GOOD WEATHER AND FISHING RETURN TO VERACRUZ COAST

Feb. 10, 2007, Tecolutla, Veracruz, Mexico, Restaurant El Manglar, David Burns:

There wasn't much to report as the weather here has been the pits in this part of Mexico's Atlantic coast since mid-December, until Thursday. I believe that there were only four days in the whole month of January that the Mexican fisherman here could get out and there was nothing noteworthy to report. The "el Niño" has not been kind to the pescadores this year.

Boats? We don't need no stinking boats!

Thursday, finally, saw the return of calm seas and sunny skies at Tecolutla.

I headed to the beach as the tide was peaking and despite very cold waters managed to land the first pompano of the year. To say I was excited would be a gross understatement. I fish the beach all year long patiently awaiting February, March, and April when the pompano are just 30 meters from shore feeding in the surf. I spent a good 40 minutes giggling to myself after catching the 1,200 gram, 2.64 pounds, pompano. The fish was caught using the top and bottom rig with a 5-ounce pyramid weight, and treble hooks baited with dried shrimp.

Tonight we are serving grilled pompano with a little olive oil, some seasoned salt, and pepper, simple but oh so delicious.

As for the commercial Mexican fisherman here, it had been a long six week drought and on Thursday it was as though someone turned on the "fish faucet." There are fish everywhere. Whether they fish the river or the ocean they have been filling their boats with multi-species catches, and captain Cero has lead the way dipping into his little book of secret locations resulting in over 80 kilos of Huachinango landed per day.

That's it from Tecolutla, Veracruz, Mexico. Stayed tuned for further pompano reports and information regarding the annual Snook tournament which starts March 15th.