February 20th 2011 - February 26th Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Just some classic bonefishing this week. The wind has been tough; however, the guides were good to get guests in the lee, and some beautiful 3 to 4 lb tailing bones for sight casting. Wade fishing for bones was also the way to go to get around the wind.
PERMIT: Pretty much daily we are having permit landed on fly. Some over 15 lbs, and most 5 to 10 lbs. Bigger permit targeted, like 30 lbs, but no luck with the bite for those guys. Addicitive! OK, Karl started his GRAND SLAM with a 19 lb permit!
TARPON: On the days the wind allowed, some had bites, but the only one laned was from Karl and Captain Carlos to complete their GRAND SLAM.
SNOOK: Not seen as much this time of year - they are closer to the mainland.
JACKS: 22 lb jack landed on fly by Dave……almost spooled him.

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:

It is all about dealing with the wind, and staying calm. HA! Try that when there is a 30 lb permit chasing your fly around. We have been practicing our casts right into the wind, and people are learning their double haul in minutes just because they have to! I call it “therapy” out on the casting platform. In the salt, you don’t have time, the fly needs to get there, and now. Anyway, we were all thrilled here at EP when Karl Shaffer landed his first GRAND SLAM! Day number two, and Karl’s smile never left as long as he and Nancy were in here. It was a very contagious smile indeed. Congratulations Karl, you are now a part of the “Grand Slam Club” here at El Pescador. We look forward to seeing you and Nancy here next year, the time went too fast! Lori-Ann.

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