The blue water seems to have been limited to close inshore with the bite being pretty steady between 5 and 10 miles from the 10th thru 15th of the month with boats averaging between 10 and 20 releases a day on the baits and up to 9 on the fly.
The 'Sirena' has been at it almost all month with a variety of local anglers, as well as visiting international clients, and is maintaining it's reputation as one of the finest locally owned boats up for charter in these waters. They were joined by Hill Dishman and friends of Texas, for their annual Guatemalan Sailfishing Shootout and what a time they had the 16th through the 18th, with flat seas, fun-loving anglers and enough sailfish to keep them busy, and our fulltime videographer shooting away and producing an awesome DVD for the group as a worthy reminder of what a trip to Guatemala is all about.
The 'Decisive" was joined by brothers Matt and Jeff Asplundh, and Don McNabb, along with sailfish schools host, Jake Jordan the 10th. We raised a big blue of over 500lb's the first morning which pushed hard on the pitched bonito but just wouldn't do it. The day ended with 7 fly releases from 11 bites. The following day saw another 7 releases from 14 bites, and all the action within 9 miles of the port, with Matt getting just reward and a great "lap-dance" photo with his first large sail on fly, as well as a swim with the sailfish in crystal clear Pacific water. By day three the boys were on form, having polished those rough edges and went and impressive 9 from 11 on the fly rod to top of an excellent trip.
Brother-in-law's, Chris Brown and Jeremy Anderson where treated to a trip by Chris's sister and Jeremy's wife, Janice Anderson, and what a 40th birthday present it proved to be for Chris. The fishing was steady and with the duo enjoying everything the Guatemalan fishery has to offer, the boys just couldn't get enough of it all. With 45 releases in their 3 days from the 13 through the 15th, they added to that 10 slammer dorado, a marlin raise, as well as a daily swim (snorkel) with the sailfish, something that is only possible in these clear, calm and sharkless waters.
After a day off the water we were joined again by Jake Jordan and his guests, Cherie Cincilla, Jo O'Brien of Pennsylvania, and our regular friend Don Butler of Connecticut, on the 15th for three days on the fly rod. Jake's personal friend Cherie was first to get her very first sailfish on the fly to make the trip right there. The fishing wasn't as good as we would have hoped, we added another 7 fish to that tally for the three days, but with the water greening up a little and the fish that we did raise not being in an eating mood it was tuff to get the action heated up on the water, but nothing could dampen the spirits of these die-hard anglers or Cherie's birthday celebrations along with Mariachis playing, cocktails flowing and food festivities.
Until the next report, circle hooks, healthy releases and here's too just being able to enjoy this great sport of ours!!
Capt. Brad Philipps