Sailfishing

The Pacific Ocean waters off the port of Iztapa are hailed as the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, with world records for single-day catch-and-release firmly supporting these claims. Apparently, a unique pattern of swirling ocean currents between Mexico and El Salvador creates an eddy unusually rich in pelagic fish, such as herring and mackerel, right on Guatemala’s doorstep. Sailfish and marlin gather to feed on this bait, along with large concentrations of dorado, yellow-fin tuna, and wahoo. The result is some of the world’s best sailfishing.

Numerous outfitters have set up shop in Iztapa offering sailfishing year-round, though the most active season is between November and May because of the colder weather prevalent in the North American region from which most anglers hail. The Presidential Challenge, a yearly sportfishing event that has been held since 1997, usually takes place here in January.

Lake Fishing

Thanks to grand plans for recreational options to be offered on behalf of now-absconded Pan American Airways, Lake Atitlán saw the introduction of largemouth bass in the late 1950s. The lake’s extreme depths make catching the larger fish said to inhabit the deeper waters quite a challenge, which only adds to the allure of fishing these waters. Your best bet for catching “the big one” is during the annual spring spawning season, between March and May.

© Al Argueta from Moon Guatemala, 3rd Edition. Photos © Al Argueta www.alargueta.com