| March - April Fish Report |
by Stan Lushinsky
Colder water temperatures continue to make for a good Marlin and Tuna bite offshore while the SAILFISH bite remains sluggish. Historically, late February into March and April has been a trophy time in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, rather than a time when anglers can expect big numbers of fish. Last week was no exception to that pattern. Captains and crews worked hard for each strike, but those who were fortunate enough to hook up were rewarded with some long battles and nice fish
The First Light Angler’s Group opened up their week by landing an estimated 300 lb Blue Marlin and 2 Sailfish while fishing aboard the La Bamba. One member of the Group also landed a Striped Marlin while fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos 2. The Group also fished inshore aboard the Janeth and Leydy landing handfuls of Bonito, Tiger Grouper, Big Eye Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Yellowtail Jacks, and a Dorado. Angler, Mr Dunnigan, fishing aboard the Marlin Azul lost one big Tuna as well as one Marlin in 4 days of fishing. French angler Mr. Antunes, fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos, posted a great day as Captain Adolopho found some floating debris offshore with Mr Antunes landing 8 big Dorado, 25 Yellowfin Tuna, 18 Rainbow Runners, 30 Bonitos and 5 huge Jacks. Fishing a few more days inshore, Mr Antunes landed a variety of inshore gamefish. Mr William Lopez, fishing aboard the panga Tarpon hooked a monster tuna 39 miles out but the big fish broke the line before Captain Miguel could get the fish into the boat. Returning angler from England Mr. Vic Kitchingham fishing aboard the Vamonos III, landed 1 Sailfish on his first day offshore.
Last week, a group from Cabelas Outdoors stayed at Casa Las Brisas, (http://www.zihuatanejo.net/casalasbrisas) just 5 miles from the port of Vincente Guerrero, offering a unique opportunity for fishing and lodging. Leader of the group,
Chuck Villarreal, chartered both the cruiser Liberertad and the panga Secuestro Amor for the four days of fishing. The Vincente Guerrero area is void of any sportfishing fleet so the boats must make the 35 mile trip from Zihuatanejo to this small port.
The lack of fishing pressure, and some very appealing hydrographic features, make this area a virtual fish magnet. There is a nearby small island, a couple of underwater sea mounts, and the 1000 fathom curve creates a magnificent canyon less than 9 miles offshore.
Mr. Villarreal, fishing aboard the Libertad, landed an estimated 400 lb Blue Marlin on stand up gear, along with a 55 lb. Dorado and a 50 Lb. Roosterfish. First time visitor to the area, Mr. Floyd Arellano also landed a 300 lb Blue. The group had 2 other shots at marlin in the 4 days of fishing. Returning angler Rick Trollier, fishing aboard the Secuestro Amor, landed a 105 Lb Sailfish as well as a 55 lb Roosterfish. Mr. Ken Jenkins landed a monster 70 lb Roosterfish, along with a 105 lb Sailfish. First time visitors Darrell Wingard and Ron Spath each landed a SAILFISH scaling in a just over 100 lbs. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo weather, Seasonably beautiful, cool mornings followed by beautiful days with temps in the high 80’s. Sea Conditions: Calm Bait Supply: Excellent
Stan Lushinsky and Susan Richards have operated Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters since 1989. Long time champions of conservation and tag & release efforts, they host an annual tag & release tournament in Zihuatanejo. They and their captains have been featured on ESPN , ESPN2, The Travel Channel, TNN, and in print in Saltwater Sportsman, Field & Stream, and Marlin magazines. For more information about Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters and their Puerto Vincente packages visit www.ixtapasportfishing.com or contact Stan and Susan at: ixtsptf@epix.net
April 2004 |
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