Some extraordinarily foggy days from Mazatlan that actually kept the boats from departing for lack of visibility, (most fleet sportfishers do not have radar capabilities). This condition reduced the overall number of fishing days for the Aries Sportfishing Fleet and only 8 total days were reported for the offshore waters. Mazatlan was experiencing some of the Cabo Syndrome with plenty of billfish being seen but getting them to bite was a completely different story. No matter how the baits were being presented, the billfish were showing little or no interest and the days were frustrating for both, the anglers and the crews. The offshore fish count for 8 days fished reflected 5 stripers, (2 released) and 1 mako shark, but with all boats having billfish opportunities. The inshore fishing was very good, with easy limit fishing for groupers, along with 10 red snapper and 10 perch reported for their 4 days fished.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with some "pea-soup" foggy conditions that spanned a couple of days and even prevented the boats from going out. Temps were the typical cool evenings and warm days that ranged from 545 degree nights to 84 degree daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Mostly calm. Inshore temps at 73 degrees that would gradually rise to 77 degrees in the offshore waters at about 15-18 miles or so and the clarity conditions were much improved from the 15-18 mile mark and outbound from there.

Best Fishing Area: Generally, beyond the 15-18 mile mark as the water clarity and temps changed to warmer and blue water.

Best Bait/Lure: The rigged trolling bats caught the fish but according to the skippers, the billfish were non-cooperative for the most part and not interested in chasing the baits, no matter how well they were being presented.

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