An El Niño-Proof Lodge

Are you familiar with the El Niño Effect?

The El Niño Effect is a natural weather/climate phenomenon where, during certain seasons, there is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

What does this mean? Well, this event can have significant impacts: influencing weather patterns, ocean currents, and ecosystems. It can lead to changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and—most of all, can cause disruptions to marine life.

Basically: the ocean heats up from time to time and it’s No Bueno for the fish.

HOWEVER, we over at Casa Vieja Lodge, along with the Guatemalan fishery in general seem to be an exception to this phenomenon, according to Dr. Nelson Ehrhardt (pictured, top right with the Salazar’s and Guy Harvey). From his studies over the decades, he has seen Guatemala avoid the El Niño effect, noting that water temperatures have remained the same as Non-El Niño years. He also mentions that the same current eddy’s that keep the bait within Guatemala waters, still produce, which keep the sailfish as resident guests. We wish we had known this sooner!

ICAST 2023

If you’re newer here, or just are not aware, every year in July we have the privilege to attend ICAST! The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades is the world’s largest trade fair for sportfishing; in short: ICAST is an expo to bring together fishing professionals and companies in the sportfishing industry.

This year, Casa Vieja Lodge had an incredible time at ICAST ’23, with our booth right behind the Costa Del Mar Booth, we had quite a few friendly faces, both old and new, pop up and say hello.

From fishing captain legends like Capt. Jimbo Thomas and Capt. Bouncer Smith, to famed artist Guy Harvey, and TV/Fishing personalities like Capt. Rick Murphy and Roland Martin, fishing stories were traded amongst a handful of smiles.

We also had one very cool celebrity appearance…
…Toby Keith!

Yep! Country music singer and songwriting superstar, Toby Keith came by to check out the CVL booth. We even got him to sign one of our “Kick Plastic” Red Solo Cups! We’re so honored.

Among the celeb sightings, there was networking, selection of new AFTCO, Costa, and YETI products. We have new Companies looking to secure corporate and incentive trips for their employees too. If you’re interested let us know, we are booking for 2025 and will do all the heavy lifting for you!

The Real, Reel

Available Fishing Dates:

These are the available fishing dates, so any days of fishing during these dates will work. Your group will arrive the day before and depart the day after your fishing dates. Click the dates to book or call the Miami office (305) 854-4665.

Keeping up with the lodge:

Our Availability Calendar is online SEE HERE. Check to see if your dates are available and secure them by calling the Miami Office.
2023 Solo Anglers: November 16-20, 2023 (One spot left!)
2024 Solo Anglers: June 5-9, 2024 & November 20-24 2024, click HERE for more info.
2023 No Sancocho Sailfish Shootout Tournament Sign-Up: Interested in finally fishing the tournament? Sign up HERE to register your team. First come, first served! (One spot left!)
Spend Thanksgiving at the lodge! No cooking or cleaning, just great fishing, food & quality family time.
Hook & Harvest: October 23-26 2023 (Fishing October 24 & 25) Click HEREto secure your spot! (They’re gonna go FAST!)

Guatemala Fishing Report

Once again, this July is proving itself to be just as abundant as our SnowBird season (Winter months). Anglers have been reeling in a boatload of tuna, mahi, marlin, and sailfish. These calm seas have been quite generous this summer, for sure. No matter the time of the year, the fish are here!

Our Captains are always able to make it look easy, this summer brought us some incredibly unique offshore experiences for our anglers. It’s always such a joy to see our lodge-goers come back boasting about being able to catch the fish of their dreams! Summer fishing is great fishing.

Trip Insurance, if you don’t have it, GET IT!

Global Rescue’s 6 Most Commonly Asked Questions about COVID-19 Services

C ontact them on your own to get a quote, or call 617-459-4200. The average trip insurance ranges from $119-$550 to protect your entire investment and is based on your age and the amount of your trip.

Summer Fishing is Great Fishing!