Giant Sailfish Caught in Guatemala – December, 2013
George Hnat returned for his 2nd trip this year, December 5 – 9. On this visit he was entertaining some of his key clients at Pacific Fins. One of those clients, Richard Watkins released one of the biggest sailfish we have ever seen in Guatemala. Our mates, who see thousands of sailfish released each year estimated its weight to be 185 to 195 lbs! In Guatemala, we practice a very strict catch & release policy. This beautiful creature was properly handled, revitalized and swam away in the crystal clear blue water to fight another day. Because we release all billfish – we have to use estimates by our knowledgeable captains and mates.
We also enjoyed the comments from George Hnat upon his return to the States about this experience: “What a great fish! My new friend Richard from Hillsboro Beach, Florida landed it. Not bad for a 70 year-old former boxer. I kept telling him it was the 15th round and he was up on points so just don’t let this fish knock you out!! Well said George.
This was an outstanding year for some of the larger sailfish we have seen. Starting with Lee Smith’s sailfish (ON FLY!) in Jan 2013 that was estimated by Gray’s as well at 175 lbs! Then a few weeks later, Russian client Vladmir Voronkov released another giant sailfish just a hair smaller then Lee’s…ON FLY AS WELL! What a great year.
The “Noonie” Gilbeau group arrived for the 2nd time. His first trip was to the original “Fins n Feathers.” This time at Pacific Fins, fishing on Gypsy for 4 days they raised 170 sailfish, had 142 bites and released 110! They also caught 1 300 Lb. Blue marlin and 3 dorado! The Gearou group also returned for their 2nd trip this year! Fishing for 3 days on Gypsy, Maverick & Canaso II they raised 89 sailfish had 71 bites, and released 59. They also raised 3 Blue marlin and released 1.
The Pfent group arrived for 3 days fishing on Maverick & Canaso II. They raised 116 sailfish, had 111 bites and released 87 conventional. They also raised 28 sailfish, had 15 bites and released 3 on fly! The Mott group joined us for a day’s fishing. Fishing on Sirena and Knotwork they raised 72 sailfish, had 63 bites and released 46!
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