BillfishFISHING IN GUATEMALA AND STAYING AT CASA VIEJA LODGE IS A TRIP FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE. A RELATIONSHIP HAS DEFINITELY BEEN FORGED BETWEEN WES HIXON’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND CASA VIEJA. WE WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN!
Let me start by saying that after spending the last 35 years in this industry full time, I have enjoyed fishing in many destinations all over the world. Without a doubt, even in the “off season,” Casa Vieja is absolutely the greatest place I’ve ever bill-fished. We boated 24 sails and one Dorado our first day out and only 8 miles off the coast! The fishing was absolutely incredible.
One thing that has become more important when traveling these days is the ease of the commute. The entire customs clearing process upon arrival and departure in Guatemala City is a breeze. I could not believe how clean and un-congested the airport was. Especially neat was the Guatemalan welcoming band they had playing at baggage claim. There were no lines at all in customs, which is always nice. Definitely not a tourist trap! We were met in the baggage claim area and directed outside to our Mercedes mini bus where ice cold, complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and beer was waiting for us to enjoy.
From there you can choose to go straight to the lodge or take a quick tour of the ancient city of Antigua. Antigua is very beautiful and has neat shops and amazing architecture that’s definitely worth stopping for.
After site seeing it’s off to Casa Vieja Lodge. The commute is approximately 1 hour via modern 4 lane highway to the small town of Puerto San Jose. The drive allows more sightseeing opportunities of the country side and some of Guatemala’s active volcanoes. From your arrival until your departure at the Guatemala City International Airport you will find every aspect of the trip to be pleasant, safe and enjoyable!
THE SPORT FISHING FLEET FROM CASA VIEJA…
Release: A 37-ft 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. In 1999, she was meticulously restored and re-powered 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!
Rum Line: This 40-ft Gamefisherman was built in 1989. Originally called the Jolly Roger and most recently – Jungle Rules while operating in Costa Rica. The boat has a cruising speed of 24kts with dual Cummins Diamond series 450hp engines, can easily fish five Anglers in comfort, and cool off in the AC.
Finest Kind: This is a 40-ft Whiticar and is one of Guatemala’s premier charter boats. This legendary sport fishing machine offers the finest tackle and a fast comfortable ride with its dual Cummins Diamond series 450hp engines and climate controlled cabin.
Makaira: This is a truly exceptional example of the Rybovich day boat, inventor of the modern day sportfisherman. This 1961 classic was fully restored in October 2015 with brand new Cummins QSB6.7 Engines. At 37-ft she offers the same day boat style that the traditionalist demands. Makaira 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. The Makaira fishes four anglers in comfort.
Spindrift: This is a 38-ft Stolper 380 Tournament Express custom built in ’98 out of Stuart, Florida. She is the essence of a no-compromise fishing machine! Powered by twin Cummins diesels, Spindrift has been engineered to have a low frequency hull signature said to attract fish. Cruising at 25kts with comfortable bench seating for up to five, the Spindrift’s raised bridge deck gives anglers an excellent and unobstructed view of the baits.
A-Fin-ity: This is the newest addition, a 39-ft Billy Knowles, to the Casa Vieja fleet. Billy Knowles custom boats have long been known in the industry as one of the premier gameboat builders for serious hardcore tournament billfishing winning boats! She has a cruising speed of 27 knots and built-in communication system with the skipper and a 12 ft beam. The A-Fin-ity is also equipped with the latest Shimano rods and reels, light tackle spinners, custom fly tackle, electronics, quad electric teaser reels and surround sound speakers for those anglers who love to listen to their music while fishing.
El Cadejo & Pez Raton: These two 35-ft ST Contenders will offer anglers the best in quality, reliability, fishability, performance and comfort. Perfect for small groups (2-3 anglers) and ideal for single anglers, they will give the hands-on feeling of being on an offshore pro team. The walk-around feature also gives anglers the edge over conventional sportfishers for those multiple fish hookups on fly or conventional tackle. Anglers will also have the performance ability to pick up and go to the fish at any time.
