A Hooker’s History

You know her, you love her—arguably the most legendary of our fleet, the 48’ G&S custom sportfisher: The Hooker.

Built in 1977 at the original North Carolina factory, she was designed with one purpose in mind: to fish hard and fish well. It didn’t take long for her to prove her mettle, eventually becoming part of the iconic mothership program alongside The Madam. Together, this duo changed the game, traveling the world to explore remote fisheries and chase billfish seasons long before it became the industry standard.

The Hooker‘s resume is truly in a league of its own. Over a storied career spanning more than 20 countries, she has helped anglers secure an incredible 87 IGFA world records, the vast majority on light and ultralight tackle.

Today, that record-breaking DNA is still very much alive at her final home with us at Casa Vieja Lodge. While she no longer crosses oceans as a tender, The Hooker is perfectly at home in the equally famous waters of Guatemala.

Joining our fleet on January 15, 2021, our late, great Captain David Salazar acquired this legendary vessel direct from Captain Skip Smith; who had famously ran it originally back alongside The Madam in 1989, and had recently brought her fully back to life in 2016.

Stepping aboard The Hooker today isn’t just another day on the water—it’s a chance to fish on a true legend. Whether it’s raising billfish easily into the hundreds, or helping guests experience our iconic world-class billfishing, The Hooker continues to do exactly what she was built to do: raise fish and put anglers on the bite of a lifetime.

Every excursion on The Hooker carries the weight of her history, serving as a reminder that you are fishing aboard a vessel that has seen it all, done it all, and is still adding chapters to a story that’s far from over. Come join us at Casa Vieja Lodge and experience this legend for yourself.