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Earthquakes in Guatemala and fishing too

By Kevin Styles

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 03Feb2010
Word count: 538
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Rock'n Roll

First it rocked, then it rolled and finally it really rocked..................

Today there was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Guatemala just South of the Marin towards El Salvador.

All of our boats were out fishing at the time - which is probably about the safest place for them when these things happen - but there are no casualties and little damage reported from the coast.

This is hardly an unusual occurrence in Guatemala, oftentimes our clients who come here for the spectacular billfishing are treated to the experience of mild shakes and quakes.

Given the landscape of active volcanoes in the area overlooking the Marina Pez Vela, it is perhaps not surprising that many anglers visiting Guatemala mistake these shakes, rattles and rock'n roll for mini eruptions from the most active volcano Pacaya.

Although 5.8 is a fairly significant seismic occurrence, the country has in the past survived much greater events with relatively minimal damage - certainly when compared to the historical damage metered out by eruptions and the mudslides that ensued.

In the 20th century there were 3 earthquakes that exceeded 7.5 on the richter scale (this compares to the tragic event in Haiti this year as a result of an earthquake reading 7.0).

The largest or most sever was in 1942 along the western highlands. Although it lasted and rumbled for some considerable time, and also caused widespread damage - only 38 casualties were reported.

In some villages over 60% of the buildings were completely demolished, primarily those of adobe construction, although details are hard to come by as it obviously occurred during the second world war, and records were not accurately kept.

Back here in the second decade of the 21st century (Jan 2010) we are pleased to also report on the great sailfishing fishery of Guatemala.

Typically this time of year sees calm seas and warm weather consistently from day to day. The last couple of weeks however, we have been greeted with some pretty difficult fishing conditions as a result of two cold fromts coming through.

Usually this means that the bait becomes much harder to find and less concentrated - for us as well as the predatory fish - but not this time !!

The billfish stayed focused relatively close to shore on some very rapid temperature breaks and continued to feed despite the inclement weather and waves "up top". The boats suffered a little in this "rockin'" period, but nothing that a few stainless screws and clamps couldn't take care of.

All through the week and a half of weather that we experienced, the fishing stayed hot - with 20-30 fish raised the norm throughout. We "rolled" through the groups, welcoming back many familiar faces to the coast and to the great fishing.

Then came the real "rockin" - close on the heels of the disaster in Haiti, and as we are all sensitized to the devastation that earthquakes can bring, we experienced a 5.8 magnitude this morning, centered just offshore and South of the marina towards El Salvador.

No casualties or significant damage is reported at this time. Earthquakes of this magnitude are familiar territory in this part of Central America - not quite an everyday occurrence, but frequent enough that even a 5.8 does not set off the alarms.

Earthquakes do not effect the fishing in Guatemala. The last big one was in 1976, but the fishing in Guatemala has been steadily improving. Free complete fishing guide here.

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