The Aries Sportfishing Fleet is still seeing many billfish on a daily basis but in that area, they were only biting on a so-so basis and it appeared that the mood hadn't quite progressed across the Sea of Cortez to enhance the bite. Still, it wasn't bad fishing, but for the numbers of billfish being seen and baited, it remained a bit frustrating for the anglers and the crews. At least everyone is "on their toes" throughout the day with anticipated action with every turn of the boat. According to Ms. Kitcia Ceja, our Aries Fleet Reporter, the fishing is good and improving and they expect an upward tick in the reports this coming week as the sea temperatures are increasing throughout the area. The overall fish reports for the offshore fishing reflected 7 stripers, 2 sailfish and 2 dorado for their efforts and the inshore super pangas, reporting in for 5 days fished, reflected 1 corvina, 5 jack crevalle, 10 barracuda, 48 red snappers, (5-10 lb. class) and 1 sailfish.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy but warm days and cool evenings with tmps from 58 nights to 90 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: From the shoreline to 15 miles the temps held at 73-74 degrees, rising to 75-76 degrees for another 55 miles and then shot up to 77-79 degrees at the 28 mile mark. Mostly light and variable surface breezes in the 5-15 mph.

Best fishing Area: Starting at about 20 miles and outbound from there as the boats were approaching the warmer and cleaner waters.

Best Lure/Bait: The slow-trolled rigged baits were the bait of choice this past week and unlike Cabo San Lucas, the boats were having successes with the fresh mullet baits.

Bait Supply: Remained very good throughout the week for both, live bait and fresh rigging baits.