Juancho the crocodile hanging out at the Rio Indio Lodge in Nicaragua
Recommended Fishing Lodges, Guides, and Outfitters
In the years I have spent fishing around the world, one consistent thing I have noticed is that the top 10% of fishermen catch 90% of the fish. When you travel to fish, you want to make sure the operation you are fishing with is in that 10% so that your trip is as memorable as you hope it will be when you are planning it. The following are some operations that I have fished with and recommend as being top notch in their areas. Listed in alphabetical order of location.
Aitutaki
Black Pearl Charters
If you want to cast poppers outside the reef in Aitutaki for Giant Trevally and other reef fish, Captain Mike is the best game in town. He is great at putting you in the right spots to cast and puts safety first by constantly watching the swell and maneuvering out if things look dicey. When it comes to this kind of fishing that is exactly what you want in a captain. He also does spearfishing.
In the years I have spent fishing around the world, one consistent thing I have noticed is that the top 10% of fishermen catch 90% of the fish. When you travel to fish, you want to make sure the operation you are fishing with is in that 10% so that your trip is as memorable as you hope it will be when you are planning it. The following are some operations that I have fished with and recommend as being top notch in their areas. Listed in alphabetical order of location.
Aitutaki
Black Pearl Charters
If you want to cast poppers outside the reef in Aitutaki for Giant Trevally and other reef fish, Captain Mike is the best game in town. He is great at putting you in the right spots to cast and puts safety first by constantly watching the swell and maneuvering out if things look dicey. When it comes to this kind of fishing that is exactly what you want in a captain. He also does spearfishing.
Giant Trevally caught on a popper with Captain Mike in Aitutaki.
Alaska, USA
Aniak River Lodge
I had a great experience at the Aniak River Lodge, catching 11 different gamefish species on fly. This is a great destination because there is a wide variety of species, but you don't have to get on a float plane every day to go to different places to catch them. All fishing is accessed by jet boat, which keeps the cost lower than Alaskan fly-out lodges. Also, it increases the amount of fishing time and eliminates the risk of not being able to get out due to fog or other adverse flying conditions. This lodge caters equally to fly and conventional anglers, which is nice, and offers good facilities and excellent guides with no competing angling pressure. A true angling paradise for all species of salmon (although Kings are closed to angling at the time of this writing), large and beautiful leopard-spotted Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike (lots of numbers but few monsters), and the extremely rare Sheefish.
Aniak River Lodge
I had a great experience at the Aniak River Lodge, catching 11 different gamefish species on fly. This is a great destination because there is a wide variety of species, but you don't have to get on a float plane every day to go to different places to catch them. All fishing is accessed by jet boat, which keeps the cost lower than Alaskan fly-out lodges. Also, it increases the amount of fishing time and eliminates the risk of not being able to get out due to fog or other adverse flying conditions. This lodge caters equally to fly and conventional anglers, which is nice, and offers good facilities and excellent guides with no competing angling pressure. A true angling paradise for all species of salmon (although Kings are closed to angling at the time of this writing), large and beautiful leopard-spotted Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike (lots of numbers but few monsters), and the extremely rare Sheefish.
Arkansas, USA
Riverside Retreat on the White River
This is a very comfortable lodge on the White River in Norfork, Arkansas. Chris Jackson the owner is very accommodating and is an excellent guide. He managed to tow our broken truck out of a tough spot down a closed road when we got lost which I will always be grateful for. The White River has a great fishery for planted Rainbow Trout and trophy wild Brown Trout. If you want to catch a big Brown on lure or fly this is one of the best spots in the US.
A nice Brown Trout caught with lodge owner Chris Jackson.
Australia
JC's Fishing Charters
John Campbell has an excellent guide service, primarily for Barramundi but I also caught Queenfish, Snapper, and other species. He is a one-man show and provides a high level of customization to target the specific species you want in the specific way you want. He is based in the small town of Ayr (not known for its nightlife) which provides some of the best easily-accessible Barramundi fishing in the world. Possibly the best.
Hefty Barramundi caught with John Campbell near Ayr
Nomad Sportfishing
If you want to fish the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea for Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, Red Bass, Napoleon Wrasse, and many other exotic reef fish, Nomad is the best in the business. They operate a fantastic mothership operation in some remote and pristine areas. They are not cheap, but they are one of the best fishing operations in the world. If you like lure fishing this is the ultimate trip. I went on the Bligh Reef trip and it was outstanding even though we lost a high percentage of hooked fish to reef and sharks. I felt like I was constantly hooked up for 6 days straight to about 30 different species.
