Bayou Buck
Well-Known Member
Has anyone here ever been off shore fishing for sailfish? I am traveling to Guatemala tomorrow and have a trip booked for this weekend. I've never been offshore fishing before. Any tips?
Sail Fish
- Thread starter Bayou Buck
- Start date
B.D.
Well-Known Member
Guatemala and Costa Rica are great sail fishing locations.
Most of the fishing done down there is trolling, so there aren't a lot of "tips" to give. Your boat will set out lines, you'll troll through likely areas, and if a sail hits, you'll grab the rod and hold on.
In the States, some places will fish for sails by freelining live bait, and that takes a little more skill and involvement from the angler, but I've never been on a trip "south of the border" where they did anything other than trolling.
If you're lucky, they'll catch some ballyhoo or other forage fish and troll a live bait or two. Live baits will usually out-perform artificials, but you pretty much take what you can get on the charter trips.
If you are prone to sea sickness, take a dramamine well in advance of going out. You'll be offshore, most of the fishing done down there is out of small boats, and if it's rough, you will be miserable if you're not prepared.
Book a full day rather than a half day if you can afford it. Offshore trolling involves covering a lot of water, and the more time you can spend, the better your odds will be.
Don't forget your sunscreen either. The sun is INTENSE down that close to the equator, and you will fry in an instant on the open ocean.
Going in June, you are going to be off the peak season for sails in Guatemala. It's really probably better a lot earlier in the year. Fishing can still be good, but check and make sure it's worth targeting sailfish.
If the sails aren't happening, you can always ask about targeting dorado (mahi mahi) or fishing closer inshore for big roosterfish instead. Either one can still make for a very fun day of fishing.
bd
Most of the fishing done down there is trolling, so there aren't a lot of "tips" to give. Your boat will set out lines, you'll troll through likely areas, and if a sail hits, you'll grab the rod and hold on.
In the States, some places will fish for sails by freelining live bait, and that takes a little more skill and involvement from the angler, but I've never been on a trip "south of the border" where they did anything other than trolling.
If you're lucky, they'll catch some ballyhoo or other forage fish and troll a live bait or two. Live baits will usually out-perform artificials, but you pretty much take what you can get on the charter trips.
If you are prone to sea sickness, take a dramamine well in advance of going out. You'll be offshore, most of the fishing done down there is out of small boats, and if it's rough, you will be miserable if you're not prepared.
Book a full day rather than a half day if you can afford it. Offshore trolling involves covering a lot of water, and the more time you can spend, the better your odds will be.
Don't forget your sunscreen either. The sun is INTENSE down that close to the equator, and you will fry in an instant on the open ocean.
Going in June, you are going to be off the peak season for sails in Guatemala. It's really probably better a lot earlier in the year. Fishing can still be good, but check and make sure it's worth targeting sailfish.
If the sails aren't happening, you can always ask about targeting dorado (mahi mahi) or fishing closer inshore for big roosterfish instead. Either one can still make for a very fun day of fishing.
bd
mathews338
Well-Known Member
good luck!
Model70Man
Well-Known Member
Bring lots of beer. Trolling can get very boring if nothing bites.
I would love to do that one time.
Setterman
Well-Known Member
I have been to Costa Rica and chased them with a fly rod. We did both trolling a sight casting to them early in the morning before things got rough.
I have to say it was pretty dang spectacular. I actually enjoyed teasing them up to the boat while trolling then tossing a fly right in their kitchen. It was intense to say the least.
We caught all kinds of stuff, and it was definitely worth the trip. Which is more then I can say for some other saltwater excursions I have been on, i.e. Tarpon in the keys.
I have to say it was pretty dang spectacular. I actually enjoyed teasing them up to the boat while trolling then tossing a fly right in their kitchen. It was intense to say the least.
We caught all kinds of stuff, and it was definitely worth the trip. Which is more then I can say for some other saltwater excursions I have been on, i.e. Tarpon in the keys.
I went in Costa Rica for my honey moon. We went in the middle of May and that is one of the slower times of the year, but we managed to boat 4 sail fish, so everyone caught one. we also caught a bunch of Bonita which are fish that look like tuna. they are small, but fun to catch. The sail fish are acrobatic and fun to reel in.
Like B.D said the boats have a crew that do everything for you so just relax and let them do their thing and hopefully they will bite!
The beer was on the boat for s so you may not need that. Just check with the charter company and have fun. I want to go again.
Like B.D said the boats have a crew that do everything for you so just relax and let them do their thing and hopefully they will bite!
The beer was on the boat for s so you may not need that. Just check with the charter company and have fun. I want to go again.
stik
Well-Known Member
forget the sails. roosterfish is what i would be after down there.
spitndrum
Well-Known Member
Good Luck Take Pics!
bullzeye
Well-Known Member
Good Luck
