You mean this report from Braden Escobar?
06 May: Aboard the Blue we had the pleasure of fishing with anglers Robert De Gabrielle and Joaquin Torres for the next 7 days. The water remained dark blue for the most part but winds picked up each day averaging about 15mph. While conditions were far from rough it was a bit bumpy. On our first day of circle hook fishing we headed for Rosa Blanca banks. After spending a few hours fishing the area of Punto Rojo (Red Point, named after the infamous adult playhouse on the hill) we raised several stripes but wanted to get a feel for the rest of the areas to the East. So we worked our way to the Honey Hole. It was a good start and a warm up for Bob and Joaquin who were using 30# stand up tackle and pitching ballyhoo with circle hooks. We managed to raise 24 striped marlin, get 16 bites and release 8 on the circle hooks. Joaquin closed the day with a big eye tuna of about 70 lbs. It was the beginning of things to come.
07 May: With water temperature on Rosa Blanca remaining a steady 88 F Mr. De Gabrielle and Joaquin were in for another activity filled day. We headed for the Honey Hole. This day we would experience double digit raises, bites and releases. 27 raises, 18 bites and 11 releases of stripes made for a fun filled day.
06 May: Conditions remained pretty much the same. It was perhaps the calmest day by comparison. On the Punto Rojo was nonstop action for most of the day. 48 raises, 29 bites and 9 releases plus 2 crazy marlin that cut the line under the outboards. Yes embarrassing for a captain to cut lines but then again these are striped marlin full of moves and life.
09 May: We returned to the Punto Rojo. The fish were not as prevalent as the day before but there were still a good number of them around. 25 raises, 17 bites and 8 releases were produced.
10 May: The crew headed for the Honey Hole and found the fish. Raising 32 stripes, 24 bites and 9 releases. Many doubles, as well as attacks in 3 and 4 fish were common every day.
11 May - Motherīs Day: is one of the most special days of the year. It was possibly our most unique day this year as we raised hooked and released our first Pacific sailfish in over 5 years. Sailfish have been a rarity in Southern Galapagos. We raised 2 sailfish and 2 stripes at the same time and released a sailfish and a striped. The day ended with 26 stripes and 2 sails raised, 15 bites and 11 releases.
12 May: Our final day of fishing with Bob and Joaquin. We fish Punto Rojo and raised 30 stripes, getting 20 bites and 8 releases.
Trip totals aboard the Blue after 7 days of fishing with circle hooks and 2 anglers:
212 Stripes and 2 sailfish raised, 139 bites and 64 billfish releases
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Al Schaefer
"Legend" |