Fishing

** Have fishing info to add? Send it to us at info@utilaguide.com **

 Small Boat and Shallows Fishing:

Among the species found in the shallows near shore are bonefish and permit, which are caught all year round, and grouper, snook, and all sorts of snapper, including yellow tail and red. Tarpon has a limited season, generally from February through June.  To go- contact a local fisherman/Captain: 

 • Rolando “Babe”- A favorite of many for s hand-line fishing,  and you will catch your own bait first with him.   $75 USD for up to 3 people,  and he likes to leave early (before 6am) and will stay out until noon or so until you get fish.  He said he’s only been “skunked” a few times….   Phone is 9-925-1145 or 2425-3764 or he lives down in Sandy Bay- you can just ask for  him on the main street there.

 • Hal Whitefield:  Who will take you and 3 others out for a day for $100 in his traditional dory.  You can find him at across from Cross Creek Dive Center, at the Point, in an older blue house.  Usually there is a crew of gentleman playing dominoes out front, and there is a sign that says “Fishing trips – Capt Hal”.  Hal can also be hired for a trip to the Cays, a boating trip around the island ($60 for a day trip)  

 •Ramon’s Charters /Captain Ronnie:  Ramon’s Charters offers customized Fishing trips on two different boat options:  A 31’foot Cabin cruiser (with shade) or an open 25 footer. 

He also runs water taxis and boat charters:

  • -Water Cay: 900 lempiras /$48usd on the smaller boat, round trip
  • -La Ceiba: $200 smaller boat, $600 big boat
  • -Roatan:  $200 usd. But he will work to make a group at  $50 per person, min 4 person; takes 1 hour)
  • -Cayos Cochinos:  Contact him for pricing

 Ramon’s Charters is located in Sandy Bay, across from Ultralight Cafe.     Cell phone 9928 – 4936 and email is:  Ramonsservice@yahoo.com

 •Rex Cooper - Based out of the Cays, Rex is an astute fisherman.  Uses a traditional dory.  Phone is 3278 0053.  Dial 011-504 before that if calling from the States or Canada.

 •Tony Waterhouse:  Tony doesn’t have a boat, but is one of the best for shore and flats fishing. 

 •On your own:  You can go flats fishing with your own pole on your own underneath the bridge at the Point, or towards the backside of it, in the lagoon. Another good option is to head down past the public Chepes beach and walk along the shore- you’ll have it virtually to yourself once you pass the public beach.

Bigger Boats / Deep Sea Fishing:

Deeper waters have mackerel (king and Spanish), bonito, black fin tuna, Wahoo, kingfish and seasonally marlin, while goliath grouper can also be found offshore.  

 • Margaritaville Charters: 2-425-3366. Nice big covered boat “Its 5 oclock somewhere”

 • Captain Steve / La Pirata Charters- 9-691-4823 or stop in at Bundu Cafe and talk to Patrick, Nelly or Hannah- they will find Steve for you.

  •Ramon’s Charters: Captain Ronnie.  2 boats: Cabin cruiser- 31′footer partly covered  or a smaller open 25 footer.  Contact Ronnie Ramon: Cell phone 9928 – 4936 Ramonsservice@yahoo.com

  •Norman Jackson: Has a modern speedboat and knows the waters well.  Based out of Utila Cays- frequently runs trips to the North Side as well. 

Prices:

  • Fly Fishing: $140 usd for 1/2 day up to 3 people;
  • Deep Sea Fishing: $240 usd to 4 people;
  • Private Diving: $140 usd half day

 Contact Norm Jackson:  3-239 7674  (Dial 011-504 in front of it if calling from States or Canada).   See his  Facebook page  for contacting via web, or email  normanjackson79@gmail.com

•Bush’s Charters: 2-425-3147 or stop in at Bush’s Grocery store and talk to Denny.

•Roger  Tropico Vista Charters – 3-369-2298.  With Layin’ Low (TROPICO VISTA TRANQUILA ENTERPRISES, S.A. de C.V.).  “Hi, I am Rodger Mehrer, Captain of the “Layin’ Low” and I am excited to offer several ocean options for visitors who have come to Utila.  Our boat the “Layin Low” has been custom built and outfitted (USCG Standards). The boat is a 26′ center console, deep V hull with two 115hp, four stroke engines. It is registered and licensed for 8 people in total and we never exceed these limits. We are a US Coast Guard outfitted watercraft including vhf radio, GPS/Fishfinder, life jackets, snorkeling vests, fire extinguisher, flare gun and first aid kit.  We have the following services”

  •  DEEP SEA – BIG GAME FISHING CHARTERS: We offer both ½ day and full day charters and primarily fish for Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado and Baracuda.  We provide virtually all the equipment necessary and have the finest Penn and Fin-Nor equipment for your use.
  •  PRIVATE SCUBA DIVING CHARTERS: We offer private two-tank scuba adventures unlike any of the dive operations here on Utila can offer.  When you only have a week or two to fun dive that is exactly what you want; FUN DIVES!  What makes our services unique?
  •  ECO TRIPS TO CAYOS COCHINOS: There is no other place in the Bay Islands that can compare to the beauty and tranquility that Cayos Cochino  offers.  We provide a full day tour to the islands and include; swimming with dolphin, snorkeling,  hikes through the rain forest (home of the Pink Boa) and visits to the Cays and Chachuate (home to the Garifuna). This is a trip you will never forget!                    

  Contact: rm.paradisecove@gmail.com

Fly Fishing:

See Norman Jackson above