January 22, 2023

Noticeably quieter this past week as for number of anglers arriving, never peak season now, cooler weather and more north wind is always a factor this time of year. Ocean water temperatures dipped down to 68 degrees and winds even more unpredictable, picking up most days from the north by mid morning, sometimes limiting what options are available. Live sardinas rebounded a bit this week, still not overly abundant, but they have been an option most days, as well as ballyhoo, slabs of squid and some days mackerel.

The main fishing grounds now concentrated on have been from the Gordo Banks, Punta Gorda, Cardon to Iman Bank. Yellowfin tuna up to 80 lb. have been found on the Iman Bank, mainly drift fishing with strips of squid, no big numbers at all, but if putting in a good effort there are chances of quality yellowfin, most anglers lucky to land one, but some had a couple, winds was a factor on these grounds, making it hard at times, too fast of a drift, lots of bait needed. 

Dorado were still spread out on these same grounds, striking more often on trolled ballyhoo, sizes to 15 lb., average of two to four per boat. Last weekend a few wahoo were landed, one 52 lb. fish won the local tournament, though since we have not seen these fish, water is too cold now, these pelagic species migrate further south this time of year.

Only a few striped marlin being found, run is late to show on local grounds, we expect more marlin to show up in local waters soon. We have seen more productive bottom action in recent days, using various baits, as well as yo-yo style jigs. A handful of impressive sized amberjack, as large as 71 lb., also quality yellow snapper, bonito, leopard grouper and others. We will be doing more of this structure action in coming months as surface action typically fades out during the colder months.

More inshore sierra action and juvenile roosterfish scion is starting to be seen, hopefully supplies of sardinas hang in there, because we rely on those baitfish during the winter season.

Good Fishing, Eric