Come join us for what is undoubtedly the finest sailfishing in the world, located in one of the most easily reached destinations in the Americas! Guatemala’s billfish productivity is literally unbeatable. With numbers like 124 releases in a single day, by one boat and 300 releases in 3 days on conventional tackle or how about 57 in a single day fly fishing and an overall annual release rate of a dozen billfish per day, per boat, it’s clear that Guatemala’s Pacific coast offers the highest concentrations of billfish found anywhere worldwide. It’s very real!
At Casa Vieja Lodge, we take exceptional pride in assuring you world class vessels, run by highly respected captains with day end returns to the highest quality accommodations imaginable. In 2006 we opened the Casa Vieja Lodge. The new facility is located less than a mile from the entrance of Marina Pez Vela. After a day on the water you can be back in the Casa Vieja’s pool in 5 minutes. Gone are the days of running the not-so-popular "la cala de la muerte" - the inlet of death, traveling through a dangerous inlet will never again be a concern for our clients. While a trip to the paradise of Casa Vieja Lodge is every bit of a 4-star luxury, the cost per release still cannot be beaten – anywhere!
We truly do have fishing in Guatemala down to a science. Our own professional staff, based in Homestead, Florida is ready and waiting to coordinate your entire trip, tailoring the adventure as needed to fit your personal desires and schedule. Short of your airline travel, please note that the office that puts your trip into action is the owner and operator of all its offerings. The Casa Vieja team can fish you for one – or as many days as you’d like! The perfect trip awaits you!
Casa Vieja Lodge Sportfishing Fleet
Release
A 37’ Merritt built in 1961 by Buddy Merritt himself. He called the 37 “THE PERFECT FISHING BOAT” and built her with one purpose in mind?to raise and catch fish. Since hull number 8 was launched she was kept as a private yacht in Stuart, Florida. In 1999, she was meticulously restored and repowered with twin 350 hp Yanmar Diesels giving her a 24 knot cruising speed.
Hosting up to five anglers, Release is the Queen of the fleet. Set up in the classic day boat style, that means plenty of comfortable seating in the shade but not out of the action. Forward of the salon and below are the head and galley where our mates prepare delicious snacks and hot lunches. Release’s open teak cockpit and clean wake make her truly a “World Class” fishing machine. Her ability to back down at high speeds and spin on a dime make catching doubles, triples and quads seem easy. The combination of it all makes her the ultimate fly fishing boat!
On March 11, 2006 the Release set the new one day record for sailfish caught fly fishing - 57
Intensity
Launched in 1993 and immaculately maintained, the 37’ Gamefisherman has almost 900 HP of diesel power and the capability of real speed to maximize your fishing time!
Up to five anglers will enjoy an unforgettable day aboard Central America’s most famous game boat. A longtime member of the Fin ‘n Feathers fleet, she is an incredible fish raiser.
Pelagian
A truly exceptional example of the Rybovich day boat, the company that invented the modern day sport fisherman. This classic has been fully restored including new Cat Diesels in 2005. This 1961 37’ offers the same day boat style that the traditionalist demand.
Pelagian has always been one of Fins ‘n Feathers best fish raisers and most requested boats. She has held the record for most billfish caught in a single season for two years running. The Pelagian fishes up to five anglers in comfort.
Cañaso
This 37’ sportfisher was built in 1967 by Daytona Boat Works. Designed by renowned naval architect Bob Sherbert and powered by twin Yanmar Diesels, Cañaso has the speed and range to find the fish first.
Cañaso has plenty of seating both in the airconditioned salon or on the bridge for the ultimate view of the bait and switch. She is Fins ‘n Feathers most comfortable boat. The Cañaso can fish five anglers in luxury.
Spindrift
This 38’ STOLPER 380 Tournament Express is the essence of no-compromise fishing machine. Powered by twin Cummins Diesels, Spindrift has been engineered to have a low-frequency hull signature said to attract fish.
