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Guatemala Sailfish

Tim Herald
|  
  • Tim Herald

Billfishing’s Finest

by Tim Herald

Guatemala has emerged over the past decade as the sailfishing capital of the world. When the bite is hot, it is not uncommon to release 20-30 big Pacific sailfish, that weigh 90-120 pounds each, in a day, and often mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, and marlin are added to the catch for variety and table fare. It is a short flight with good connections from virtually anywhere in the US, and makes for convenient and easy travel.

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Recently I led a group of WTA clients down to Guatemala for 4 days of fishing. We chose late April and early May as we wanted to catch sailfish, but wanted to hedge our bets for a variety of species. We really wanted to catch some mahi and tuna, and May is a prime month for marlin.

 

We made the easy flight to Guatemala City, and transferred to our very nice lodging that was about 90 minutes away. All of our trips offer resort or private villa accommodations, all ground transport and great food. They are inclusive outside of tips once you get to Guatemala City. The eight of us had two boats, and we all stayed in a villa with a great cook, waiter and maid. The house was great, and we had a very nice back yard with pool and beach access.

 

The next four days, we fished from about 7AM-4PM, and caught a lot of fish, especially for not being in “prime” sailfish season that is generally thought of from January to March. For fishermen who want to catch a good number of sailfish plus some other species, anytime from November to June can be very good.

Another great thing about fishing Guatemala is that the seas are generally very gentle, and often you don’t have to make long runs to get into the action. No one had any problems at all with seasickness.

 

We trolled with standard sailfish technique using a spread of teasers and baits, and once a fish was raised into the spread, baits would be presented to the aggressive fish. The first day we had a pretty diverse bag with each boat releasing around a dozen sailfish, putting a few mahi in the cooler, and one boat caught a handful of tuna and released a very nice striped marlin.
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That evening our cook made some incredible fresh mahi, and we ate like royalty.

 

This would be the norm for the duration of the trip. We released a good number of sails each day, we always caught some mahi and tuna for the cooler, and some of the mahi were really big. We had a number of mahi in the 5’-6’ range, and it is always a blast to catch these beautiful, delicious and acrobatic fish. My biggest mahi was actually one of the two highlights of the trip for me personally.

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On day three, we got a radio call from our other boat that they were really into the tuna, and we needed to get there. Once we made the short run, the other boat was leaving, but we got a real treat. There was an area of probably 10 acres just covered in spinner dolphins (literally hundreds of them) that were enjoying an easy feast of baitfish and putting on a show for us. With all the baitfish, it was a piece of cake to troll small cedar plugs and hook into 10-20 pound yellowfin tuna almost as fast as we could get one fish off and the lines back in the water. Our other boat put about 15 in the box and we filled our cooler pretty quickly as well. As we began to troll for sailfish again, one of our mates sliced up a fresh yellowfin, mixed up some soy sauce and wasabi, and I was in absolute heaven eating sashimi until I couldn’t eat another bite.img_7195

 

On the last day, we had a blue marlin come into the spread, and it was my turn on the rod. It took a while, but the big fish finally ate my bait, and as soon as she was hooked, she made an incredible run of about 250 yards before the line popped, and it was over much quicker than it started. There was a lot of excitement on our boat for a few minutes, but it was not my day for a marlin release.

 

Late that afternoon, when my turn came back around, I asked our first mate if I could try to catch a sail on one of the small spinning rigs we had setup for mahi. None of us were fly fishermen, but I thought this would be an added challenge. When I got a big sailfish on the smaller rig, I was to find out how true that was. Instead of a 5-10 minute fight on the larger conventional tackle, it took me close to 30 minutes, a lot of sweat along with burning arms and back muscles before we could release my last sail of the trip. I know when I go back, I will be using a rig like that more often. It was a blast and much more challenging using the smaller spin outfit.

 

Speaking of going back, I booked another couple of boats and 4 more days for next year as soon as I got home. There will be eight of us making a return next spring, and I can’t wait. If you like to fish at all, this convenient and affordable trip may just end up being the trip of a lifetime. It’s definitely the most fun four days of fishing I have ever experienced, and I look forward to sharing the experience with new people and helping others plan their own Guatemala adventures.

Check out these quality Guatemala listings for more info:

http://worldwidetrophyadventures.com/outfitters?adventure=8&species=0&location=Guatemala

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In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

In the Jungle for Ocellated Turkeys: A Hunt Like No Other

Everything about the ocellated turkey is different from what hunters expect when they think about turkeys—from where they live, to what they look like, to where you hunt them. Even if they may not look or act like a conventional turkey, they are still a coveted species for anyone wanting to complete their World Turkey Slam. Often, they are the last turkey that hunters tackle when shooting for a slam, but there’s no reason to wait. Go now and experience a turkey-hunting adventure like no other!

