INSHORE FISHING HOT ON SIERRA AND JACK CREVALLE

Feb. 9, 2007, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, Cortez Yacht Charters, Larry Edwards:

Sea conditions along the Mazatlan fishing area of the Mexican coast were excellent this week, and nearly calm. Water temperatures were 74-75 degrees and stable.

Inshore fishing action at Mazatlan is absolutely "on fire" this week with seemingly unlimited action and an enormous influx of Jack Crevalle, also known as "toro," and sierras.

Aries Fleet inshore fishing boats out of Marina El Cid caught easy Mexican sportfishing limits, with continuous catch-and-release action.

Also, for those inshore anglers who wanted to diversify their catch, Aries Fleet inshore super pangas also reported 15 pargo, 5 cabrilla, and 25 cochitos, or triggerfish, in their catch numbers.

In Mazatlan offshore fishing, the blue water catches have slowed a bit this week, with an increase in Mako Shark, but a decrease of billfish that, for whatever reason, have made a move.

Rigged baits caught the only fish offshore this week.

Mazatlan vacation area climate had cool nights with warm, sunny days, and air temperatures from 50 degree nighttime to 83 degree daytime highs.

Aries Fleet sportfishing boats are fishing over a large, scattered area trying to relocate the billfish. They have ranged to more than 30 miles offshore.

Overall offshore catches for 20 fishing days out of Mazatlan by Aries Fleet charter boats reflected 3 striped marlin, 5 Mako shark, and 2 dorado.