Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures - Fish Report - 10th October 2008

[livetofishnj]

It's October and we have started what is going to be another great season. Our 40 foot Gamefisherman, 'Decisive', had been in the boat yard for the past few months putting in new Cummins 450C engines along with a new generator, refrigeration, A/C and other upgrades. The new power is providing an easy 25 knot cruise, improved efficiency and maneuverability, making for even more comfortable fishing time each day.

Guatemala's Pacific coast is known to hold sailfish year round and the number of blue marlin increase from May through until the end of November and into December. The past few months have been no exception. Boats that fished, saw good water and bait activity with as many as 25 sailfish releases in a day and up to 4 blue marlin bites a day while out trolling the traditional combination spread of teasers and ballyhoo. Some nice blue marlin of up to 750lb's were released, with the marlin averaging 250-350lb's. With no predictions of any unusual weather patterns or El Nino conditions, and going by the good fishing that has been experienced of late, Guatemala's top skippers are expecting another great season ahead of them. Most of the boats start fishing in earnest in October with a couple of the bigger tournaments scheduled for November.

This past weekend saw 'Decisive' on the water with old friends Drs Scott Lund and Jeff Cox of Florida. Saturday saw us stretching our legs trolling at high speed to cover ground. We raised a medium sized blue that wheeled around the teasers but would not eat the pitch-bait and released 2 sails while out exploring. Sunday saw us release 5 sails and put several dorado in the hatch before heading home early to head up to beautiful Antigua for the evening to enjoy the offerings of the ancient city along with the guys.


Our bookings are looking very good for the upcoming season and the number of repeat clients is a true testament to the quality of the Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures experience. Some of Capt Brad's top months in past years have been October and November and with new motors and upgrades he can't wait to get back on the water after having had a good summers break. Our only open days on 'Decisive' for the upcoming period are October 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and November 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. If those dates do not suit you or are sold before you have the chance to commit, we have January 3rd through the 12th open, so drop us an email and book your spot for a billfishing trip of a lifetime.

Here's to a good seasons fishing ahead, circle hooks, and healthy releases.

Tight Lines,
Capt. Brad Philipps
"Decisive"


Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures
Website: www.guatbilladv.com
Telephone/Fax No.: +(502) 7880-4152
Mobile: +(502) 5708-7423
USA Phone No.: (512) 535-1751

[Marlinhunter2]

The final anglers for the Summer Season arrived 27 Oct for three days of battle on the sails with flies. Drs. Cajacob & Fernandez were sure of themselves and Capt. Chris Sheeder on the Rum Line (40ft Gamefisherman) made a point of inspecting their tackle, pointing out potential problems and in general taking a half hour every morning and evening to discuss how the boat, the crew and the anglers are expected to react.

Every day, our intrepid anglers caught fish - all on flies. From Dorado and Tunas to Sailfish. Hot meals were made of the Dorado and this supplemented by good Guatemalan beer kept them going to the next fish.

Nothing but good words to say about the staff at Casa Vieja Lodge - from Michael (the driver) to Antonio (the Manager) to house staff and chefs. Everything went smoothly. You couldn't ask for a better trip!