Makaira: Then & Now
Believe it or not, every single one of our vessels here at Casa Vieja Lodge has lived a long and exciting life before they ultimately became a part of our fleet.
Welcome to a new newsletter segment, we’re calling the Histories of our Fleet!
To start a new series on where all of our boats came from, we’re premiering with a longstanding favorite, a truly exceptional example of the Rybovich day boat: the Makaira!
Built in 1962, from the original Rybovich boatyard in West Palm Beach, the 37′ vessel went by the very first name of Tralee Kate II, and was the 53rd hull made by the Rybovich family!
After that, the 37′ Rybovich went through a series of hand and name changes, including Big Pete, Venture, Tobey, Adam’s Folly, Rookie IV, Lil Liz, & Pelagian.
The Pelagian operated at Fins ‘n Feathers, and Casa Vieja Lodge acquired her in 2007 and renamed her the Makaira. Capt Salazar fully restored this 37′ Rybovich in October 2015 complete with brand new Cummins QSB6.7 engines.
With such a rich history, we’re very proud to own this 37′ Rybovich. Whatever her name, our Makaira has always been one of the best fish raisers and most requested boats, she has previously held the record for most billfish caught in a single season (two years in a row), and won’t stop her hustle anytime soon!
Want to fish on the famous Makaira?? Call us today and we’ll ensure you have an unforgettable time on this historic boat!
Making Money Moves!
Last month, thanks to a healthy amount of Sancocho’s and donations made during our second annual Trophy Husbands Invitational Tournament, we raised over $11,000 (American!) dollars to continue renovations on the local Puerto San Jose primary school!!
Just to recap, the Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta has around 310 local Puerto San Jose students, from ages 4 to 13 years old, ranging in grades Pre-K through 6th.
Before any construction began, they only had 3 bathrooms, without running \water, and in very poor condition. There was little to no security for their supplies and belongings. And most of their buildings (while also having poor electricity) had very few windows for any natural light, and weren’t the most structurally sound.
As of today, we’ve managed to strip, power wash and repaint the entire school in a fun and vibrant teal color; perfectly suited for our vivacious niños and niñas.
In addition to finishing construction on the eight brand-new toilet stalls we had already started, we were able to build four more bathroom cubicles, complete with working plumbing and full electricity.
Most importantly, we were able to reinforce each building and outfit the entire campus with better security and anti-theft measures; so all of the new desks, supplies and anything else belonging to our children can stay for the children!
Last but not least, thanks to some very generous donors, we’ve also been gifted even more backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons and other standard classroom supplies!
Thank you again, to all of our anglers, especially the anglers who couldn’t make it this year but still sent in donations!! We’re filled with so much gratitude to everyone helping us in this endeavor, and we can’t wait to keep updating you along this journey and share the final results.
If you’re looking for a way to help the cause, but can’t make it to Casa Vieja Lodge for any of our tournaments, consider making a “virtual” donation! Call our Miami office today to find out more (305) 854-4665.
Available Fishing Dates:
- August 8-11: Finest Kind (40′) & Release (37′)
- October 10-17: Pica Mas (48′) & Release (37′)
- October 29-November 1: Finest Kind (40′)
- November 25-29: Finest Kind (40′) & Makaira (37′) *Thanksgiving!
- December 18-23: Chilero (38′)
- December 31-January 2: Makaira (37′) *NYE!
- January 14-16: Poco Loco (44′)
- January 21 & 22: Pica Mas (48′) & Makaira (37′)
- February 9-11: The Hooker (48′)
- February 20-22: Rum Line (40′)
- February 28-March 5: Release (37)
- March 17 & 18: The Hooker (48′)
- April 8-10: Finest Kind (40′)
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.
July Fishing Report
These July waters have been good to us! Although we had fewer anglers in the lodge, the days we went out remained steady with great billfish numbers, and some good mahi mahi numbers, too!
We’re more than halfway through our Summer Fishing season here at Casa Vieja and though we’ve had a slower month, we’re still going strong in lapping our total numbers from last year.
Just a reminder, next month (August) is your last chance to finish out the summer strong with plenty of sailfish releases PLUS blue marlin! Nothing hits like a great day of bill fishing finished off with light Summer Storms, while you sip cocktails and unwind under our Tiki; trust us.
Below are a few fishing highlights (a combination of conventional & fly):
- July 8th-9th, the Chilero (Islander)(38′ Warren O’Neal) with Capt. Nico Melendrez had 21 raises, 21 bites, 18 sailfish releases, 1 marlin raise, and 4 mahi-mahi!
- July 20th-23rd, the Rum Line (40′ Gamefisherman) with Capt. Terry Brennan, had 99 raises, 95 bites, 67 sailfish releases plus 1 marlin raised & 14 mahi-mahi!
- July 22nd-24th, the Finest Kind (40′ Whiticar)with Capt. Benji Bairez, had 65 raises, 57 bites, 48 sailfish releases, 1 marlin raised, and 1 marlin bite, plus 7 mahi-mahi!
- July 22nd-24th, Pica Más (48′ Whiticar)with Capt. Nicho Alvarenga, had 42 raises, 39 bites & 27 sailfish releases, 3 marlin raises, 1 marlin bite and 1 marlin release, plus 10 mahi-mahi!
