Pacific Coast, Guatemala

Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

A deep-bodied, big-eyed tuna prized for rich sashimi flesh. In Hawaii 'ahi' is shared with yellowfin tuna, so the name alone does not prove the species. At the dock, check pectoral-fin length and body depth to split it from yellowfin. If a fish could be an Atlantic bluefin, remember its rules change yearly — check current regulations and never rely on fixed numbers.

Pacific Sierra

Scomberomorus sierra

The most abundant gamefish on the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America — a schooling Spanish mackerel that slashes bait in the surf and around nearshore reefs, and makes first-class ceviche.

Spotted Rose Snapper

Lutjanus guttatus

The 'pargo lunarejo' — a pinkish, spotted inshore snapper with one bold black spot, abundant from the Sea of Cortez to Panama and one of the best-eating small snappers on the coast.

Black Skipjack

Euthynnus lineatus

The eastern Pacific's small tuna, forming mixed schools with yellowfin and skipjack over warm coastal and offshore surface water. It is a fast, opportunistic predator and a lively light-tackle and bait-boat fish.