Isla - 2/12 - putting together a group

[walter]

My brother and I are planning to fish in Isla on 2/12 (Sunday) and are trying to put a group together. Since it's the two of us, it's tough to stomach a full charter but we want to make sure to get out while we're down there for an otherwise family vacation.

Any chance anyone else is going to be there and would like to put together a group? I've fished down there before and can attest to the incredible opportunities with this fishery. If you want to learn how to hook billfish or just see more than you might in a season off the east coast, this can be the place.

Thanks,
Walter

[byron]

I wish I could join you but won't be able to make it.

I would check with Big Al and charles on the Country Girl.
They might be able help. If they can't,maybe they will know someone who needs a couple of more anglers.

Their link is below.

Good luck,

Byron


http://www.countrygirlcharters.com/index.htm

[Marlinmate]

qualifier is down there from Oregon Inlet
A-Salt Weapon is down there from Pirates Cove
Haphazard is down there from Pirates Cove
Country Girl is down there from Pirates Cove
Obsession from Pirates Cove

Full Pull from Charleston is down there.

Have you booked anything yet? I might be interested.

[walter]

hey -

haven't booked anything yet but have reached out to several of the boats. I'm thinking it won't be easy to fit us in as a small group, but I'm hopeful someone will be happy to have us. It sounds like Haphazard may have an open day on 2/12 and I'm hoping to hear back from him.

Any chance you'll be down there? Would still be interested in putting together a group.
Walter

[Marlinmate]

Thanks for the reply...I actually found a ride on the FULL PULL and am leaving on Thursday.....wish me luck.

Marlinmate

[walter]

Marlinmate -

How did you do down there? We were able to snag a ride with Country Girl for next week and am really looking forward to it. Sounds like they've been hitting them hard over the last few days.

Walter

[Marlinmate]

I did ok. I lucked out on weather. Flat a$$ calm for both days of fishing. Also, fish were 10 miles from the dock which is nice. Had 15 releases each day with many more fish seen (30+?). Recent reports show a longer run, but more fish. All my fish were caught on the troll. We didn't fish any bait balls because we didn't see any. I heard some boats found new bait and birds way to the north...20-50 miles or so.

I love it down there. Food wise...rolandis can't be beat. I highly recommend a place called chuuk Kay to eat. Best ceviche and tequila shrimp I ever had. They have a website.
Country girl is good they can catch fish. Ask him about bottom fishing. He has the secret spots.

Good luck and post results.

[Marlinmate]

How about a report?

[walter]

Fished on Monday (2/13) on Country Girl. Great boat and great captain and mate to work with - they know what they are doing and worked hard to put us on the fish.

Slower day than expected. Cold front came through on Saturday and nobody fished on Sunday, so fish weren't easy to find. Started closer thinking the fish had moved south with the north wind and kept working north. Couldn't find any birds other than those on bonitas and spent most of the day trying to shake those bonitas. Worked further north before coming back towards the island. Finally saw a few fish in the late morning and afternoon but only ended up with four - missed probably another 6-8 and could've increased our numbers by turning some singles into doubles, etc. Finally got on a bait ball at the end of the day and pulled one fish off the bait.

Can't say enough about Charles and Al - worked hard all day to find fish and were great accomodating us with a smaller than full boat. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Sounds like the fishing picked up after I left. I think Qualifier had 35 yesterday and 45 today so they are still there. I think the front scattered the fish but they probably got back together late this week.

Hope some more people get down there. Great place to fish and learn a lot in a short time.
Walter