Fishing Report - 01/24/09

GREETINGS FROM THE TROPICS

It has been nearly two years since I have had the opportunity to join the crew of Pesca Panama for some fishing. I was happy to see that my first few days on the water would be spent with family and friends of the famed striper fisherman Al Ristori. Al arrived with eight of his fishing partners from the northeast including Joe Masa, Joe Reap, Joe Farrell, Don Muluihill, Dom Dinapoli, Joe Holl, Mike Heany, and Bob Correll.

The week started with calm seas and fair winds at our backs. The anticipation was high and the fish delivered. Sunday found the boats at Montuosa where the Sailfish were hungry and waiting. In a few short hours of trolling live Bonito, the boats totaled 6 Sails and a handful of Dorado. With only one Marlin showing its face and missing the hook the guys decided to head to the rocks. There they encountered Cubera Snapper, Mullet Snapper and a few Jacks.

Monday was the day that every fisherman dreams about. Everything was normal when the boats left for the day, but things wouldn't stay that way. When arriving at the Bank there was a plethora of birds and bait everywhere. This could only mean one thing, Marlin! They were big and lots of them. Fishing with Captain Tommy, Joe Reap and Joe Farrell led the way going 3 for 4 landing a 300 lb, a 400 lb and a 550 pound Black which put on quite the show for the guys at leader. All three fish where successfully released and sent on their way to be caught again. Not to be out done Joe Holl and Dom Dinapoli, while fishing with Captain Tatin landed 2 Black Marlin, 300 lb and 450 lb, as well as a Striped Marlin before coming back into the beach and landing seven Cubera Snappers. Rounding out the day Mike landed a 400 lb Black while fishing with Captain Lucho as well as 4 Sails. Don. fishing with Captain Tito, got his hands on a 350 lb Black before coming back into the secret beach and landing his first ever Snook. Congratulations guys on an epic day at Hannibal Bank!

Not done with the Marlin all four boats returned to the Bank the following day. The bite was not quite as hot as the day before but there were plenty of Sails around and both Joe Masa and Don Muluihill found the Marlin they were looking for landing a 200 lb and 500lb fish respectively. Joe Farrell also had a great day casting the rocks landing a 25 lb Cubera on light tackle in 10 feet of water as well as back to back Roosterfish weighing in at 20 and 25 pounds.

Dom added one last Marlin on Wednesday on their way back to town. That brought the total to 11 Marlin landed out of 16 strikes.

Even with all the great fishing that was seen offshore, the guys arrived at the barge ready for more. There was some great fishing to be seen all night long. Many Nurse Sharks, Bull Sharks, up to 12 feet in length!, Jack Crevalle, Big Eyed Trevally, Rainbow Runners and more to be had in the wee hours off the deck of the barge. The fish were willing to hit anything from poppers to jigs to drifted chunk bait. If this is your thing I recommend coming prepared with light tackle and some smaller gear as most of the tackle we have on board is a bit large. A Shimano Sustain 5000 with 50 lb braid and a matching rod is a great outfit for night fishing. Also some smaller circle hooks (5/0 or 6/0) if drifting chunk bait is in the repertoire.

I would like to thank all of the guys for a great week! It was great to see some old friends and meet a few new ones. Look forward to seeing you all in the future.

See ya on the planks,
Captain Ben Floyd

Tip of the Week: Since 2000 I have had the pleasure of being able to fish with Jay and Pesca Panama. Not only did I get to fish a week or two, but some years up to six months. Jay taught me a lot as well as all the crew. I grew up here in a sense; became the person that I am today (whether it be good or bad). Last year I was unable to return to Panama for many different reasons. I missed it dearly and vowed to never let it happen again. So after a two year drought, here I am back in the waters I love with the people I enjoy most (except my wife of course). So what I am trying to say is; You only live once and should never let that much time elapse with out spending some quality time on the water with friends, family, and of course Jay and the Crew.

PHOTOS OF THIS WEEKS FISHING:


Everybody loves fresh Sushi


Carlos making a clean release on a nice Marlin


Chi Chi leadering one of the many Marlin this week!


Another rough day at Hannibal Bank


This Sail Fish was nice enough to pose for a quick photo


Enough Said!


One of the many Roosters on topwater


Dom working a #300 Black on light tackle!


Uncle Al and Bob on a Double Header!


Joe Holl with a beautiful Cubera