Nany
43’ Merritt powered by a pair of 2007 6C Cummins. Built in 1974 as the Sansouri, It was later sold to Capt. Joe Lopez, who named it Prowess and in turn, led Maudi Lopez to her 1,073-pound Atlantic blue marlin record in 1982 off St. Thomas. Next the boat was called the Buddy Boy and today she is the Nany and can fish five anglers in style
Tackle and Services
You can expect a complete selection of top quality tackle and equivalent service on all Fins ‘N Feathers’ boats. The standard tackle used, unless your preference would be otherwise, is 20 lb line used with High Speed Shimano Tyrnos 20's. Whether you prefer fly, ultra light, conventional or spin, the crew and equipment will satisfy your every need. The boats, besides sporting high-end tackle, hold bait coolers full of locally caught ballyhoo.
Because of the great numbers of fish you’ll see here, it’s an excellent opportunity to go for a billfish on fly rod. This is now the fastest growing segment of the saltwater scene and all Fins ‘N Feathers boats have the full fly tackle arsenal at the ready. Captains are accomplished in the necessary boat maneuvering, while the crews are eager and experienced in teaser techniques. All boats have had days in which at least 15 billfish have been released with the fly rod! Their skills are equally polished in light tackle and multiple hook-up procedures as well.
While 20lb general tackle is the standard, all boats have a rigged 80lb rig ready to pitch to the occasional "beast". Of course, crews are always happy to rig your own tackle if you’d like to bring it.
Casa Vieja Lodge
Indulging anglers from around the globe in unequaled comfort is Casa Vieja Lodge, a classically styled sportsman’s retreat surrounded by landscaped gardens and tropical foliage providing the ultimate in privacy.
The bedrooms with either a King size bed or two Queens featuring luxurious linens and pillows. The bathrooms feature step in showers and spa type bath products. On the first floor is the Lodge’s own air conditioned restaurant featuring the finest cuisine on Guatemala’s Pacific coast and a bar equally adept at a dry martini as well as a Mojito. Built over twenty years ago as the private retreat to one of Guatemala’s most prominent sporting families, the newly renovated Casa Vieja Lodge is sure to delight guests who have angled the world over.
Continual upgrading makes the Casa Vieja the ultimate retreat after a day on the water. There is no surprise in this as the Lodge was designed by lifelong sportsmen who believe that world class fishing deserves world class accommodations – regardless of how far you are from home.
Managers and staff are all past employees of the Fins ‘n Feathers Inn. They have been trained to be masters of guest relations and will faithfully respond to your smallest request and pamper your proclivities.
Casa Vieja Lodge is a facility that has been designed particularly well to serve groups. Corporate retreats, team building, small conventions or fishing clubs will find beds enough to accommodate up to 35 guests.
Within the compound is a seminar facility capable of hosting meetings or presentations for up to 50 people. We also represent many local gameboats equally sized and equipped as our own boats, with the availability of neighboring homes, mini-tournaments are very easy to arrange. Our Florida staff is well versed in taking the onus off your shoulders in making such plans come to fruition.
" There are two seasons in Guatemala, Dry Season and Rainy Season. The fish don't care if it is raining! " - Captain Chris Sheeder
Season & Species
Sailfish are abundant year round, since 1994, the fleet has averaged raising more than 20 billfish per day per boat – YEAR ROUND!
Our rainy season of mid-July through September coincide with the slower travel period of our typical client, with October through June being prime booking months.
The larger sailfish up to 150 pounds are usually taken during the Fall, but for pure volume of 80 – 100 pound fish, December through June tends to be the rule. During this time you’ll be tantalized with 20 – 40 bites per day and, on some of those exceptional days, more than 100!
Our statistics show 40 plus sailfish release days have been experienced in every month of the year. Fly fisherman take note: feather tossing anglers aboard the RELEASE let go 57 sailfish in one day in 2006 and they did it while conforming to all IGFA rules and regulations.
Days with finicky or non-aggressive feeders are few and far between! Marlin add to the excitement and they generally show up in concentrations for a week or more several times a year.
At any time, a run to the far offshore drop can normally put you on yellowfin tuna as well as the average 400 pound blue marlin. As an average, while targeting sailfish every Casa Vieja boat will encounter a marlin every third day during the year.
This number can be seriously upped by requesting a strictly marlin venture! Throughout the year there are lots of football size tuna and dolphin in the 20 – 40 pound range to be caught, should that be your choice.
