April 07 2026 – George Plihal
The Complete Guide to Fishing in Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know
Guatemala's Pacific Coast is one of the best-kept secrets in offshore fishing. With some of the highest billfish concentrations on the planet, world-class lodges, and experienced captains, it delivers an experience that rivals any big-game fishing destination in the world — often at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you are planning your first trip or your tenth, this guide covers everything you need to know about fishing Guatemala.
What Species Can You Catch in Guatemala?
Guatemala's warm Pacific waters hold an incredible diversity of pelagic gamefish:
- Pacific Sailfish — The star of the show. Guatemala holds the world's highest sailfish concentrations, with 15-30 raises per day common during peak season.
- Blue Marlin — Fish in the 200-500+ pound class are regularly encountered from September through January.
- Striped Marlin — Less common but present, especially during cooler water months.
- Yellowfin Tuna — Found year-round, with fish commonly in the 30-100 pound range. Great eating.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) — Abundant and aggressive. Perfect for lighter tackle and incredible table fare.
- Wahoo — The speedsters of the ocean. Found around structure and current edges.
- Roosterfish — Available inshore for anglers looking for something different.
When Is the Best Time to Fish Guatemala?
Guatemala offers fishing year-round, but different seasons favor different species:
- November - May: Peak sailfish season. This is when the legendary numbers happen — 20+ raises per day is realistic.
- September - January: Best blue marlin fishing. Overlaps with early sailfish season for a billfish grand slam opportunity.
- Year-round: Mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo are present in fishable numbers throughout the year.
The sweet spot for most anglers is November through February, when both sailfish and marlin action overlap.
How to Get There
Most anglers fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. From there, it is approximately a 2-3 hour drive to the Pacific Coast marinas. Most fishing lodges arrange airport pickup and ground transportation as part of their packages.
Direct flights to Guatemala City are available from major US hubs including Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
What to Expect: A Typical Fishing Day
- 5:30 AM: Wake up at the lodge, breakfast is ready
- 6:00 AM: Depart the marina
- 6:30 AM: Lines in the water — the fishing grounds are close
- 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Full day of fishing with lunch on the boat
- 3:30 PM: Return to the marina
- 4:00 PM: Relax at the lodge — pool, drinks, swap fish stories
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the lodge with fresh-caught fish options
What to Pack
- Light, breathable fishing clothing (UPF protection recommended)
- Quality polarized sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat with neck protection
- Fishing gloves
- Camera or GoPro
- Motion sickness medication if needed
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Most lodges provide all fishing tackle, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer specific gear or are fly fishing.
How Much Does It Cost?
Guatemala fishing packages typically range from $2,500 to $4,000+ per angler for multi-day trips, depending on the lodge, boat, and package inclusions. This generally covers:
- Accommodations at the fishing lodge
- All meals and beverages
- Boat, captain, and crew
- All fishing tackle
- Ground transportation from Guatemala City
Compared to destinations like Costa Rica, Cabo, or Australia, Guatemala often delivers better fishing at a lower price point.
Is Guatemala Safe for Tourists?
The Pacific Coast fishing areas and lodges are well-established tourist zones with strong security. Reputable fishing operations handle all logistics, transportation, and accommodations, so you are taken care of from the moment you land until you depart.
Book Your Guatemala Trip with Fishingfins
Fishingfins has been running exclusive sportfishing trips to Guatemala's Pacific Coast, partnering with the best lodges, captains, and crews in the region. We handle everything — all you need to do is show up ready to fish.