March 22nd - March 28th 2010 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Some days were easier than others for Mr. Bonefish. Our tides are not huge, about 2 feet, but the bones really respond best with the incoming tide. One analogy would be looking at trout fishing when there is a hatch, vs. no hatch. Bonefish behavior is all about having things just right: An incoming tide bringing in food and water temperatures stabilized. For the angler – we need light to find the fish and the ability to get the cast there before the moment dissolves. Bonefishing in my mind is the quintessential saltwater fish. Fly or spin…they will make you giggle every time. How much fun is it to have it all come together and then feel that reel spin out with a bonefish moving through the water full throttle? I mention all of this because people wonder why bonefish don’t stay in one place…and why certain times of the day they seem to be more responsive. Sight fishing numbers will always be smaller than bones caught in a mudding situation. The guide will up your game as you progress. Several of our anglers this week were on that learning curve. 20 fish days went to 5 fish days, but with a lot more pride.
TARPON: A lot of “almost” this week! Tarpon grabbed and then things happened….as they can do. Tarpon from 40 – 60 lbs seen and targeted, 0 landed.
PERMIT: It is all about permit right now. When there is light and the tide is right…there are permit. And so it was for me this week, landing my first permit here at El Pescador Lodge! And did the casting gal lose it or what! But after a few deep breaths, and a few more desperate casts… I was connected. The day was a thrill - all three of us on the boat landed permit, the youngest guy being 14. His father is a deep sea guide. Dingo’s first comment after landing his 8 lb permit, “That beat the 58lb wahoo I landed any day!” Big smiles all around. Oh yeah, our guests Bill and Neil landed permit on fly too! More on Bill….
JACKS: A few jacks were landed – one was about 15 lbs, and took an hour to get in! This is a great fish…not one to be included in a “grand slam” or “super grand slam,” but one that will kick your butt everytime!
SNOOK: Mr. Snook happily stayed in the mangroves… not targeted.

FLIES THAT WORKED

FOR BONES: Christmas Island Specials size 8 and 6, Charlies and Gotchas. Tan, gold, sexy patterns. OK, we are using patterns tied on………circle hooks! Size 8. More on hooks…and hook setting...
FOR TARPON: Black Beauties and Grizzly Bunnies, some Toad patterns as well.
FOR PERMIT: Orange and pink Christmas Island Specials size 4 stripped fast, and Merkins

REPORT SUMMARY:

Did I mention I landed my first permit since I arrived 5 months ago? Busy getting used to my new life here, I’ve been focused on projects and my bonefishing time in the lagoon. I knew that permit season would present itself, and it has. Maybe that is why I had such a bad case of “fish fever!” Standing on the bow of the ponga…and then seeing schools of permit…is something I knew was going to happen, I just didn’t know when. Just because I live here doesn’t mean that time out on the water is taken for granted. It is special every time! And speaking of “special” – all of us in camp this week marveled over our new buddy Bill. He was in a wheelchair for a couple of years and then worked really hard to gain back the ability to walk. Balance is an issue in the boat, so he used the cooler to sit on the bow for casting. What an inspiration for all of us. When he landed his permit his face beamed for at least 24hrs. We all have our dreams and fish goals…witnessing it all come together is a gift for us all.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at fish@ElPescador.com. Happy fishing!