ISLA MUJERES

[Fishypantsmagoo]

Headed to Isla in January for approximately 8 weeks. Never been before and any tips regarded tackle, bait needed(been told to bring bundles'o'hoo), contacts, etc. from those experienced with the area is greatly appreciated. TIA


John

[Sea Draggin]

Here is a post I did recently.

Haphazard Mexico Report

From what the boys told me, the bottom fishing is incredible.

Good jigging opportunities on untapped areas as well.

[Fishypantsmagoo]

Thanks for the link, mostly looking for sails but i am definitely gonna hit up the grouper for meat.

[costaricasportfishing]

Best bet is to pick up a Mexican Mate when you get down. They know everyone and how to take care of everything. I can give you a phone number of a good mate that can hook you up. Let me know. The Swordfish from OI is going down around that same time. Arch is running the boat so anytime you see them you are in the right spot!

[Current Affair]

I fished last year on the Hunter and this is what they used:

TLD 20's with 30LB Hi vis mono 30 foot 60lb wind on with small snap swivel

2 Dredges with rubber holographic fish on the inside and ballyhoo and mullets on the outside with the ballyhoos being skirted with blue flash skirts, mullets were naked

2 Squid chains, Green and pink with Ballyhoo/ilander chaser

Small ballyhoo with 1/4oz chin weight a #10 billfisher swivel 15 monel or copper wire

Rigs were 60LB smoke blue momoi about 5 foot with 7/0 eagle claw circle hook that will fit through the #10 swivel

Drags were really light like 3-4 lbs

We fished 5 rods 2 longs,2 flats, 1 shotgun and had 2 pitch baits ready

The mate rigged about 4 dozen baits (small ballyhoo) before we left and he rigged also while fishing.

Hope this helps. Suppose to go back in January.

Rob

[Qualifier Chris]

I assume you are bringing your own boat down there?

Next very important question, Have you booked your slip yet?

I ask that because if you have not booked yet or don't do it soon, you may be docking in Cancun.

Remember you if it can break you will need it, and you usually can't get it down there. So go prepared, you don't want to have to borrow something from your dock partner every day. Bring everything you could need for your engine, generator, pumps. Prepare for the worst.

Bring food. All your favorite meats and cheeses. They don't have the quality that we do. If you are going out to eat every night fine, but I'm sure you would love to bring your own grill and have some good american meals every once in a while.

Bring lot's of bait, you never know if the locals are going to feel like making any money that day or not. You will be fishing TLD's 99% of the time I assume, so bring ton's of mono, 20-30# what ever you like. Bring ton's of leader material, we use 60#mono. Snap swivels, circle hooks (leave the J's at home), barrel swivels, wire, squid chains, dredges, etc. Whatever you want for bottom fishing. We don't do it often but it is always productive. You will definately want to hire a local mate, and a wash boy, they will take good care of you.

If you want to know any more let me know, I have spent the last several seasons down there and know the island very well.

[backman]

bring plenty of first aid material for the next time you punch a gaff

[Foul Hooked]

I'll be there again in February for my annual pilgrimage and would be happy to buy you a beer at Faynes. Best margaritas are at Ballyhoos along with the best fish tacos. It's getting cold and I can't wait to get back!

[DropinBack]

The place is insane. Expect to use 5-10 dozen plus ballyhoo perday... not including dredges.

[Fishypantsmagoo]

Thanks for the tips and info guys.

I will be mate and co-captain aboard a 65 Viking. I have been anticipating 150 or soo hoo a day. So far everything said has been right on par to everything else I have heard. Going through all the tackle on the boat tomorrow as I just recently signed on to the program.

Look to forward seeing you all that make it down. Thanks again.