Week ended 11/22/18

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORT FISHING FLEET
The fleet reported a bit of slow down for what has been a great start to the season – perhaps associated with the
approach of the full moon. Great warm blue water extends almost all the way to the shore and the fleet is reporting
some really solid fishing both offshore in inshore. Fly-fishing and spin casting for big Roosterfish and Jacks inshore
has been providing plenty of quality action.
The sailfish action slowed a bit with fish showing as close as the 10-12 mile mark. Capt. Temo reports quality size
Sailfish with many surpassing the 100 lb range along with a really solid Blue Marlin bite out around the 20 mile mark.
This past week the boats were reporting 1-2 Sailfish per day compared to the 3-5 per day the previous week. This
past week Dorado’s were plentiful in the mix with most of the pelagic fishing taking place just 10-12 miles out of the
marina. The Yellowfin have been a little harder to find lately and when found, are 30-35 miles out but, when found,
are quality fish up to 150 lbs. The Roosterfish and Jacks continued to be cooperative this past week by Ixtapa island
where there were lots of sardinas drawing in the fish and also to the south when boats were willing to make the run.
Rangers were the lure of choice for the Jacks and Roosters.
IZ Climate: November has reflected their typical winter climate and a mix of mostly sunny to partly cloudy days. Daily
temps are in the mid to upper 80’s and night time temps in the low 70’s with humidity running in the mid 60’s to low
70’s. The outlook heading into the first week of December is for more of the same. They are approaching the dry
season and there is little precipitation projected into the first week of December save for a few days from the 28
th
to
end of the month. Winds are expected to be very mild in the 5-6 mph range from the West and WSW.
Sea Conditions: The offshore water temperature is beginning to cool and is now in the 83-84 degrees range from the
5-6 mile mark at the 100 fathom line all the way out to the 1,000 fathom line at 25-30 miles. Inshore temperatures
are running in the same range to a bit cooler. The offshore water at the 1000 fathom mark is now clear blue all the
way in the 5-6 mile mark from shore. The inshore water has turned with a bit of coloration. With breezes in mid
single digits, the seas are very calm particularly in the mornings.
Best Baits & Lures: Rigged trolling baits and smoke trail lures continue to produce for the Billfish and Dorado with
most boats preferring a mix of rigged baits for the Billfish and smaller lures and feathers for the Dorado. The. Inshore
top water poppers are the favorite for the Roosterfish and Jacks.
Bait Supply: The bait supply remains good and freshly caught baits are provided gratis with most charters. Live baits
are readily available at this time and are $5.00/dozen paid directly to the bait vendors.
Our Local Reporter: Captain Temo Verboonen – owner/operator of the Secuestro de Amor and Macho Banana.