    • International airfare to Panama City
    • Travel insurance and personal items

    Getting to Tropic Star Lodge

    Fly to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Lodge staff meet you and transfer you to the overnight hotel. In the morning a 30-minute drive and a charter of just under an hour land at Bahía Piñas. A short bus and a 10–15 minute water taxi finish the trip. Panama City to the lodge is about 2–3 hours of travel time after the overnight.

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    Billfish at Tropic Star

    on Piñas Bay, Darién, Panama

    Black and blue marlin

    Peak January–February is the black marlin window. Blue marlin weeks run June through September and December. Sailfish over 100 pounds mix through both seasons.

    Roosterfish and inshore

    March through May is roosterfish, cubera, bluefin trevally, and grouper. Tarpon hold in the backwaters for a fly rod.

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    Black marlin jumping off Piñas Bay near Tropic Star Lodge, Panama

    Tropic Star Lodge FAQ

    Where is Tropic Star Lodge?

    Tropic Star Lodge sits on Piñas Bay in the Darién Province of Panama. Guests fly to Tocumen (PTY) in Panama City, overnight, then take a charter of just under an hour to Bahía Piñas and a short water taxi to the dock.

    What do you fish at Tropic Star Lodge?

    Black marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish offshore, plus roosterfish, cubera snapper, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and more than a dozen inshore species. Zane Grey Reef is about 20 minutes from the lodge.

    What are the 2026 Tropic Star Lodge rates?

    Angler Adventures quotes a Bertram 31, two anglers, six fishing days at $8,590 Peak (January–February), $7,750 Standard (June–September), and $6,240 Inshore (March–May). Transfer / charter is $745 per person. 2027 lodge rates are not posted yet — call 860-434-9624.

    When is black marlin season at Tropic Star?

    January and February are Peak / black marlin weeks. Those dates book 1–2 years out and run as 7-night, 6-day packages. Blue marlin weeks run June through September and December. Inshore weeks (roosterfish and cubera) run March through May.

    How do I get to Tropic Star Lodge?

    Fly to Panama City (PTY). The lodge transfer ($745 pp round-trip) covers the VIP meet-and-greet, up to four ground transfers, and the charter to Bahía Piñas. International airfare to Panama City is separate.

    Does Tropic Star Lodge have a 2027 rate sheet?

    Not yet — tropicstar.com has not posted 2027 dollars. Call Angler Adventures at 860-434-9624 for the week you want, including 26 February–6 March 2027.

    Aerial of the Tropic Star Lodge dock and sportfishing fleet, Piñas Bay, Panama

    It’s time to begin planning your trip.

    Save time with Angler Adventures. We’ve been doing this for 43 years.

    Call or use the form for information about billfish at Tropic Star Lodge on Piñas Bay.

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  • Africa

    Africa

    Africa’s Top Fishing Rivers and Lodges

    Seychelles

    Alphonse Island Fishing Company

    Alphonse Island Fishing Company (AIFC) offers the rare opportunity to stalk bonefish, trevally, trigger fish, permit and more while wading the flats of uninhabited Alphonse, Bojitier and St. Francois Islands. Alphonse Island now offers single room accommodations and is the only outfitter with access to world renowned St. Francois Lagoon. The experienced guides, luxury accommodations, and excellent fishing make Alphonse Island an extremely popular destination.
    L-R: Seychelles bonefish; Flyfishing Alphonse Island; Giant Trevally Courtesy of FlyCastaway

    Giant Trevally St. Brandon's Atoll Mauritius Courtesy of FlyCastaway

    Farquhar Atoll

    Farquhar Atoll is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles chain. Formally too far south to be accessed by mother ship, FlyCastaway has established a land-based operation on Farquhar. Onshore, Farquhar is best known for both its Giant Trevally and Bonefish populations, however there’s quality fishing for Indo-Pacific Permit, Triggerfish, Barracuda, Milkfish, Bumphead Parrotfish & various other Trevally species. In addition the close proximity to deeper water allows for “offshore” fishing from the skiffs and anglers can come into contact with Grouper, GT’s, Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and even Marlin on occasions. Accommodations are in an existing lodge building on the Atoll with 5 fully air-conditioned double occupancy rooms and a central lounge.

    Desroches Island Fly Fishing Adventures

    Desroches Island Fly Fishing Adventures is a new land-based fishing operation in the Seychelles. Anglers are accommodated in the existing and luxurious villas of Desroches Island Resort. The resort is the perfect place to bring a non-fishing companion and still offers great Seychelles fishing. The flats fishing occurs on near by St. Joseph’s and Poivre Atoll’s for bonefish, trevally, milkfish and Indo-Pacific permit. Desroches also affords anglers access to a variety of reef and offshore species.

