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.
Twenty Pounds of Spotted Bass in an Atlanta-Area Traffic Jam
Lake Lanier is a summertime playground for Atlanta . While you may have the spotted bass fishing to yourself in other seasonsg, when it gets warm, you’re likely to be outnumbered by wake boats, pontoons and bikinis. Here’s how Elite champion Paul Marks still gets it done.
Ghost Hunting -- Our First Experience with White Seabass
Now that we’ve caught some White Seabass in California we’re intrigued and obsessed with them. Here’s a little about their restoration and some ways to celebrate them.
JD’s Big Game Fishing Tackle: Part Tackle Store, Part Museum, Completely One of a Kind
On Balboa Island, off Newport Beach, California, JD’s Big Game Tackle not only sells gear, but serves as a living monument to California’s lengthy and storied fishing culture.
Seven Things That Were Different About Our Sixth Trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge
We first visited Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge in April 2021 as a “once in a lifetime” trip, but somehow we just completed trip number six and we’re planning for number seven. Here are 7 things that were different about the trip that we recently led for a group of 20 very happy anglers.
An Enhanced Panama Fishing Experience
All of our trips to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge have been exceptional, but my most recent hosted gig offered up a little more than usual. The fishing was the same. The accommodations were the same. The food and drink were all the same, but this was a test for whether a few extra experiences could make it even better.
Grand Lake Sports Center: A Step Back in Oklahoma History
I spent the spring following the Bassmaster tournament trail. Being the consummate tackle junkie, I made an effort to visit as many tackle stores as possible and one gem was Grand Lake Sports Center in the downtown area of Grove, Oklahoma.
The Pros’ Dream Fishing Trips -- Beyond Bass
Professional bass anglers live and breathe bass fishing but what happens when you ask them to dream beyond bass? If they could pack their rods and head anywhere in the world for the ultimate bucket list fishing trip, where would they go?
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.
