JUST ONE ARIES FLEET BOAT FISHES IN ROUGH WEATHER

Jan. 7, 2005, Larry Edwards, Cortez Yacht Charters, Mazatlan, Mexico Fishing Report:

From Wednesday thru Friday, windy sea conditions at Mazatlan hampered the sportfishing fleet's activities, and only one fishing boat braved the rough seas on Friday. And of course, the New Year's day holiday, with no fishing boats out, added to the number's decline.

However, it did seem that when Mazatlan charter boats did get out, the fishing was pretty good, with most boats having a couple of shots at the billfish per day.

Overall catches for 16 Mazatlan fishing days produced 9 sailfish, (5 released) 4 striped marlin, (2 released) 7 dorado (mahi-mahi), 3 yellowfin tuna and 1 mako shark released. Mazatlan inshore bottom fishing remained consistent and good, especially for red snapper and yellowtail.

Mazatlan fishing climate: Excellent, sunny, warm, but a bit windy for several days, temps ranged from 48 nights to 88 daytime highs.

Mazatlan Sea Conditions: Windy & rough for the past 3 days. Sea temperatures are good, holding at 75-76 degrees.

Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits were the hot ticket for the billfish and the dorado.

The best fishing area remains to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, 25-28 miles.

(See "Mexico Fishing News" online for current fishing reports, photos, weather, and water temperatures from Mazatlan and other major Mexican sportfishing areas. Vacation travel articles, fishing maps and seasonal calendars, and fishing related information for Mazatlan may be found at Mexfish.com's main Mazatlan page.