If you want to fish the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea for Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, Red Bass, Napoleon Wrasse, and many other exotic reef fish, Nomad is the best in the business. They operate a fantastic mothership operation in some remote and pristine areas. They are not cheap, but they are one of the best fishing operations in the world. If you like lure fishing this is the ultimate trip. I went on the Bligh Reef trip and it was outstanding even though we lost a high percentage of hooked fish to reef and sharks. I felt like I was constantly hooked up for 6 days straight to about 30 different species.
All that was left of a once-large Wahoo after it was eaten by a Tiger Shark on the Great Barrier Reef with Nomad
Brazil (Amazon jungle)
Acute Angling
Acute Angling is a fishing outfitter that specializes in trips to the Amazon jungle as well as a couple of other Latin American locations. Owner Paul Reiss is extremely knowledgeable about the different fisheries they offer and happy to talk to you about all aspects of the trip. I have taken two trips to Brazil and one trip to Costa Rica with these guys and all three trips were outstanding. If you want to catch a Peacock Bass, I highly recommend these guys. These are not the kinds of trips you should attempt on your own. Go with the pros.
Acute Angling
Acute Angling is a fishing outfitter that specializes in trips to the Amazon jungle as well as a couple of other Latin American locations. Owner Paul Reiss is extremely knowledgeable about the different fisheries they offer and happy to talk to you about all aspects of the trip. I have taken two trips to Brazil and one trip to Costa Rica with these guys and all three trips were outstanding. If you want to catch a Peacock Bass, I highly recommend these guys. These are not the kinds of trips you should attempt on your own. Go with the pros.
19.5lb Peacock Bass caught on a jig in Brazil on a trip organized by Acute Angling
California
I don't use guides much in California since I lived here for years, but I do hop on party boats to fish offshore for Yellowfin Tuna and the local islands for Yellowtail, White Seabass, Calico Bass, and other species. There are many good boats (and some bad ones), but my favorites are the following:
Aztec - Operating out of Seaforth Landing, which has the easiest parking of the San Diego landings, the Aztec is comfortable and catches fish on overnight and 1.5 day trips.
Freedom - The Freedom is my favorite overnight boat operating in the Los Angeles area. It is based in the 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro. It is comfortable and modern and catches fish.
New Lo-An - Operating out of Point Loma Sportfishing in San Diego, the New Lo-An offers a very wide platform for pursuing Tuna and other fish offshore.
Ultra - The Ultra offers very limited load trips (10 people) to the local islands on overnight and full day trips. They are based at the 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro. The captain works hard to find fish and it is really nice not to worry about constantly untangling lines on a crowded boat.
I don't use guides much in California since I lived here for years, but I do hop on party boats to fish offshore for Yellowfin Tuna and the local islands for Yellowtail, White Seabass, Calico Bass, and other species. There are many good boats (and some bad ones), but my favorites are the following:
Aztec - Operating out of Seaforth Landing, which has the easiest parking of the San Diego landings, the Aztec is comfortable and catches fish on overnight and 1.5 day trips.
Freedom - The Freedom is my favorite overnight boat operating in the Los Angeles area. It is based in the 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro. It is comfortable and modern and catches fish.
New Lo-An - Operating out of Point Loma Sportfishing in San Diego, the New Lo-An offers a very wide platform for pursuing Tuna and other fish offshore.
Ultra - The Ultra offers very limited load trips (10 people) to the local islands on overnight and full day trips. They are based at the 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro. The captain works hard to find fish and it is really nice not to worry about constantly untangling lines on a crowded boat.
A fine catch of Yellowfin Tuna on a 1.5 day trip on the New Lo-An
Canada
Hawk Lake Lodge
Located in Ontario, Hawk Lake Lodge offers exclusive access to 19 lakes that you can reserve for yourself during your stay. High numbers of Smallmouth Bass (my brother and I tallied 115 one morning all on Senkos), fewer but very large Walleye, and some Northern Pike and Lake Trout are on tap here. Comfortable cabins and good food in a pristine location that you can drive to. It's very rare to have this type of experience without having to fly there in a small plane, and that is part of what sets Hawk Lake apart.
