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Alongside her husband, the late Capt. David Salazar, Kristen Salazar has owned Casa Vieja Lodge since 2013. One of the most iconic operations in sport fishing, Casa Vieja Lodge makes offshore fishing accessible on a scale not often matched. The lodge hosts an average of 3,200 guests per year, and in 2024, its fleet released an incredible 20,168 billfish. When David passed unexpectedly in December, the world lost a great man. While for many David was the face of the lodge, its growth, success and future trajectory are the result of a shared vision and partnership. Kristen graciously shares her perspective freely and honestly.
Q: Tell us about your history in Guatemala.
A: We bought the lodge in 2013. This October was our 11th full-time season at the lodge. We’ve expanded the fishing dramatically. When we got here, everybody thought Guatemala was a three-month season. Now we fish 10 months a year.
We have also grown to 90 full-time employees that we hire year-round. The majority have been with us for 10 years. That shows a lot of commitment—on both sides.
Q: How have things changed over the course of your time owning Casa Vieja?
A: It’s a different crowd—it’s a different generation that we’re reaching. For many, Casa Vieja provides their first experience with the sport. It’s where they fall in love with sport fishing. When many of them come down, they think, “If I fish for three days, I might catch a few sailfish if I’m lucky.” Then they come down to the epicenter of sailfishing.
We’ve worked really hard to put Guatemala in a positive light. People don’t know Guatemala, and people don’t trust what they don’t know. Now they experience it and want to come back and see more—the ruins and Antigua. A lot of times, guests will tell us, “Thank you for letting us come.” And we’re saying, “Thank you for coming.”
It’s been a hard battle, but it is getting easier. The onus has been on us to make it work. We’ve tried to illustrate to the government that it’s not all the same—the economic value of a sport fisherman is very different from that of a backpacker, for example.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time here?
A: To see how many memories we’ve created for other people. We’ve always said that we’re in the dream-delivery business. We get to see our clients live out their dreams—three generations hooked up at the same time, or a father watching his daughter catch her first blue marlin.
It’s the culmination of all these memories that we provide to clients. We’re not always aware of them, but for many they are even better than trips to Disney World.
Q: What does the future hold for Casa Vieja Lodge?
A: This summer we’re undergoing a major expansion—expanding the pool, the lodge and the gift shop. Right now we have a capacity of 54 anglers and 10 boats. The lodge is currently 27 rooms. We’re building another eight.
The vision for the future is to get a few bigger boats and really lean in to Guatemala. We have the best sailfish fishing in the world. This is what we know. So, we’re like, “Let’s do it.”
So we are doubling down here—bigger and better.
Q: Is there anything else that people should know about Casa Vieja?
A: Yes. That this was David’s and my vision. This wasn’t just David. I’ve been here grinding for a long time. This was our vision.
I’m trying to continue that legacy. For me and the girls to keep kicking ass and delivering the best fishing in the world to our customers.
