September 9, 2012 - September 15, 2012 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Bjorn was here on his honeymoon with the lovely Renee. Renee is learning to fly fish, but Bjorn doesn’t want to pressure her into it. So, he booked a couple of days of fishing, and then fished the water in front of the lodge. We all know these are really smart fish – they know what imitation flies look like. However, Bjorn managed to land one of our “home fish” each day he went out. These bones are 3 – 7 lbs. Laura and Dennis landed their first bonefish and learned about “stalking” the flats for “the ghost of the flats.”

PERMIT: So, Aki and his family – wife Chris and son Mac, returned after leaving here a month and a half ago. Wonder why? One morning Aki had 5 permit hooked and 3 landed on fly by 7:30 am with Captain Cesar. The next day, Aki and Mac went out the morning before leaving, and each landed a permit on fly. Mac is 10 and fished crazed. Yes, he is supposed to be in school, but think of what he is learning here! Permit fishing is really good right now. Lots of fish, and big schools averaging 5 to 15 lbs. Smaller schools and singles for the fish 20 – 30 lbs. And those big fish are around! 12 – 14ft leaders down to 20 or 16 lb.

TARPON: Tarpon Fever! It’s nuts right now. This is what we have been waiting for….big schools of rolling tarpon down at Long Caye and Hicks Caye. Savannah is on fire! Yep, they are picky, but there is nothing like seeing a 40lb tarpon take a popper on the surface. And that is what Brian did with Captain Gilberto. A nice fish landed – and he ate a “Gurgler.” Thank you Jack Gartside for inventing such a fun pattern. Let’s see, Paul from the Bighorn River was here to have several eats for his first tarpon experience. Paul was also very helpful at the fly tying bench as we created some wicked patterns for Savannah. Ward had a lot of “follows,” but no eats until he used a fly I tied when we were goofing off at the bench. I’m so honored, thanks Ward for initiating this fly. I’m calling it, “L-A’s Savannah.” It’s tied with cotton candy rabbit strips and a white rabbit collar. I tied this on a 2/0 Gamakatsu SC17 tarpon hook. We are using 50 shock on Savannah, and 80 lb down south. Aki land tarpon everyday he went out…it was kinda hard to keep up with Aki’s score – he really had some great tarpon fishing. He was using flies he tied on 4/0 J and Circle hooks down by Long Caye with Captain Cesar. Our friend Adam is here fishing with Captain Kechu. Adam has 2 satellite tags with him. The plan is to hopefully tag one or two fish, but they have to be over 80 lbs. They have been landing fish, but they haven’t had a qualifier yet. We are hopeful because we are excited to learn more about our migratory tarpon behavior.

FLIES THAT WORKED

Bones:some with weed guards…but Gotchas, Crazie Charlie’s, Christmas Island Special, Small crabs, in size 8 and 6, green or tan. We leave the barbs on, but some people prefer barbless, just know, you just upped your game when you are barbless.
Permit: Our “rice and beans” = Christmas Island Specials, size 4 and 6. Also, tan crab patterns in 6. And finally, a new fly working well! Rubber legged Gotcha’s size 4 and 6. Oh yeah, don’t forget about MANTIS shrimp patterns. A basic tan with tan rubber legs on a size 6 worked really well for us in the tournament.
Tarpon: Brown and also Orange cockroach patterns with some EP fibers to spice things up. Size 3/0. Black death (used primarily down south on 4/0 or 5/0 J or Circle hooks), and then tan toads, white, white and chartreuse bunny’s – size 1/0 – 3/0. New this week, “L-A’s Savannah.” A bunny pattern with cotton candy rabbit on 2/0 SC17 Gamakatsu. The guides prefer flies on circle hooks for better landing success, but it just depends on how the angler wants to fish. With circle hooks, the angler does not need to “set” the hook – just hold on, but don’t lift up!

GUIDES OF THE WEEK

Captain Cesar and his angler Aki were unstoppable this week. Tarpon and permit landed daily on fly. Nice work Cesar, thank you.

REPORT SUMMARY:

We are often asked, “What is the best time to come and fish?” The fact is, this fishery fishes all year. If you want migratory tarpon, the best time is June – October. I have to say, I know September is beautiful everywhere, but it’s really a great time on Ambergris Caye. It is hurricane season, so we keep a close watch - but in the meantime, we have had consistent winds from the E and SE, and happy fish. If you like tarpon and permit fishing, this is a good time to be here. Fun things that happened this week: Jerry shared his new “Ponch Protector,” – a great invention that keeps the butt of the rod from reeking havoc on your belly while fighting fish. Thank you Jerry for sharing with us here at El Pescador. Our new screen porch is a wonderful addition to the bar area. Soon we will be able to load your photos from fishing and get them on the big screen! Thanks to our new friends and return friends as well. We always welcome return guests with our “family” T-shirt. So practice your casts and come back and see your family here at EP soon. Thanks for a fun and “tranquillo” week.

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