January 2nd - January 8th 2011 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: We are continuing to see bigger bonefish in the 5 – 8 lb range, which is amazing all of us. Ed and Austin were here to catch their first bonefish on fly, and ended up sight fishing for some really big boys. Reports were sent back to Tailwaters in Dallas that “the Mercer guys now have bonefishing wired!” Robin and Alex landed their first bonefish as well on fly. Congratulations!
PERMIT: Holy smokes! It’s all about the wind for permit. When the wind is right for a certain spot, Mr. Permit is there. When the wind moves even the slightest, goodbye. We had a few days of epic permit fishing on fly and spin. Alex landed three permit on live crab, one was 21 lbs! Sebastiano was here in November and landed a 19 lb permit, but he was still excited with his 12 lb permit this time. I had one on in the lagoon that was absolutely magic. I’m still dealing with the experience. I saw the arbor three times before it came unbuttoned. It was a gift.
TARPON: Everyone was chasing permit!
SNOOK: Everyone was chasing permit!
JACKS: Family fish days……jacks, snapper, ladyfish…all prevalent in the channels for blind casting bliss.

FLIES THAT WORKED

FOR BONES: Christmas Island Specials size 8 and 6, Charlies and Gotchas. Tan, gold, sexy patterns. Sexy patterns are flies that move so great in the water you just to have it.
FOR TARPON: 3/0 yellow toads, green Toads, Black Death cockroach, and look out with purple! Your choice, circle hooks will help people who have not had experience setting tarpon, while the standard is still with J-hooks, or set hooks.
FOR PERMIT: Orange and pink Christmas Island Specials size 4 stripped fast. Tan and green crabs, size 6, when they are tailing. We strip a lot of flies for permit. It is the way the San Pedro guides do it, and it works! Shrimp patterns, size 6, on long 14-16 ft leaders down to 16lb test. Glass minnow patterns work as well. You just have to be brave enough to try.

REPORT SUMMARY:

Just a beautiful January week here at El Pescador. Captain Sinoe and Sebastiano have such a great time fishing together, and I love that. This time I got to meet Elena, Sebastiono’s wife. Let’s just say the Italian’s dominated the scene this week. Between Sebastiano cursing himself for poor casts to permit and tarpon, and Elena screaming as she watched her fly line soar, the Grand Slam Bar was loud with excitement. We may have created a monster, but Elena now loves fly fishing! She always has, but has never tried it herself. New horizons. Mother and son – Robin and Alex became addicted to saltwater flyfishing as well. They caught fish on fly and spin, using whatever they needed to make it happen. Father and son, Edward and Austin also are new converts to the flats. The angling experience for sighted bones is what I consider to be the essence of saltwater fly fishing. Sure, we get excited about permit and tarpon, but bonefish offer us the “soul” of the sport. A great New Moon week! Lori-Ann.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at [email protected]. Happy fishing!