Captain Troy Perez’s Guatemalan Fly-Fishing Experience

By CAM Staff

Recently Captain Troy Perez and Deanna Jenkins went to Guatemala with dreams of catching sailfish - specifically a sailfish on fly. Troy has been in Costa Rica several times without having the reward of a sailfish on fly - this is why they planned the trip to Guatemala. The flight didn’t really take that long flying into the modern airport in Guatemala City and traveling south to Pacific Fins Resort in the city of Iztapa.

No place in the world offers more sailfish raises, bites and releases than Guatemala. Pacific Fins’ experienced fleet averages 15-20 bites a day. They cater to experienced and beginner fly anglers. “We were welcomed by a warm and friendly staff that met all of our needs.” On day one, within the first hour of fishing Deanna caught 2 sailfish on conventional tackle and then it was Troy’s turn. The two were impressed by the mates and captain’s ability to bring sailfish to the back of the transom. Capt. Troy was amazed at the expertise the crew had in setting up his chance to catch one on fly. After some learning curves, Capt. Troy landed one on the 5th fish he hooked, a dream come true! Deanna went on to catch 2 more that day and Capt. Troy also caught 2 more on conventional tackle. They also had a shot at a blue marlin on fly on day 1. Day 2 was exciting, they landed 6 sailfish, 1 large dorado and a yellow fin tuna. At one point, 3 sailfish were hooked up at the same time and the mate had to jump in and help. They also landed a double on this epic adventure. Offshore they encountered a large pod of several hundred spinner dolphins that entertained them with jumping and running around the boat. The yellow fin tuna was caught in this pod of bottle nose dolphin. The mates prepared tuna sashimi with fresh avocados and onions with soy sauce to eat right while out on the boat, what a treat. The mate also prepared grilled Mahi and tuna for us to enjoy while we fished. They also encountered large whales on each fishing trip. At the end of each day back at the lodge they were greeted by a wonderful staff that prepared meals and drinks by the pool. The variety of food was excellent and the mahi fingers were the best! The mahi sashimi was also delicious. Day 3 was a little rough on the seas, but Capt. Troy was able to land 2 more sailfish on fly. Deanna landed 3 more sailfish and they both were able to catch 2 more large dorado. The total for three days - 18 sailfish, they raised a lot more but when fly fishing they were limited to the number they could have landed. Other boats using conventional tackle were catching 20 plus sailfish a day. Pacific Fins has spearheaded the commission in Guatemala for the protection of sailfish in their great country. They are laying the groundwork for future generations to enjoy, protect and experience this biggame fishing destination. well, many fish in the 40/50lb class have been caught recently. Captain Joe of the FireFight had a 48-pound kingfish last week. Stud of a king. Nice work Joey

Guatemala is a country bursting with biodiversity and an indigenous culture with a vibrant identity. It has volcanos, tropical forests, outstanding Mayan ruins and beautiful lakes and exotic wildlife. A beautiful and culturally rich country located in Central America. It has thousands of species of plants in 19 different ecosystems. It has 250 species of mammals, 600 bird species and 200 reptiles and amphibians. There are 30 volcanoes spread throughout the highlands. Although Troy and Deanna did not visit any tourist spots, there is lots to see. El Peten in northeast Guatemala represents the largest tropical rain forest in Central America, containing ruins from ancient Mayan civilizations. The Mayan ruins of Tikal, a sprawling complex of 3000 structures, is the crown jewel among El Peten’s 13,000 sq miles. The city of Antiqua is also a must see. With restored Spanish colonial architecture, manicured parks, international cuisine, and a horizon shaped by three volcanos it is one of the most stunning destinations in the world. Lake Atitlan is 50 square miles of deep, crystal blue water surrounded by three volcanos overlooked by 12 quaint villages, whose residents wear traditional dress that distinguishes each town from the next. It is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

If you ever dreamed of catching a 100-pound sailfish on fly, it is time to discover Guatemala sport fishing. With year-round abundant sailfish populations, you will have more opportunities for hookups than anywhere else in the world. Capt. Troy and Deanna made travel arrangements through Central American Fishing Vacations and Chris was extremely helping in planning their dream fishing trip.

