AFRICAN POMPANO APPEARS IN MAZATLAN SPORTFISHING COUNTS

Jan. 28, 2005, Larry Edwards, Cortez Yacht Charters, Mazatlan, Mexico Fishing Report:

Mazatlan offshore fishing continues to be very good for most of the boats and the inshore fishing is simply top notch, with some easy limit fishing for a wide variety of species, including permit or African pompano, jack crevalle, pargo, snappers, mojarras and cochitos.

Reports for 29 Mazatlan offshore sportfishing days reflected 20 sailfish, (17 released) 24 striped marlin, (11 released) 4 dorado (mahi-mahi) and 27 yellowfin tuna. It was interesting to note that the fish they call the permit at Mazatlan is actually an African pompano, very closely resembling the permit and a tough, light tackle critter.

Mazatlan Climate: 53 nighttime lows to 87 daytime highs and mostly sunny and warm.

Sea Conditions: Sea surface temperatures are very stable and holding at 75-76 degrees.

Best Mazatlan Fishing Area: Southwest of Marina El Cid 25 miles.

Best Lure/Bait: A fair number of striped marlin are being taken on mackerel colored artificials, but rigged trolling baits have continued to be best.

(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.