    Mauritius

    St. Brandon’s Atoll

    St. Brandon’s Atoll, Mauritius is possibly the best bonefishery in the world based on numbers, size, and willingness to eat a fly. St. Brandon’s Atoll (also know as Cargados Carajos Shoals) is a collection of 50 small islands with a total landmass of less than 1-mile some 200 miles off the cost of Mauritius, a small island Republic just east of Madagascar. In addition to the bonefishing, there’s a mix of trevally, including some of the biggest GT’s and more Indo-pacific permit are caught here than anywhere in the Indian Ocean. St Brandon’s Atoll is a remote location with a limited 12-week season. Since the mother ship accommodates 8 anglers per week, Mauritius offers exclusivity in addition to the world-class bonefishing in a remote location.

    Other Locations in Africa

    In addition to the fishing in the Seychelles and Mauritius, FlyCastaway offers 2 excellent Tigerfish destinations: Panyame Camp in Mozambique and the Mnyera & Ruhudji Rivers in Tanzania. Tigerfish are a voracious predator fish that can grow to more than 20 lbs and that make powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The Payame Camp offers a diverse delta flood plain fishery where anglers can catch lots of Tigerfish on the fly. The Mnyera & Ruhudji Rivers in Tanzania offer the best chance for trophy Tigerfish.
    L-R: Large bonefish Courtesy of FlyCastaway; Seychelles Atoll; Milkfish Courtesy of FlyCastaway

  • Costa Rica

    Costa Rica

    Updated on

    Costa Rica remains our favorite Pacific destination not only for the consistency of the fisheries and amazing diversity of species, but also because of the quality of outfitting and accommodations, the physical beauty of the country, and the warmth and friendliness of the Costa Rican people.

    The Pacific Coast has long been known as one of the world’s greatest sail fisheries for fish averaging 100+ pounds, and at times, the marlin fishing (blues, blacks and striped) can be as good as anywhere. Add to this a smorgasbord of inshore and offshore pelagics including yellowfin and bigeye tunas to 200 + pounds, dorado, wahoo, Pacific dog snapper, roosterfish on the Pacific side and giant tarpon & snook on the Caribbean side and you have a salt water fisherman’s paradise. Pacific Costa Rica has fisheries in three main regions.

    yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, marlin, sailfish, dorado, Pacific dog snapper, roosterfish, tarpon, snook

    Favorable weather conditions year-round

    Professional guides and deluxe accomodations

    Book now, get a quote, or chat with us about Costa Rica fly fishing!

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    North Costa Rica Sail Fishing Outfitters

    The North Region includes areas from the Bat Islands at the top of the famous Gulf of Papagayo, south to Punta Guiones. The best sail fishing occurs in the north mid-May through August, but can heat up any time of year. Marlin fishing picks up in the fall and peaks in the far north October & November but the best marlin fishing occurs down near Punta Guiones during December through mid March. The best boats (27 – 38 foot) and captains in the northern region are Tamarindo Sportfishing, Capullo Sportfishing , Osprey Sporfishing and Lonestar Sportfishing based in Tamarindo. Several of the American skippers in Tamarindo have been fishing these waters for over 20 years and are among the best in Costa Rica.

    South Central Costa Rica Sail Fishing Tours

    The South Central Region is accessed from the port of Quepos, Costa Rica’s most reliable sail fishery. Prime months for sails are December through April in Quepos when the better boats will average 7 or more sailfish releases per day. During this season, Quepos also produces dorado, tuna (mostly school yellowfin); some roosterfish, and at times good marlin fishing.  But the main draw is the extremely consistent sailfishing of winter/spring. Many of the northern boats migrate from the Papagayo region to Quepos for the “big season”. The outfitter in Quepos is JP Sportfishing Tours with 20 years experience providing top boats and custom packages for anglers.

    South Costa Rica Fly Fishing Lodges

    The Southern Region is accessed from the port of Golfito located in the fertile Golfo Dulce, close to the border with Panama. This area can produce sailfishing rivaling Quepos from mid December through March, but also offers a diversity of species rivaling the Northern region and some of the best inshore fishing in the world.

