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2010
Fishing Reports
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Managers Yolanda and Peter manage to keep you in fish stories.
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2009 REPORTS
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 What a great week of fishing at Tropic Star Lodge. Black marlin were feeding on the reef the fleet had no trouble putting our guests on some really good action. The marlin were running big too with many in the 500-600 lb range and a monster that went 750 lbs. We ended the week with an awesome 49 Marlin releases. Also, further offshore, hoards of tuna kept all busy though the bite was sporadic at times.
Brett Uselton had a fantastic trip. He released a monster PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 750 lbs. He also got a shot at his first BLACK MARLIN and got the release. His dad Mike also released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Max Mantooth also had good success, releasing his first big BLACK MARLIN around 500 lbs and first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 130 lbs. Bob Austin released his first BLACK MARLIN, a big girl estimated 600 lbs. Terri Shell, Randy Keatley and Darren Crosby all released their first BLACK MARLIN in the 500 lb range. Doug Koontz released his first BLACK MARLINSTRIPED MARLIN around 200 lbs.
Bernie Deguire, Lawrence Demmitt and JP Gentile also had good luck on the reef. They all released their first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Karl Detwiler, Bob Harris and Herb Holland released their first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs.
Joe Wright released a BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs, Marty Hiller released his first BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs and Jeff Dupre also released his first BLACK MARLIN around 300 lbs.
Phil Deguire released a big PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. Jay Wickland also scored a PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 350 lbs and Bernie Deguire released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN at 200 lbs.
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 The fishing has picked up substantially compared to last week. Schools of bait gathered on the reef and as we all know here; once there’s bait on the reef, the marlin is close by. Schools of Yellowfin Tunas also showed up just west of the reef and anglers had a good time catching them too. The tuna weren’t small either, averaging 80 lbs or so and they all love cedar plugs. Crews trolled a couple of these wooden wonders through the schools and were almost guaranteed double headers. Lots of action and sore arms!
Gregory Fulford and Byard Brandt had a true Tropic Star Experience this week, releasing 6 MARLIN in six days fishing. Congratulations! Mike and Angie Erinakes also had a great trip. Mike released his first BLACK MARLIN400 lbs and his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 300 lbs. Angie also got her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 250 lbs and her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. She fought the blue on 30 lb tackle for well over an hour.
Michael Ehrhardt released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs, John Grainger released both his first BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs and first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN approximately 400 lbs. Charlie Bardelis Jr. also scored his first BLACK MARLIN250 lbs.
Dean Chapman released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN, a nice big girl estimated at 550 lbs. Charlie Peebles released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN400 lbs and Chuck Duwe and George Zaky also released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN both around 300 lbs. Andy Linder released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH.
I am looking forward to next week as the sea conditions continue to improve.
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As we say goodbye to January and welcome in February I can’t help but reminisce on last season’s January record breaking week when the fleet released ninety five marlin during the six days. It was indeed a historic moment for us at the lodge.
 We’ve set the bar high, so high that I often wonder is this feat would ever be achieved or surpassed again. This much I know, Piñas Bay holds many secrets. In my opinion, it has to be the best darn fishin’ hole I’ve ever been. It seems so easy sometimes; head to the Reef, catch live baits, put them out and wham, Marlin en la linea! Oh, and while you’re waiting for that fish of a lifetime, you can have some fun catching giant 50-60 lb dorados on a regular basis. Also, throw in a few 100 lb+ Yellowfin Tuna. Need I say more? Of course, fishing is fishing sometimes and sure the days do seem long especially when one has to wait a couple of hours for Mr. Marlin to stretch the line. When she appears from the depths, grabs the bait and goes airborne, propelling all 400 lbs of her twenty feet into the air, then you tame her and get her to the leader, the hours or days spent waiting all seems insignificant. 
This Margot Vincent joined us again at Piñas Bay. He visits us so much that it’s difficult to even call her a guest, more like family. She did being the fly rods this time and the intention was to get some sails but it was not meant to be this trip. The north winds blew relentlessly last week and it made it difficult to throw the fly. She decided to use the conventional tackle, so unlike her, but Margot always told me; Albert I’ll fish for what’s there. Well, she did just that and wound up releasing 2 BLUE MARLIN in the 400 lb range, a lovely BLACK MARLIN and her first STRIPED MARLIN estimated at 150 lbs for a week’s SLAM.
Tom Young got really lucky and was able to hang on to a magnificent BLACK MARLIN that was estimated at 700 lbs, his first ever. Ben Machielsc, Ira Drogan, Bradley Stefan and John Massard also released their first BLACK MARLIN all in the 400 lb range. Andrew Webster and William Nusz also realized their dream, catching their first BLACK MARLIN. Jimmy Bent released his first STRIPED MARLIN around 180 lbs and Robert Hunter released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH.
