| Sailfish Fishing Report From Guatemala |
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| World Record Day January 13, 2004, 27 Sailfish On The Fly |
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Sailfish School Fishing Report Guatemala, March 28, 29, 30, 2005
Greetings from Guatemala:
March 28, 2005, Sailfish School students: Jon Reed from Wisconsin, Dick Park from Portland Oregon, and Faith Roland from Bellevue Washington, joined me for the March Sailfish School. Normally I operate the Sailfish School aboard the vessel Pelagian with Captain Brad Philipps and mates Kennedy Hernandez and Carlos Alvarenga as associate professors however the Pelagian blew an engine the day before we arrived.
Captain Brad made arrangements for us to use the 37 foot Viking sport boat Serena with Captain Carlos with mate Louis, and Kennedy would be our other mate and my assistant. The boat and crew where excellent, the Sailfish where 40 miles out to the South west, and the weather was partly cloudy with calm seas.
We raised 30 sailfish to the teasers but they where finicky and hard to tease. During our first day we got thirteen sailfish to bite the fly and we caught and released 7 including a double header by Faith and Dick. Each student had caught there first Sailfish on fly.
March 29, 2005: a long ride out to the fish in cloudy weather, which is rare this time of year, put us on fish right away. Fishing was slow with rain interfering with the last three hours of fishing time. Faith caught the first fish of the day and we wound up releasing three Sailfish which where caught on 5 bites.
March 30, 2005: The weather was cloudy and calm and fishing was again slow for the Sailfish schools last day. We raised only 12 sailfish got 5 to bite the fly and landed 2. John, Faith and Dick my 3 students each caught 3 sailfish on fly and I released all three that bit my fly.
My friend Gary Loomis was at Fins N’ Feathers for the same 3 days with his wife Suzy and friends John and Cathy Webster. The Loomis group fished with Captain Chris Sheeder aboard the vessel Intensity where they caught 15 Sailfish on fly in three days.
Billy Hayes my friend from Anglers pro shop in Souderton Pa joined Gerry Wendrovsky from New York, and Gary Connor from PA aboard the Man o’ War with Captain Johno and released 6 Sailfish on fly during the same three days of slow fishing.
My Students and I caught one Sailfish on fly each on each day that we fished, which used to be a great average and still is in most parts of the world. We had a great time and all of my students have already booked for a return trip next year.
I will start Tarpon fishing on April first; stay tuned for more Florida Keys Tarpon fishing Reports. I just got a cancellation for Tarpon fishing on April 9, 10, 11, 2005; please contact right away if you wish to fish or Tarpon during these dates?
Regards:
Jake Guatemala Sailfish School Report
January 12, 2005 Greetings fro Fins N’ Feathers Lodge in Guatemala: January 12, 2005: Gary Caputi caught the first of the 13 Sailfish we would release from 17 bites today. What a great day of fly fishing we experienced, calm waters, warm sunshine, low wind, and red hot Sailfishing. Today Jeff went 3 out of five, Don caught 3 on four bites, Gary went 3 for 4, and I caught 4 from 5 bites. Today I caught a very big Sailfish on my 14 weight TFO rod which looked to be well over 120 pounds. Our three day total was 35 landed for 49 bites! As usual Captain Brad Philipps and mates Kennedy and Carlos aboard Artmarina's Pelagian did a great job. During 2004 this crew caught more Billfish than any other boat in the world for the second year in a row. During my trip I got to spend some time with expert anglers Nick Smith who caught more than 500 Billfish on flies last year, and Nat Harris, fishing aboard Intensity, a world class fly angler. Every trip to Fins N’ Feathers is a great experience. I also got to visit with world class captain Ron Hamlin who went 6 for 6 on my flies the last day I was in town; it is always a treat to spend time with Captain Ron. I do still have a few spots available for my March and December Sailfish Schools, Contact me for information. More reports to follow! Warmest Regards: Jake Guatemala Sailfish School Report
January 10, 11, 2005 Greetings fro Fins N’ Feathers Lodge in Guatemala: January 10, 2005: Don Butler, Jeff Asplundh, Gary Caputi, and I boarded the Artmarina vessel Pelagian with Captain Brad Philipps, and Mates Kennedy and Carlos for the first day of “The Sailfish School." The weather was Sunny, and reached 85 degrees every day, with wind under 10 knots every day. The ocean had a chop of between 1 to 2 feet add dead, glassy, calm. As in all Sailfish Schools we rotate anglers every thirty minutes or when an angler hooks and jumps a Sailfish. As the instructor I took the first watch and released my first Sailfish just 15 minutes after we started fishing. From that time on we never went more than 30 minutes without raising at least one sailfish. At days end we had released 9 Sailfish on 13 bites, with first time Sailfish Angler Jeff Asplundh being the high angler releasing 4 on 4 bites. At the end of the day we had released nine Sailfish on fly on thirteen bites. Gary Caputi (Offshore Editor SWS Mag) was shooting pictures for an article in