March 29th - April 4th 2010 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Mr. Bonefish is the center of our attention right now, because we have Bonefish & Tarpon Trust arriving here next week. BTT is a not-for-profit organization committed to sustain and enhance bonefish and tarpon fishing around the world. With this research, we will know more about our bonefish migration, and species. Currently, more is known about snapper and grouper than bonefish…so it is about time we know more about this fish that brings us such joy. Because we have such an incredible bonefish population here on Ambergris Caye, we want to do everything possible to keep it that way. Our guides are stewards for the sport. They teach guests to land bonefish before it is exhausted and looses equilibrium when released. A stressed fish is vulnerable to predators, or just may die from mishandling when landed. Having said all that, guides and guests have been tagging bonefish like crazy this week, and recording data. Two fish over 6 lbs landed in Emir’s boat this week – our guest Frank was elated! How much fun is it going to be when someone finds these fish, and tells us more about them!
TARPON: Savannah Flats are well known in this neighborhood for the white bottom and healthy population of tarpon. These fish are no dummies. They have seen it all, so they are cautious. But when it all comes together, it is just like you read about. Sight fishing, you see these fish coming from a long distance, you get ready, and try your best shot. Refusals lead to changing up fly patterns until you find something that wins or move to another spot. Savannah was on fire this week. 6 tarpon landed between 40 and 60 lbs. One was on a popper! When I asked about the take, Nesto said the tarpon exploded on it! Wow.
PERMIT: : When I met Emir and Frank on the dock, Frank said, “One fish…” But that one fish had him smiling from here to Denmark, his home. Mr. Permit does that to people. Jorg and Lars also landed permit with Nesto. All permit landed were on fly 8 to 23 lbs.
JACKS: When looking for permit we often find jacks. Mr. Jack might be a disappointment at first when you think you have a permit, but no one can deny the sheer adrenalin that this fish brings to us. They are great fighters, and can bring anglers to exhaustion in no time flat. 5 jacks landed this week between 12 and 15 lbs! Imagine
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. Just don't pull it out of their mouth with a super strip set. A slow, steady strip will bring success. Finesse.
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:

When I see father/daughter guests here I can’t help smile. My father introduced me to fishing, and look what happened! The first thing Maria told me when I met her on the dock was, “It is my dream to land a bonefish on fly.” Day, one = 5 bonefish! Each day brought more accomplishments. I watched her cast get stronger on the casting platform, and I watched her father’s pride beam. Something also happens to one’s gait when we become more confident out there on the flats. Maria was thrilled, and Ray was as proud as a dad can be. I feel so lucky to be able to witness all of this. And when people show up and tell me they want a “grand slam” – I think, “great, don’t we all!” Well, Jorg and Lars came very close – they landed tarpon and permit every day with Nesto. There is something about body language and fishing. Bonefish bring confidence, permit bring giant smiles, and tarpon bring a – can I say this? – a shit-eating grin. Fish On!

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