    The top option in the Golfo Dulce area is the beautiful Crocodile Bay Lodge catering to both fisherman and ecotourists, and boasting an impressive fleet of 33′ Strikes, 27′ Rambos and an assortment of smaller craft for inshore, estuary & river fishing.  Crocodile Bay is our recommendation for serious anglers, and also appeals to couples and families with non-fishing members requiring more upscale accommodations and non-fishing activities.

    Costa Rica’s East Coast Ocean & Surf Fishing

    Costa Rica’s East Coast adds the incredible mix of species beginning with one of the world’s most prolific tarpon fisheries. Two main rivers, the Rio Colorado and the Rio Parismina, drain into the Caribbean and provide multi faceted river, ocean and surf fishing opportunities for tarpon that range from 50 – 150 pounds. Giant Atlantic snook to 50 + pounds can be taken and great numbers of fat snook from 5 – 10 pounds are taken during the “calba” run from mid-November to early January. The best lodges in the area, Silver King Lodge on the Colorado and Rio Parismina Lodge on the Parismina, not only offer the best opportunities for these species but can run offshore for shots at dorado, wahoo, kingfish and Atlantic sails.

    Which Costa Rica fishing destination is right for me?

    Let us help you find the perfect destination and travel package. Our services are free. We just help you save time and make all the arrangements!

    Call us 860-434-9624
    Send a message
  • Mexico

    Mexico

    Mexico

    Yucatan Peninsula | Carribean: outstanding flats fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook

    Baja Peninsula | Pacific Coast: amazing inshore and offshore fishing for everything from roosterfish to striped marlin

    Updated on

    Mexico offers great saltwater fishing on both coasts – The Yucatan Peninsula on the Carribean side and the Baja Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. The Yucatan has offers outstanding flats fishing for tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook, and the Baja offers great inshore and offshore fishing for everything from roosterfish to striped marlin.

    The Yucatan boasts a number of top quality fishing lodges in fantastic and remote fisheries like Ascension Bay, one of the world’s great flats fisheries.

    Go for tarpon, permit, bonefish, snook, roosterfish, striped marlin

    Head to the lagoons and mangroves when wind picks up!

    Wade-fishing, shore fishing, flats fishing, boat fishing in the shallows or the deep seas

    Start planning your trip today | call or email

    Get more info on exciting Bahamas fly fishing packages.

    Destination Inquiry

    No travel agency knows the Mexico fishery better than Angler Adventures. Staff members Evan Peterson, Doug Schlink, and Liam Rosati have accumulated vast experience with the lodges and expansive flats in this beautiful country.

    Take the guess-work out.

    Tap a button below to start the conversation. Our services are free.

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    2025 Casa Blanca Tarpon photo - Angler Adventures
    Double permits caught near Casa Blanca lodge
    Bones in the zone @ Yucatan Peninsula mangroves
    Casa Blanca sun sets over wading angler, Yucatan Mexico

    Explore

    Fishing & Lodges in Mexico

    • Sian Ka’an Lodge

      Sian Ka’an Lodge

      Inside Mexico’s UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere near Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an Lodge fishes the storied flats of Ascension Bay — the Atlantic permit capital of the world. Sight-cast to permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook, two anglers per skiff with seasoned local guides. Twelve ocean-facing rooms run on 24-hour solar power. Operated by Blue Safari Fly Fishing with the Keir family; round-trip Tulum transfers and the conservation levy are included.

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    • Casa Blanca Lodge

      Casa Blanca Lodge

      Casa Blanca Lodge is located on the southern lip of Ascension Bay on the private island, Punta Pajaros, and has been the premier flats fishing lodge in Mexico and Central America for over 20 years. Casa Blanca offers outstanding service, comfortable fishing lodge style accommodations, top boats, experienced guides and phenomenal fishing.

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    • Playa Blanca Lodge

      Playa Blanca Lodge

      Playa Blanca is the only lodge on Espiritu Santo, providing exclusive access to this fishery which is comparable in every way to Ascension Bay. Espiritu Santo is a vast expanse of flats, creeks, cays and lagoons and is loaded with bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. And this wilderness fishery receives virtually zero fishing pressure other than the handful of Playa Blanca boats and the occasional boat up from the south.

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    • Mayazul Fly Fishing Lodge

      Mayazul Fly Fishing Lodge

      Ascension Bay is legendary for its diversity, and Mayazul maximizes it. The lodge specializes in permit fishing with two-guide teams, but anglers also find bonefish year-round and seasonal tarpon and snook in the lagoons. Enjoy a quiet, 4-room beachfront lodge just south of Punta Allen. Year-round permit, seasonal tarpon and snook, and full-service comfort with open bar, à la carte dining, and oceanside firepit evenings.

