Report Date:
http://www.cortezcharters.com
There were a total of 22 teams that participated in the World
Tournament that included Italy, Slovenia, France, Switzerland,
England, Germany, South Africa, Senegal, Belize, Egypt, Angola,
Austria, Spain, Mexico, and others. Top honors went to Team Mexico
with 921 points and followed by Spain with 427 points and Spain with
402 points for 3rd place. High team boat was the "Aries IV",
skippered by David Cabanillas, for the release of 8 billfish and six
dorado and the release of 18 yellowfin tuna. The JULIO BERDEGUE
TROPHY was awarded to the "ARIES IV" for the most billfish released.
The tournament was hosted at the Marina El Cid with the awards dinner
on October 31st. The many participants from the various countries
had an excellent fishing event and stay at the El Cid Mega Resort and
the overall critique was 100% positive for the quality of
accommodations, food, sportfishers and general organization of the
event, fishing proximity and overall weather.
Following the tournament that reflected a combined total of 16 days
fished reflected 1 black marlin, 6 sailfish, (released) 7 yellowfin
tuna and limits of dorado and lots of releases for the offshore fleet
and limits of dorado for 5 super panga fishing days, also with many
releases.
Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and superb weather conditions
prevailed with temps from 66 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm and very light surface breezes, with
temps from 82 inshore to 83 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: Dorado are again at all of the various shark
buoys and there is also an occasional black or blue marlin in the
same vicinities, lurking around for a dorado dinner. The boats have
been covering a wide swath of water for the past week and while good
fishing/catching has been found in most of he areas, there is no real
concentration. In reality, it appears that one could "straight-line"
troll and catch fish at this time.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged mullet were the hot bite ticket for the
billfish. Dorado were pretty eager on most things that wiggled in
the water, including live bait, cut bait, strip bait, artificials,
etc. Just no lack of action.