The rainforest filled narrow strip of land that separates the mighty Atlantic and Pacific oceans and North and South America provides a base for some of the finest bluewater gamefish fishing on the planet, from roosterfish, dorado and sailfish to the mighty marlin. Each year Guatemala and Costa Rica are the scene of not only excellent fishing but also a plethora of non-fishing activities and eco-exploration too. They offer a diverse range of fishing for conventional and fly anglers alike. Like the ecologically rich lands, the seas in this area of the world are filled with small baitfish to the biggest of bluewater species. Alongside the offshore fishing these countries are famous for the inshore fishing can also be excellent for both disciplines. The action is often fast and furious as these hunters attack small packs of baitfish along contours close to the beaches and surrounding structure.
The real draw of these locations is the offshore fishing and the sailfish and marlin. Once you have experienced these greyhounds of the ocean it is easy to see why they are held in such high regard. Sailfish and marlin appear out of the depths slashing at teasers and casts must be quick and accurate. They flash electric blues as they charge down your surface lure, their bills cutting through the water in pursuit. Once hooked the excitement is not over… the searing runs and soaring jumps of sailfish and the brutish power of a marlin will test the angler and skipper to their limits. They are the ultimate gamefish.
Guatemala, once the core of the Mayan civilisation, is steeped in history and ecologically rich. There is nowhere else in the world that has the numbers of sailfish than the Pacific side of Guatemala. The statistics speak for themselves; on average a boat will raise up to 30 sailfish a day and land between 15 – 20. These fish average 60 – 100 lbs and fish up to 120 lbs are not uncommon. Located in Chulamar, The Great Sailfishing Company has been at the forefront for intrepid anglers looking to tackle these incredible fish. They are specialists in fly fishing for billfish, and their experienced captains and crews excel in this area. Whilst the name suggests their focus is on fishing The Great Sailfishing Company offer an excellent base for non-fishers and family trips with comfortable accommodation and numerous day trips available.
Costa Rica quite literally lives up to its name, meaning ‘Rich Coast’. Its progressive environmental policies have allowed both land and sea to flourish making it one of the finest fishing and eco-tourism destinations in the world. The fishing is hugely varied with most inshore and offshore species being present year-round. Located on the Osa Peninsula, Crocodile Bay Resort is Costa Rica’s finest sport fishing and eco-tourism resort. They boast the largest sport fishing team in Central America and their knowledge of inshore and offshore fishing with conventional gear and fly is second to none. This is a fantastic venue for those looking for an all-round bluewater experience. The resort caters for fishers and non-fishers with comfortable rooms and onsite spa facilities. Each day you can explore one of the many eco-tours that run from the resort.
If you think you are ready to test yourself against the speed and power of the fish found in bluewater then Guatemala and Costa Rica are for you.
For more information on bluewater gamefish, Costa Rica and Guatemala please contact us by email or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.