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    • Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

      Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge

      Pesca Maya is a beachfront fishing lodge located 4 miles northern lip of Ascension Bay- about 3 hours south of Cancun. Offering great access to the north side of Ascension Bay, Pesca Maya also has the best access to the protected waters of El Rio Lagoon system, a nice option to have in a strong easterly or westerly wind. Affordability and variety fishing: wading and skiff fishing the flats of Ascension Bay and El Rio Lagoon, limited surf casting from the beach.

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    • Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge

      Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge

      Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge is a modern, luxurious lodge operation on one of the world’s greatest saltwater flats fisheries, the incomparable Ascension Bay. Located in the Riviera Maya and only 2 hours by car from the new International Airport of Tulum. The Lodge is in the Sian Ka’An Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, also an UNESCO World heritage. Fishing in Ascension Bay is one of the best experiences in Mexico.

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    Casa Blanca Lodge

    Casa Blanca Lodge, is located on the southern lip of Ascension Bay on the private island, Punta Pajaros, and has been the premier flats fishing lodge in Mexico and Central America for over 20 years. Casa Blanca offers outstanding service, comfortable fishing lodge style accommodations, top boats, experienced guides and phenomenal fishing. (Click here to read about “The Week” at Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca).

    One of Casa Blanca’s biggest attractions is the quality of the Ascension Bay permit fishing, and the lodge’s expertise at helping flyrodders land the elusive permit on-the-fly – the Casa Blanca guides live for Permit fishing. Bonefish are abundant throughout Ascension Bay and most of the flats are clean and hard, perfect for wading for tailing fish. Large migratory tarpon (to 100 + pounds) are found April through November, but grand slams are common here with help from the lodge’s secret tarpon lagoon, which has year round resident tarpon (and some world record size snook!). Baby tarpon are also year round residents of the brackish waters in the back of the bay.

    Playa Blanca Lodge

    Playa Blanca Lodge is Casa Blanca’s Sister Lodge located 10 miles to the south near the southern tip of the cay, just a short boat run from the amazing Espiritu Santo Bay. Playa Blanca is the only lodge on Espiritu Santo, providing exclusive access to this fishery which is comparable in every way to Ascension Bay. Espiritu Santo is a vast expanse of flats, creeks, cays and lagoons and is loaded with bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook. And this wilderness fishery receives virtually zero fishing pressure other than the handful of Playa Blanca boats and the occasional boat up from the south.

     

    The lodge and attendant guest houses are situated on a knoll overlooking a gorgeous white sand beach, and the blue Caribbean. Originally conceived to emphasize non-fishing activities, Playa Blanca offers a bit more upscale styling and amenities. The amazing 2-bedroom Casa Redonda offer great options for parties of 4 or any desiring more privacy. While Playa Blanca has operated first and foremost as a fishing lodge for many years now, it is still a great choice for groups that have non-fishing companions.

    Pesca Maya

    Pesca Maya is an attractive, beachfront fishing lodge located 4 miles northern lip of Ascension Bay about 3-hours south of Cancun. Offering great access to the north side of Ascension Bay, Pesca Maya also has the best access to the protected waters of the El Rio Lagoon system, a nice option to have in a strong easterly or westerly wind. While less upscale than Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca, Pesca Maya is a reasonably priced alternative to Casa Blanca and Boca Paila. Transfers to the lodge are by car versus the more expensive charter flight needed to reach Casa & Playa. Also, there are no set transfer days, so you can choose dates and packages of any duration. Besides wading and skiff fishing the flats of Ascension Bay and El Rio Lagoon, Pesca Maya offers limited surf casting from the beach.

    Grand Slam Flyfishing Lodge

    Grand Slam Flyfishing Lodge is the Yucatan’s newest and most upscale fishing lodge. The facility offers a level of luxury that sets a new standard in the Caribbean Basin. But the fishing program is second to none, being run by 24 year Ascension Bay veteran lodge owner and world class flyfisherman, Bobby Settles. The beautiful beachfront lodge appeals both to hard core anglers and mixed groups of anglers and non-fishers.

    Ascension Bay Bonefish Club

    Another highly regarded fishing lodge located on the north side of Ascension Bay is the Ascension Bay Bonefish Club (ABBC). This lodge only takes 6 people. The emphasis is on permit and they employ two guides per boat. Call or email for details.

