Thanksgiving week brought with it a Turkey feast and the first Northeaster of the year. Although Punta Pajaros did not drop down to the single digits like our friends in the Northeast it did set the stage for extremely strong winds, lots of clouds, big waves and some not so balmy temps. The anglers that endured the conditions this past week were for the most part returning clients and they kept a smile on their faces and determination in the skiffs.
Casa Blanca played host to our old buddies ¨Permit¨Joe Dudra and Felipe Nieto. Felipe flew in from Mexico City and Joe came from chilly Connecticut. The two were not thrilled to see me greet them in my Seahawks sweatshirt but the skies did seem to break with some sunshine and cast some hope on the week of fishing. The first three days were very difficult and the Snook that had shown up in big numbers seemed to disappear with the Northeast winds. Joe and Felipe took to the water each day eager for a break in mother nature and towards the end of the week she let down her guard. Felipe spent most of his week in and out of Santa Rosa sticking fish and ended the week with a few gorgeous Tarpon releases. Joe the Dude Dudra stuck to his guns and boated a fine Permit on the last day that tipped the scales at over 20 pounds.
Down the road at Playa the Anglers had a little better scenario where as the N.E winds do not effect ESP as much as Ascension. Joe P., Juan, David A. and John jumped off the truck on Saturday ready and willing and Whitney Mcdowell and David Whitney stayed for a second week of fishing. The winds and cloud set the stage for a tough week but John who was in town from Steamboat took to the Bay to try and get the job done in the Salt after spending a bunch of years in the cool waters of Colorado. John stuck hi first Tarpon early in the week, released his first Permit mid week and banged a big Cuda at the end of the week. Congrats to John. Juan picked off a Permit midweek, Whitney boated her usual black tail, specimens and David Whitney released a nice Permit after hanging in there for 2 weeks. The Northeaster has come and gone but big thanks to all the Anglers for their great attitudes last week and determination to get the job done. Remember you can’t catch em from the couch!
