Success Occurs When

Strangers Become Friends

Casa Vieja Lodge hosted the prestigious Marlin University of Marlin Magazine from May 4-7^th. Marlin University gives anglers hand-on, personalized, side-by-side instruction in actual blue-water conditions! Joining us in Guatemala were top billfish instructors Charles Perry, Fly Navarro, George Sawley, and Bo Jenyns. With an MU instructor on each boat this gives the anglers coaching needed to help land the billfish

Every evening MU instructors deliver a comprehensive course on all aspects of preparing for, finding and landing the big ones. The youngest angler this session was 12 years-old and needless to say he is starting off on the right foot! We also had a family join us for a little play and work as they learned together for tournament preparation for their boat back home. Marlin University totals were 154 sailfish raises, 137 bites, and 83 releases, with 9 marlin raises, 7 bites, and 5 releases. An ample amount of opportunity to put your fresh new skills and advice to the test!

Thereafter, Casa Vieja Lodge hosted the Spring Solo Angler’s Weekend May 11-13^th and it was another successful event for all our single anglers! The Solo anglers fished aboard the Affinity (39′ Billy Knowles) with 3 anglers, and Spindrift (38′ Stopler) with 2 anglers, for 3 days, at the amazing Solo angler price of $2,930! That’s about 50% off a normal single angler rate!

Anglers had to face the unusual Tropical Storm Adrian the first day but nothing too rough, they just didn’t experience the typical flat calm seas Guatemala has to offer. Fishing was moderate but picked up and their final count of 3 days of fishing aboard the 2 boats ended with 70 sailfish raises, 58, bites, and 40 releases, with 6 marlin raises, 5 bites, and 2 releases! Still better than your backyard!

The solo anglers came into their journey alone, but everyone left as fantastic fishing buddies! A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face. Join us for our Fall Edition of Solo Anglers Week, November 2-4^th, 2017. Consider it an early holiday gift on us!

Rum Line Makeover

The distinguished Rum Line has been hauled out into the Casa Vieja Marine Services Boat Yard and is receiving some much needed love by our maintenance crew. Casa Vieja Lodge has selected to repower the Rum Line with twin Cummins QSC 8.3 Engines (500hp), replacing the previous mechanical version. “With these newer electronic engines she won’t blow black smoke while you are backing down on a big one, be much more fuel efficient, have a higher cruising speed of 25 knots, and frankly overall are a perfect match for this 40′ Gamefisherman,” said Captain/Owner David Salazar.

Of course part of her makeover includes all new electronics, generator, teak deck, amongst other small details that will make her shine. Capt. Chris Sheeder is patiently waiting for the installation of the user friendly SIMRAD NSS evo2 12-inch.  “To make my job even easier, it comes with a built-in CHIRP-enabled broadband sounder to help me find the fish!” said Capt. Chris with a chuckle.

The Rum Line will be back in the water this Fall along with the Release (37′ Merritt), and these two gems will be the most admirable wood charter boats around town. If you are a boat aficionado, make sure to secure your trip on one of these classic vessels. Looking this good while fishing isn’t a requirement but it definitely doesn’t hurt!

Fishing Highlights

Bring it on May! Thanks to weather, May started out a little slow, but it is going to end strong! Tropical Storm Adrian has moved on, numbers are up, and sailfish raises are back to double-digits as normal with the added treat of Marlin and Mahi! We are not expecting fishing to slow down at all this Summer! Call today to book your Summer fishing adventure and receive 15% OFF! 1-800-882-4665.

Catch us on the road at the 2017 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic June 5-11^th in Biloxi, home of the Gulf of Mexico Blue Marlin Record! Remember, you can always find our daily fishing reports on out website HERE. Below are just a few highlights

• May 3^rd was the Rum Line (40’ Gamefisherman) with Capt. Chris Sheeder’s last day on the water, they had 15 raises, 7 bites, and 1 sailfish release all on the fly!
• May 4^th-11^th, the Finest Kind (40’ Whiticar), with Capt. David Salazar, had 46 raises, 39 bites, and 26 sailfish releases! They also had 2 marlin raises, 2 marlin bites, 1 marlin release, and 2 mahi-mahi!
• May 4^th-13^th, the Afinity (39’ Billy Knowles) with Capt. Chico Alvarenga, had 82 raises, 68 bites, and 39 sailfish releases. They also had 8 marlin raises, 7 marlin bites, 4 marlin releases, mahi-mahi, AND 1 tuna!
• May 4^th-13^th, the Spindrift (38’ Stolper) with Capt. Nicho Alvarenga, had 89 raises, 81 bites, and 55 sailfish releases. PLUS 3 marlin raises, 3 marlin bites, 1 marlin release, 8 mahi-mahi and 1 tuna!
• May 4^th-16^th, the Makaira (37’ Rybovich) with Capt. Jason Brice, had 51 raises, 50 bites, and 36 sailfish releases. They also had 7 marlin raises, 3 marlin bites, 2 marlin releases, and 2 mahi-mahi!

“Cast away your troubles!”