This report spans the past two weeks during the time our on-location reporter, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, was on vacation. It surely appears that the fishing had been pretty good during her absence and notable was the numbers of blue marlin in the billfish mix along with the influx in the dorado counts, one of the major attractors of the black & blue marlin at this time of year. The dorado counts are lower than normal for this time of yea but the quality of the fish is much better with a 12-15 lb. average weight. The blue marlin have, so far, all been in the 200-300 lb. range but with the influx of dorado we should start to see some bigger billfish in the catches. The overall fish catch report for the 2 week span reflected 7 blue marlin, 15 sailfish, (2 released) 3 yellowfin tuna and 70 dorado for the offshore cruisers. The inshore super pangas, reporting in for a total of 18 days reflected 2 sailfish, 42 dorado, 2 sharks, 35 snapper, 113 triggerfish and 20 seabass. Good action for both the inshore and offshore fishing fleets.

Mazatlan Climate: Air temps varied from 74 nights to 94 daytime highs and a 62% humidity level with a partly cloudy week and a couple of very clear and sunny days. Need hats and sunscreen, for sure.

Sea Conditions: Surface breezes are tropical and flowing in from the southerly directions from very light to 10 mph. Sea temps are stable and warm, ranging from 85-86 degrees.

Best Fishing Area: Starting at about 17-18 miles out to the south of the Marina El Cid and working outbound from there in all directions.

Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits working very well for the sailfish and the artificials working very well for the blue marlin. Dorado have been good with both, rigged baits & artificials, along with live baits.

Bait Supply: Excellent bait supply for live bait at $1.00 per bait and fresh rigging baits provided with the charters.