Casa Vieja Lodge: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

After four trips to Guatemala’s Casa Vieja Lodge, we’re not billfish experts by any means, but we’ve battled our way through figuring out all of the basics about the experience. It hasn’t been hard, because once you book the trip it’s pretty much a turnkey experience. They’re travel pros and they make it easy for first-timers and veterans alike. We like bringing newcomers there because it’s about the closest thing to a guarantee that exists in fishing – and we’ve learned that most people have similar questions. Here are some of the most common ones, in no particular order?

Travel and Details

What time of year should I go?

Casa Vieja Lodge is open October through August. The sailfish are there year-round, and double-digit catches are possible bordering on likely just about every day. Amongst other billfish, blue marlin are most prevalent April through August, black marlin show up most December through March, and striped marlin are most common November through February. Yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi are around quite often, while the occasional wahoo show up in the fall. There is also an underutilized inshore fishery for species including roosterfish, cubera snapper and various groupers. It is best March through July, but is always an option.

What does it cost?

Your cost depends on the number of people in your group, the boat you choose and the number of days that you fish. For a group of four, fishing a standard three days, packages start at around $3,000 per person, exclusive of international airfare and gratuities.

How many days should I fish?

We recommend no fewer than three days fishing – after all, you’ve come a long way so why not amortize costs like airfare to make sure that you get what you’ve paid for? While the fishery is very consistent, there may be some variations day to day, and three days enhances the likelihood of success.

Do I have to arrive and depart on certain days of the week?

Assuming there is availability, you can arrive any day of the week, and pay for and stay as long or as short as you’d like. While the lodge advertises “standard” packages (aka, the most popular ones), this is a fully customizable trip.

What airport do I fly into?

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is the closest and easiest access point to the lodge.

What airlines go there?

As of early 2023, there are direct flights from nearly a dozen North American cities to La Aurora on airlines including American, Delta, United, Spirit, Avianca, Volaris and Frontier?

Is it dangerous?

Both domestic and international travel, as well as everyday life at home, involve inherent risks. Once onsite at Casa Vieja Lodge we do not worry at all. The lodge is heavily staffed and I would feel comfortable taking any friend or family member there.

How do I get to the lodge?

Casa Vieja will pick you up at the airport (or elsewhere, like Antigua) in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van for the 1 ½ to 2 hour ride to the lodge (depending on traffic). It’s essentially a straight shot on major highways once you leave the city. If you want to get there faster, and you have the money to do it, the lodge can arrange for a smaller plane or helicopter to fly you from the city to the coast.

What is included?

Package rates include transportation to and from the airport, lodging, all fishing (including rods, reels, teasers, natural baits), meals on shore and on the boat, basic alcohol.

What is not included?

International airfare, gratuities, side trips, spa services, certain alcohols and cigars are not included. Nor are items of a personal nature and souvenirs.

What documents do I need to get into Guatemala?

You need a valid passport. On the arriving plane, the airlines should provide you with an customs/immigration form. At times we’ve been told that we only need to fill out one per family, but invariably we’ve been required to offer up one per person to officials, so keep that in mind.

Is a visa required?

No visa is required for US citizens to enter Guatemala?

What vaccinations or medications are necessary?

Post-COVID, you do not need proof of COVID immunization (or any other vaccinations) to enter Guatemala. Consult with your medical professional to see if you need to take any precautions given your own medical history.

The Fishing

Is it good for kids?

If your kids are focused and mature enough to stay on a boat all day, and strong enough to bring in a big fish, this is the perfect chance to introduce them to offshore fishing. The seas are typically calmer than in many comparable places and the action is more consistent. Furthermore, the captains and mates are patient teachers

Is it good for non-anglers?

Of all of the trips we lead, this one may be the best for non-anglers. They can reel in a trophy fish if they’d like, or they can read a book or sunbathe. We’ve gone with two couples where one spouse was happy just to do the latter and raved about the fishing. My nearly 80 year old (non-angling and picky) parents joined us at CVL and loved it.