Saltwater Sportsman magazine with his new digital camera and got some great shots. I was testing a new TFO TiCr 14 weight four piece fly rod which cast well and landed three for three on the first day. January 11, 2005: Started hot with Don Butler hooking his first Sail of the day five minutes into our fishing time and releasing his first of 4 sailfish on fly out of 5 hooked on this beautiful day. Gary, Jeff, and I each caught and released three. I brought along 4 dozen of my Billfish Flies which worked well along with the pink and white Cam Sigler flies. We all shot lots of great photographs today, seems like Gary is an expert on the new high speed digital cameras. Our boat total today was thirteen sailfish released on nineteen bites. Anyone interested in catching some of these beautiful Sailfish on a fly, please contact me regarding openings March, 28, 29, 30, 2005 or December 6, 7, 8, 2005. I am also now taking reservations for “The Sailfish School” dates during 2006. Tomorrow's report to follow! Regards: Jake Guatemala Year end Fishing Report 2004 What a year 2004 proved to be for the Artmarina fleet in Guatemala. The bite was red-hot for the first 5 months of the year with things slowing a little but then ending with another bumper November and December. Once again outstanding numbers have been posted, records have tumbled and happy anglers have witnessed the true plentitude of what Guatemala's sailfishing has to offer. The final month of the year, saw some exceptional days on the water, with a huge body of sailfish moving through. December is by our usually flat sea standards, a slightly rougher month, but we have seen hardly any of the seas we had last year this time, being greeted by pleasant temperatures, flat seas and sunny skies. The final days of November saw the bite in at between 10 and 20 miles. The Intensity released 18 from 25 on the baits, with the Pelagian going 25 from 31 on the 29th of November. The bite moved a couple miles to the east the following day with brothers Bob and Bruce Sasso getting onto it early aboard the Pelagian, ending an incredible day with 42 releases from 48 bites on our trusty Eagle Claw circle hooks. The Intensity got cranking in the afternoon and ended with 15 releases from 26 bites on the fly. Expert light-tackle anglers, Brad Watkins and George , joined the Pelagian for their introduction to sailfish on the fly. The fish proved a little tricky to tease but the duo still saw superb action over the next four days, raising a total of 118 sailfish, getting 54 fly bites and releasing 33 on the fly, as well as another 6 releases on the spinning rod. The 6th of December, saw the Coyote on the start of an amazing Guatemalan bite. Artmarina owner was on board to release some 44 sailfish, fishing 24 miles from home. The following day saw the Intensity and Pelagian join the Coyote to experience one of the top bites of the year. The fish were everywhere one looked, raising triples and quads were more the norm than the exception and the Coyote reverted to being a film boat for most of the day, wit the camera soaking up the red-hot action. First timers, Morrison and Marillyn Heth of Colorado, will never forget the spectacular, ending the day with 67 releases from 89 bites, on the Pelagian. Aboard the Intensity, the Martin group experienced the same, never-to-be-forgotten action releasing 57 from 83 bites. The following day saw the bite slow slightly but with still amazing numbers of fish around the Pelagian released 25 from 35 on the baits as well as another 3 on the fly. The Intensity was also doing the combo deal, releasing 19 from 30 on the baits and 1 from 4 on the fly. The Intensity was still rolling on the 10th and released 17 from 29 bites on the fly, 15 miles from where most of the boats chose to fish, showing the size of the body of sailfish in the area. The Pelagian couldn't resist, and was on the water with some Guatemalan VIP guests to release 51 from 69 bites. David and Perry Glover, Ron Cooper and Matt Jackson of Texas, joined the Pelagian on it's record setting push on the 11th. It proved to be three days of incredible action with day one proving the wildest and a posting of 55 releases from 75 bites. The Intensity was joined by the other half of the Texan group and saw even more fish getting 81 bites of which they released 51. The Classic was filling in for the Magic and 28 from 33 on the baits. The Coyote was hosting Fly-Fishing magazine editor's, Scott Leon, along with Cam Sigler, underwater photographer Bill Boyce and friends to document the fly bite from both above and below. They too saw spectacular action ending the day with 14 fly releases and dozens of rolls of used film. The 12th saw the bite slow a touch with the Intensity releasing 17 from 35 on the baits and the Coyote 7 from 14 on the fly. The Pelagian seemed to have the hummm they have become renowned for and ended the day with 36 releases from 48 bites and in the process broke the record of 2668 billfish releases they had set the year before. The water seemed to be getting slightly green inshore with most boats starting to look out wider the following day. The Pelagian stayed put and posted a steady 37 from 46, the rest of the fleet found a good bite late in the day FnF regular David Levitt's joined the Intensity the 