August can be considered a tough time to fish in East Central Florida for several reasons, but that does not mean you can’t find plenty of opportunities to bend the rod and do battle with some awesome fish. The most notable factor that effects our lagoon fishing is the sweltering summer heat and how it plays into the day for most of our desired gamefish targets. There is only one way to beat the heat and stay catching regardless of how hot it gets. Fishing in the cooler times of the day is a sure way to keep yourself a bit more comfortable and achieve your goal of some solid catches. Hitting the water very early or late in the afternoon and even exploring your local night fishing is a spectacular work around keeping you off the water in those times of high sun and maximum heat.

As a fishing guide the fun of transitioning from our target species season to season is something that never gets old. Preparing gear and tackle along with anticipation of the memories to be made is almost intoxicating. Many nights are spent getting ready for the coming adversary. For me I’m a native Merritt Islander raised on fishy adventures around Pine Island Road where I grew up.

Preparation for one target species season stirs emotion like no other. The fish that holds a special place in my world and many others is the majestic Tarpon. The fact that I spent my formative years obsessed with my summertime friends at the end of the road mirrors the obsession that many people feel for one of the most interesting fish that swims. There are many solid reasons that the tarpon tops a lion’s share of angler’s bucket lists, and East Central Florida has tarpon fishing that can easily be rated in the world class category. From the juvenile lagoon fish to monster man size versions of tarpon that hunt the summer waters just outside the beach side breakers, we have it all and kayaks can reach them. Tarpon has many adaptations that make them so successful that they are known to be one of the oldest fish species found with fossil records showing them unchanged since before dinosaurs walked the earth. The ability to process breathable air as well as dissolved oxygen is an adaptation that allows their young to survive in water with oxygen levels so low that predators are scarce. However, this very adaptation and the surface roll they use to collect the supplemental oxygen is a dead giveaway to their presence and an indication of your chances to catch one. Challenging doesn’t even begin to describe the ebb and flow of tarpon fishing and personally that is one of the reasons they hold such a high regard to those who enjoy catching a fish or two. Summertime is tarpon time and May tends to be the kickoff to our season of catching this hard fishing gamefish. Though we can find a bite almost year-round the warmer waters of summer lead to increased numbers of happy fish. The Canals, ditches, and many other backwater areas will play host to tarpon in the 5-35lb range. Look at the open bridge spans that dot the lagoons for bigger fish in the 40-70lb range. You must hit the beach for the full-grown version, but plenty will be available for kayak anglers to the north and south. There is no doubt that as you read this, I am well past the beginning stages of preparation for a fish that I’ve dreamt about for as long as I can remember. Tight Lines from Capt. Alex.

With little tidal current until you get to the Ponce Inlet area in the north or Sebastian Inlet to the south, we do not have the relief of cooler ocean water flooding the shallows multiple times a day regardless of where the sun is. In those nontidal areas, the water temperatures climb as the sun does and by midday it is uncomfortably hot. Just like ourselves the fish also react to the oppressive heat and look to find some refuge. For us some cold drinks and a little shade with some breeze is exactly what we look for to cool down and relax, maybe a little time in the AC even. Typically, the last thing we look for is a giant meal. Fish do the same and look to find cooler deeper water or some shade to ride out the heat. Much like colder weather the heat also causes fish to become lethargic and many time unwilling to feed or do anything but sulk. If you do find yourself looking to catch in the heat, baits like live shrimp are a good choice as they fit the bill of a lite snack and not a full meal. In the cooler times like early morning, late evening, and even nighttime you can look to utilize more substantial offerings and the topwater plug excels at this. With the summer waters heavy bait presence those topwater plugs will get a look and can even be fished at night with great success. Also, live baits like mullet will get plenty of looks and are a great choice in the dark. Don’t let the dog days of summer get your fishing in a slump! Beat the heat and keep catching.

August fishing can be a challenge sometimes, but it’s always a fun time. The cold-water upwelling is still around and causing issues for bottom fishing and finding bait. By cold water, I’m talking about the yearly thermocline. Just because you can’t get a bottom bite going doesn’t mean the bottom fish don’t come up in the water column a little. Get on the wrecks and chum. You will find the cold pushes the fish up. They try to get to the warm water level. It’s not uncommon at all to see amberjack, snapper, cobia, mangroves, and many other species not far from the surface. Picking out the biggest fish can be fun especially for your charters.