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As we say goodbye to January and welcome in
February I can’t help but reminisce on last season’s January record breaking
week when the fleet released ninety five marlin during the six days. It was
indeed a historic moment for us at the lodge.
 We’ve set the bar high, so high
that I often wonder is this feat would ever be achieved or surpassed again. This
much I know, Piñas Bay holds many secrets. In my opinion, it has to be the best
darn fishin’ hole I’ve ever been. It seems so easy sometimes; head to the Reef,
catch live baits, put them out and wham, Marlin en la linea! Oh, and while
you’re waiting for that fish of a lifetime, you can have some fun catching giant
50-60 lb dorados on a regular basis. Also, throw in a few 100 lb+ Yellowfin
Tuna. Need I say more? Of course, fishing is fishing sometimes and sure the days
do seem long especially when one has to wait a couple of hours for Mr. Marlin to
stretch the line. When she appears from the depths, grabs the bait and goes
airborne, propelling all 400 lbs of her twenty feet into the air, then you tame
her and get her to the leader, the hours or days spent waiting all seems
insignificant.
This Margot Vincent joined us again at Piñas Bay. He
visits us so much that it’s difficult to even call her a guest, more like
family. She did being the fly rods this time and the intention was to get some
sails but it was not meant to be this trip. The north winds blew relentlessly
last week and it made it difficult to throw the fly. She decided to use the
conventional tackle, so unlike her, but Margot always told me; Albert I’ll fish
for what’s there. Well, she did just that and wound up releasing 2 BLUE MARLIN
in the 400 lb range, a lovely BLACK MARLIN and her first STRIPED MARLIN
estimated at 150 lbs for a week’s SLAM.
Tom Young got really lucky and
was able to hang on to a magnificent BLACK MARLIN that was estimated at 700 lbs,
his first ever. Ben Machielsc, Ira Drogan, Bradley Stefan and John Massard also
released their first BLACK MARLIN all in the 400 lb range. Andrew Webster and
William Nusz also realized their dream, catching their first BLACK MARLIN.
Jimmy Bent released his first STRIPED MARLIN around 180 lbs and Robert Hunter
released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH.
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 Blue Marlin, which normally roam the 100 fathom curve further offshore were feeding in the bait schools and were caught just off Jacque, a town further
south ofPiñas
Bay. Of course, we were still being
invaded by big schools of dorado and there was good action to be had all day
while waiting for the bills. Also, we saw decent numbers of Pacific Sailfish
especially during the latter part of the week. The sails were rather large too
which is unusual for this time. One was released this week which was estimated
at around 180 lbs; a MONSTER!
You just never know what you’re likely to encounter fishing at
Piñas
Bay.
Cathy Hamilton and her husband Mark were here at
Piñas
Bay for the week and both scored
really well. Cathy released her first BLACK
MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs,
her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN
around 400 lbs and her first
PACIFICSAILFISH for a week’s
SLAM. Congratulations Cathy. Mark also released his first
BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450
lbs.
Elias Zaher released his first
BLACK MARLIN on the first day of fishing this
week, a big one too estimated at 500 lbs.
George Zaher also released his first BLACK
MARLIN this week, a decent 350
lb fish. John Robinson released his first
BLACK MARLIN around 300
lbs, John Siegrist released his first BLACK
MARLIN around 250 lbs and
Dave Copeland also released his first BLACK
MARLIN.
Dan Spalding released his first
PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN this
week, estimated at 350 lbs. Pete Holehouse
also got his first PACIFIC BLUE
MARLIN around 280 lbs and Art
Lancaster released his first PACIFIC BLUE
MARLIN.
Ed Reeves, Jimmy Stockton and Dale Cochrane all
released a BLACK MARLIN,
PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and a
PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s
SLAM. Congratulations to all!
Anglers saw action all week and while they were waiting for the billfish to bite, the strip baits kept all busy with Dorado after Dorado. I’ve see big Dorado caught elsewhere but nothing like what happens here. Many bulls in the 50-60 pound range were caught and let me tell you they’re not easy to get to the boat.
 Martin and Mitchell Firestein were the hot anglers this week. Over six days of fishing the farther and son team released 6 BLACK MARLIN and 6 BLUE MARLIN. Twelve marlin in one week, equals a trip of a lifetime!
Yvonne Buckley and Rafael Monjo released a BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH all in one day for a GRAND SLAM.
Gary and Lisa Jones were also in Piñas Bay this week for the first time. Gary released his first BLACK MARLIN450 lbs and also got his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 300 lbs. His wife Lisa released her first BLACK MARLIN, a big one in the 600 lb PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 350 lbs. Congratulations! estimated at range and also released her first 
Rob Shawger released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. Michael Griffith also had a shot at his first BLACK MARLIN and scored a decent one in the 400 lb range.
