The Billfish Report is counting down its Top 10 Billfisheries of the Year, and coming in at #4 is Guatemala.

Criteria for our Top 10 list – taken from the daily billfish reports we receive from hundreds of captains around the world –  include the following: fish numbers, variety of billfish species, average size of fish and length of season.  These are then compiled, factoring in the number of boats regularly fishing that fishery, to derive a score.  The rankings of those scores yield this year’s Top 10 list.

Typically Guatemala is considered the most prolific billfishery on earth for numbers of fish and did not disappoint in 2011.  Sailfish are Guatemala’s specialty, and there were huge numbers of them.  The International Light Tackle Tournament Association’s December tournament alone saw 1,669 sailfish caught.  There were days on individual boats where 50+ sails were raised, and 30+ caught.  And to top it off, blues were also in these waters – and some large ones, with three going over 500 pounds. This fishery is becoming a reliable Blue Marlin fishery and the numbers prove it.  Hard to see how this fishery wasn’t one of the very best in 2011 – and its #4 ranking proves it.

Here are some of the Highlights from 2011 – 

Capt. Brad Philipps on Decisive raised 7 Blue Marlin, releasing 3 up to 500 lbs. Capt. Phillips also released 6 Sailfish

ILTTA Tournament released 1,669 Sailfish

Captain Hook raised 46 Sailfish, Hooking 38 and Releasing 26.

Rum Line raised 58 Sailfish, Hooking 38 and Releasing 26.