Archive for April, 2008
Apr
14
Posted under
fly fishing reports by Gregg Arnold
Guatemala Sailfish on fly
Capt Gregg Arnold, our new member of World Angling Crew submits this report about a recent trip he took to Guatemala to fish for Pacific sailfish on fly.
We flew into Guatemala City and took a 90 minute limo ride to Sail Fish Bay Lodge located near Iztapa. The resort is located on a barrier Island near the Chiquimulia Canal. Our rooms were first class, and the food was excellent. Boats and Captains all first class! I went with Jack & Chris Bookout. The fishing started out pretty fast and furious the first morning as we all hooked up in the first 4 hours. This picture represents the size of the fish that we caught although there were others much larger to be had. This fish is about 9′ long and roughly 110 lbs. The gear I used was a Scott 14wt. with a Tibor Pacific with 50# braid backing below 60 # high vis mono that was attached to my fly line. The fly line had been shortened to about 60′. I used a 5′ section of 60# as the butt and attached it to the 20# Bimini and Cam Ziegler Squid Fly. No nonsense rig that did the trick. Plenty of fish and good times. The boats are well kept and suited for this kind of fishing including a well stocked cooler with sandwiches and beer. In the evenings we shared stories, dinner, and adult beverages with the other anglers that were at the lodge. The view was exceptional and the pool just right after a long day fighting fish.
Gregg
Apr
10
Posted under
fly fishing reports by Will Benson
Early April, 2008. Are the Permit playing a sick joke on us or are they really unaware that it’s April and they’re supposed to be offshore spawning? The Permit fishing Sucked this March! Despite some notable catches by Lawson Stiff, Frank Smith (with his first ever), Jane Garrick (also with her first ever) Mark Phillips and Mike O’brien with their 2 fish that took home 3rd place in the March Merkin, and Jim Schneider with several tarpon, the month of March was pretty slow. Plagued by bad weather and an early season spawn, the permit fishing has been way off from last year at this time. But wait…It’s now April…and what? The Permit have returned! The last week has been great. Washington Redskins quarterback Todd Collins caught his first ever Permit on fly. A hefty 25# fish. My buddy and long time client Gannon Dudlar had been telling me about his friend Todd for years and how he wanted the two of us to fish together. Gannon finally arranged it and we had a great 4 days, going 5 for 8. On day 2, Todd had a great shot at a stationary fish and sold him the fly perfectly; hooked him up and them somehow lost him. It was a bummer, but that’s permit fishing, and that’s why we do it. Congrats to Todd and all the others who got their fist this month!
Mike Allen and I fished together the last couple of days and had some great action. We finally exercised our demons from March with a chunky 23-25# fish. Mike also caught his 60th permit on a dry fly, which was really cool, and we had a couple of tarpon to go with that.
I know it’s a cruel joke that the fishing is playing but I hope it keeps up! I’m headed out tarpon fishing with the Captain this afternoon. He wants to try out his new camera that I told him he shouldn’t buy. Cheers.
Will Benson
Apr
03
Posted under
fly fishing reports by Dave Teper
Even though this has nothing to do with the salt, it does have everything to do with epic fishing. Dylan Vallino, a good friend of mine in Steamboat, has been guiding the Yampa river for longer than I have known him. When he called to tell me how pumped he was for this season, and how many quality fish were being caught as we speak, I figured I should share it with everyone.
This is what Dylan had to say:
With a record setting snow fall year the banks will be full on the best Rainbow Trout Fishery in the state of Colorado. Steamboat Springs has received 486 inches of snow this winter season. Keep in mind we average 350 inches. The run off will last well into August making the Yampa and Elk river confluence float able and phenomenal from Late June into September. The Drakes and Quills will start in early July along with a prolific caddis hatch every evening from July to September. The Tricos will be immaculate starting in August with the Blue Wings and Mahogany Dun’s to follow. Those of you who want to bring an 8 weight and test your skills for Pike be my guest. The sloughs and back eddies will be chalk full of Pike and enormous Browns and Rainbows looking forward to engulf your platter.
All I know is that Will and I will be there in September for sure!