March 23 - March 29 2014 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING

Bonefish (Macabi):

Mike “Parker” was here from The Fly Shop. Of course everyone in his group showed up with their fly boxes totally equipped with the best flies for their saltwater flats experience at El Pescador. Everyone in the group landed bonefish and Parker was right there to help guide their experience. And his fabulous wife Kelly was a great addition. Tom and Ron landed bonefish but their story gets better! Laurelle’s face was beaming all week. She and her boyfriend Tim both landed bonefish with Captain Erlindo. They really appreciated Erlindo’s “fishy” style of guiding. So nice “bonyfish” on fly, you guys! Steve - nice going and your story gets better with Captain Cesar! The father and son duos also got into some nice bonefishing. Ryan and Nick with Captain Kechu, Bill and Patrick with Captain Emir – they were close to the slam and those bonefish soon become very important! Rob and Debbie had big fun with Captain Cinoeh. They landed their bonefish but their dream happens in the next section. Ed was here with his lovely wife Lisa and his dad Ed. They all landed bonefish and then look for their big action under “tarpon!” Lisa’s brother Mike was fishing with his wife Gaylynn and Captain Raton. They landed bonefish while Captain Raton cooked them an incredible shore lunch. Kevin and Erica, our “South African” friends both landed bonefish. Kevin became obsessed over tarpon so he is now a lost cause. Stuart landed bonefish with Captain Alex . The weather represented this tropical time of year with the fish in a “happy,” mode. Fish and anglers have their personalities. Somedays are better than others. I watch a lot of anglers go out and see what the day will bring them. But when good friend Bill W is in town you can’t help see that big smile from the time he puts his foot on the dock until the big hug goodbye. So Bill, I know you have received many “pins,’ from your El Pescador family, but it is my distinct pleasure to have honored you with your bonefish pin. Bonefish represent the “heart and soul” of the flats. Thank you for your big smile all week!

Permit (Palometta):

Holy Smokes! On March 24th we had 9 permit landed on fly! It’s “spring break” time. Father and son Bill and Patrick practiced their cast before their trip. They showed up ready and eager. Patrick was so appreciative of every step of learning and growing. It all paid off. They both landed permit on fly with Captain Emir. Duane and Jake were fishing with Captain Cesar. And on March 25th Jake landed his beautiful permit and on March 28th, his dad Duane landed his permit! Nick was wade fishing with his dad Ryan. Ryan was with Captain Kechu when he heard his son’s, “yahoo…..” Yes, Nick landed his first permit wading the flats by himself! I think Mike’s comment was, “that was better than sex…” He landed his first permit on fly with Captain Raton and was floating around from that point on. Steve went out with Captain Cesar one day and landed his permit on fly. Kevin and Erica have been fishing a couple of weeks now and looks like they might be neighbors soon! We hope so. Kevin landed a permit on fly with Captain Vince. We have to remind him of this because he is now tarpon obsessed and needs to remember that this was pretty incredible! A permit on fly is incredible! Just sayin. I’m convinced it was Debbie’s “not taking no for an answer attitude,” that made it happen for her husband Rob. Rob wanted a permit on fly really bad! Captain Cinoeh made it happen for him his last day out there! Tim was also one happy guy! He landed his permit on fly with Captain Erlindo. There were so many wonderful stories this week but his one stole my heart. Tom is 85 and loves his fly fishing. He was fishing with Ron and Captain Gilberto. Ron is very accomplished angler and really appreciated being out there each day. But when they came back from the dock and they had both landed permit on fly, we all rejoiced. How cool is that? Big smiles all around. And yes, there was some celebrating.

Tarpon (Sabalo):

My job share partner Ed Blank is tarpon crazed. His El Pescador family could not have been happier for him this week! Ed’s wife, the lovely and fabulous Lisa, arranged a surprise birthday party for Ed. His birthday was March 26th. Ed and Lisa were fishing with Ed’s dad, Ed and Captain Tomas. I don’t know, Ed and Tomas just have this crazy luck when they go tarpon fishing. We are starting to call Ed, “Tarpon Ed,” and this is why. Ed landed 4 tarpon on fly in one day, and jumped others. His dad landed tarpon on spin and he is in his mid 80’s! He is also in great shape. And then Lisa jumped 4 one day, and the next day went out and landed one! Captain Tomas was beaming. I’m pretty sure that was all the landed tarpon for the week. We had a lot of anglers jump tarpon, but these three were the only ones that landed them! What an incredible birthday tarpon week for you Ed! Your El Pescador family loves you and so do the tarpon!

Other Species:

Stuart landed two beauties on fly with Captain Alex. And yes, they made it to the dinner plate. Lots of barracuda, jacks and snappers.

Flies that worked:

Bonefish: Crazy Charlie, Gotcha, CI Special, small crabs
Permit: Turneffe Crab, Avalon, Big Squimps!, Mantas shrimp patterns – size 4.
Tarpon:Black Death, Chartreuse toad, White toads and bait fish patterns.

Guide of the Week:

Captain Tomas for making it happen with Ed, Ed and Lisa! I lost track of how many tarpon were jumped, but 5 landed on fly and one on spin!

Week’s Summary:

The weather brought in big tides and incredible fishing. Like I said, we had a lot of wonderful stories go on this week. Stories and memories that will last lifetimes. Rob asked me, “What makes this work? What makes El Pescador work?” There are a lot of things that could be said to answer that question. But the one thing we do know is that witnessing dreams come true is a good thing to be around. We give out pins to honor the angler’s achievements, but this pin represents so much more. It was great to see several of our fishing friends this week. Greg was able to come up from Roatan and fish with Biill. They were chasing tarpon between telling tales with a few Belikins thrown in. Bill you’re family at EP. As I head out to chase fish in cold waters, my job share partner Ed is starting his week with a few tarpon under his belt. Everyone is thrilled to see you back Ed. Have a great six weeks sharing your passion for fly fishing with the staff and guests of El Pescador. And Happy Birthday!!!

- Lori-Ann Murphy

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