Adventure is the keyword here. A hunt for ocellated turkeys takes you into the wild jungles of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, amid the ruins of the Mayan civilization and a world where jaguars still roam. Even though the camp is remote, getting there isn’t particularly difficult, dangerous, or challenging. It does take some time, but a flight from your nearest airport will have you in Merida, Mexico in just a few hours. Your representative will meet you there and transport you to Campeche, a beautiful, safe, and historic city set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After a comfortable night’s rest at one of the hotels hand-selected by WTA’s professional staff of consultants, you’ll be picked up the next morning for a journey into the jungle via a modern, air-conditioned van, followed by an open-air Jeep ride for the final few miles.

Nearly hidden under the jungle’s canopy, the camp is a curious mix of modern and traditional. The heavy-duty, screened wall tents are lifted off the jungle floor on wooden platforms. A generator provides ample energy to power electronics, including overhead lighting and the welcome relief of air conditioning. And yes, there is Starlink, although I suggest unplugging completely to fully experience life off-grid and away from the hustle of modern life. Camp is set along a meandering stream, complete with a swimming hole where you can spend the hot, humid midday hours cooling in the creek.

Camp and country aside, the real reason to travel deep into the Yucatan is to experience a turkey hunt like no other. In addition to checking off the species to complete a Slam, the ocellated sports some of the most beautiful plumage in the bird world. Looking more like a peacock than a traditional turkey, the male ocellated is plumed in a gorgeous array of purple and blue feathers that seem to change colors at different angles in the sun’s rays. In strut, the tips of the fan show what look like a series of eyes, lending the bird its name, which is derived from the Latin word for “little eye.” Its head is also like no other bird, with a sky blue color punctuated by orange warts and, in large toms, crowned by a pronounced crest. The ocellated turkey makes a striking mount, and the camp staff works to ensure the best care and transport of your turkey.

While the ocellated turkey does have a distinct call, it’s not like the deep gobble turkey hunters are most familiar with. Instead, the male ocellated, known locally as the macho, sends out a rolling chorus of notes that increase in both speed and volume, not unlike the sound of a two-stroke motorcycle struggling to start somewhere deep in the jungle.

Hunters used to calling turkeys into shotgun range will also be surprised to know that’s not common practice here. It can happen, but most ocellated turkeys are taken from the roost, after following a local guide on a hike through the pitch-black just before sunrise. No matter how far into the thick cover you go, your guide will walk you to the exact tree where the macho resides, and, before the turkey flushes, instruct you about when and where to shoot. If the hunter does his or her job, the ocellated tag is notched and a bucket-list bird hunt is achieved before the sun even rises for the day.

Once the World Slam celebration wears off, many other activities keep hunters busy in the jungle. First and foremost, there are several exotic bird species available to hunt on a trophy-fee basis. Great currasow and crested guan are the top two birds that hunters target after taking their ocellated turkey. Like the ocellated, both birds are sought after for their beautiful and unique plumage, making distinctive additions to your trophy room. Other hunting opportunities include the coatimundi, lowland paca, and collard peccary.

While Mexico may not be on the minds of all hunters, for that certain adventurous kind of person, a hunt in the jungle is a must-do trip. The brightly plumed ocellated turkey is much more than just a checked box on the way to a World Slam. It provides a unique reason to get with the professionals at WTA and plan a hunt at their exclusive camp deep in the Yucatan. They manage the details and make traveling to Mexico a safe, easy, and memorable event.

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Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Spring Thunder on the Plains: Kansas Turkey Hunting Made Simple

Few Spring experiences rival the sound of a hard-gobbling tom echoing across the Kansas prairie. As winter gives way to warming mornings and longer days, Kansas comes alive with opportunity for turkey hunters who are willing to plan ahead. With strong Rio Grande turkey populations, abundant private land, and a well-managed season structure, Kansas remains one of the most reliable Spring turkey destinations in the country.

Kansas offers a straightforward, yet thoughtfully designed Spring turkey season. For 2026, Youth/Disabled Season runs from April 1–14, followed by Archery-Only Season from April 6–14, which is an exciting window for close-range encounters when gobblers are aggressive and responsive. The Regular Season, which allows both firearms and archery, opens April 15 and runs through May 31.

While the hunting itself is accessible, the permitting process requires attention, especially for nonresidents. Kansas turkey draw applications for nonresidents must be submitted by February 13, 2026.

Missing the February deadline is the most common reason hunters lose the opportunity to hunt Kansas in the Spring. Between busy schedules and multiple state regulations, it’s easy to overlook the application. This is where WTA TAGS plays a critical role.

