9 Tips for an Even Better Casa Vieja Lodge Trip of a Lifetime

“Casa Vieja Lodge -- World Class Fishing, World Class Fleet & Crews.”

We can confirm that it’s true. The proof is that in just a few weeks we’ll be back for our fifth time and we have a sixth trip on the books (February 14-18, 2026 – contact me to join us).

The lodge makes sure that you have a great trip, but by following a few simple tips, I can help ensure that your overall experience is beyond your imagination.

If You’re Not “Scop”ing, You’re Hoping -- Don’t be “that person.” Contact your doctor ahead of time and get a Scopolamine patch prescription. Most trips are only three days of fishing and you don’t want to miss an entire day because “you don’t get seasick.” We suggest putting it on before you go to bed on the first night, leave it on for two days and replace it the night before your last fishing day. The worst side effect we’ve experienced is a little cotton mouth.

Take an Icy Ramble -- Casa Vieja Lodge is very into conservation (another reason for its world class rank) and each guest is assigned their own 18 oz Yeti Rambler, (yes you can take it home) so there’s no excess plastic. I have two suggestions for you that I think are genius. There are huge Yeti coolers onboard the boat for water refills, but at breakfast ask for the Rambler to be filled with ice so you have really cold water throughout the day. Water will also help your cotton mouth. Second, the Rambler comes with a wide mouth screw top that you need to screw and unscrew each time you want to drink. I purchased from Amazon the straw top. I feel that with a straw you tend to drink more water.

Charged Up -- Don’t miss that award-winning shot of a sailfish, marlin or mahi mahi jump because your batteries are dead. I suggest that when you get back from fishing, go to your room and plug in all of your electronics. Otherwise, by the time you hit the pool, get a few drinks, some appetizers and a three-course meal in you, you may forget. Luckily, if you do forget, most of the boats have electrical outlets -- just remember to bring your cords. Also, this is not a suggestion but a request -- send me those perfect jumping pictures my way so we can post on our site.

The Most Important Meal of the Day -- Don’t sleep through breakfast. You’ll get coffee brought to your room as your wake up call, but you need to see which fruit plate presentation you receive – they’re all picture-worthy. If you don’t fuel up, you’re likely to gorge on boat snacks which have no real protein. I think going to sea on an empty tummy is worse than with a full belly. There is hot lunch on the boat but we don’t eat until about noon so fuel up.

Feet Don’t Fail Me Now -- Wear shoes you can get wet to avoid slipping and hurting yourself. To be honest, I normally wear flip flops but a good, non-slip waterproof shoe is preferable. The boat is rocking one way, the fish is pulling you the other way and sometimes water comes over the bow and makes the deck slick. There are a lot of moving parts so make sure you can stand your ground.

The First Course -- After you plug in your batteries, meet everyone down at the pool for a dip, a drink and some delicious appetizers, including but not limited to the amazing green chicken wings. Try not to go overboard, though. Remember, dinner is three courses and the chef tends to fill the plate. You don’t want to be too full for dessert.

Restraint With Alcohol -- Alcohol is included and the bartenders are not shy with their pours. The boats have beer as well. Just remember being out in the hot sun and mixing alcohol can increase your risk of dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. Again, have a good time, and let loose a little – you are on vacation -- but don’t be “that person.”

You are Truly Special -- If you have special needs, food allergies, etc., please contact me or the lodge and let us know. Don’t be shy. Please don’t try something you sometimes are allergic to, just ask for something else to eat. The best idea is at breakfast to check the daily food board so there are no surprises, and if you’re not sure, ask for a replacement.

Extra-Special -- Will you be at the lodge for a special occasion? The lodge can help you make it even better. For Pete’s 50th birthday I arranged with them for a fireworks show to go off after dinner for everyone to enjoy. You can ask for a birthday cake with candles and you can get the crew to decorate the boat if you bring a few novelties. Remember, this is your trip and the lodge and HPFC wants you to have a trip of a lifetime. Even the “normal” trip is exceptional, but there’s nothing wrong with spicing it up even more.