15 thru 17th to post great release numbers on the fly rod, with 18, 18 and 3 fish released on the three consecutive days. Glenn Hacker joined the boat from the 18th thru the 20th to see some good fishing the crazy bite of the previous week was not to be found. Miami anglers, Henry Sala's, Andy Fernandez, Gene Bechanps and Javier Rodriguez, were aboard the Pelagian for three days prior to the Christmas break. The boat averaged 4 sailfish releases a day but good blue marlin action made up for the slower than normal sailfishing. They raised 4 blue marlin, getting three bites and seeing another large marlin eat a dorado right off the left rigger, going on to release a fish each, for friends Henry and Javiers, giving them their first blue marlin flags. After a very relaxing Christmas break for the Inn and boat crews the boats were back at it on the 28th with the highlight being a 150lb blue on 20lb tackle for Artmarina's Commander-in-Chief, Tim Choate. The bite stayed fairly slow for following day but the 30th saw a huge school of spinner porpoises, yellowfin and sails out on the western edge to keep anglers cranking and rods bending. The Intensity released 10 sailfish, the Pelagian 8 and the Coyote 8, with everyone getting on some tasty tuna. The 31st saw a good bite to see out the memorable year. The Coyote released 16, the Pelagian 15. All in all, it proved to be another amazing year for Artmarina's Guatemalan fleet. The exact totals are being tallied and with over 7000 releases between the four boats it sure will be a year to remember. The Pelagian ended with an incredible 2759 releases, breaking the yearly record they set last year and averaging 18 releases a day on the baits. Capt. Chris Sheeder who started the year aboard the Magic and then ran the Intensity for the last 3 months, released an amazing 622 sailfish on the fly in 72 days on the long wand. All at Fins n' Feathers would like to wish all our ever faithful clients and manufactures whom support us, a very happy new year. Without anyone to share this all with, it sure wouldn't be possible to do what we all love doing, and we looking forward to doing it all again in 2005. Until the next report, circle hooks and a healthy and happy year ahead. Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina. Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com Fish Report - 28th April 2004 - Guatemala The fishing has been awesome the past week and more. Other than two days of unseasonably rough seas we've experienced our usual seasonally flat calm ocean, great weather and unbelievable bite. Recent activity saw Bobby Green, and friends, of New Orleans joined us for three days of action packed excitement, the 23rd through 25th. A red-hot bite was found some 35 miles offshore with sailfish everywhere, blue water and masses of bait. Some boats raised over 100 sails in a day, averaging between 20 and 40 sailfish releases a piece on the baits, with plenty of double-plus-digit release days on the fly. To keep things even more interesting there where huge groups of spinner dolphins in on the action, with quantities of yellowfin tuna, and some blue marlin, making for a surreal picture nobody who witnessed would easily forget. Things only got better the following few days for Greg Minor and company, also of New Orleans. The fleet stayed on the hot bite with bait holding the life. Boats continued to raise and release large numbers of sails. In a single afternoon 5 boats raised 7 blues while working the sailfish and tuna action. With most boats on the fly, top release day was 17 on the long wand, with all anglers being overwhelmed by the number of fish and vast quantity of marine life encountered. The current had been pushing offshore for the past week, but turned today and is pushing back inshore. With this we expect the action to push back towards us and the great bite to stay on us, making for what by all accounts should be a great May, and hopefully another superb Father and Son Tourney in the three weekends of June. Until next report, circle hooks, tight lines and healthy releases. Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina. Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com
Fish Report - 1st March 2004 - Guatemala The Fins n' Feathers boats have been averaging 15 to 20 sailfish releases a day for the past two weeks, most of which have been caught 15 miles or less from the inlet. The water has been blue, weather wonderful and a healthy number of marlin seen and caught. Wednesday the 18th of February saw Capt. Erik Lorentzen and Florida friend Nick Smith doing what they love most, crushing them on the fly, going an outstanding 18 from 23. The Magic went 17 from 29 on the baits. The 19th saw the fish biting, with all 4 of our boats on the water, as is the norm this time of year. The Magic had the hot hand with 34 from 67, the Pelagian 26 from 49, the Intensity 24 from 40. The Coyote went 10 from 17 on the fly. The Intensity went 19 from 28 and the Pelagian 17 from 25 the following day. The Magic and Coyote both caught 5 on the fly, with the Coyote raising a blue that they couldn't get to bite the fly. The Pelagian had a great pick on the 21st and saw off it's Daytona friends, Lex, Tim, Todd and Tyler Phillips in fine fashion with 3 first time fish on the fly, and 18 