I fished from the Isla Frailes to the Punta Mariato region of the Coast
( Azuero Peninsula ) July 22 to August 1. I spent the first couple of
days fishing the Frailes and nearby coastal area and it didn’t take
long to figure out that it was slower action than usual with strong
currents and scarce bait schools. I caught an African pompano, amberjack
and lots of rainbow runner for my efforts. The best action was from
Morro de Puercos west to the Aguja Reef fishing out of the Villa Marina
Resort located at Playa Venado (world-class surfing spot). We used
surface popping tactics (primarily Yo-Zuri GT Bulls and Habs Custom
Plugs) and slow-trolled live cojinuas (cocineros or green jacks) for
wahoo to 65 lbs., roosterfish to 58 lbs. and lots of jack crevalle,
schoolie yellowfin tuna, bluefin trevally and more rainbow runner.
This is the rainy season but we only got drenched one day and only
for about an hour so it is very fishable this time of year. I fished
on pangas mostly but the owner of Villa Marina, Benji Boyd, invited
me to fish from his new 31’ Pursuit with twin 250 Yamahas and we were
able to get to the best places in style. We made bait at the mooring
right in front of the Villa each morning with no problem. Benji’s sons
took to popping fast and landed tuna on the surface-they are now hooked
for life on popping based on their screams. I used just three outfits:
Shimano Reels: CT400B; CTE 700; and Torsa 20; Rods: Calcutta 730;
TLCM70HA; Trevala TVC58XXH; Line: Power Pro Spectra 30, 50, 65
and 80 with 60 to 100lb. P-Line leaders.Full moon is good. Seas were
flat. Popping is best at LOW TIDE. Villa Marina is a beautiful place
to stay with swimming pool, A/C, friendly staff and they like fishermen.
I also spent a few days fishing with Manuel Zambrano who posts on
Bloodydecks under Manhe (pronounced “Mon-gee”) from a panga for
roosterfish at the Canas river mouth on the incoming tide that pushes
all the brown water back into the lagoon replacing it with green
saltwater. We caught and released three roosters from 15 to 25 lbs
but missed several strikes from some big ones using poppers as well
as live bait (kept alive in a barrel). Also caught corvina and small
pargo. Snook were a no-show for us but Rafa, our guide, caught a 24 lb.
black snook on a popper.
Tony Pena
“The Roving Angler”
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