Is it good for people who have never caught billfish?

Billfishing can be a frustrating experience for newcomers – long periods of inactivity, and one foul-up means a long wait for the next opportunity. Guatemala’s prolific fishery usually gives newcomers multiple chances in short order to shed their billfish virginity.

Is it good for experienced billfish anglers?

Many seasoned and picky billfish tournament anglers come to Guatemala in general and Casa Vieja on particular to work on their “bait and switch,” to ensure that when money’s on the line their technique will be perfectly honed.

Is it good for women?

Yes! There are no gender limitations here. The staff is highly accommodating and the ladies usually take instruction better than the men. Most of the boats have toilets if the “bathroom issue” is a concern.

How many people per boat?

The answer depends on which boat you choose and what you want to spend, but as a general rule we’d suggest no more than four people per boat. That prevents overcrowding and keeps everyone involved in the fishing process.

Will I fish with my own group?

We prefer not to link strangers in a group. It’s possible, I suppose, but unless you fully vet your fishing partners it can lead to some disagreement or frustration.

What if I am by myself?

On the other hand, Casa Vieja does host a “single anglers week” every year where people who don’t have a partner can come and get the chance to fish on multiple boats with multiple similarly-situated people.

What species can I catch?

Sailfish are the primary draw, the main reason that Guatemala’s coast is such a vaunted fishery. There are also blue, black and striped marlin in the mix. Mahi mahi show up frequently, and yellowfin tuna semi-regularly. There is also an excellent inshore fishery for roosterfish and various snappers and groupers. If you want to catch a particular species other than sailfish, let the lodge and your captain know ahead of time.

Where can I see historical catches?

Casa Vieja’s captains keep an accurate log of the number of sailfish raises/bites/releases achieved daily, plus ancillary catches. They’re posted every evening on social media and the lodge’s website stores catches dating back to 2016.

What kind of boats do they have?

As of early 2023, Casa Vieja has the largest sportfishing fleet in Guatemala, nine boats including everything from outboard-powered center consoles up through a 48’ sportfisherman. All are perfectly maintained and best-in-class. They have their own boatyard in case issues arise. Some have heads, kitchens, and even air-conditioning. Some have one mate, while others have two. There are advantages to each setup.

Which boat should I choose?

This depends on your budget, the size of your group, and how you want to fish. Look at the historical catches and you will see that no single boat dominates every day. They all have some days where they’re top dog. The group benefits by working together and sharing information throughout the day to make sure that success is maximized across the board.

Why do some boats have one mate and some have two?

The smaller boats have room for one mate while the medium and larger boats have two. Both setups allow you to be as involved as you want with the bait and switch, and both offer great chances for success.

Isn’t trolling boring?

We get it – some anglers aren’t happy unless they’re casting, but to say that trolling is boring or mindless is foolish. There’s a science to it, and even once the fish are in the spread there is a special skill set involved in getting them to bite and then hooking them. It’s easier in Guatemala than just about anywhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Newcomers will benefit from the captains’ and mates’ teaching methods and get up to speed in a hurry.

Do I need my own gear?

Casa Vieja provides world-class conventional and fly gear on all of the boats – you can easily show up with nothing except your clothes and expect to experience success. However, many fly anglers in particular like to travel with the gear that they’re used to. If that’s you, we can advise on best choices and best places to buy it.

Will I get seasick?

The waters off Guatemala are comparatively calm, and Casa Vieja’s boats are exceptionally seaworthy, but seasickness can occur even in flat conditions. We recommend some preventative measures, such as Dramamine, Bonine or the “scop patch.” Again, consult your doctor to see what will work best for you and your group.

Are days on the water ever canceled due to weather?

It’s extremely rare, but it does happen. If a captain determines that safety requires not going out, travelers receive a credit for that day’s fishing on their NEXT booking at Casa Vieja Lodge.

The Lodge

What amenities does the lodge provide?