Kingfish should continue to do

It feels like summer already. The water table is still dropping, and the lake is already at low levels – rain helps but not too much before hurricane season. Hydrilla is now at the water ’s surface making lures snag, but also makes it easy to see the edges of the drop-off. You should be able to find current at the canal entrances and bass are hanging around the edges of the sand bars. Bait of choice - crank baits like Rapala X-Raps or Rattle Traps. A lot of the bass are heading out to open water hydrilla patches and will stay there all summer. Bait of choice in open water vegetation are plastic baits like Zoom Speed Worms, flukes, Bitters brand vibe worms and the skinny dippers are the hot baits this month. Best colors are June bug, watermelon seed, black and blue.

The main crappie spawn is over, but you can still catch them around bridge pilings and along structures in the Kissimmee River. Use small minnows or a round jig head tipped with your favorite plastic tail in white or chartreuse. The breams are on the beds and will continue to spawn in the shallows all summer long especially around the full and new moon phases. To catch bream, use live crickets or small red worms. Areas for bream: Harney Pond canal; the Monkey Box and Observation Shoal; Dyess Ditch; Indian Praire; Kissimmee River; Hendry Creek and the J & S lock area.

Lake Okeechobee’s water level at 14 feet means the Corp of Engineers will discharge water into the St. Lucie canal and Caloosahatchee River systems lowering the level to 12 ft which is great for emergent vegetation but not so good for boaters who are unfamil-

Crappies are out in open water. Troll at various depths until you get a bite. Run multiple jigs in various colors tipped with a minnow and when you find which color they like, change them all to that color. Panfish: The bluegills have moved up into shallow water to compete for spawning areas. This is the best time to locate the spawning areas. The males are really aggressive and are starting to fan the beds they will be easy to see. Shell cracker will also be mixed in the same area. They are finishing up and will be spawning in a little deeper water. Both panfish prefer the same type of spawning area but will move out deeper to spawn due to the warming water temps and lower water table. Break out the flyrod with a popping bug. Another good bait is the trusty beetle spin in red and white, yellow, and black. If you are a live bait fisherman crickets under a float is the best bet for panfish followed by red worms.

Nearshore beach fishing is going to really be picking up. Tarpons are there and rolling every day. You can slow troll them or just drift in the mornings with live bait. We have caught them on everything. Chunk baits, live baits and artificial. There is not much they won’t eat. Beach fishing in 20-30 feet is a blast. You’d be amazed how shallow all these fish come in. Kings, bonito, jack crevalle and many other extreme fighting fish. Look for the schools of bunker. If you find them, you will find the fish. Shark fishing is about as good as it gets right now. If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, anchor up in 20 feet off the beach and hold on. Bonita and king are an excellent are there and rolling every day. Bonita and king are an excellent iar with the lake. Meanwhile, the bass bite is great using wild golden shiners and artificial lures. For the lure bite a popping frog and swim bait have been working well - the bass are feeding in the shallows on the spawning bream. Other lures to use are worms, toads, and rattle traps. Soft plastic lure colors: Junebug; redbug; black/blue; white; tilapia; cichlid; green pumpkin and watermelon red. Areas to catch bass are the same mentioned above for the bream and crappie.

Capt. Angie will be available for guided trips all summer and offers a discounted rate on a 4-hour live bait trip for two people for $300.00 including 2 dozen shiners. You will get the latest tips you can apply to fishing your home waters. Discounted rates for one-person trips and the military are available. For trip info visit www.southfloridabassfishing.com or call 863-228-7263.

Capt Angie’s Sponsors: Sponsors: Toho Marine (St. Cloud, Florida); Mercury Marine; BnM Poles; Bullet Weights; Lews; Real Magic; MidSouth Tackle; Pradco Brands; Gill; Maui Jim; G-Loomis; Gene Larew and Caymas boats.

Let’s grow with Florida together.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.