on the baits. The Coyote was steady too, going 7 from 10 on the fly, the Magic and Intensity released 4 and 2 a piece respectively on the fly. The 22nd saw the Coyote out looking for marlin without any luck, but finding good signs and 4 sails to keep the day flowing. The Pelagian and Intensity released 17 and 16 sailfish each, the Magic went 4 from 20 on the fly. The sailfish bite slowed a little the 23rd and 24th, boats released between 5 and 7 sails a piece with plenty of dorado and some marlin around to keep things interesting. The highlight was a 400# plus blue marlin caught on the Pelagian by Chip Kuykenda, using 20# line and an Eagle Claw 2004EL hook. The fish ate a rigger ballyhoo, their second marlin bite of the day, put on some spectacular jumps during the 1hr30min fight and was eventually tagged at boat-side while again jumping wildly on the 15ft leader. The great video work really did it all justice. Nice going on your first marlin, Chip!! The 25th saw the Pelagian release 21 from 30 with it's New Orleans friends, SE Hellinger, Henry Richard and Tag Beleins. The Coyote was rewarded for it's marlin pursuit on the 26th with a feisty 220# blue on 50# standup. The Intensity went 3 from 5 on the fly and 3 from 3 on the baits. The Pelagian released 11 from 19 on the baits. The Pelagian released 17 from 20 bites on the 27th. The Intensity 16 from 23 and the Coyote 11 from 25, with the bites and releases staying almost the same the following day, with a couple blue ones being seen, but none caught. The 29th saw the Intensity going a great 5 from 6 on the fly and the Pelagian 8 from 10 on the baits. Gotta love both those averages. It is going to be interesting to see what the next weeks bring us. The first two months of 2004 have been nothing but spectacular with boats having released anywhere between 700 and upwards of 900 billfish in this time frame. With the fish in close and water looking great, it looks like the consistent bite is going to keep rods bent and anglers very busy. Until next week, it's tight lines, circle hooks, and healthy releases. Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina. Fins 'n Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com
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Guatemala Sailfish Report: January 11, 12, 13, 2004
Beginning in January the Sailfish bite off Guatemala has been red-hot, with boats seeing aggressive fish stacked on bait anywhere from 10 to 20 miles offshore. By the second week fishing really started to heat up. Three days in a row, three different boats, from the Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala Fleet upped the daily flyfishing Billfish release record. On Sunday the 11th of January, the 'Intensity' was the first boat to ever release 25 sailfish on the fly. Capt. Erik Lorentzen had over 67 fish up on the teasers, to get New York anglers, (former Sailfish School Graduate) Jim Sollecito, Jim Boles and Greg Kries 54 bites from which they released 25 Sailfish by early afternoon in some rougher than average Guatemalan seas, and immediately where on their way back to Fins & Feathers Lodge to celebrate. The 'Magic' tied the record latter in the fishing day, and also very sportingly headed for the lodge.The following day, January 12th the 'Magic' was the first boat to ever release 26 Sailfish on the fly, with Capt. Chris Shreeder going 26 from 36 to top yesterdays release figure with an outstanding hookup ratio for fly anglers Brad and Jason Livesey, and Steven W. Thomas, all of New York. The 'Intensity' tied this number latter in the day and in the great tradition we have set here returned to the dock not wanting to outdo or take anything away from the magnitude of the days events. On Tuesday the 13th of January 2004, the 'Pelagian' was joined by Artmarina’s director of fly fishing, Jake Jordan, Owner and operator of “The Sailfish School” from Marathon Florida, along with students and first time billfishing fly fishermen Don Trexler, Steve Mc Manus and John Willis of NC, to start their three days on the long wand.
The detailed schooling at the dock, 20lb tippets, Cam Sigler and Jake Jordan tied streamer Sailfish-flies were all put to immediate test, when Capt. Brad Philipps stopped the Pelagian 11miles from the inlet, right on the wildest bite he has seen in his 3 years at Fins n' Feathers. At the turn of midday the anglers where releasing fish number 22 and 23 of the day and although the bite slowed somewhat in the afternoon fish number 27 was released from bite number 50 of the day, ending the first day of the first "Sailfish School" of 2004, an hour before the usual lines up time and a new single day IGFA fly fishing milestone had been reached.
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Fish Report - 1st January 2004 - Guatemala
The billfishing has been fantastic the past two weeks with the fleet finishing the month in the same fine fashion for which the entire 2003 year will be remembered. Anglers were kept busy on the water with 15 to 20 release days, with the majority of fish holding only 10 miles from the inlet. By the end of it the 4 Fins n' Feathers boats had released an incredible total of 6760 billfish for the year and there was more than reason for the great New Years celebrations at the Inn the evening of the 31st.
