Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Roosterfish

As we begin our February month, the offshore bite as slowed down significantly due to a very unique set of changing water conditions. We experienced a huge cold front which swept in from the north and the water off of Piñas Bay became cooler than normal. Pelagic such as Black and Blue Marlin really depend on the warmer currents to thrive well and with the colder water the bite has slowed. The water conditions were great for Striped Marlin and a few showed up on the 100 fathom curve. Our crews had little problem putting our guests on the action. There’s still a few Black marlin offshore but it’s definitely not our typical February bite. Many guests have decided to change their tactics and target the inshore species such as Roosterfish and Cubera Snapper and they were well rewarded. Some huge fish were caught and released including a monster 80+ lb Roosterfish. There’s also been a sporadic Yellowfin Tuna bite along the coast; mostly in the 50-80 lb range and the odd 150lb thrown in the mix.

Bob Stewart nailed his first Black Marlin estimated at over 600 lbs and John George Jr. also had great luck and released his first Black Marlin that went 400lbs. Joe Horn released his first Black Marlin estimated at 550 lbs.  David Magrisso released his first Black Marlin estimated at 300 lbs. Connor Case had some really great lick and released his first Blue Marlin that went 500 lbs.

Ian Openshaw and his wife Wendy, who visits us every year from the UK, had some decent fishing both offshore and inshore. Ian released his first Striped Marlin that went 200 lbs. Bob Stewart and Norman Finstein both released their first Striped Marlin in the 150 lb range. James Overstreet, Ray Cantwell, Chris Quiocho and David Anderson all released their first Pacific Sailfish between 100 and 150 lbs.

We certainly hope that the water conditions get better in the coming weeks. There’s a lot of bait along the coast and it we expect the bite to turn on again soon. In the meantime we’ll have fun battling with our inshore giants and those who stick it out offshore may get a shot at His Majesty the Black Marlin.

Tight Lines!

Albert Battoo
Fishing Director