Blue Bayou Sport Fishing Lodge

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Located in Iztapa, Guatemala, the undisputed sailfish capital of the world, Blue Bayou Sport Fishing Lodge has been treating visiting anglers to astounding billfish action since 2010. Built on the edge of a saltwater canal leading to the Pacific Ocean nearby, in a gated, residential complex close to the marina where the area’s sportfishing fleet docks, Blue Bayou offers comfortable, all-inclusive accommodations, first-class service and delicious food and drink at more affordable rates than other operations in the area.

The beautiful setting is perfect for relaxing and trading fish tales with fellow anglers. Chilled cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a refreshing swim in the pool await guests after their day out on the water. And the poolside tiki bar serves the finest dark rum and an array of popular drinks, and features a sub-freezing, beer-mug cooler and satellite TV to watch your favorite team go for the win.

Capt. Chris Starr and his wife, Patricia, are the lodge owners and hosts. They have assembled an all-star team to ensure your stay exceeds expectations. And Chris, a veteran big-game captain with many seasons in Guatemala under his belt, also picked the best local crews and trained them in the art of bait-and-switch to make the most of your time offshore and help you cash in on the region’s unmatched billfish bite

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Season

Year Round

Species

Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Dorado, Pacific Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna

Accomodations

Seven air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms.

Occupancy

12 Guests

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The Blue Bayou Sport Fishing Lodge Experience

Blue Bayou is an all-inclusive lodge offering comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with private baths. The covered, outdoor deck, the loungers and hammocks surrounding the swimming pool, and the poolside tiki bar are ideal gathering spots to mingle with fellow guests and enjoy cocktails and appetizers. The food and service are terrific, and the beer and some alcoholic beverages (except top-shelf) are complimentary.

A combination of favorable winds and currents, an abundance of baitfish and consistent temperatures make Guatemalan waters the fertile big-game fishing grounds that they are. The country’s geographic location and steady winds blowing through Mexico’s Tehuantepec practically guarantee pretty calm seas and the right temperature all year.

In addition, the region’s underwater topography and the strong Equatorial Counter Current, which flows west to east, set the stage for an astonishing offshore jackpot with sailfish, marlin (blue, black and striped), tuna, and dorado filling the starring roles. And not only do the top game boats here report 20, 30 or more daily releases with some regularity, they also amass more than 2,000 billfish catches most years.

Guatemala offers terrific year-round angling, and Blue Bayou’s boats frequently raise more than 20 billfish per day. While October through June is considered peak season, the truth is that rainy season (usually mid-July through September) slows travel to the area, resulting in fewer fishing trips and lesser release numbers, but the fish are still there for anglers willing to deal with sporadic showers, which captains can frequently maneuver around fairly easily.

Fishing Schedule

A little before 7:00am, anglers head to Marina Pez Vela (a 5-minute drive) to board their boat in Blue Bayou’s air-conditioned van, which will be waiting to take them back to the lodge when they return to port at about 4:30pm, after a full day on the water.

Boats

The lodge has a pair of time-proven, sportfishing boats, both well maintained, rigged specifically for big-game angling, and fully equipped with topnotch gear:

Sails Call: This 35-foot Bertram boasts a spacious cockpit with ample fishing room, comfortable seating, an air-conditioned cabin with private head, and a sun cover that provides welcome shade and easily retracts when the bite is on. The renowned hull design of this Bertram provides a stable fishing platform and ensures a smooth, comfy ride to and from the fishing grounds in any conditions. And, powered by twin Cummins diesels, the boat cruises easily at 21 knots.

Sails Pitch: This 28-foot Carolina Classic incorporates a surprisingly roomy cockpit in a functional layout that, along with the boat’s maneuverability, make it a superb fish-fighting machine. Comforts include seating to port and starboard, an electric head and a covered area under the helm station. Powered by twin 240 hp Yanmars, this boat cruises efficiently at speeds of up to 22 knots.

Loaner Gear

Blue Bayou’s boats carry a selection of flies and fly outfits from top brands, rigged specifically for offshore big-game, however, visiting anglers are welcome to bring their own gear and enlist the experienced crews to help with proper rigging.

