FISHING REPORT

August 30th - September 6th, 2014

Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny skies with the occasional thunderstorm turned into major thunderstorms on Saturday.

Winds: Moderate 5-10 mph Easterly winds most of the week then moved ESE 10 - 20 as the tropical wave moved through.

Air Temperature: Mid 80's to 90, for the High. High 70's, for the lows.

Water Temperature: Temps 81-83 degrees

Moonphase: First Quarter September 2nd.

WHAT GUESTS WERE CATCHING:

BONEFISH (Macabi): Ricky and Barbara were here celebrating their anniversary. They both landed bonefish on fly - congratulations! And a special prize from "the dock witch" to you Randy for that huge bone you landed on your own in front of the lodge! Extra points. Derick and Katie also had some spectacular bonefishing with Captain Luis. Katie landed 3 bones on fly - her first time fishing the salt. Captain Luis and Derick told me today that after the storm went through, it became flat calm and tailing bones were everywhere! It was such a pleasure to meet Scott and Jill from Salt Lake City - and also a special place for me, Teton Valley, Idaho. Scott is a guide in Idaho, and shared many fun stories of friends from our fishing world. They both had big fun bonefishing on fly. Marty and Jennifer landed bonefish on fly with Captain Jr. They also worked on their casting and left stronger anglers. Congratulations you two on your bonefish on fly. Chris showed up for a couple of days away from home in Dallas. The children were scheduled for time away, so he said, "why not?' Chris had some really nice bonefishing on fly. He also left relaxed and ready his next adventure back home. Kelly showed up and said, "I'm not a fly fishermen." Well, he went out and landed 3 nice bones the next day on fly! He now has it wired.

Sometimes, when the big fish are around, it takes away from bonefishing. It's true, we have bonefish, permit and tarpon here on Ambergris Caye all year. And this time of year, we have a lot of big tarpon around. However, bonefishing on the fly requires the same skills - paying attention to the water and the fish, a good cast and a strong set. The "Ghost of the Flats," is an amazing fish. And as I have said before, I believe them to be the "heart and soul" of fly fishing the saltwater flats of the world.

PERMIT (Palometta): Will was here two years ago with his beautiful wife. This time she couldn't make it so he showed up with his long time buddy, Carl. Carl is a guide in Key Biscayne. They had a big fun time with Captain Hilberto. Will landed a beautiful permit on fly, and Carl landed two on fly, and one on spin. So, three permit on fly. I had to ask, "What fly?" Well, I was shown Carl's invention - "Whatever." The fly kinda has it all going on. A sparsly tied tan crab pattern. Long and lean. This is the fly that landed 3 permit. Wow, congratulations you two! Monroe is here with an arsenal or rods and reels for one person. I think he showed up with 11 outfits. His mission is permit - we'll see what he and Captain Cinoeh come up with.

TARPON (Sabalo): And when the skies cleared�there they were! Will landed his tarpon on fly with Captain Hilberto on the first day! Nice going Will. (see photo) Captain Erlindo reported jumping 7 and landing two with his anglers, Ken landed an 80 pounder today on fly with Captain Cesar, David landed a nice 20 pounder with Captain Emir on fly. We have had a lot of follows, cranial's ( thrown to the fish's head), standing on the line, and the most common - the "short" shot. But hey, when you get it right, you get to feel one of the greatest grab's in fly fishing. Hold on, tighten the drag and give it the "down and dirty." Cesar just yells, "D&D!"

Grand Slam: Soooooooooooo close Will and Carl! Next time.

OTHER SPECIES: Jacks, Cudas, Needlefish

FLIES THAT WORKED

FOR BONEFISH - Christmas Island specials, Spawning Gotcha, Crazy Charlie

FOR PERMIT - Spawning shrimp, Merkin

FOR TARPON - Chartreuse bunny, Black Death, Tan bunny

Guide of the week: Captain Hilberto for getting Will and Carl into 4 permit, 3 on fly, and one tarpon on fly. Yay!

This Week's Summary:

It's "slow season" around San Pedro. Restaurants and hotels usually take about a month off to rest and prepare for another year. Here at El Pescador we don't have as many guests around as usual, but the ones that are here are fish crazed. And the fish don't know its slow season, they only know about the wind and the tides. So anglers are out there some days without another boat in sight. It's a time for these anglers to hone their fly fishing skills and find solace in their hearts. We were so pleased that Randy and Barbara decided to spend their anniversary with us. And we are delighted that newbies like Katie and Jennifer reached beyond their comfort level and found a ton of fun. As I write it's quiet around the lodge. We had some rain and weather this morning - and yes, all 8 boats went out. But now, our angler's have attacked the chicken wings and Beliken beer and there is a sleepy feeling as the sea is very quiet - and that precious warm salty air lays a blanket of peace over us. Thanks for a fun week everyone!

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

Fishing photo of the week:


El Pescador guest Will with his tarpon on fly

El Pescador guests Carl and Will with double bonefish on fly.