This is a five-star facility. As I noted above, my parents are picky and seasoned travelers and they found the accommodations to be exceptional. The linens and toiletries are fantastic, and there’s a hair dryer and safe in every room. The voltage is the same as in the US so you should not have to bring a converter. There is also a fitness center if battling sailfish all day doesn’t tax you enough.

Is there a pool?

Yes! Upon returning from fishing every afternoon, most guests gather in and around the pool to drink, eat appetizers and swap fish stories.

Can I get spa services?

Yes. The lodge offers services including spa services and facials at reasonable prices. On our 2023 trip our friends Jen and Joshua indulged and said that they were excellent.

Will they do my laundry?

The staff does laundry every day for every client. You fill out a form with what you want cleaned, stuff it in the provided burlap sack, and it’s on the bed when you return from fishing. There is no additional charge for this service.

Are the rooms nice?

They are at least on par, if not better, than any other fishing lodge we’ve ever patronized.

What is the food like?

No one goes hungry. Three solid meals a day, plus appetizers in the afternoon, are provided. Breakfast is served a la carte from a menu, lunch is on the boat, and the dinner menu (appetizer, soup/salad, entrée, dessert) is posted in the morning. If there’s anything that you don’t’ like, or cannot eat for any reason, the staff will gladly make a substitution.

Is there food on the boat?

The mates prepare and serve lunch on the boat. On those without kitchens, it will be a box lunch. On those with kitchens, there will be a hot lunch – if you catch a mahi or tuna early in the day, they can serve that up, otherwise you will have other choices. There is also fresh fruit and even a box of chips and cookies on the boats for quick bites between fish.

Is alcohol included?

Unlimited alcohol (within reason), including beer, wine and spirits, is included, although some wines and top shelf liquors may cost extra.

Any other indulgences?

There is a humidor at the bar, and patrons can purchase high end cigars to celebrate a great day.

Miscellaneous

Is Casa Vieja concerned with conservation?

Casa Vieja is intimately involved with conservation, and is a strong support of The Billfish Foundation and similar organizations. This manifests itself in several ways while you’re on vacation. First, they treat the billfish very carefully, keeping them in the water as long and as fully as possible, and reviving them before release. Second, they are involved in the “Kick Plastic” campaign – which means that instead of throwing out thousands of plastic water bottles, each guest is given a Yeti Rambler (to keep) and there are refill stations around the lodge as well as on the boats.

Are there other things to do besides fish?

While most guests come primarily or exclusively to fish, there are side excursions that can be done before or after the fishing portion of the trip. Nearby Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a lovely place to spend a few days. There are volcanoes to climb, including the day trip Pacaya and the more challenging Acatenango. There is ziplining, horseback riding, and shopping, as well as other natural/cultural wonders like the area around Lake Atitlan.

What is the daily schedule?

• 5:45 Wake up call and morning coffee

• 6:00 Breakfast

• 6:45 Vans depart for the Marina

• 7:00-4:30 Fishing

• 5:00 Cocktail hour

• 7:00 Dinner

• ???? Bedtime

Will I get pictures of my fish?

Of course you can use your own phone, camera, GoPro or video equipment to record your catch. You may also bring a drone, although there are some complications involved in getting it into the country (the lodge can help with advance notice). The boats keep GoPro cameras on a long pole aboard, and the mates are skilled at getting great shots of your catch without removing the fish from the water. They can then send them to you via airdrop or WhatsApp.

Can I mount a sailfish (or other fish) that I catch?

While all billfish must be released, making skin mounts impossible, a quality replica is a better option for verisimilitude and longevity, anyway. Casa Vieja works with King Sailfish Mounts and has quite a bit of their work scattered throughout the lodge. We can also recommend other options if you are serious about decorating your home or office with a memory of your trip.

Can I bring fish home?

Casa Vieja does not offer fish packing to take home.

Are there souvenirs?

