February 27th 2011 - March 5th Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Really good tides this week for bonefish tailing in the mornings and then late in the afternoon. And yes, due to the wind, it was all about getting out and wading and hunting those bones. Nice fish landed both from guide boats as well as independent angling in the lagoon. Oops, well we give away a few spots in the lagoon, and then it’s up to the adventurous angler to find his/her own surprises. Ali, Alonzo and the children all went off to Bonefish Island for a Friday overnight adventure. Perfect camping conditions as the wind has died, and those fish will be wagging their tails to Andie, who landed her first bonefish there on Christmas Day. She is seven years old.
PERMIT: It’s just plain silly right now for permit. Pretty much daily we are having permit landed on fly. For spin, live crab is a gimmee if you get it there….Some over 15 lbs, and most 5 to 10 lbs. But HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDA SOUCIE FOR HER 20 LB PERMIT ON FLY with Captain Emir! Check out the photos. And ED, wow, did you have a week. Congratulations on Mr. Permit to you; Captain Kachu had a great time teaming up with you this week.
TARPON: Congratulations to REID for his 50 lb tarpon on fly with Captain Erlindo. Six jumps – a sensational bite on Savannah Flats. And the story goes, Reid asks Erlindo, “Do you think we should leave because we aren’t seeing anything?" And Erlindo replied, "They will come.” And did they ever! Several shots……
SNOOK: Captain Luis will not give up his secret spot for snook and tarpon! Something about, “Working their way through mangrove creeks...” That’s all I got. Way to go, Jerry! He landed a 20 lb snook on fly, and had several shots to tarpon 40 to 50 lbs. The week is not over for you yet, so we are planning on big things. This is the only snook I think anyone has seen. Secret spots!
JACKS: Dave landed a nice jack, and so did Sarah. So did I, for that matter. I thought for sure it was a permit. Not that jacks aren’t wonderful by themselves, but when you are targeting permit, you want permit. This is a good fish to practice your skills at managing tippet strength and putting the wood to the fish.

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:

I have been having so much fun hearing all the great stories this week! The El Pescador Guide Team is on fire right now! I feel so honored to work with these guys who go out everyday and make it happen for our guests. I brag about them all the time; but really, they take beginners and experienced anglers alike, and with their own independent style, they show people stuff that is truly amazing for fly fishing in the salt. And for those who are spin fishing, there is no lack of adventure. Fishing 400 square miles of flats inside the Barrier Reef. Anything can go on! The best part of being Director of Fishing here at El Pescador is witnessing all the smiles. Lori-Ann.

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