It was a remarkable 14 specie mixed-bag catch from Puerto Morelos this past week that reflected the results of 19 days fished. Adding to the regular catches we again had a report of 2 strawberry fish and if you put them together with the banana fish, one could feasibly arrive with a mixed fish-fruit salad? Maybe wash the dishes with a soap fish? Another unusual catch for this area was the pair of rainbow runners, albeit, they range worldwide in the tropical waters. The overall catch report for a total of 19 days fished reflected 4 dorado, 12 giant Atlantic barracuda, 35 bonito, 4 king mackerel, 2 rainbow runners, 1 amberjack, 1 Spanish mackerel, 1 banana fish, 2 strawberry fish, 9 soapfish, 4 triggerfish, 3 cubera snapper, 15 mutton snapper and 10 grouper.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days and intermittent sunshine, great temperatures, (70 nights to 90 daytime highs) and light tropical surface breezes.

Sea Conditions: Mostly light & variable easterly breezes in the 5-10 mph ranges and stable water temps in the 84-85 degree ranges and superb water clarity.

Best Bait: This area survives on the always available ballyhoo baits that are caught fresh on a daily basis and provided to the fishing fleet. The crew systematically rig the baits for the type of fishing for the day, including natural and skirted trolling baits, chunks, belly fillets/strips, etc.