February 2008

Conditions

February was wild and crazy with a bevy of activity. As is always the case in feb…Ray Schmidt (of Schmidt Outfitters of course) and his Traverse city, Michigan crew were here with the usual suspects. Sue Nyquist again caught one of the best tarpon of the new year. Ray commented that the bonefish were larger than he has ever seen in his 15 years of fishing El Pescador.

On the heels of the schmidt group, long time guests Beth and Norm Webber returned and just for emphasis, Norm landed a bone in the 8 pound range!!! Now remember that these are the big, solitary fish and are very tough to land; but it is clear to those who have been fishing here for a while that we are in fact finding some larger fish along with the thousands of smaller bones…our fishery continues to evolve.

Patrick and Katie Schumacher returned; and while Katie raised the quality level of our dinner conversations, Patrick caught more than his share of fish as is often the case.

The Doc Thompson crew from the mountain west numbered 17 and was lead by doc, Orvis “Guide of the Year” and “Flytier of the Year”. All had a glorious trip catching, for many, their very first bones, permit and some tarpon as well. Doc was in a leg cast due to a recently broken ankle, but still managed to get several permit to eat from a sitting position in his chair in the boat!

The Reinarz (Rob and Julie) came down to hear Jerry Jeff Walker concerts in town. Julie spent several hours a day practicing her casting as well as attending our 4:30 workshops, and landed a half dozen bones a day on her first try at flyfishing. They are now planning a return visit regardless of whether Jerry Jeff is here or not…nice to have you with us!

Last but by no means least, we were pleased to have Pat and Doug mercer return, and yes - Doug found the tarpon, the permit and the bonefishing first rate.

Not to forget our international guests…Tunis van de Graff from South Africa was here and left a very serious dent in the big jack crevalle population…one day he landed 15 jacks in the 12 – 18 pound range….by the way he used spin gear and used it very very well!

While El Pescador is world reknowned for our flyfishing, do not forget to bring spin gear if that is your personal choice…we have many spin fishing guests and all are welcome with open arms…the only requirement we at el pescador have is that you come down and have fun…spin fish, flyfish, dive, snorkle, enjoy daytrips to mayan ruins or simply enjoy our facilities at the lodge.

Join us and have fun - anytime, anyway you choose….please contact me at with any questions or comments.