Aboard the 'Pelagian', Capt. Brad Philipps, with crew Kennedy and Carlos, ended the year with a new single year world record of 2668 billfish releases. Averaging an astonishing 16 billfish releases a day for the 167 days fished. Capt. Erik Lorentzen with mates Nico and Edwin, released a total of 1640 billfish and set an all time new yearly fly fishing record releasing 450 sailfish in the 49.5 days they were on the long wand, averaging well over 8 releases a day. Capt. Chris Sheeder on the 'Magic' ended the year with 1199 releases and in the process set the new daily release record of 24 sails on the fly. Capt. Chris van Luuwen released a total of 1253 billfish on both the 'Classic' which he previously ran and now the 'Coyote II' which has become a firm fixture on our Guatemalan waters.
Pre-Christmas saw Lewis Wicki and John Dolan aboard the 'Pelagian' going 9 from 15 on Saturday the 20th. The seas flattened the following day and the action was red hot, releasing 29 from 45 sailfish and missing a blue in the #400 range. Their final days rough seas saw the pair release another 4 sailfish and did nothing to dampen their spirits after a great three days and knowing that they were the angler who had passed the previous release record, pushing it to a new level.
Thursday the 18th through Monday the 22nd saw the 'Coyote II' release 13 sailfish on the fly and came very close on an exciting half hour battle with a blue marlin on the fly rod.
Monday the 22nd saw the Intensity hosting the US Ambassador to Guatemala, John Hamilton, his wife and daughter for a day, going 6 from 16.
After a short Christmas break the boats were back at it. The 'Pelagian' went 9 from 10 on the 27th with long time Artmarina friend Harris Wittbeck.
Sunday the 28th saw a steady pick for the fleet with everyone releasing between 8 and 10 fish, and the great news that Oscar Berger had won the days Second Round Presidential elections. The future president, Berger, is very pro-tourism and has promised to give sportsfishing the backing it so deserves in this country, and with this promising news we are all expecting a very positive 4 years ahead here in Guatemala.
Monday the 29th saw the bite heat up only 10 miles from the inlet. Fishing aboard the 'Intensity', Jeff Clark, with young sons, Trey and Will, ended a great day going 22 from 35. The 'Pelagian' was able to show its Chicago visitors what a hot bite is all about, going 27 from 37 on the sails. The 'Magic' went 18 from 24 and the 'Coyote' 15 from 29, with the boats catching some slammer dorado for "sashimi".
The 30th saw the 'Magic' on the beach for the roosterfish in the morning, following it up with 11 sails in short succession in the afternoon. The 'Pelagian' went 16 from 27 on the sails.
The seas flattened nicely to see the last day of the year out in fine form. The 'Coyote' had the "humm" going 22 from 32 on the baits. The 'Pelagian' sheared a shaft early in the day but still kept Bill Kwaiatklwski, Tom Berent, Bob Davis and Joe (Sr) and Joe (Jr) Mendino, very busy on one motor doing it in circles, going 19 from 25 to finish of their unprecedented year. Aboard the 'Intensity', Capt. Erik had Artmarina's, "Commander-in Chief", Tim Choate, jamming on the fly rod, adding another 10 from 17 to their celebrations.
Eagle Claw 2004 circle hooks, Suffix 20lb line, Cape Fear Rods, Alutecnos and Shimano reels, Moldcraft and Legend lures are what make up our tackle of choice down here. A big thank you to these companies that stand behind us in all our endeavors and an even bigger thank you to every one of our clients who by sharing it all with us really make it come together.
May it be a blessed, prosperous and "fishy" New Year for you all.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com
Fish Report - 15th December 2003 - Guatemala
The Fins n' Feathers boats have been averaging 12 to 17 sailfish releases a day for almost the entire month, most of which have been caught 15 miles from the inlet. The water has been blue with a couple marlin, as well as dorado, making a showing.
Monday the 8th saw Artmarina regulars, Jerry and Carol Peterson, up their previous days total of 21 releases with a great Eagle Claw circle hook average, going 9 from 10 for the day. The 'Coyote II' is now officially part of the Guatemalan fleet, ready and raising plenty of fish for Capt. "Kiwi" van Leeuwen, going 7 from 9 on the baits in a half day, and the 'Magic' 4 from 10 on the fly.
The 9th saw the 'Magic' welcome a Spanish film crew which they had the pleasure of fishing for the remainder of the week. They ended their first day with a healthy 6 from 9 on the fly. The 'Coyote II" 4 from 10 on the fly and 3 on the baits.The 'Pelagian' released 16 sailfish from 20 bites on their always performing, Cape Fear rods, with both them and the 'Magic' having blue marlin in the spreads.
