Report Date:
http://www.cortezcharters.comAn odd variety of fish this week with the anglers targeting mainly bottom fish, resulting in a 9 species variety for the 14 days fished. The overall fish counts reflected 18 snapper, (mutton snapper, dog-tooth snapper and yellowtailed snapper) 21 triggerfish, 34 soap fish, 14 grouper, 4 amberjack, 6 banana fish, 1 Spanish mackerel, 13 bonito and 8 giant Atlantic barracuda. This is the first time in nearly a year that we have not reported any tuna or dorado, (one or the other or both) and other surface fish that frequent the area, but I would suppose it was due to short trips and angler's requests.
PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with a chance for showers at about 50%, but overall, warm days that ranged from 72 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A good week with light a variable easterly surface breezes in the 5-10 mph ranges, keeping the surface nearly flat calm.
Best Bait: The ballyhoo are still the preferred bait for the skippers and crew and continue to be readily available for the anglers.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available on a daily basis and there is no bait shortage for this area. The ballyhoo are caught fresh and in a variety of sizes that work well for the variety of fish in this area.