Fly Fish Guanaja

Fishing Fly Fish Guanaja

Guanaja offers diverse Caribbean flats where shallow waters comprise hard sand, turtle grass, and coral. The flats are incredibly productive, with fishing for permit, bonefish, and tarpon available year-round. The island's location 43 miles off the Honduras coast ensures minimal fishing pressure and healthy fish populations.

The Fishery

• Coral flats and vast grass banks
• Hard sand, turtle grass, and coral bottom
• River mouth, lagoon, and north side flats
• Sandy beaches with wooden dock structure
• Ten small cayes on east side with fishable flats
• 65% wade fishing, 35% boat fishing
• Custom-built local flats boats designed for Guanaja waters

Target Species

Permit (Trachinotus falcatus)
The primary target and Guanaja's claim to fame.

• Abundance: commonly sighted 10-50 permit daily with multiple shot opportunities, though daily numbers vary with conditions and tides
• Size Range: 5-50 pounds
• Habitat: Turtle grass flats, sandy beaches, wooden dock structure, river mouth
• Peak Season: Year-round, best March through November
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, technical presentations, crabs and shrimp patterns

Bonefish (Albula vulpes)
Abundant and big by Caribbean standards.

• Average Size: 4-7 pounds
• Large Fish: Up to 10 pounds
• Habitat: Large schools around smaller cayes south of Guanaja, big singles around entire coast
• Characteristics: Abundant, always visible tailing, challenging to catch
• Techniques: Sight-fishing, wade and boat presentations

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
Baby tarpon provide exciting action.

• Size Range: 5-40 pounds
• Habitat: Cruising flats on moving tides, turtle grass, deep channels
• Season: Common when found on moving tides
• Characteristics: Skimming reflective bodies from deeps back into turtle grass
• Techniques: Sight-casting, let fly sink, strip retrieve

Other Species:

• Triggerfish (multiple species)
• Snook
• Various jacks
• Barracuda

Fishing Locations:

Main Island Guanaja

• North side flats: Long stretches of clean sea grass meadows
• River mouth and lagoon fishing
• Sandy beaches near raised flats
• Wooden dock structure where permit feed
• East side: Ten small cayes with fishable flats
• Wade and boat fishing opportunities

Faraway Cayes (Advanced Trip Option)
Located 160 miles east of Guanaja:

• Remote basecamp with yurts
• World-record-class permit (average 15+ pounds, some over 50 pounds)
• Huge schools of giant bonefish (some pushing double digits)
• Shallow turtle grass full of permit and triggerfish
• Sandy patches with vast bonefish schools
• Permit tail over skinny flats during right tides
• Permit hunt under eagle rays in deeper water
• Additional cost and separate booking

Fly Fish Guanaja Lodge

Located on the oceanfront in the heart of Mangrove Bight, a small local fishing community, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations just steps from the boats.

The Lodge
Five newly constructed oceanfront cabins:

• Each cabin: Two queen beds
• Plush bedding and linens
• Air conditioning
• Hot water showers
• Private covered porches with hammocks
• Bar area with space to spread out
• 30-second walk to boats
• 30-second walk to private bar and restaurant

Common Areas:

• Social area and lounge
• Private bar and restaurant
• Hammocks on each cabin porch
• Beachfront location
• Boat access directly from lodge

Dining
Honduran cuisine infused with fresh local ingredients:

• Fresh seafood cooked to perfection
• Tamales, carne asada, and baleadas (Guanaja specialties)
• Fresh local produce
• Sustainable fishing practices for seafood
• All produce and meat sourced locally
• Three meals daily
• Snacks and beverages throughout day
• Open bar

Basecamp at Faraway Cayes (Separate Option)
For anglers venturing to the remote Faraway Cayes:

• Three Mountain Shelter Yurts on middle of island
• 360-degree views of island and surrounding flats
• Comfortable canvas tent accommodations
• Fully protected from elements
• Fantastic food prepared by Fly Fish Guanaja chefs
• Fresh Honduran fruits, vegetables, and desserts
• Breakfast, boat lunches, cocktail hour appetizers, and gourmet dinners
• Incredible peace of sleeping in nature
• Perhaps the most peaceful place on earth

Travel to Fly Fish Guanaja

International Travel
Fly to Roatan, Honduras (RTB - Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport)

Airlines Serving Roatan:

• United Airlines (Houston, IAH)
• Delta Air Lines (Atlanta, ATL)
• American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth, DFW; Miami, MIA)
• Southwest Airlines (Houston Hobby, HOU)

Arrival Day (Saturday):

• Arrive Roatan midday (by 2:00pm recommended)
• Lodge representative meets you at Roatan airport
• Transfer options to Guanaja:

Transfer Option 1: Flight

• 20-minute plane ride Saturday afternoon
• Organized by Fly Fish Guanaja
• Arrive Guanaja airport
• Lodge representative greets you
• 20-minute boat ride to lodge in Mangrove Bight

Transfer Option 2: Boat

• Weather permitting: Depart Saturday afternoon
• Unfavorable weather: Early next morning (mornings calmer)
• Best boats and captains in Bay Islands
• Unique experience traveling inside reef
• Pass small villages and little keys along east end of Roatan
• Approximately 90-minute boat ride

Departure Day (Saturday):

• After breakfast
• Boat or flight transfer back to Roatan
• Connect to international flights
• Plan departure flights for afternoon/evening

Important: Coordinate arrival and departure times with Fly Fish Guanaja for smooth transfers.