Blue Bayou offers comfortable, well-appointed rooms with full, private baths, plus excellent food and service, in a gated location for privacy and safety. A swimming pool, adjacent lounging and gathering areas, an outdoor tiki bar and beautiful landscaping add to the overall relaxed feel. The complimentary laundry service is a nice touch not often offered elsewhere.

Cuisine

At Blue Bayou, anglers start their day with great, Guatemalan coffee (or tea), juice and a hearty breakfast. Lunches are prepared right on the boat and served hot, sometimes featuring a freshly-caught mahi or tuna. A refreshing cocktail awaits guests returning from a day out on the water, followed shortly by delicious appetizers in the covered deck or at the bar. For dinner, guests can expect a variety of international and traditional Guatemalan dishes (influenced by Mexican and Caribbean cuisine), often including fresh, local seafood. Of course, the staff at Blue Bayou will gladly accommodate any dietary needs and/or restrictions conveyed ahead of your arrival at the lodge.

The well-stocked tiki bar (appropriately called The Last Mango Bar) offers a good selection of beers, wines and spirits, and the bartender is a master at mixing most popular cocktails.

Connectivity

Some cell providers have service that works in Guatemala. Plus, the lodge has a phone and also offers free Wi-Fi, with boosters throughout the property to ensure fast, stable internet service.

Blue Bayou can arrange bird-watching tours, Iguana or duck hunts, private beach days, surfing lessons, trips to picturesque Lake Atitlan, flights to Tikal to visit the Mayan ruins, or a side trip to Antigua, Guatemala’s original capital city, known for its historic, Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, its fine coffee and artisanal crafts, and the great views of nearby volcanoes.

Several airlines offer direct flights to Guatemala City, the nation’s capital, from Miami (2 hours), Houston (2 ½ hours), Dallas and Atlanta (3 ½ hours) and Los Angeles (6 hours). After clearing Guatemalan customs, you will be met by a representative of Blue Bayou and driven directly to the lodge in Iztapa, a 90-minute drive from Guatemala City’s international airport—on a modern highway leading from the mountains to the coast.

Iztapa, where Blue Bayou is located, is a farming and commercial-port town. Affluent Guatemalans discovered its natural beauty and constructed a number of private, waterfront neighborhoods of opulent homes bordering the town. Marina Pez Vela in nearby Puerto San Jose, where Blue Bayou’s boats are docked, is only five minutes away from the lodge. While some small businesses, cevicherias and other food kiosks line the road leading to the port, there are no tourist shops or eateries in the area. To accommodate early flight departures at the end of the trip, guests sometimes choose to spend their final night at a first-class hotel in Guatemala City.

Midcurrent’s services are completely free, so you never pay more than if you booked directly with the lodge or outfitter. All rates are per person and listed in U.S. dollars.

2023 Rates

35-Foot Sportfishing Boat ( Sails Call )
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 3: $3,255 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,154)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 2: $4,501 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,590)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/single angler: $8,500 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $2,000)

28-Foot Sportfishing Boat ( Sails Pitch )
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 3: $2,724 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $912)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/group of 2: $3,528 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $1,107)
4 Nights / 3 Days Fishing/single angler: $5,936 per pers. (Addit’l Night and Day Fishing $2,072)

Included:

The number of nights lodging specified in the package (double-occupancy)
All meals and complimentary beverages at the lodge
Laundry service
Airport ground transfers
Fishing aboard selected boat with captain and two mates (deck hands)
Full complement of gear and flies (if needed)
Lunches, snacks and complimentary beverages (water, sodas, beer, rum and vodka) aboard the boat
Marina ground transfers

Not Included:

Airfare to Guatemala City, Guatemala
Gratuities for fishing guides and lodge staff
Side tours and non-angling activities

Bookings are confirmed with a 50 percent deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at Midcurrent’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. Midcurrent’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that Midcurrent represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from Midcurrent’s terms, supersede any agreements between Midcurrent and a client.

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Blue Bayou Sport Fishing Lodge