01 ·
Puerto Quetzal/Iztapa
Sailfish capital in the WORLD!
North America · Fishing World Guide
Guatemala.
Fishing in Guatemala 2026 — Licenses, Regulations & Best Spots
7
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Dec
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Sport fishing permit: from 20-40 USD. Included in charter price.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Via charter boat operators and sport fishing marinas.
- Cost
- Sport fishing permit: from 20-40 USD. Included in charter price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the tour
- Available online?
- No
Guatemala is the SAILFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD on the Pacific! Nowhere else are more sailfish caught per day than here. The Pacific coast near Puerto Quetzal regularly sets world records in catch numbers. 20+ sailfish per boat/day are not uncommon!
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Sailfish: November-May (Peak: December-March). Tarpon: Year-round. Bass Atitlan: Year-round.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Pacific Slope
20+ Sailfish/day possible!
03 ·
Rio Dulce
TarponSnookJungle
04 ·
Lake Atitlan
Smallmouth BassVolcanic lake
05 ·
Caribbean Coast
TarponSnooklittle developed
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons for sport anglers.
Catch limits
Catch limits
Billfish: Catch-and-Release MANDATORY! Guatemala is a C&R pioneer for sailfish.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Nets prohibited in sport fishing waters.
Catch & release
Catch & release
ABSOLUTE MANDATORY for sailfish and marlin! Guatemala strictly protects its billfish.
What does it cost?
20-40 USD
License
20-40 USD (included in charter price).
600-2,000 USD
Guide per day
Offshore sailfish: 600-2,000 USD/day. Inshore: 300-500 USD.
100-200 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 100-200 USD (Inshore/Atitlan). Premium: 400-1,000 USD (sailfish charter).
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Guatemala15.78°, -90.23°
🎣 Live catches in guatemala
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Via charter boat operators and sport fishing marinas. — Guatemala is the SAILFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD on the Pacific! Nowhere else are more sailfish caught per day than here. The Pacific coast near Puerto Quetzal regularly sets world records in catch numbers. 20+ sailfish per boat/day are not uncommon!
Rules in detail
Guatemala holds the world record for the most sailfish releases in one day! The Pacific sailfish population is healthy thanks to strict C&R.
Freshwater
Lake Atitlan (spectacular volcanic lake) with bass. Rio Dulce: Tarpon and snook in the jungle.
Saltwater
Pacific coast: WORLD'S BEST sailfish grounds! Caribbean: Little developed but tarpon and snook.
Equipment
Charter boats provide complete equipment (top quality).
Guides
Offshore charter: 600-2,000 USD/day. Inshore: 300-500 USD/day.
Getting there
Flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to Puerto Quetzal (1.5h). Or shuttle to Antigua.
Safety
Guatemala City: Caution! Tourist areas (Antigua, Atitlan) safe. Charter boats safe.
Customs & fish export
Visa-free for EU citizens (90 days). Fishing equipment no problem.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 3, 2026
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