Sample 5-Day Wilderness Fish Camp Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday):

• Arrive Roatan midday
• Meet lodge representative
• Transfer to Guanaja (flight or boat)
• 20-minute boat ride to lodge in Mangrove Bight
• Check into oceanfront cabin
• Lodge orientation and guide introductions
• Welcome dinner featuring fresh local seafood
• Rig rods and prepare gear
• Early night to rest from travel

Days 2-6 (Sunday-Thursday): Five Full Fishing Days

• Early breakfast (coffee available earlier)
• Depart 8:00am (guides pick up from front of lodge)
• Run time to flats: Most within 30 minutes
• Full day fishing diverse flats
• 65% wade fishing, 35% from boat
• Target permit (10-50 fish sighted daily)
• Bonefish schools and singles
• Tarpon on moving tides
• Hot lunch on the water or return to lodge
• Continue afternoon fishing
• Return to lodge by 4:00-5:00pm
• Wash gear and relax
• Cocktail hour at private bar
• Dinner featuring Honduran specialties
• Share stories and prep for next day

Daily Fishing Locations Vary:

• North side grass flats
• River mouth and lagoon
• Sandy beaches and dock structures
• East side small cayes
• Guides select locations based on tides, weather, and target species

Day 7 (Saturday):

• Final breakfast
• Boat or flight transfer to Roatan
• Connect to international departure flights
• Recommend afternoon/evening departures

Package Rates

2026 Hosted Trips:

May 16-23, 2026:

• 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
• $4,850 per angler (double occupancy)
• $200 transportation fee from Roatan

September 5-12, 2026:

• 7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
• $4,850 per angler (double occupancy)
• $200 transportation fee from Roatan

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and additional dates

What's Included:

• Seven nights oceanfront cabin accommodations
• Six full days guided fly fishing
• Professional guide and boat (2 anglers per guide)
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Non-alcoholic drinks, snacks
• Basic fly fishing gear (if needed)
• Honduran fishing license (if ferry option)
• National park fees and registration

Not Included:

• International airfare to Roatan
• Transfer cost from Roatan to Guanaja ($200 for hosted trips, or ferry option varies)
• Alcoholic beverages beyond lodge offerings
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• $10 Environmental Fund contribution to Marine Park
• Personal fly fishing gear preferences
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus taxes due

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or travel issues

Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and highly recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Important: With Global Rescue, to get "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage you must purchase policy within 20 days of initial trip deposit. All non-refundable trip costs must be insured. Not offered to New York State residents.

For insurance questions contact:Kim D'Amico | 617.459.4200 | kdamico@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Caribbean Flats Experts

Ready to experience Honduras' premier permit fishery? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about Fly Fish Guanaja, travel logistics, hosted trip dates, and what to expect on the flats.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive saltwater fly fishing experience. He can provide detailed insights on permit fishing tactics, fly selection, and preparation for Guanaja's diverse flats.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Guanaja adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through travel to Roatan to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Hosted trip dates and availability
• Permit fishing tactics and strategies
• Fly selection for Guanaja (crabs, shrimp, baitfish)
• Tackle recommendations (rod weights, reels, lines)
• International travel to Roatan
• Transfer options (flight vs. boat from Roatan)
• What to expect: wade fishing vs. boat fishing
• Faraway Cayes trip planning (separate booking)
• Best season timing (year-round options)
• Pre-trip preparation consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater fly fishing gear and talk with our team about your Fly Fish Guanaja adventure.

What to Bring to Guanaja

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 8-weight rod (primary for permit and bonefish)
• 9-weight rod (backup or for tarpon)
• Large arbor saltwater reel with strong drag
• Floating line (primary)
• Spare spool with intermediate line

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-12 foot leaders (12-16 lb for permit, 8-12 lb for bonefish)
• Fluorocarbon tippet (10-16 lb)
• Extra tippet spools

Flies:

• Permit flies: Crab patterns (Merkin, Del's Merkin, Avalon Crab)
• Permit flies: Shrimp patterns (Squimp, EP Spawning Shrimp)
• Bonefish flies: Small crabs, Gotchas, Crazy Charlies
• Tarpon flies: Small baitfish patterns, Toads
• Variety of sizes and colors
• Bring 3-4 dozen flies minimum

Note: Basic fly fishing gear provided, but bring your preferences

Clothing for Caribbean Flats

Fishing Clothing:

• Long-sleeve sun shirts (lightweight, quick-dry, UPF protection)
• Fishing pants or quick-dry pants
• Wide-brim sun hat or flats cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Polarized sunglasses (essential—amber or copper lenses for turtle grass)
• Sunglasses retainer (essential)
• Rain jacket (lightweight)

Wading:

• Wading boots or flats boots (coral and rock bottom)
• Flats booties or neoprene socks
• Note: 65% wade fishing—proper footwear essential

Sun Protection:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe, waterproof)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sun gloves (lightweight, UPF protection)
• Face mask or bandana

Lodge Wear:

• Casual comfortable clothes for evenings
• Shorts and t-shirts
• Light layers (cabins are air-conditioned)
• Comfortable shoes or sandals

Personal Items

Documents:

• U.S. passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel)
• Copies of passport/travel documents
• Flight confirmations
• Honduras entry requirements
• Cash for gratuities (U.S. dollars accepted)

Medications & First Aid:

• Personal prescription medications
• Basic first aid items
• Insect repellent (tropical strength)
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Pain relievers
• Seasickness medication (for boat transfer if needed)

Electronics:

• Camera and extra batteries/memory cards
• Phone and chargers
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag
• Headlamp or flashlight

Optional:

• GoPro or action camera for flats fishing
• Binoculars for spotting fish and wildlife
• Reading material
• Snorkel gear (reef nearby)