Along the coastline, and within minutes of the docks, roosterfish are plentiful and of impressive size. This type of fishing is also done the comfortable way by all vessels in our fleet. Scheduling a day of inshore fishing is an excellent way to round off your trip.
Conservation For more than a decade, billfish conservation has been central to our fleet’s philosophy. With total release as its commanding theme, our captains added the exclusive use of circle hooks with bait and billfish to their operating procedures long before it was popular.
As innovators in this style of fishing we have upped our hook-up ratios while insuring a far healthier condition of our released fish. Casa Vieja Lodge is right at home in a country whose national policy make it illegal to possess a sailfish.
Guatemala’s fishing laws are exemplary of a strong national marine conservation ethic and of a country which is the region’s leader in billfish protection. Although always under test by commercial interests, the future of billfishing in Guatemalan waters appears quite secure.
FAQ’s
? What is the typical length of stay?
Although a typical package consists of three days of fishing and four nights lodging, you may take as many days as you would like.
? How much does a vacation to Guatemala cost?
Check our packages page for the most current pricing
? What is the skill level expected on the trip?
From beginners to experts, we have fished them all. Our captains are happy to adapt to your style or we can show you how we do it. There is no beter place in the world to learn or improve your skills as an angler.
? What are the qualifications of the staff?
Most of our staff has been with us for many years and has been trained to American hotel standards.
? What is the experience of the company?
Fins ‘n Feathers staff has been hosting anglers from around the world since 1995.
The owner’s are lifetime anglers with a background in the restaurant and hotel industry.
? Exchange rates and procedures?
US Dollars are widely accepted at most places including Fins ‘n Feathers. Quetsallies are the currency of Guatemala, the current exchange rate is Q7.5 = US$1
? Is this a child friendly resort and what age is acceptable?
Children are always welcome, we plan on running a summer “fishing school” program for families.
? Travel options? Transfers?
Guest are transported in our own vans driven by our trained chauffeurs. Helicopter transfers can be arranged on request.
? Is the water safe?
While we have a filtration system throughout the Lodge, we still recommend bottled water for drinking.
? Insurance needs?
Trip insurance is not required but is recommended; ask our staff to provide the info.
? Passport and visa?
Passports are required and passport info will be needed before your arrival to Guatemala.
? Language?
The Lodge staff speaks English and the boat captains are American.
Extra activitie:
Tours Available
One-day tour – Antigua Upon arrival in Antigua you will be taken to the Indian village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, surrounded by an impressive volcanic landscape and famous for its textiles and handcrafts. Afterwards you will continue on to visit the Cultural Centre “La Azotea”, where you will enjoy a guided visit to an organic coffee plantation and also the Traditional Maya Museum “K’ojom”. After tasting the best cup of Antigua coffee, you will visit the Historic Center of Antigua. You will begin in the Main Plaza and visit the city’s many monuments.
One-day tour - Pacaya Volcano Hiking Tour Located only 52Km from Guatemala City, the Pacaya Volcano is an impressive active volcano, Strombolian type. You start climbing from the San Vicente de Pacaya village, and can be ascended in approximately 2 hours. This Unique experience should not be missed!
One-day tour – Helicopter Sight seeing Tour of the Volcanoes Few countries in the world have as many volcanoes as Guatemala does. Their volcanic mountain range runs from west to east parallel to the Pacific Coast. From the 37 Volcanoes that forms the mountain range, 3 are of them are active. Admire the impressive views from the air and take the most breathtaking and unique pictures of Guatemala City, Antigua, volcanoes like the Pacaya, Acatenango, Fuego or Agua, lake Amatitlan and the Pacific Coast.
One-day tour – Tikal Early morning transfer from Guatemala City to the airport to board your flight to Flores, Peten. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Tikal National Park. Declared “Cultural Heritage of Humankind” by UNESCO. This majestic Mayan city is considered the largest and most monumental of all of the sites discovered in the Mayan World. Enjoy guided walking to the most important plazas, complexes and temples, enjoying as well the tropical forest, nesting place and hundreds of exotic birds and habitats of a wide variety of wildlife. After lunch, visit the museums. On your way out of the park if you choose, you may take a canopy tour where you will glide through the trees with the moneys before transferring back to the airport for you flight to Guatemala City.
