SAILFISH BOATS RAISING 3 TO 4 FISH PER DAY

Jan. 16, 2004, Ed Kunze, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico Fishing Report:

The 80 degree blue water is just off the beach a couple of miles, and the inshore water is clear and clean. The fishing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo for sailfish has slowed down a bit over the last week. Most boats going out are raising 3 to 4 a day, but only hooking one or two.

However, a lot of boats are taking some 30 to 45-pound dorado. All the dorado (mahi-mahi) are being caught as an "incidental catch" while trolling for sailfish. Plus the yellowfin tuna have been making a strong showing this week. It is good to see the dorado and tuna back. I have had fresh fish for dinner 4 nights this week. The tuna have been located at the 16 mile mark, and some of them are huge. The majority of the yellowfin tuna are going about 60 pounds, but the panga Paola did boat a 250-pound fish.

The strong roosterfish and jack crevalle bite has finally slowed down to a normal winter time pace. Only one or two fish per day are being taken per boat.

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