Of the many fishing lodges we’ve visited, Casa Vieja has one of the best stores, offering high-end clothing from manufacturers like Simms and AFTCO, along with hats, kitchen items, even jewelry. Get a shirt commemorating your specific boat. You can also buy native handicrafts and artwork, as well as Guatemalan coffee and rum, in Antigua, as well as in the airport’s numerous shops and duty free stores.

What language do they speak in Guatemala?

Most Guatemalans speak Spanish, although there are some other indigenous languages. Almost everyone at the lodge or associated with the lodge speaks excellent English. I speak decent Spanglish and Hanna speaks a little and we’ve never had any problems communicating.

What is the currency?

The country’s current is the Quetzal, and while we likely should have exchanged some dollars in Antigua, we’ve never converted any on our four trips to the country. We’ve used credit cards and dollars for everything, including at the lodge.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Usually it’s a year or so in advance, but the post-COVID demand has been high and the lead time for certain boats on key dates may be even longer than that. Contact Hanna asap if you’re even considering a trip and she’ll lay out the details and get you set.

What do I need to bring?

Unless you’re bringing your own tackle or specialized camera equipment, you can likely get everything you need in a carry-on or backpack – a few changes of clothes (remember, laundry is done every day), sunglasses, a hat, sunblock. That’s all you need, although we always tend to overpack.

Is there Wi-Fi?

There is good Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, including in the rooms.

What are the standard tips?

Of course tips are discretionary, but CVL recommends the following:

• $30 per angler, per day for lodge staff (collected at the end of stay)

• $300 per boat, per day on large boats (two mates)

• $200 per boat, per day on small boats (one mate)

• Hand tips directly to mates

• $10 per person, per ride to/from the airport

• Hand tips directly to drivers

You will see that everyone works their butts off. If you think they did an exceptional job, larger tips never hurt.

Will I get sunstroke?

Everyone should wear adequate sun protection, including sunblock, for the tropical conditions. If you’re worried about the heat, consider one of the boats with air conditioning as a respite. All of the boats have sunblock on them.

Are the bugs bad?

We’ve seen a few insects around the lodge, but none at sea. If you’re typically a target, bring some repellent.

Does Casa Vieja offer trips to places other than Guatemala?

As of a few years ago, Casa Vieja offers various multispecies trips in the Florida Keys, as well as summertime overnight trips out of Costa Rica to the FADs (fish aggregating devices). The latter trips are known for the high number of marlin bites.

The Half Past First Cast Advantage

Why did you go in the first place?

For my 50th birthday, my parents offered to take Hanna and I anywhere we wanted to go. They’re not anglers, or really outdoorsy at all, so we had to choose carefully. We kept coming back to Casa Vieja as the perfect combination of luxury, comfort and a high chance of success. It was supposed to be a “once in a lifetime” trip, but we almost immediately booked a return. Now we just can’t stay away.

Do you host trips?

Space and boats permitting, we love having a group along with us. The more the merrier.

Can we fish with you?

Typically we establish boatmates and stick with them throughout the trip. It just makes it easier from a planning and fishing standpoint. In some instances and with some groups, however, we’d love to set up a “round robin” format where we switch boats and partners every day to ensure that everyone gets to fish with everyone else.

Why should we book with you?

When you book through Half Past First Cast, you never pay a penny more than you’d pay if you booked directly through the lodge. What we try to do is answer all of your questions ahead of time (duh, see this article) and then lead first timers or hesitant travelers through every step of the process. We realize that your money and time are valuable and we want you to get maximum enjoyment and benefit from this trip. We talk to all of the lodges, including Casa Vieja, regularly, so that you know what you’re getting into and that all variables are accounted for.

What if this is not the right trip for me or my group?

We pride ourselves on being honest brokers. Our reputations and enjoyment of these trips are too valuable to sell you something that doesn’t fit your needs or your abilities. We’ve probably cost ourselves some money in the short term that way by being brutally honest, but we believe it’s the right thing to do.