200 sails raised Pic report

[Squidnation]

So where do you go for world class fishing, Some incredible food and an unbelievable lodge and downright awesome hospitality for a phenominal price. Well that would Be Buena Vista Sportfishing lodge in Iztapa Guatemala.

We Chartered the Canaso with Captain Mario Valdez and stayed at the Beautiful Buena Vista Sportfishing Lodge. Lodge owners Jodie and Susie Elswick have made some tremendous improvements to the lodge. They added a very nice resturuant under the rancho and new docks at the marina.

upon arrival we were greeted by the entire staff and Marianna and cindy had colorful cocktails waiting for everyone. Jody invited us to the bar where they had appitizers waiting for us and an inviting pool. We put our stuff away and relaxed for the afternoon. Later that night we dined on rib eye steaks, fillet mignon, dorado fillets and spoke of about the fishing to be had the next morning. Capt Mario told me that the fish had been close to the beach so we shouldn't have a long run. The next morning we made the 10 mile run and had a great day of fishing going 20-23 on sails and 0-1 on a striped marlin. The next day was 11-15 and the final day was 8 for 8.

The captain was keeping an ear out for the few boats that were making longer runs and deemed it uneccessary at the time but come saturday we would need to make the run. He explained that while fishing close to the beach can be very accommodating and comfortable for the anglers it is not that good for the sails. Guatemala has a fleet of gillnetters that ignore the ban on commercial sailfishing and have no problem taking the sailfish and selling them for $6 a piece to one of the two fish housed that purchase them. He said its better when the sails hold 40 miles offshore so the fleet of local gillnetters won't go.

Our first group's trip had come to an end and it was time for the next group to come in. Alex, Mo and Max showed up with great anticipation of the fishing but I had warned them that it was getting slower by the day. But tomorrow we were to try further out and see if a new pod of fish had moved in. We had a great afternoon of fishing after a slow start and went 17-24 on sails. What a great introduction to Max who had never caught a pacific sail. He was pumped for the next day. Max and Mo couldn't believe the service we were getting by the Canaso crew and the folks at Buena Vista. We had fresh burgers grilled by the mate for lunch. Each morning we had mangos, pinapple, apples and yes BANANAS sliced and diced for snacks. I will tell you that the bananas didn't bring us any bad luck. That night we all dined on fresh caught snook and it was out of this world. What we didn't know was that overnight the motherload of pacific sails were beginning to settle in for a couple days. We made it out 40 miles in slick calm seas the next day and started the day off with a double and the two out of a triple and then a double and then a double and then two out of a trip and then etc etc etc etc ALL DAY LONG. Our final tally for the day was 27 releases out of 46 bites on 60 raises. WOW. Now that was world class Guatemalan sailfishing. We barely had time to dine on our fresh grilled burgers and dolphin sandwiches on the boat but we certainly found time.

The last day was more of the same. The water was quickly pushing offshore so we started around 50 miles. The doubles and triples started right off the bat. by the end of the day we were stuffed from the chicken fajitas and tired from another day of raising 59 sails getting 38 bites and releasing 18 sails and missing an incredible blue marlin bit.

Back at the lodge had the cook prepare some beautiful lobsters and finished off the trip with chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream for the guys. WHAT A TRIP.

Thanks Jody for a great trip. Hope you guys like the pics!

[Stripersniper]

Nice shots. Thanks

[clt_capt]

Thanks for sharing Bill - Great Pics

[scattered_grass]

some pretty great pictures!

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Snook is one of my very favorites to eat. Great looking trip Bill.
Holwachagot

[Robja]

Nice pictures Bill. Guatamala has the best sailfishing in the world by far. I enjoyed my trip there and would like to go back someday.

[Agitated88]

Dare I say EPIC? Freaking awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[000's]

PRETTY WORK!!!!!!!!!!

[squidvee]

Had to be a great trip Bill. Congrats and glad Eric S. got to go too

[SharkJP]

Great pics as usual Bill! I have a buddy who is turning 30 the end of March and we have been toying with the idea of making a quick 3 day trip and this post fortunately showed some of the ladies that there is other to do there rather than just fishing!