Guanaja
THE FISHING
The flats fishing around Guanaja is somewhat similar to the saltwater fly-fishing found in Mexico and Belize. Where it differs is the lack of angling pressure in Guanaja’s waters, there are very few other anglers fishing these flats who are not staying at the lodge. Having these pristine flats, almost exclusively, for guests staying at the lodge ensures that the flats are properly rotated and the fish don’t get overly pressured. This directly translates to better fishing for the lodge guests. The Guanaja area is a highly diverse flats system, with sand, turtle grass, and coral flats. For those who enjoy wading, the Guanaja flats system offers an environment that provides very stable footing by in large and guests can expect to wade about 60-70% of their time, if that is the preference.
While there will be opportunities to target other species, the two primary species that draw anglers to this beautiful island paradise are bonefish and permit. The bonefishing in particular is very good and guests can expect an average sized fish of 2-4 pounds, with much larger fish up to 8 pounds frequently caught. What makes this location such a great place to fish is the many daily opportunities each guest will get at tailing bonefish in very shallow water. A lot of the Guanaja flats are coral based and are very similar to those flats found out at the Turneffe Atoll in Belize. Just inside the reef structure and coral build up on the edge of the flats, bonefish and permit will be found tailing on an incoming tide.
The Guanaja permit fishing has to be considered amongst some of the best in the world. Along with Cuba and Mexico, this location will offer daily shots at permit while guests are bonefishing. The average fish will range 8-12 pounds, with larger fish up to 30 pounds occasionally encountered. While it’s difficult to quantify the number of shots anglers will get at permit on an average day, anglers will get shots daily. These fish will generally be found in skinny water, tailing in 1-2 feet of water. There are a couple of deeper water locations where permit are found, including a couple of creek mouths.
One of the really nice aspects of this fishery is that there are both tarpon and snook available. Juvenile tarpon 5-35 pounds are found in the river mouths, along with excellent numbers of snook. There are even some year round resident tarpon that will push 100 pounds. This is a great option for guests who are thinking about a Grand Slam and possibly choosing their next location based on having an opportunity to land a Slam.
Other species that are available include big jacks and barracudas. The ‘cudas in particular can get quite big here and they will readily take a fly. Fish up to 40 pounds have been landed by guests staying at the lodge. Another great option when fishing here is to target trigger fish. These fish are readily found tailing on the flats throughout Guanaja and will sometimes reach 25 pounds. They tail the same way permit do and put up an excellent fight once hooked. This is a very good, highly diversified fishery that will appeal to both novices and those with a great deal of saltwater experience.
BOATS AND EQUIPMENT
The four fishing boats were custom made for fishing Guanaja’s waters. They are a flats boat/panga mix that allows the guides to comfortably navigate around Guanaja while still being able to draft in under a foot of water. Powered by 50-70 HP two and four stroke engines, each panga has a poling platform and a large casting platform at the front of the boat.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Guanaja is fairly straight forward and does not entail spening any time on the mainland. Guests can fly direct from Houston, Atlanta or Miami to the island of Roatan. Several of the major US carriers service Roatan daily from the US including Delta, Continental and US Air. From Roatan guest will then catch the 20 minute flight from Roatan to the island of Guanaja. Once you picked up your bags you will be met by a lodger representative who will then take you directly to the lodge. When leaving the US in the morning, guests can expect to be relaxing at the lodge by mid to late afternoon.
Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.
RATES FOR 2024
$3,850 USD DBL per week
- RTB - Coxen Hole
- December through July
- Bonefish and permit…
- 8 rods per week guests
- Wifi: Yes
- Language: English/Spanish
- Physicality: Low
- CC Payment at Facility : Yes
From our gallery
Guanaja
Tour Location
LOCATION
PRIMARY SPECIES
SEASON OF OPERATION
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS
ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodge is beautifully situated on a small private key in the middle of the best tidal flats in Honduras. The main lodge is a very comfortable house with 2 bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with hot water. The interior of the main building is custom mahogany and the beds are new. There is also have a guest cabin with two additional bedrooms, each with two comfortable beds and a bathroom. The water deck surrounding the main lodge is large, lined with hammocks, and overlooks the lodge’s home flat, which is often chalk full of tailing bonefish and permit. You can frequently cast from the deck to tailing fish or just sit back with a cool drink watching fish working the flat. There are shaded hammock spots around the island where you can chill out during a slack tide, waiting for tailing fish to show up. There is also a lovely white sand beach on the island that feeds into a bonefish hole. With a group of 8 rods, you have the key to yourselves.
This is a very unique fishing lodge in that it’s located on its own private island in the middle of the flats, off the south coast of Guanaja. The lodge and island can be privately booked out for groups by the week. Sand, palm trees, gorgeous flats in beautiful azure waters are what guests can expect when fishing Guanaja.
DESTINATION CAPACITY
Guanaja
Guanaja
INCLUDED IN PRICE - Sage Harbor
- 7 nights accommodation DBL room
- 6 days of guided fishing DBL in skiff
- All meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week
- Some alcohol
- Honduran Sport Fishing License
INCLUDED IN PRICE - Montauk
- Round trip international airfare from your point of origin to Honduras
- Round trip airfare from Roatan to Guanaja (approximately $220 USD)
- Fishing Gear
- Gratuities for lodge staff and fishing guides
- Some alcohol
- $10 USD Conservation fee
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
US and Canadians must present a passport to visit Honduras, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the British Commonwealth, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community are NOT required to have Visas.