Hawk Lake Lodge
Located in Ontario, Hawk Lake Lodge offers exclusive access to 19 lakes that you can reserve for yourself during your stay. High numbers of Smallmouth Bass (my brother and I tallied 115 one morning all on Senkos), fewer but very large Walleye, and some Northern Pike and Lake Trout are on tap here. Comfortable cabins and good food in a pristine location that you can drive to. It's very rare to have this type of experience without having to fly there in a small plane, and that is part of what sets Hawk Lake apart.
If you like pristine views like this and unspoiled fishing, Hawk Lake Lodge could be the place for you.
Costa Rica
Rio Parismina Lodge
The Rio Parismina Lodge offers some of the best Tarpon fishing on the planet if you time it right. There is also some fishing for Snook, Rainbow Bass, and Mojarra. Tarpon hang out in the ocean in front of the river mouths in this area, and if you can get out of the rough river mouths you stand a good chance at hooking them. However, the river mouths are often impassable. October offers the most reliable weather and best chance of getting into the ocean, although there is certainly good fishing during other months. The water is generally murky and if you want to target Tarpon on fly this is probably not the right place for you. Most fishing is done with sardines or jigs. The lodge is basic but comfortable especially given the jungle location.
Rio Parismina Lodge
The Rio Parismina Lodge offers some of the best Tarpon fishing on the planet if you time it right. There is also some fishing for Snook, Rainbow Bass, and Mojarra. Tarpon hang out in the ocean in front of the river mouths in this area, and if you can get out of the rough river mouths you stand a good chance at hooking them. However, the river mouths are often impassable. October offers the most reliable weather and best chance of getting into the ocean, although there is certainly good fishing during other months. The water is generally murky and if you want to target Tarpon on fly this is probably not the right place for you. Most fishing is done with sardines or jigs. The lodge is basic but comfortable especially given the jungle location.
A Tarpon take to the air in the ocean in front of the Rio Parisimina Lodge
Florida
Another Keeper Charters
Captain Tom McLoughlin has the Southwestern fisheries near Boca Grande pretty well dialed in. He is especially good for Goliath Grouper, as he is one of the few people pursuing them with sufficiently stout tackle to land the big ones.
Another Keeper Charters
Captain Tom McLoughlin has the Southwestern fisheries near Boca Grande pretty well dialed in. He is especially good for Goliath Grouper, as he is one of the few people pursuing them with sufficiently stout tackle to land the big ones.
A big Goliath Grouper caught with Captain Tom of Another Keeper Charters
Majestic Seas Charters
If you want to fish the famed Dry Tortugas Islands to the west of Key West, these guys offer great multi-day trips there. You can fish for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, and a host of other fish. Great variety on a comfortable boat.
If you want to fish the famed Dry Tortugas Islands to the west of Key West, these guys offer great multi-day trips there. You can fish for Grouper, Snapper, Mackerel, and a host of other fish. Great variety on a comfortable boat.
My catch at the Dry Tortugas with Majestic Seas Charters
The Mad Snooker
No one has caught more big Snook in the Venice area than this guy. Actually, it's possible that no one has caught more big Snook period. A colorful character who lives and breathes Snook. He primarily fishes at night for them.
No one has caught more big Snook in the Venice area than this guy. Actually, it's possible that no one has caught more big Snook period. A colorful character who lives and breathes Snook. He primarily fishes at night for them.
One of many Snook caught at night with the Mad Snooker
Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Chuy Gorillas
Capt Chuy has a tricked-out panga in Punta Mita, which is an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. That location saves you a lot of time going to the fishing grounds compared to leaving from the marina in Puerto Vallarta. He can put you on both inshore and offshore fish all year. I caught my largest Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin with him. Great guy and great captain. I’ve only spoken Spanish with him so I’m not sure how good his English is, but I’m sure it’s good enough to easily fish with him. Don’t hesitate to book this guy especially for inshore fish like Roosterfish. His boat can easily and safely go offshore to pursue the big offshore fish too but doesn’t have an enclosed cabin for snoozing on the way in and out. Personally I prefer Chuy for fishing inshore since his smaller boat can get in tight to spots and has an open front for casting. However, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Puerto Vallarta
Chuy Gorillas
Capt Chuy has a tricked-out panga in Punta Mita, which is an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. That location saves you a lot of time going to the fishing grounds compared to leaving from the marina in Puerto Vallarta. He can put you on both inshore and offshore fish all year. I caught my largest Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin with him. Great guy and great captain. I’ve only spoken Spanish with him so I’m not sure how good his English is, but I’m sure it’s good enough to easily fish with him. Don’t hesitate to book this guy especially for inshore fish like Roosterfish. His boat can easily and safely go offshore to pursue the big offshore fish too but doesn’t have an enclosed cabin for snoozing on the way in and out. Personally I prefer Chuy for fishing inshore since his smaller boat can get in tight to spots and has an open front for casting. However, it’s a matter of personal preference.
