Three New Items I’m Taking to Guatemala – February 2023

I technically don’t need to purchase another item of anything but I’m going on another Half Past First Cast adventure to Guatemala and of course I’ve added a few new retail therapy efforts to make the trip even more memorable.

We have gone through so much luggage in the past few years and this time Pete and I were looking for a nice lightweight carry-on piece that wasn’t bulky, but was lightweight, roomy and dark colored. It was also important that it look different than everyone else’s.

We ended up with the Gill Fishing Rolling Carry-On Bag in black. Get this: it has a waterproof tarpaulin fabric for added protection, perfect for fishing travel. It’s light and roomy and under the zippered flap is an internal mesh pocket, with two side mesh, zippered pockets as well. Like all roller backs it has a retractable handle but this one is made of aluminum to keep it lightweight and durable. There are also three cushioned grab handles, one on top and one on either side for easy maneuvering. This will help you easily put it in and out of airplane storage, in the car, or help you carry if rolling isn’t an option.

The kicker for me is that it matches my Gill lightweight rain jacket. My rain jacket has an orange zipper and the bags wheels and zipper pulls are orange (my favorite color).

After this review everyone is going to want to get one so I might have to slap a Half Past First Cast label on the front so everyone knows it’s MINE.

One of the perks that you get to take home with from Casa Vieja Lodge, besides great pictures of your catches, a few extra pounds and meeting new people, is a YETI 18oz Rambler Bottle. CVL is firmly committed to helping the environment and to as part of that effort they have eliminated all single-use plastic bottles. There are refillable water stations at the Lodge and YETI coolers of water on the boats to keep you constantly hydrated.

I love all our different colored water bottles as I am always drinking water but I always frequently have my hands full. With my new YETI water bottle sling now I don’t have to leave my water behind. There are no excuses any longer. There is even a pocket for cash and cards.

I am so excited to use this on the volcano hike in Antigua. I will need my camera and also my water bottle on the way to the top. I know Pete won’t want to hold it for me. There is a strap that is adjustable (and removable) so tall or short it can be placed for your liking. The strap can also be used to hold onto so your fingers don’t swell up, instead of hanging down, if you are going for an extended distance.

The sling is made from the same material as their coolers and even has a mount on the back so you can attach it to the Hopper Soft Cooler or the Camino Carryall Bag. It comes is several colors and is worth the price.

Our eyes are the most precious part of our bodies and if you are on the water, you need a good pair of glasses that not only fit you correctly but are good for the type of fishing you are doing. I am always willing to try different brands to see how they fit and whether they are comfortable for a long day on the water.

I was introduced to Bajio sunglasses by lady angler Melinda Mize and I decided to try out the Cometa, Amber Tort glass lenses with blue mirror lenses – the best for offshore fishing as they block more sun than other colors. I am hoping these will work great while in Guatemala and on subsequent bluewater trips.

When I first held them in my hands the plant-based frames felt sturdy and solid, which I thought might mean heavy on the face. However, not only do the frames fit great, but they are remarkably lightweight. I can’t wait to try them out to see if they really will reduce fatigue and help me see more big billfish in the spread.

One of the first noticeable differences on these glasses, as compared to some others I own, is they have non-slip rubber nose pads and hidden rubber temple tips so they don’t slip off. If I sweat while fighting a mahi, tuna or sail – or perhaps my dream marlin – they should stay in place. Bajio is another company that has taken great efforts to protect our natural resources, especially the ocean.