November 4, 2012 - November 12, 2012 Fishing Report

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONES: Howard had not caught a bonefish in 40 years. He told me this on the way to the lodge. He had been practicing his cast, his wife Janet his numero uno cheerleader. When Howard and Capt. Carlos came back to the dock their first day out, Howard, at 75, leaped from the boat to the dock describing without breathing how much fun it was to hook bonefish on the surface! Strippin light flies over mudding fish, they killed it. Many “firsts” for bones. Phil landed his first bonefish and it was really fun to see his confidence grow each day. Bigger fish targeted as we had epic tailing fish on the front side in the lee of the north wind. Kathy, Sam, Paul, Rob, Greg, Paul, DD and Scott all went after sighted fish with grand rewards. Special points for my gal Tracie Maler for landing a nice bone in front of the lodge. Steve, Gene, Bill Joe, Ken….you still have more fishing days! Keep honing your bonefishing skills; it’s the heart of the salt.

PERMIT: OK, they’re here! When the sun is out, and the guides can find places for anglers to cast without the strong north wind beating them up, permit were hooked. Not all landed, but several permit hooked. Scott is now an addict. His wild Uncle Dave Decker has been a huge instigator in this behavior. Scott had permit on each day he went out with Captain Kechu. Just the way it goes – we lose fish sometimes. But after two lost, Jim Bender was able to land one on his last day out with Captain Emir. Jim has landed several permit here at EP, but we all know each one is special. Jack’s birthday was the 6th – and he landed a 21lb permit on live crab with Captain Emir. Catherine received half of the credit because she fought the fish with Jack. Troy and Eileen were here to escape their 4 teenagers and do a little fishing. They both landed permit on live crab! So, several chases and fish runs on fly. One landed on fly and 3 landed on spin.

TARPON: Paul Timmreck landed a nice tarpon of fly with Captain Raton out on Savannah Flats. Rob Hood landed one as well on Savannah with Captain Gilberto. Firsts for both of them I believe. In any case, congratulations you guys! This week tarpon fishing required a lot of patience. The water wasn’t always clear, and the wind was hauling from the north. Warren and Jon are experienced anglers here on Ambergris and they are tickled with all the shots they have had on fly with Captain Tomas. No hook up’s yet for that boat, maybe today. I’m pretty sure Mark will be chasing tarpon in the near future. He left wanting more. Migratory fish are few and far between. We’ll see you big girls next May, until then, we have our resident tarpon here all year.

GRAND SLAMS: Doug Skogman had a slam last week with Captain Emir. Way to go and we look forward to seeing your name on wall of Grand Slam Fame!

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 in orange, pink or pearl. Also, tan crab patterns in 6. 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. Avalon flies, size 4 and 6.

TARPON: Flies for Savannah – 3/0 Gama SC17 hooks are great. Bunny’s – tan, chartreuse, white, black death, all good to have to be prepared. Cockroach patterns, EP fiber flies....also work. No need for big flies until the migratory tarpon return next year.

GUIDE OF THE WEEK

Captain Kechu for his persistence with permit with Dave and Scott. They had great shots most of the week – and Scott and Kechu share the same fishing intensity. Enough said.

REPORT SUMMARY:

It was wonderful to come back from vacation to my fishing friends and especially my co-workers. I am truly blessed, thank you for all the support and friendship. We have had a full house all week and it’s been a blast. Jim Bender’s group was here when I first started here at EP three years ago. Kathy is still our “pool director,” and we will miss her. Tracie and Roger have two fly fishing clubs they brought with them. Tracie has been active with “The Reel Diva’s” for years. I am an honorary member and I have my sequin visor at my desk. And we figured out that I guided Kathy and her son on the Snake in Jackson 15 years ago? The connections continue. Great big hugs and kisses from our guide team filled my heart. As I watch the boats leave in the morning and walk back to the lodge, I smile knowing we have done our very best to make sure everyone’s fishing dreams come true. It’s a team effort and I’m privileged to be part of our El Pescador experience.

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