FISHING REPORT

Week of November 23 - December 14th, 2013

Weather Conditions: A lot of rain! The highest rain this month was December 12 ~ 16.8mm in 1 hour. The last two weeks can be summed up by saying that everyone really appreciated the sun when it came out!

Winds: NW 5, NE 5 - 10, ESE 5, NNE 5 - 10. Cold front pattern: ESE/NW/N/NE/E

Air Temperature: 74 - 84 degree Fahrenheit; 23.3 C - 28.8C

Water Temperature: 75-80 degrees

Moonphase: Last quarter November 25th, New Moon on December 3rd, and First Quarter on December 9th.

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONEFISH: Our bonefish have really saved the day! Wind, rain and lack of sun made for challenging conditions. Luckily, the "Honey Holes," were productive, and for those that sought after tailing fish were rewarded with fish up to 6 lbs! For us, that is huge. Steve was fishing from the casting platform when he decided to tantalize a big lodge bone with a Gotcha. He watched the fish's mouth open and he set the hook. I walked out of the office to see him hook up. Just then I saw 3/4th of his rod go flying out to sea. He tried to hand line the fish in, but it broke off in the turtle grass. We found his rod on the flat, but the very tip top was broken from his brand new Scott S4s. I told him I was sorry for laughing, but my timing was perfect for witnessing the surprise! Luckily, we were able to give Steve an S4s from our demo rods in the shop. And, he has a great story. Congratulations to everyone who fished this week. Your determination and sportsmanship made me proud as a fisherman. You represented the spirit that drives us; that curiosity that leads to great fun and adventure. Special rewards for bonefish go to the following: Ruth - first ever! Kristen shared bonefishing with diving this year, and accomplished both! Billy and Cindy both landed their first bonefish. Thank you Billy for all the fun tying! Eric, David, Rob and Todd - way to go! Dom, Joe, Jon, Al, Brad and Matt - thanks for bringing Chicago to Belize! And congratulations on your first fly fishing in the salt experience. Joe, Bill, Steve, Chuck, Chas and Allen - all landed bonefish in the rain! Greg, Tom, Dave and Mark all left with bonefish pins. And last but not least, Rick and Richard for their first every fly fishing experience and landing their first bonefish. Nice work everyone!

PERMIT: Bud landed his first permit on fly! He was beaming all week. Mark also landed his first permit on fly his third cast. Orange Christmas Island Special, size 4. Don't leave home without it if you want permit here on Ambergris Caye.

TARPON: Matt went out his first day with Captain Tomas and landed his tarpon on fly! He had near misses the following days, but was happy with his accomplishment day one. We are always thrilled for everyone who reaches their dream, but when Dave came back to the dock and told me he landed his first tarpon on fly I almost lost it. Dave has been in treatment for renal cancer. He spent months of his down time tying flies for this trip. He brought along his son Eric for a fun "last fishing adventure." Eric also landed his first tarpon of fly this week. But what struck us all here at EP was the absolute "grace" Dave demonstrated everyday as he approached his fishing. At 78, and under medical treatment, he was the toughest and the gentlest. I sure hope it's not your last saltwater fishing trip Dave. We would love to see you back here. Meanwhile, thank you for showing us your amazing self, and reminding us all about our precious lives!

SNOOK: Lanny landed a beautiful 15 lb snook on fly with Captain Alex. See the "photo of the week!" Way to go Lanny and Captain Alex.

Grand Slam: No slams this week, the fish won. A few reported "almost" slams. When it's yours, it's yours.

OTHER SPECIES: Jacks, barracuda, an Amber Jack and some snook sighted but not hooked.

FLIES THAT WORKED

FOR BONEFISH - Crazy Charlie, Gotcha, CI Special

FOR PERMIT - Turneffe Crab, Avalon, Big Squimps!

FOR TARPON - Black Death, Chartreuse toad, White toads and bait fish patterns.

Guide of the week: Captain Cinoe for getting Dave and his son Eric both into their first tarpon on fly!

This Week's Summary:

Happy Thanksgiving, late. Merry Christmas, early! We give "thanks," to our friends who return here to El Pescador. We get so excited when we see your name on our reservations. But it's this continuing relationship with fishing as our common denominator that warms our hearts. Thank you Bill and Kathy and "Happy Trails to You!" Bud and Ruth - great to see you. Thank you Ruth for pool supervision, and Isa looks forward to flirting with you soon as you learn to cast to new distances. Our "Honeymooners," Matt and Kristen. They came here three years ago on their honeymoon, so they are the "Honeymooners," forever. Kristen also received her PADI certification. Dave, Carol, Toni and Scott. Today the sun is shining and it's your last day out on the water before you head home. However, I have a sneaking suspicion we might be seeing you around here sooner than later. I hope so. Rick and Richard had a great father son week. We had several father and son duos these past few weeks and it's been bringing smiles to all of us. One last big "Thank You!" goes to our readers of this fishing report. We are thrilled that you pay attention to our life here at El Pescador and all the beautiful fish and friendships that go with it! Blessings.

Cast to your dreams!
Lori-Ann [email protected].