Poco Loco: This is a 40-ft Whiticar and is one of Guatemala’s premier charter boats. This legendary sport fishing machine offers the finest tackle and a fast comfortable ride with its dual Cummins Diamond Series 450hp engines and climate controlled cabin. She also boasts SIMRAD electronics and new Blue Water Desalination Express XT Compact 800 GPD fully-automatic watermaker, so water rationing is a thing of the past!
The boats and equipment were completely spotless. Not one detail had been overlooked. Even a fresh grilled hot lunch was served on the boat daily. “What will it be…fresh catch of the day; Tune or Dorado? Or would you prefer grilled chicken or a hamburger?” On a fishing boat, I’ve never seen anything like it! Definitely above and beyond!
| Fish | Best Season |
| Pacific Sailfish | October-August |
| Blue Marlin | April-August |
| Black Marlin | December-March |
| Striped Marlin | November-February |
| Yellowfin Tuna | April-August |
| Mahi Mahi (Dolphin/Dorado) | March-August |
| Wahoo | October-December |
| Inshore Fishing | March-July |
LODGING
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 lodge accommodations are immaculate! Sheets are changed daily and rooms are kept absolutely spotless. The bedrooms with either a king size bed or two queens feature luxurious linens and pillows. The bathrooms feature step in showers and spa style bath products. After a day on the water, it’s nice to come back to the lodge where the complimentary drink of the day and fresh hors d’oeuvres are waiting poolside while you relax and share the fishing “tails.”
The food is absolutely out of this world!! There are so many choices at every meal and you can have any menu item cooked any way you like it. Everything on the menu is phenomenal and there is something for every taste. The service was just as outstanding as the food. Even the presentation of the food was something to look forward to!
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Casa Vieja Lodge boasts a modern, nine-boat fleet with all the technology and amenities you’d want to make your time on the water more productive, and more pleasant. Guiding our gameboats are top tagging award-winning captains and mates, who know how to raise the big fish, and what to do when you hook one.
Rates Include: VIP airport reception, round trip chauffeured ground transfers, deluxe double occupancy accommodations, all gourmet meals, domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, three full days of fishing, tournament tackle, lunch and beverages on board, laundry service.
PRICING
35’ ST Contender (El Cadejo & Pez Raton)
# of Anglers | 4 Nights, 3 Days | Extra Day |
Single | $6,300 | $1,890 |
2 Anglers | $3,730 p/p | $1,080 p/p |
3 Anglers | $3,125 p/p | $865 p/p |
4 Anglers | $2,625 p/p | $710 p/p |
37’ – 39’ boats (Makaira, Release, Spindrift, A-Fin-Ity)
# of Anglers | 4 Nights, 3 Days | Extra Day |
Single | $8,470 | $2,560 |
2 Anglers | $4,610 p/p | $1,365 p/p |
3 Anglers | $3,780 p/p | $1,075 p/p |
4 Anglers | $3,080 p/p | $850 p/p |
5 Anglers | $2,885 p/p | $780 p/p |
40’ boats (Rum Line & Finest Kind)
# of Anglers | 4 Nights, 3 Days | Extra Day |
Single | $9,680 | $3,010 |
2 Anglers | $5,320 p/p | $1,605 p/p |
3 Anglers | $4,255 p/p | $1,230 p/p |
4 Anglers | $3,430 p/p | $975 p/p |
5 Anglers | $3,170 p/p | $880 p/p |
44’ boat (Poco Loco)
# of Anglers | 4 Nights, 3 Days | Extra Day |
Single | $10,940 | $3,425 |
2 Anglers | $5,950 p/p | $1,820 p/p |
3 Anglers | $4,675 p/p | $1,380 p/p |
4 Anglers | $3,745 p/p | $1,080 p/p |
5 Anglers | $3,420 p/p | $960 p/p |
Extra Day Includes: Accommodation, gourmet meals and fishing charter.
Non-Angler: $1,540 for 4 nights, 3 days
Children: Under 12 “fish for free” plus $540 per child for 4 nights, 3 days
Room Upgrade: single room occupancy for $540 per room for 4 nights, 3 days
WHAT TO BRING
Clothing and Equipment List Provided After Booking.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Clothing and Equipment List Provided After Booking.