Wednesday saw us with a little wind from the west, but nothing to stop the 'Pelagian' going 12 from 18 and the 'Magic' 3 from 7 on the fly. The 'Intensity' finished another great 5 days for Clear Water, Florida friends, Bruce and Carol Schoor.
The 'Intensity' started it's fly fishing roll on Thursday, going 12 from 24, the 'Magic' kept the cameras busy on the beach with some good rooster fishing action.
The 'Magic' had the hot hand on Friday going 8 from 16 bites on the fly, the 'Intensity' 6 from 9 also on the fly and the 'Pelagian' 9 from 13 on the bait.
Nobody could find the previous days action on Saturday, with the sailfish seeming to take a breather. The boats only released a handful of sailfish but the 'Pelagian' had it’s excitement when a #700 marlin crashed the right short teaser, an 'Andromida' from Legend, and then stayed in the spread for another 2 minutes but were unable to get another bite on the mackerel after it spat it on the first shot.
Things did a dramatically 180 on Sunday, with a red-hot bite materializing only 15 miles from the Inn, in a flat calm ocean. Al Novak, brothers Taylor and Ryan Powell, and Mike Berkowitz, finished of their three days aboard the 'Pelagian' in fine fashion, releasing 32 on the baits and 3 on the fly. In doing so the 'Pelagian' broke it's 2001 record of 2496 billfish releases in a single calendar year, pushing to 2519 releases since the start of this year. Hot fishing, and there are still a couple weeks of the year ahead!!! The 'Intensity' was on fire, pushing ever closer to the single year fly record, going 17 from 29 on the long wand, with the fish really playing the teaser game.
It is going to be an exciting push to the end of the year. With the fish in close and water looking great, it looks like the bite has a good chance of keeping rods bent, anglers very busy and records falling.
Until next week, it's tight lines, circle hooks, and compliments of the festive season to all.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fins 'n Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com
Barbara J. Hernandez
Manager
Artmarina
"The Fine Art of Billfishing"
Phone: 305-663-3553
Fax: 305-666-6445
barbara@artmarina.com
Fish Report : 16th October 2003 - Guatemala
After a long break we are back in full swing at Fins n' Feathers. The new manager, Frank Moseley, has the lodge all spruced up and is ready to welcome all our guests with a new level of service and a total experience, even better than all have come to expect at the Inn.
Both the 'Intensity' and 'Pelagian' have had total engine overhauls and new paint. The 'Classic' and 'Magic' have posted some great fishing days over the past months, and the fleet, captains and crews are all rested and ready to get back at what they love........catching billfish and seeing clients relish in the enjoyment of it all.
The 'Pelagian' was pleased to welcome the US Ambassador to Guatemala, John Hamilton, for it's first charter on the 5th of October. He was joined by his wife Donna, and the head of the US Military group in Guatemala, Col. Mark Wilkins and wife Wendy, along with another US Embassy regular to FNF, Paula Wickle. A great day was had by all, in flat seas under sunny skies with everyone catching a sailfish, some Dorado and even a shot at a small Blue Marlin.
Aboard the 'Classic', Capt. Kiwi van Leeuwen, raised a total of 53 sailfish, as well as 3 Blue Marlin over three days last week, while on the fly. Getting a great Blue Marlin bite on the fly and releasing 12 fly caught sailfish in total.
Dan Perkins of Alabama, along with wife Kitty and daughter Mitzi joined the 'Pelagian' from the 7th through the 9th of last week. Between them the first time billfishermen released an impressive total of 31 sailfish on the baits and 2 on the fly, with the highlight of the trip being an action packed hour and a half battle with a #250 Blue Marlin which Dan eventually was able to release on our #20 Alutecnos reel and Cape Fear rod combo outfit, after chasing the fish for almost 3 miles and what seemed like a hundred jumps. Nice going Dan!!!!
Sunday the 11th saw the 'Magic' going 12 from 18, the 'Pelagian' 7 from 12 and the 'Classic' releasing 4 sails and missing a small blue on #20, right at the boat. The blues are sure around, not a day seems to have gone by the past weeks without a Marlin being raised.
Artmarina's, Commander-in-Chief, Tim Choate, joined the 'Pelagian' on Monday the 13th. After finding a fantastic bite off the edge late in the day, releasing 28 from 41 sailfish, as well as getting two incredible bites out of an aggressive Marlin in the #350 range, the decision was made to make the most of the perfectly flat seas and spend the night swordfishing. A very pleasant night didn't produce any broadbill bites, but did put us back on the fish at daybreak releasing another 30 sails by midday, before making a homeward troll in search of a Marlin. The blue wasn't to oblige this day, but it was a very pleased, all-be-it slightly tired Commander, who'd single handedly put a bunch of sailfish under his belt, and in doing so had pushed the 'Pelagians' release tally for the year to over 2000 billfish. With another 2 and half months of some of the years most productive fishing ahead, it looks like it's going to be another bumper Guatemalan year, and we are all looking forward to seeing you down here, to enjoy it all along with us.
