It was hot and cold this last week in San Carlos. The northwest winds kept a steady and sometimes brisk wind going and the water was a little choppy and cooler. It looks like things have changed for this week though, and it should heat up quickly. I’m expecting the best fishing of the early season to be this week and next.
A lot of dorado are being found out in the center and around Tortuga Island on the seaweed patches. Fish up to 30 pounds are being caught. A couple of wahoo were seen, and there are marlin out there too. The marlin are pretty scattered everywhere, and you can even find them just a mile or two offshore. There are plenty of sailfish around too.
We caught some nice bonita at the Island to eat. It hasn’t looked like the pangas are catching too much on the bottom at the reef, but they sure are trying hard. On a sunset cruise, I dropped a line in and within twenty seconds, I caught an 8 pound cabrilla, and thirty seconds later, a 5 pound pargo at Honeymoon Island. There is lots of bait showing up and the water is looking clear.
After getting skunked one day, I was a little concerned about taking a group out the next day. But, it turned out to be a great one with two dorado, a marlin, and a sailfish being caught. The next day, we started off the Ladies Tournament tied for first place with two marlin. Unfortunately then, the last day turned cold for us with only a couple of bites. You never know unless you’re out there trying. There is still tons of life out there to see even if the fish aren’t biting.
The Ladies Tournament was a great success with a lot of boats and anglers entered. Everyone had fun, even if the fishing wasn’t spectacular. Jackie on Two C’s won the event with three marlin. Kryptonite placed second with two marlin and a dorado. Third place went to Costa Lotta, catching their marlin before us and a second on Day One. I’ll take fourth, because I’m saving my luck for the big money tournaments hopefully. Definitely come and check out the weigh-ins this weekend for the Rescate / Yacht Club Tournament. There will be a little more pressure to win this time! It’s always fun to fish with the ladies though, and I’ll chide every guy on my charter this year who struggles with a fish and remind them of how our 72 year old angler effortlessly pulled in her first two marlin.
The catch of the decade went to the Bucys on Lucky Two, as they brought in a behemoth 245 pound yellowfin tuna. They couldn’t even pull it into the boat! It drew quite a crowd when they pulled into the harbor. There have been a few other large ones lost lately. I’d write more, but I’m heading out to look for them!
tight lines,
Bryan Replogle repsilon@aol.com
Team Margarita Sportfishing San Carlos Aquatic Adventures
