Ninth Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational
December 6-9, 2024
Story by: Randy Weitzel
Dec 4-9th saw 25 members of the IGFTO descend upon Buena Vista Fishing Resort in Iztapa, Guatemala for the 9th Annual Guatemala Billfish Tournament. Pacific Fins Resort played host to the actual tournament and provided a top notch experience for both observers and anglers. Several of our members arrived on the 4th to an angry Guatemalan volcano. However, it could not prevent a great day of pre-tournament fishing for our observers. Three boats set out for the early day of fishing with one going 6 for 10 on sailfish and the others bringing back catches of Tuna, Snook, Snapper and other deep water and inshore species. A great experience for all that chose to take an extra day of fishing. Friday the 6th kicked off day one of the tournament with an amazing sunrise and rush of 29 plus boats exiting the harbor at 7am. Eighteen boats were competing in the pro division and 11 in the amateur division. As an Observer on "Gringo" in the pro division on day one, I called the release of 10 Sailfish on 10 bites. They were in second place after day one as 'Amante" brought home 2000 points in billfish within the pro division and "The King II" lead the amateur division after day one with 1800 points. All in all, day 1 saw 183 sails and 8 blue marlin released. In addition, 236lbs of "fun fish" were brought to the scales.
Day 2 woke us all up to some angrier waters but didn't hold anyone back. With consistent 5'-6'+ swells for most of the day several boats were still able to put solid scores on the board. I had the pleasure of observing on "Fishy Business" which brought in 10 sails and one blue marlin. In addition, Stacy Wills set herself up as the lead female angler by scoring 3 sails this day and 5 for the tournament. In total the tournament saw another 192 sailfish and 9 blue marlin released along with another 140.5lbs of "fun fish" brought to the scales. Day two leaders consisted of "Decisive" scoring 1800 points and "Poco Loco" scoring 1400 points in the amateur division.
At the start of day 3 all teams were within reach of the top of the leaderboard. I was tossed into the lap of luxury on the 70' Ocean Yacht "The King II". After day two they were atop the amateur total leaderboard. Day 3 saw them hook and release 10 sailfish for a very successful day. In total, another 175 sailfish and 10 blue marlin were released along with another 226.5lbs of "fun fish". "Gringo" held off the other boats in the pro division as the day 3 top scorer and "Sails Pitch 2" led the amateur division.After 3 successful days of the tournament, Pacific Fins Resort hosted a fun filled evening of great food and camaraderie for all. The leaderboard was tight at the top with team "Decisive" scoring 4,300 total points in the pro division and team "Intensity" taking first place in the amateur division with 3,800 total points. Of note team "Decisive" led the tournament with 9 Blue Marlin released. Team "Canaso" also led the "fun fish" scoring bringing over 161 lbs to the scales. Although many will say the bite was a little slow for Guatemala, the 9th Annual Guatemalan Billfish tournament finished with a successful release of 631 sailfish and 27 Blue Marlin. IGFTO had a great showing of 25 observers with almost 20% of them being first time attendees. A great representation of our organization that reflects greatly upon all of our members.
Thank you Guatemala!
