Guatemala Sailfish and Billfish Fly Fishing

Hot Dates in the billfish capital of the world!
December yields some of the best multiple billfish species shots of anywhere in the world. We're talking Pacific blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin & of course SAILFISH. With crews that will get you that sideways EAT that we all dream about. It's not a matter of getting an opportunity, it's a matter of perfecting your abilities with higher than 20 looks a day and big number days into 60-80 fish behind the boat! Highly aggressive fish that will crush a fly just 10 yards behind the stern is why folks come to Guatemala.

“This was my third time with Blue Bayou and it will soon turn into a fourth. The service at the lodge is amazing and the food just keeps getting better. Chris and his staff make you feel like family rather than clients. The fishing is obviously world class, their tackle is in great shape, the mates are top notch and Chris works hard to keep you on the fish. I have fished all over the world and Guatemala is fast becoming my favorite fishing destination, due in no small part to the service provided by Blue Bayou.” — Shawn S.

The Fishing

When it comes to big-game angling, few places in the world even come close to matching Guatemala’s amazing fishery. The region’s underwater topography and strong currents that flow west to east set the stage for a replenishing offshore bonanza. A significant canyon that comes as close as 15 miles from Guatemala’s shores serves a thoroughfare for a variety of big-game species. Meanwhile, the currents—after colliding with the jagged sea floor—create upwellings that send nutrient-rich, oxygenated waters toward the surface, attracting a diverse buffet of forage that draws scores of sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado and more.

Pacific sailfish averaging 100 pounds in weight and eight feet in length are the main protagonists, as their abundance is such that top crews fishing Guatemalan waters report 20, 30 or more daily releases with some regularity and tally over 2,000 catches most years. Combined with the blue, black and striped marlin also present, the sheer numbers of billfish in Guatemala present fly fishers with an unusual situation...lots of opportunity to succeed!

Blue Bayou Lodge

Blue Bayou is an all-inclusive lodge located on the water, 24/7 security, with 8 guest rooms, cold AC, strong WIFI and killer views of the volcano.

The covered, outdoor deck, the loungers and hammocks surrounding the swimming pool, and the poolside tiki bar are ideal gathering spots to mingle with fellow guests and enjoy cocktails and appetizers.

The food and service are terrific, and the beer and some alcoholic beverages (except top-shelf) are complimentary.

Getting here: your final destination is Guatemala City. Which is serviced by all major southern US states. ATL, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, LA & Chicago (Select days). When you arrive in Guatemala City, our English fluent driver will be there to whisk you away.

The Experience

The type of fishing we do here is referred to as ''teaser fishing'' or ''bait & switch.'' Which means a 100lb sailfish will be looking at you from 5 yards away! They chase a hookless lure and it's our mate's job to close that gap quickly without letting the fish get ahold of our gear, speed & positioning is the name of the game. From there a fly is tossed in the water as the boat is put out of gear for one short cast. With the teaser out of the water and fish fired up, the big pink sailfish fly gets lit up!

Type of boats? Classic 35 Bertrams. Both boats have new power by Cummins diesel. Our boats have AC, plenty of shade and are known battle wagons for any ocean. Our Pacific ocean is the calmest there is!

Let the Blue Bayou Lodge show you what we have been doing for 16 years as we celebrate the 2025-26 season!

Welcome to the most fertile billfish waters in the world.

Your Host

Capt Christopher Starrs
Blue Bayou Owner and Operator

My name is Capt. Christopher Starrs and I'm a 100-Ton USCG Licensed Captain. I'm from the USA originally (Michigan to be exact), but I've been in Guatemala fishing offshore for close to 19 years now.

I love Guatemala as it is truly the Billfish Capital of the World. What makes Guatemala's fishery so special is our big sailfish numbers (and marlin in the mix!) and how aggressive they both are. Our crews are especially dialed in with getting the right angles and opportunities at these aggressive billfish on the fly rod. Being a fellow Gringo I'm very involved with taking time with clients to get them up to speed on our fishing practices.

I look forward to welcoming you to Blue Bayou.