    Boca Paila

    Boca Paila is a beautiful beachfront fishing lodge just 2 hours south of Cancun, noted for excellent food and service. The facilities include attractive thatched roof cottages overlooking a pristine, white sand beach. Fishing is in the lagoon system north of Ascension Bay. Non-fishing activities include trips to Mayan ruins, snorkeling and bird watching.

    Paradise Lodge

    Paradise Lodge is a small, remote facility located on the beach at Punta El Placir, about 200 miles south of Cancun. The primary fishery is on a string of about a dozen shallow, clear, “cenote-fed” tarpon lakes. Tarpon access these seemingly landlocked lagoons through a network of underground caverns, and emerge in the blue holes (cenotes) found in each lake. The come to feed on the abundant bait in these clear lakes. They receive very little pressure and usually eat the fly extremely well. They range in size mostly from 10-20 pounds but occasionally you’ll find a school of larger fish. 30 – 50 pounders are not uncommon and fish up to 80 + have been taken. This is primarily sight fishing in calm, protected lagoons. Many of these lagoons hold trophy snook and barracuda. Day trips to the bonefish and permit flats of Espiritu Santo Bay to the north, or Chetumal Bay to the south may be arranged.

    Baja Peninsula

    On the west coast of Mexico, the Baja Peninsula and particularly the port of Cabo San Lucas near the southern tip, has long been a favorite destination for offshore fisherman. There are several major fleets specializing in conventional offshore fishing, such as the Hotel Solmar Fleet, and the Cabo Magic Fleet. Until recently however, there has not been an outfitter catering specifically to light tackle and flyfishing enthusiasts. Baja Anglers fish from sea worthy and speedy, twin engine, catamaran hull Glacier boats with bilingual guides who specialize in fly fishing and light tackle techniques. Species available include striped, blue & black marlins, sailfish, dorado (dolphin fish), yellowfin tuna, roosterfish and more. Packages are available with accommodation options of hotel or private beach front condominium units.

  • Guatemala

    Guatemala

    Nice Pacific Sailfish

    Guatemala is without question the Sailfishing Capital of the World. Guatemalan fishing boats typically average 15 – 20 sailfish bites per day, year round and during hot bites, it’s not unusual to raise 30, 40 or 50 or more sailfish in a single day. The incredible numbers of sailfish have attracted some of the world’s top international offshore captains to Guatemala and a fleet of comfortable and well equipped sportfishing boats. The top boats release over 2,000 sailfish a year.

    Guatemala sailfish average 70 to 90 pounds and commonly exceed 100 pounds, especially are during the fall months. Much of the fishing takes place only 10 to 20 miles offshore.

    But fishing in Guatemala in not just about sailfish – marlin, dorado (mahi mahi), and yellowfin tuna are the most common offshore species in Guatemala, and roosterfish are taken inshore. While not as abundant as sailfish, blue marlin are caught on a regular basis. They average 250 to 400 pounds, but larger fish in the 800 pound range have been released.

    It’s not unusual to encounter large schools of dorado running from 10 to 40 + pounds.These acrobatic gamefish are great fun on light tackle or 9-weight fly rods. But keep a sharp eye – big marlins are frequently found underneath these dorado schools!

    There’ve been a lot of changes in Iztapa, Guatemala since Capt. Hank Robbins pioneered this incredible fishery in the early 80’s. While there are many more boats, the fishing seems to get better. Incredible records have been set in recent years, like the legendary Capt. Ron Hamlin’s astounding 124 sailfish release day on the Captain Hook, or Capt. Chris Scheeder’s 57 sailfish on the fly in one day. Most importantly, the government of Guatemala has recognized the immense value of the resource, passing legislation not only mandating catch and release for sails, but making it illegal to possess any sailfish, effectively protecting the species from any commercial harvest. Such forward thinking will assure that the fishing for sailfish in Guatemala will remain the best in the world for many years to come.

    The options for sailfishing in Guatemala have increased substantially since our first explorations with Capt. Hank 20 some years ago. New lodges and some of the world’s top offshore Captains bring exciting new choices for anglers looking for world class fishing for sailfish. (Please click on links for rates and information):

    Guatamala sailfishing at its best

    Casa Vieja

    Casa Vieja is a beautiful new lodge, located less than one mile from the marina, featuring the most luxurious accommodations, the best game boats in the country, and a stable of some of the world’s most renowned blue water captains.

    Pacific Fins

    Pacific Fins purchased the well known Fins and Feathers facility and has thoroughly renovated the property in 2007.

    Sailfishing in Guatamala - Photos Courtesy of Mark Hatter