Tenth Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational December 2025
December 5-8, 2025
My first trip to Guatemala as an observer for the 10th annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational was truly an experience I will never forget from start to finish, I made memories and friends I will forever cherish.
Starting Day 1, I was assigned to the boat Uno Más where I got to experience fishing with some southern gentleman who have experienced fishing and hunting all over the WORLD - finished out day one with some pretty slow fishing, but five new friends and some excellent stories to share on.
Day 2, I observed on the boat Knot Work with Captain Jimmy from Guatemala who shared a lot with me about his country. It was either our first or second fish of the day we lost an engine, that didn't slow them down though - it made for EPIC fishing, they still managed to finish the day with almost 20 sail fish fighting everyone of them in forward.
Day 3, THE INTENSITY - probably one of the coolest observing experiences I have had in my entire life and I was just watching! Captain Mike is one of the coolest people I have ever met and extremely knowledgeable in this industry as he goes all over the world. I could not say enough good things about this day, saw my first three blue marlins in Guatemala, they managed to release two - finishing the day with 27 sail fish and two blue marlins, winning 1st Place overall in the tournament!
Meeting and being able to celebrate these guys all in one was the cherry on top!
Day 4, OUR FIRST ANNUAL OBSERVER SHOOTOUT - I had the luxury of being placed with our very own Peter Van Dingstee as my team captain, and the best teammates Barbie Fischer and Jen Hybki. After watching everybody fish over the duration of the tournament it was our turn, and we came to PLAY!
The four of us fished our own rod throughout the duration of the entire day and our hard work prevailed as we made it to back to the dock to find out our "Team Pete's Hen House" were the 1st ever champions of an Observer Shootout... we had the best crew ever guiding us and teaching us - cannot thank them enough for all their hard work and competitiveness!
Our host, Pacific Fins, and our accommodations at the Aero Club were as a whole, the most accommodating places I have ever stayed, the staff could not have been any kinder to us, I had the luxury of spending my birthday in Guatemala during this experience and they made me feel absolutely special! I can't fully put into words how greatful I am for this opportunity and experience and I'm so stoked to get back down there!