THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET


There has been an enormous change with the fishing/catching this past week for both the inshore and offshore fishing, resulting from an equatorial cold water inflow throughout the area that made changes to the temperatures and the water clarity. While the offshore surface temps appear to be good, (currently near 85 degrees) the water below the surface is much colder and the fish have moved and we have not yet relocated the pockets of beillfish. The inshore waters are cold and greenish colored, and have added to the difficulty in locating the jack crevalle and it seems as if the roosterfish are looking for the cleaner & warmer waters, too.

IZ Climate: Air temps varied from 68 nights to 90 daytime highs and a 65% average humidity level and a mostly sunny week with a few passing clouds. Near picture perfect weather conditions for this area.

Sea Conditions: According to Captain Temo Verboonen, there has been a considerable change along the coastal areas from an equatorial current that has brought in cooler waters to the area. While surface temps remain good in the offshore waters, the temps below the surface levels have fallen and the billfish are moving to warmer water conditions. Adding to the conditions are the coming full moon phase, (April 4th) and the water clarity has moved to greenish water and off-colored conditions. A couple of the boats had blue marlin over 200 lbs. and a few sailfish were landed but overall, the bite has slowed considerably from the prior week.

Best Fishing Area: There was no specific "best area", as the fish are moving and it was a "luck of the draw" for the boats that made catch connections for their anglers.

Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits were best for the billfish in the offshore waters and live bait was best for the inshore fishing if or when you were lucky enough to locate the jack crevalle.

Bait Supply: The bait supply remains excellent with plenty of good baits for rigging and plenty of live bait at the $5.00 per dozen rate.