One of many hefty Roosterfish caught fishing with Captain Chuy in Punta Mita
Fishin’ Mission Adventures
They offer Largemouth Bass fishing on Lake Agua Milpa a few hours north of Puerto Vallarta. Agua Milpa is not known for giants, but it makes up for that with numbers. We did get a fish around 7lbs there so some big fish are in there. Dave Sanders is building a lodge on a private point in the lake that promises to offer great fishing with comfortable accommodation. When I went we slept on cots under a covered palapa in the same location and that was very comfortable. Dave and his wife Barbara help out a local orphanage and a significant portion of the money collected from the fishing operation go to fund the orphanage. Great fishing for a great cause.
They offer Largemouth Bass fishing on Lake Agua Milpa a few hours north of Puerto Vallarta. Agua Milpa is not known for giants, but it makes up for that with numbers. We did get a fish around 7lbs there so some big fish are in there. Dave Sanders is building a lodge on a private point in the lake that promises to offer great fishing with comfortable accommodation. When I went we slept on cots under a covered palapa in the same location and that was very comfortable. Dave and his wife Barbara help out a local orphanage and a significant portion of the money collected from the fishing operation go to fund the orphanage. Great fishing for a great cause.
Two bass on one lure with Fishin Mission Adventures at Lake Agua Milpa
Marlas Sportfishing
Marlas located a little north of Puerto Vallarta and is run by the Osuna brothers, who are all excellent fishermen. I have fished with both Danny and Scott and they know these waters like the back of their hands. They have comfortable cruisers that will absolutely put you on fish. I have never had a bad day with these guys and have fished a good number of days with them. They are especially good for Marlin, Sailfish, giant Yellowfin Tuna, and huge Cubera Snapper. However, they can put you on any type of fish in the region.
Marlas located a little north of Puerto Vallarta and is run by the Osuna brothers, who are all excellent fishermen. I have fished with both Danny and Scott and they know these waters like the back of their hands. They have comfortable cruisers that will absolutely put you on fish. I have never had a bad day with these guys and have fished a good number of days with them. They are especially good for Marlin, Sailfish, giant Yellowfin Tuna, and huge Cubera Snapper. However, they can put you on any type of fish in the region.
Big Yellowfin Tuna with Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing
San Quintin
Capt Juan Cook
San Quintin has an excellent year-round fishery for bottom fish like Rockfish and Lingcod, some good summer fishing for Yellowtail, and at times an outstanding fishery for White Seabass. Capt Juan is an expert at putting you on all of these fish and seems to especially have a 6th sense for the Seabass. Excellent captain and speaks English well. He can be reached at captainjuansq@hotmail.com.
Capt Juan Cook
San Quintin has an excellent year-round fishery for bottom fish like Rockfish and Lingcod, some good summer fishing for Yellowtail, and at times an outstanding fishery for White Seabass. Capt Juan is an expert at putting you on all of these fish and seems to especially have a 6th sense for the Seabass. Excellent captain and speaks English well. He can be reached at captainjuansq@hotmail.com.
Big White Seabass caught with Capt Juan Cook in San Quintin, Mexico
Oregon
Dave Maroon
Dave offers fishing on the Columbia River area. It is an easy trip from anywhere in the Portland area. Dave has a fisheries degree and guides full time, which makes him extremely knowledgeable about the fish in the region. There is a great fishery for White Sturgeon and Shad here, which is what we fished for when I went with him. He also fishes for Salmon and Steelhead and I hope to go for those with him some day in the future.
