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Martin Arostegui with large Yellowfin Tuna
on the "Vitamin Sea".
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When
the pandemonium starts, it is continuous. This is some of the most visual
and exciting
deep sea fishing in the world. This style of fishing evolved in this area
during the mid '60s to early '70s, when light tackle fishing was being pioneered
by a few fishing enthusiasts that
have become icons in the industry today. Though chumming with live bait
dates back far beyond anything that I can remember, it has been projected
to a level of science today.
The day begins by locating the schools of pilchards. Pilchards are a small
member of the herring family and are the popcorn of many of the offshore
species of game fish. We use a 12 ½' (25' spread) cast net to collect upwards
of a thousand pilchards and then head off shore. Our bait wells are designed
to keep these baits alive for days. When we reach the blue water, it becomes
a matter of preference whether we anchor or drift. Sometimes a chum line
is desirable and sometimes not. We begin by throwing a small number of pilchards
into the pristine blue water. Every 30 seconds, another 6 or 8 pilchards
go into the water.
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Beverly Falisian with her
first sailfish
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After
a few minutes, you will usually see a crash on surface off in the distance.
As the predator picks up the next closest school
of bait, the circle tightens. Soon the ocean is alive with tuna, bonito,
king mackerel, barracuda,
wahoo, and often sailfish as well as a host of other predators. Each of
them competing with the other
for the few morsels that are being offered from the floating platform above.
NOW is the time to place the fly (or anything else for that matter) into
the water. A jolting strike is sure to follow. Even the most novice of anglers
are sure to get their fill of action and all will come home with sore and
aching muscles. This action begins to build from early December and eventually
reaches a peak through January, February, March and begins to decline in
April. However, do not despair, for this is the peak season for sailfish.
During this time of year, sailfish are often caught in double digit figures
on our light tackle boats. This type of deep sea fishing is witnessed by
only a small number of fishermen each year due to the limited number of
light tackle, offshore boats available. Put this on your calendar for the
next season. This is sure to be one of the most exciting deep sea fishing
experiences you will have. |