Until next week’s report, it's circle hooks and healthy releases.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala, www.artmarina.com
Fish Report - 12th May 2003 - Guatemala
The fishing has remained extremely consistent and only seems to be improving as the month goes on. The magnificent blue water is stacked with bait, holding the fish between 18 and 16 miles from the inlet. Boats have been averaging anywhere from 15 to 31 releases a day on the baits, with some very impressive fly numbers.
Monday the 5th saw the 'Pelagian' going 28 from 43 and in so doing releasing it's 1500th billfish for the year, which just goes to show what a great 4 months it's been here off Guatemala.
A large group of textile companies held a fun tournament out of Fins 'n Feathers on Tuesday, with every participant catching a sailfish and most rounding off impressive numbers. A great way to get away from the rigors of a trade show or business trip!! The 'Pelagian' went 19 from 25 with the team of Dunia Miranda (The Guatemalan Trade Commissioner to Miami), Ray Mauri, George Parker and John Garris. The 'Magic' went 13 from 19, 'Classic' 8 from 17 and the 'MOW' 4 from 8 in a half day.
The great bite continued on Wednesday the 7th, with the 'Pelagian' releasing 18 from 38 and the 'MOW' 15 from 32 both on the baits. The 'Intensity' went 7 from 12 on the fly.
The 'Pelagian' went a hot 28 from 44 with a horde of Moldcraft teaser bites for Tom and Ann Honnicutt, of Virginia Beach, on Thursday. The 'MOW' went 23 from 36 and the 'Intensity' 8 from 10 on the fly.
Allan Palmer, of Virginia Beach released a land mark and very impressive 300th sailfish for the year on the fly, for Capt. Eric Lorentzen on the 'Intensity' on Friday. The 'Pelagian' went 28 from 42 and the 'MOW' 15 from 22.
It looks like 28 was the lucky number for the 'Pelagian' this week as it again released the same number of sailfish from 40 bites on Saturday. The 'Classic' went 7 from 19 with our friends from the US Embassy in Guatemala City and the 'Intensity' 7 from 19 on the fly.
The bite got really hot on Sunday, putting a fitting end to another great week off Guatemala. The 'Intensity' was red-hot with anglers Bill Gooch and friends, of Virginia Beach, releasing 18 sailfish from the 24 bites they had on the fly. The 'Pelagian' released 31 from 49 bites on the baits, the 'Magic' 25 from 45 and the 'Classic' 22 from 41.
The water is as blue as it gets and with all the bait that is around there seems like no reason this large group of fish should move off anytime soon. If you are thinking of a last minute trip to touch up on your skills before the season back at home, now would definitely be the time to take advantage of availability and our last minute booking discounts.
Until next week, trust in those circle hooks, keep a bend in that rod, a tight line and good fishing.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fish Report - 10th March 2003 - Guatemala
The fishing remains fantastic with perfect weather, flat seas and clients having an absolute blast. Boats have been averaging between 15 and 30 sailfish releases a day with some slammer Dorado's and a blue marlin or two to mix it up.
Monday the 3rd saw the 'Classic' with the luck of a 450# blue marlin caught on #50 standup to add to their 18 from 27 on the sails. The 'Intensity' was hot going 29 from 40 and the 'MOW' rounding off Nat Harris's trip with an excellent 12 from 14 on his Cape Fear fly rods. Joe Augustine, Al Gadoury and Mark Yates each released their first sails on the fly aboard the 'Pelagian' going 3 from 9 and catching 7 on the baits.
The following days action packed fishing continued with the 'Pelagian' releasing 29 and the 'Intensity' 27 on the baits, the 'MOW' released 15.
The great bite slowed a touch on Wednesday the 5th, but we've been spoilt. The 'Intensity' released 11 from 18, the 'Pelagian' releasing 10 from 19 and the 'MOW' 7 from 12.
Things picked back up the rest of the week with the 'MOW' going 22 from 41, the 'Classic' 19 from 29 and the 'Intensity' 19 from 28, on Thursday. Joe Flynn, Joe Winslow, Kevin Sills, Nick Maraveyias and Nick Parsalos all of the Carolina's finished off an action packed 3 days aboard the 'Pelagian' going 22 from 42.
Friday saw the 20 fish plus days of the past months continue with the 'Classic' and 'MOW' both releasing 25 and the 'Intensity' 24 sailfish.
Both the 'Intensity' and the 'Pelagian' released a very healthy 26 sailfish on Saturday the 8th.