WTA TAGS simplifies the application process and removes the guesswork. We handle the Kansas turkey application on your behalf—tracking deadlines, submitting applications correctly, and communicating results clearly. Instead of navigating state systems and regulations, you can focus on planning your hunt and enjoying the season ahead, confident that the logistics are handled professionally.

For hunters looking to elevate the experience, WTA TAGS also offers excellent outfitted turkey hunts on private land. These opportunities feature thousands of acres of exclusive ground, true Rio Grande turkeys, and flexible hunting styles ranging from ground-blind ambushes to classic run-and-gun tactics. Lodging is often first class, with comfortable rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals waiting at the end of the day. Group sizes are kept small, creating a more personal and high-quality hunt.

Because nonresident tags must be drawn, these hunts require planning. WTA TAGS can assist with both the application process and connect you with the right outfitter once a tag is secured. It’s a seamless path from paperwork to the field.

Kansas turkey hunting rewards preparation. With clearly defined seasons and a firm February 13 application deadline, the hunters who plan early are the ones listening to gobbles come April. WTA TAGS is here to make sure you’re one of them—applied, prepared, and ready when Spring thunder rolls across the Plains. If you would like to book a well-vetted Rio turkey hunt in Kansas for this Spring, call us ASAP at 1-800-755-8247.

TAGS Turkey Hunts in Kansas
Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico’s Sierra Madres with Muy Grande Outfitters

Gould’s Turkey Hunting in Mexico’s Sierra Madres with Muy Grande Outfitters

Few places compare to Muy Grande’s ranch in Mexico’s Sierra Madres for chasing Gould’s turkey, the biggest of all wild turkeys, marked by the striking white tips on its tail fan. As a WTA consultant, I’ve seen their guides deliver consistently, making it a top destination for hunters working toward the World Turkey Slam. Add in rugged country and a proven outfitter, and it becomes an experience every turkey hunter should have.

Turkey season runs from early April through early May. You’ll typically fly into Phoenix, then catch a morning hop to Hermosillo, Mexico, arriving around 11:30 a.m. After customs, Sergio or Pedro will greet you with a cold drink and a van stocked with sandwiches for the scenic ride ahead. From Hermosillo’s 700 feet, you’ll climb through 5 hours of winding Sierra Madre roads to the ranch at 3,000 feet. The journey is half the fun—curves, vistas, and glimpses of the country you’ll be hunting. By about 7 p.m., you’ll be unpacking in your room. Open your window to the cool mountain air and let it lull you into one of the best nights of sleep you’ll ever experience.

The food is reason enough to make the trip. Muy Grande’s French chef has 20 years of experience with serving up everything from ribs to authentic Mexican dishes, hearty breakfasts, and appetizers. You’ll need the delicious calories for the long days in the open country chasing Toms. Mornings start early and you may spend up to two hours on ranch roads before reaching your spot. Dry mountains, steep valleys, and big country define the day. Want to call birds from a pop-up blind? They’ve got you covered. Prefer run-and-gun? This is prime terrain for it. With one-on-one guides, the hunt is tailored to your style.

The Gould’s turkey is the largest subspecies in North America, and in the field, they stand out as they strut down dusty trails, flashing their tall frames and bright white fan tips. They’re plentiful here. On my last trip, the group of five tagged six birds by the end of day one—some from blinds, others by stalking ridges. Gobbles echo through the canyons all morning, and the guides know every fold of the landscape and the flocks that roam it. The hunt package includes in-field transport, trophy care, lodging, meals, guide service, and a license waiting for you at camp—everything dialed in so you can focus solely on finding your big ol’ Tom.

Getting your bird back home is simple. The outfitter freezes it—whole or just the fan—and handles the paperwork. Flying back through Phoenix is smooth—customs deals with turkeys regularly. Just bring the address of a USDA-certified taxidermist and a sturdy suitcase big enough for your trophy.

The gear list for this trip is straightforward: good hiking boots, lightweight shirts, face mask, hat, gloves, and a jacket for the cool mornings. Days can hit 90° F in April, but the temp drops quickly at night, so pack for variety. After tagging out, you’ll head back to Hermosillo for a final night at the Fiesta Americana, a top-notch hotel, before flying home—though early successes can open the door to earlier flights.

Muy Grande is a place of raw beauty, from stone-fenced corrals to mountain views stretching for miles. Hermosillo itself might surprise you—not a rough frontier town, but a safe, vibrant city where families are out and about. If you’re looking for an authentic Gould’s turkey adventure in a spectacular setting with unmatched hospitality, this hunt should be on your wish list. Book through WTA and come chase the turkey that towers above the rest.

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