The Black Margate
April 6
Inside the reef: yellowtail and mutton
snapper
Outside the reef: grouper, red snapper,
amberjack, sailfish and wahoo
Lagoon side: permit and bonefish
The Black Margate are found in large shoals and
can be fished in April with much success.
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It is also known as zapatero, or shoe
maker, in Spanish. April is when the
Black Margate form in huge shoals in
depths ranging from 30 to 90 east of the reef. During April, Black
Margate can be seen in massive schools when diving in places such
as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Black Margate can weigh over
ten pounds, but usually average between three and eight pounds. Locally,
Black Margate caught in abundance while drifting or at anchor
in 30 to 90 feet of water. During February to April, Black Margate
spawn in huge shoals. Black Margate feed on small lobster, shrimp
and other crustaceans. I usually fish these schools by chumming the
water with conch bits for a few minutes before dropping a ½ ounce
weight baited with a number one hook with the organ part of the
conch.  As long as you are over the spawn, you will continue to pull in
these fish. Old timers who used to commercially fish this species
talk of filling their boats with Black Margate. Since the fishing fleets
of days gone by on San Pedro these techniques have largely been
lost, however a new breed of fisherman, sport fisherman armed
with sophisticated echo locators and local lore are now hunting this
species in waters offshore of Ambergris Caye. Fishing spawning
Black Margate is like wielding a double edged machete against a pile
of coconuts because under the schools of Black Margate lay large
feeding grouper, shark and barracuda. Usually, after I have caught
enough Black Margate to feed my guest, I’ll drop on a heavier weight
and fish mullet and sardines below the deepest depth that the Margate
were caught, in hopes of snagging one of these lurking behemoths.
Black Margate is a fun fish to hunt and catch, and a great fish to
eat. With luck you will soon get a bite of this tasty species on your
next spring time fishing expedition in Ambergris Caye.
 Captain Dilzon Murcia is the project
manager for Island Ferry and owner operator
of Dilzon Charters, a sport fishing
charter business. To catch the fish
featured this week, and other large fish,
call Dilzon at 620-6118 or drop by the
Island Ferry office and schedule your
next fishing adventure. Click for Belize Fishing Reports main page
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