The Travel Blog
Exotic fishing travel may be our driving passion, but we love a good road trip just the same. It’s all about leaving work behind, seeing new things and expanding our horizons.. Each new trip is a chance to catch new species and meet people who make us more complete.
Not Fishing? Here’s Why Casa Vieja Lodge Is Still Worth It
Planning a Guatemala fishing trip with a non-angler? See why Casa Vieja Lodge works for couples—luxury, relaxation, and off-water activities.
Copa Airlines News 2026 (Plus Bonus Rail Link)
Latest Copa Airlines 2026 news including Starlink Wi-Fi rollout, expanded routes, and growing connectivity through Panama—plus why it matters for anglers traveling to Central America fishing lodges.
United Airlines – Spring 2026 Updates for Traveling Anglers
Planning a fishing trip in 2026? Stay ahead of United Airlines’ latest changes, including baggage fees, MileagePlus updates, and fishing gear policies. Essential info for traveling anglers.
How, When and Where to Chase Pelagic Fish Off the California Coast
From trout-fed football largemouths to the calico bass that live in my dreams, SoCal has year-round variety, but it was only after watching the social media feeds of my friend Oliver Ngy that I learned about their variety of pelagics – check out what he had to say and how to book a trip.
Sara Smith’s First Casa Vieja Trip – Big Memories, Big Fish in Guatemala
Experience Guatemala like Sara Smith did—luxury lodge, thrilling saltwater fishing, and unforgettable moments. Perfect for couples or first-time anglers!
Going Back to Cali – For New Kinds of Bass
Oliver Ngy is dialed in on a variety of bites across the country but he’s particularly expert on the California scene — from bass to tuna and all sorts of salty experiences. We can’t wait to catch Calico Bass with Oliver and Riley.
A First STEP for International Travelers
You can register with the State Department’s STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It allows you to enroll your foreign travels so that you can get relevant, timely information and also so that a local embassy can contact and locate you in case of an emergency.
Could We Someday Have a Lanier Classic? Emil Wagner Hopes So
Could we someday have a Bassmaster Classic on Georgia’s Lake Lanier? Emil Wagner hopes so — and here’s how he’d attack that likely smashfest at home.
Guatemala Sailfish – Records Are Made to Be Broken
Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala is always exceptional, but on March 1st, 2026, their catch numbers were simply off the charts. Nine boats released over 500 sailfish (not a typo). When are you going?
A Photo Guide to Eating at Casa Vieja Lodge – February 2026
The fishing at Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala is world-famous for good reason, but you won’t have to suffer at the table to experience it. They keep guests well-fed with incredible and varied food.
Casa Vieja’s Upgrades – Sleep Tight and Take the Plunge
Casa Vieja Lodge was already a five-star experience but now they’ve added new rooms and expanded the pool, producing more capacity and an even better time onshore.
Lessons Learned on the Guatemalan Road Trip from Hell
We didn't let a little ground transportation snafu mess up the best billfish numbers trip of a lifetime -- and we learned some lessons along the way.
Carl’s Casa Vieja Lodge Experience – February 2026
Carl Vicars shows you firsthand how wild it can get at Casa Vieja Lodge. From sailfish quads to marlin, February 2026 was the trip of a lifetime.
384 Sailfish in Three Days – Casa Vieja Lodge February 2026 Fishing Report
On our February 2026 trip to Casa Vieja Lodge, 16 anglers fishing on four boats for 3 days caught nearly 400 sailfish — plus a handful of bonus marlin. Simply one of the best billfisheries in the world.
Oliver Ngy’s Big Lobster and Octopus Dreams
Our friends Oliver and Riley Ngy continue to push the boundaries of fishing – and proving why Southern California remains a fantastic place to chase trophies of just about every stripe. Now they’re after lobster and octopus.
Meet the Pirá Pitá: Argentina’s Mini Dorado with a Big Attitude
Experience multi-species guided fishing in Argentina. Target dorado, pirá pitá, and pacú on our hosted trips with top guides, luxury lodging, and local cuisine.
Top Things to Do on Our Next Trip to Baja California Sur: Fishing, Food, Whales and More
We want to go back to Baja California Sur to experience its riches, from roosterfish fishing to whale watching, tacos, tequila, and beach camping.
Fishing and Travel News to Start 2026
Start 2026 with key fishing and travel news—from Alaska and Bristol Bay to Panama and Bolivia. Get updates, trip insights, and gear tips from Half Past First Cast.
All Aboard the Caliente
Go behind the scenes of a 4-day, 3-night liveaboard fishing trip aboard the Caliente in Cabo San Lucas — cabins, crew, tight quarters, big fish and unforgettable memories.
Getting to Magdalena Bay for the Fishing Trip of a Lifetime
The remoteness of Mexico’s Magdalena Bay is a big part of what maintains the fertile fishery — here’s how to get there with a minimum of stress and time on the road or in the air.

