The offshore fishing for The Aries Sportfishing Fleet, from the Marina El Cid, resulted in very good reports from the skippers this past week and considering the end of February-first part of March period, the catching was the best I can recall for this time of year for many years. According to our local reporter, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, there were 27 offshore fishing days that resulted in 16 stripers, (2 released) 4 sailfish, 1 yellowfin tuna, 7 dorado and 3 mako sharks, (one that weighed in in excess of 100 lbs.) The inshore fishing for 7 super panga days reflected 1 striper, 2 black snook, (sizes not reported) and 20 perch. The poor in-shore fishing resulted from a combination of negative events that included full moon, falling water temp, (67 degrees) and murky green waters.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds. Mornings and evenings are coolish and jackets are recommended. Temps ranged from 43 nights to 83 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Sea temps ranged from 67 degrees inshore to 72-73 degrees offshore, starting at about 15 miles or so. Greenish tinted water has spanned the entire area, both inshore and offshore but the offshore fish still want to bite. Early week was very little wind, mostly light & variable, but picked up after mid-week to 10-20 mph, mostly rolling in from the northwesterly directions.

Best Fishing Area: Seems like the area has moved more up to the west of Mazatlan, with the boats tarting at about 15-17 miles and then paralleling the coast or fishing out bound from there.

Best Bait/Lure: The billfish were taken primarily on the freshly rigged trolling baits, as were the mako sharks, too.

Bait Supply: Remains very good for Mazatlan with an excellent supply of fresh rigging baits and live bait availability for the boats.