Dave Maroon
Dave offers fishing on the Columbia River area. It is an easy trip from anywhere in the Portland area. Dave has a fisheries degree and guides full time, which makes him extremely knowledgeable about the fish in the region. There is a great fishery for White Sturgeon and Shad here, which is what we fished for when I went with him. He also fishes for Salmon and Steelhead and I hope to go for those with him some day in the future.
White Sturgeon caught with guide Dave Maroon.
Panama
Cebaco Bay Sportfishing Club
This is a really cool mothership operation in a relatively unfished area of Panama. The mothership stays anchored in a calm bay near the island of Cebaco. The area gets very little pressure and is especially good for inshore bruisers such as Roosterfish, Grouper, Bluefin Trevally, and Cubera Snapper. If you like popping and jigging for big inshore fish, this is a good option. I have fished four separate weeks in this location and the fishing has always been good. The mothership is very comfortable and you can even have some decent fishing off of it at night if you don’t get your fill during the day. They don’t take a lot of people at a time so you really get a customized experience.
These guys go after Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna as well but we didn’t really fish for those in any of the times I went to this area so I can’t really speak to that fishery.
Cebaco Bay Sportfishing Club
This is a really cool mothership operation in a relatively unfished area of Panama. The mothership stays anchored in a calm bay near the island of Cebaco. The area gets very little pressure and is especially good for inshore bruisers such as Roosterfish, Grouper, Bluefin Trevally, and Cubera Snapper. If you like popping and jigging for big inshore fish, this is a good option. I have fished four separate weeks in this location and the fishing has always been good. The mothership is very comfortable and you can even have some decent fishing off of it at night if you don’t get your fill during the day. They don’t take a lot of people at a time so you really get a customized experience.
These guys go after Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna as well but we didn’t really fish for those in any of the times I went to this area so I can’t really speak to that fishery.
Cubera Snapper caught on a Heru Cubera Popper at Cebaco Bay, Panama
Pesca Arenosa
This guy operates a fine boat targeting Peacock Bass in Lake Gatun. If you have an extra day in Panama City it is an easy trip. You won’t catch any giants like in the Amazon, but there are some 5-7lbers to potentially be had and good numbers of smaller ones. You also have a good shot at Jaguar Cichlids. A fun half day or day trip if you are in the area.
This guy operates a fine boat targeting Peacock Bass in Lake Gatun. If you have an extra day in Panama City it is an easy trip. You won’t catch any giants like in the Amazon, but there are some 5-7lbers to potentially be had and good numbers of smaller ones. You also have a good shot at Jaguar Cichlids. A fun half day or day trip if you are in the area.
One of the many beautiful Peacock Bass caught at Lake Gatun
Puerto Rico
Peacock Bass And Tarpon Tours
Capt Paco Mendez runs a fine operation targeting Peacock Bass in the lakes near San Juan and Tarpon in the lagoons. I only fished with him for Peacock Bass, but I found him to be an excellent guide. It's an easy trip if you have a half day free and are in San Juan. This fishery offers good numbers of smaller fish. The biggest one I caught is pictured below. They also have Midas Cichlids and Jaguar Cichlids. I have not fished with him for Tarpon but that is offered as well.
Peacock Bass And Tarpon Tours
Capt Paco Mendez runs a fine operation targeting Peacock Bass in the lakes near San Juan and Tarpon in the lagoons. I only fished with him for Peacock Bass, but I found him to be an excellent guide. It's an easy trip if you have a half day free and are in San Juan. This fishery offers good numbers of smaller fish. The biggest one I caught is pictured below. They also have Midas Cichlids and Jaguar Cichlids. I have not fished with him for Tarpon but that is offered as well.
Peacock Bass caught on a spinner bait in Puerto Rico
Wisconsin
Eric Haataja
Eric is the premier guide in Southern Wisconsin. He guides every month of the year and can put you on any species of fish in the area. One of the most interesting (and frigid) fisheries that he has dialed in is the trophy Brown Trout in the winter. Not the most picturesque fishing, but probably your best shot at a big Brown anywhere.
Eric Haataja
Eric is the premier guide in Southern Wisconsin. He guides every month of the year and can put you on any species of fish in the area. One of the most interesting (and frigid) fisheries that he has dialed in is the trophy Brown Trout in the winter. Not the most picturesque fishing, but probably your best shot at a big Brown anywhere.
Big Brown Trout caught in Milwaukee Harbor in the winter.