Sunday the 9th March saw brothers Rhodes and Kevin Hart of Nashville, TN and cousin Philip Ingram of California, release the 1000th fish of the year aboard the 'Pelagian' going 24 from 32, the 'Intensity' 21 from 31 and the 'Classic' not having much luck on the fly but releasing 7 from 9 on the baits.
Until next week, keep using those circle hooks. Your averages will be way up and releasing healthy fish is what tomorrows great fishery is all about.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala.
Fish Report - Guatemala - 6th January 2003
The sailfishing has been nothing short of spectacular with the New Year being celebrated both on and off the water here in Guatemala. Boats have been averaging between 15 and 35 releases on the baits, with two very impressive flyfishing release records being set by one of the Fins n' Feathers boats and all the action only 15 miles from the inlet.
The 28th of December saw boats out fishing after a little Christmas break, with the 'Pelagian' going a cheery 18 for 23 with local clients and friends Eduardo Gonzalez, Emilo "Pato" Santano and friends aboard to make the most of the great conditions. The 'Intensity' went 14 for 24 and the 'MOW' 3 for 7 on the fly and 2 for 5 on the spin out of the 21 they raised. 'Magic' went 6 for 7 on the fly and 4 for 8 on the baits.
The following day saw the 'Intensity' on the bite and having a day that Artmarina's commander-in-chief, Tim Choate, described as "one of my most enjoyable ever!!", going 25 for 37, with the 'MOW' 3 from 5 on the spin tackle and 2 from 6 on the fly.
The 'MOW' was out with some of the local boats the 30th, going 2 for 2 on the fly missing a great fly bite on a 100lb blue and catching 2 out of the 3 bites they had on the spin.
The final day of 2002 saw the fish in a very festive mood. The 'Pelagian' was joined by friends from the Guatemalan US Embassy and Military Group who made the most of the bite and the evenings Fins n' Feathers entertainment to go a crushing 34 from the 43 bites they had for the day. The 'Intensity' saw the year out with 25 from 37 and the 'MOW' 8 for 11 on the spin and 7 for 17 on the fly. The 'Agua Diente' went 16 from 25 and the 'Sirena' 10 from 21 on a half day.
The 1st of 2003 saw only the 'Pelagian' and the 'MOW' out taking advantage of the bite after the night befores celebrations. The 'Pelagian' went 16 for 27 and the 'MOW' 3 from 9 on the fly and 4 from 6 on the spin.
Thursday saw the 'Pelagian' releasing 14 on the baits and 1 on the fly, with the 'MOW' releasing 7 from 15 on the fly. The 'Sirena' went 15 from 23 on the baits.
Friday the 3rd saw the 'Classic' going 25 from 30 on the baits, the 'MOW' released 14 from 19 on the fly and 'Intensity' released 12 from 23 also on the fly.
Things got really hot for Capt. Erik Lorentzen and South Florida's and Fins n' Feathers flyfishing regular, Nick Smith aboard the 'Intensity' on Saturday the 4th. With some superb teamwork and aggressive fish they raised the bar, making the most of a superb day and by the end of it had set a new single day billfishing release record on the fly by going an amazing 23 from 31 bites.Every one of those were caught by a single angler, IGFA legal, quite a feat. Congrat's to angler, captain and crew!!! But if that wasn't enough, things continued to go their way the following day when they went an almost more amazing 20 from 21 bites on the fly, to set a new 3 day release record of 51 sailfish released on the fly, and all by a single angler!!!
The 4th also saw the 'Classic' going 26 from 41 on the baits, the 'Magic' a not so lucky 10 from 31 on the fly and the 'MOW' 10 from 12 on the fly. The 'Pelagian' went out on a half days fun trip giving Fins' n' Feathers, manageress Cindy and secretary Paola an idea of what it is that makes the rest of us so crazy for the game, by going 5 for 7 on the fly and releasing 14 on the baits. Our helpful ladies can do more than just talk-the-talk!!
Sunday saw the 'MOW' catch 26 from 41 bites on the baits, the 'Classic' release 3 from 11 on the fly and 10 from 13 on the baits. The 'Magic went 7 from 23 on the fly and the 'Pelagian' 3 from 15 on the fly and 3 from 7 on the baits.
Now if that isn't fantastic fishing then I don't know what is. We here at Fins n' Feathers in Guatemala and all at Artmarina, wish you a happy and healthy year ahead filled with as much fishing action as we have seen this past week. There are still some open dates and it promises to be a long and fish-filled season ahead, so get on down here to make it a year to remember!!!
Until next week. Keep a circle hook on that leader, a bend in that rod and a healthy fish in the water.
Capt. Brad Philipps, 'Pelagian', Artmarina.
Fins n' Feathers, Guatemala.
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