Feburary 2007 Where to Go

[Crazy Charlie]

My wife & I are looking for a few days chasing sailfish with a fly rod in Fenruary next Year. I have narrowed it down to Crocodile Bay or Quepos - any comments, or alternatives - people please - long way to get it wrong from the UK

Many Thanks in advance

[CaptGeneKelly]

Both are good choices. The biggest difference has nothing to do with fishing. There is more to do in Quepos if you are going to have non fishing days.
A better choice if it is all fishing is Guatemala. A lot more action, but nothing to do but fish.
For more info check out tropicalfishing

My wife & I are looking for a few days chasing sailfish with a fly rod in Fenruary next Year. I have narrowed it down to Crocodile Bay or Quepos - any comments, or alternatives - people please - long way to get it wrong from the UK

Many Thanks in advance

[Ray]

I did a 5 day Bonefishing trip to Abaco 2 years ago. It was great! Tons of fish and a variety of locations too.

[Soundking]

I've fished Quepos three times, and croc bay once. Better sailfishing in Quepos, better inshore and near-shore variety fishing in croc bay (Gulfo Dulce). In Quepos, the average day raises a dozen or so sails, and a few less further south. If you are strictly after sailfish, then Quepos is a good option. Also, there is much more onshore activity in Quepos...that place is hoppin!

[backwater]

Hello:

I would consider trying the Sailfish Bay Lodge in Guatemala. It is one of the best run operations I have ever seen. The lodge is outstanding, the food is great, and February is an ideal time for Sailfish. I go there with a few friends of mine and between us we've been to a ton of lodges and I can say with no BS that this was one of the best. In fact, I might be there again in February myself.

I disagree that there is nothing to do besides fish in Guatemala. There are a few side trips that are worth making. The ruins at Tikal is one idea, although that generally involves an overnight stay. There is also a popular vacation town called Antigua that is a short drive from the lodge and is worth visiting. You could also play golf if you felt like it. The lodge has a great pool and is right on the beach so laying around is also an option. I happen to like Guatemala City, so long as you don't stray too far from your hotel.

I know that you hear about a lot of incredible fish stories about the numbers of sailfish you can expect, but figure on catching at least 5 or 6 per day each on conventional tackle (4 in the boat, about 25-30 fish), sometimes twice that many, but believe me, 5 or 6 is probably enough to really enjoy it. It's also relatively easy to catch them on the fly, although it takes a little longer to land them.

Hope that helps.

Tom