A substantial increase in the offshore fishing this past week from Mazatlan. Angler Dudley Mendheim and party, from Jacksonville, FL, fishing 3 days aboard the "Aries II", wound up with a total of 12 dorado and 9 yellowfin tuna. However, the highlight for the trip was the temporary hookup of an estimated 1000 lb. black marlin that unfortunately jumped back on the line and breaking off after many spectacular jumps. The overall catches for a combined total of 14 offshore days fished reflected 4 blue marlin, (all under 300 lbs.) 1 striper, 6 sailfish, 33 yellowfin tuna and 49 dorado. The inshore super pangas, reporting for two days fished reflected 9 dorado, 10 pargo, 1 baqueta, 7 cabrilla and 19 cochis.

Mazatlan Climate: A sun-cloud mix and a slight chance for an occasional PM thundershower. Temps from 79 nights to 89 daytime highs & fairly humid.

Sea Conditions: Very good conditions and improving by the day. Temps are 81 to 83 with off color water to about 10 miles and then bluing up to excellent clean water.

Best Fishing Area: The billfish are still a bit scattered but remain out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, starting at about 18 miles and working outbound from there.

Best Lure/Bait: Most of the bigger billfish are taking the artificials while the sailfish are on the rigged baits. Dorado on both, live bait and artificials and the tuna on the feathers and cedar plugs.

Bait Supply: Excellent for both, live bait and rigged baits.