Fishing Report - 03/10/07

Greetings From Pesca Panama;

After spending the weekend at Rancheria touching up the paint, re-varnishing tables, and organizing the tackle room we were glad to welcome back the anglers and get another week of fishing underway. Coming down to join us this week was long time Coiba Island topwater expert Captain Al Ristori. Joining him was Don Marantz, Ron Jarman, Joe Greco, Gene Craman, Joe Winterberger, Bob Cavalero, Jerry Purks, Charles Hamilton, and Ozzie Montanha.

Since the barge was at Rancheria the guys loaded up their gear at the docks and immediately headed offshore. Although the trip out was long they did have the chance to do some fishing at Montousa. While fishing with Captain Tatin and Tom; Joe Winterberger was casting a popper at Montousa while trolling live bait when out of nowhere a Blue Marlin decided a Yo-Zuri GT Bull looked tasty.  Joe fought the fish for about thirty seconds when it circled back running at the boat; jumped and threw the hook. Not a caught fish, but a hell of a fish story, one that not many anglers have been able to tell!

With Uncle Al in town most of our time was devoted to the rocks; casting poppers, dropping jigs, and fishing live bait. The fish were difficult to get to rise on the topwater this week but very willing to eat the jig and live bait resulting in some great catches. On Monday, Bob Cavalero, got to tangle with a 58 lb Broomtail that ate a Sumo jig. On Tuesday, in consecutive casts, Don Marantz first hooked and landed a 40 lb Amberjack followed by a 35 lb Wahoo. On Wednesday, Bob once again got to tangle with a big fish landing a 60 lb Rooster fish at Secas Islands.

This week the water has warmed to an extreme 90 degrees making things difficult offshore. Despite the warm water; the guys were able to have some excellent days on topwater Tuna landing as many as 20 fish a day between 20 and 40 lbs, with the largest being a 90 pounder taken by Gene Craman. Bob finished the week out strong landing a sail fish and a couple of snappers on the last day at Ladrones.

Thank you for a great week guys. We look forward to seeing you next year!

See ya on the planks
Captain Ben Floyd



Tuna Time!


Tatin making quick work of a fresh Tuna


Craig with a big Cubera


Ozzie and Chi Chi celebrating a Cubera


Uncle Al working the jig


Broomtail Grouper on the Iron!


Bob with a Big Rooster


Last light Cubera


Hammerhead at Ladrones!


Silk Snapper at Hannibal Bank