Charlie Van Bibber released his first BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs and Paul Carlson also released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Raymond Clepper released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN in the 450 lb range.
Domink Porcelli and John Malbon both released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Jeff Dyckman also released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 300 lbs. Borta Oria caught his first PACIFIC BLUEMARLIN this week.
Cameron Hunter, dropped a live bonito down on the reef this week and reeled in a new pending IGFA World Record MULLET SNAPPER. The fish weighed 26.4 lbs shattering the old record of 11.6 lbs. What a catch Cameron!
The total for the week was very impressive with 35 BLACK MARLIN releases, 28 BLUE MARLIN releases and 41 SAILFISH releases. We lost count of Dorado; a true Tropic Star Experience.
 This week at Piñas Bay was not typical of our January bite. We were greeted with unusually strong winds and high seas all week. Our crews reported seeing many marlin and sailfish; however the fish were very reluctant to eat. To top it off the dorados were so thick that it made it almost impossible to keep the live bonitos in the water for any length of time. I saw time and time again these schooling fish in the 10-15 lb range trying to eat the 2-4 lb bonitos. As a result, the deckhands had to work extra hard to make bait. We did however get some marlin to eat, and a number of anglers did have decent shots at marlin and sailfish. The reef was also alive with monster amberjacks and snappers, and some nice ones were caught on the downriggers all week. It’s a really nice option when the marlin bite slows down. Action! Action! Action!
Stacy Frase released her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. She also has good action on the fly with a bunch of fair sized dorados. Her husband Saylor also scored with a BLUE MARLIN release. Greg DeMille released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. He also released a BLACK MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Steve Morris, Mike Brown and Carroll Hutchens all released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN this week in the 400 lb range.
Dell and Sandy Wood, Racquel Schmitz, Steve Morris, Michele Claxton, Brian Campbell and Neil Gryder all released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH.
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 This week we said farewell to 2009 and welcomed the beginning of a new near at Tropic Star Lodge. The billfish bite slowed a little as compared to the previous week; however our brilliant crews managed to put the guests on some great action. The reef produced a few nice BLACK MARLIN but most of the bites came a little further offshore on the edge 12-14 miles offshore.There were also some lovely Cubera Snappers and Amberjacks caught on the downriggers around the Piñas Reef. Fishing a live bonito over the reef is a lot of fun. You just never know what’s going to bite. Even the elusive BLACK MARLIN won’t have trouble pouncing on the pinned bonito. The bite can be impressive especially when you’re thinking, oh! Big Snapper and then a 500 lb Black goes airborne astern. It’s an adrenaline rush at least. The last couple of days of the week we also caught a number of big YELLOWFIN TUNAS in the 150-180 lb range. Yo Hoo, Sashimi!
Sam Wright came all the way from Namibia to Piñas Bay this week. Her dad brought her here for her graduation present. Her wishes came through on the first morning out when she released her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Vivian Pearce also had her wish with the release of her first 250 lb BLACK MARLIN. Christine Kirla also released her first BLACK MARLIN, a big one, in the 500 lb range. Nice catch! Regardt Du Plessis released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs and also made good on his first PACIFIC SAILFISH. J.D. Messeler Scott also released their first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Todd Aronson, Giuseppe Croce and Carlo  Bonomi all released their first BLACK MARLIN.
Alena Kitson fared well offshore on the edge, releasing her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. She also got her first PACIFIC SAILFISH, a big one; around 140 lbs. Geoff Roland and Brent Kitson had the trip of a lifetime. They are avid fly fisherman and came back with many big boys caught on the fly. On the final day of the trip they got lucky and both released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH on FLY estimated at 100 lbs. Congrats! Johnny Yeary and Jake Skelhorn also released their PACIFIC SAILFISH this week.
David VanderGrind caught a monster YELLOWFIN TUNA on the final day. It weighed in at 173 lbs.Carlo Bonomi and Giuseppe Croce also returned home on the final day with a lovely pair of YELLOWFIN TUNAS; the bigger one scaled at 150 lbs.
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This week we welcomed our guests to Piñas Bay to celebrate a Tropic Star Christmas. Well, Santa came to town and brought many presents. The week was filled with billfishaction. I remember on Christmas Eve day, every boat in the fleet released a MARLIN. The bite was furious and many guests also stretched their muscles reeling in the swarms of dorado. I have never seen so many in one area. The deckies couldn’t keep them from the baits. The reef also showed signs of life as bonito and rainbow runner schools broke the surface, feeding on the small sardines and squid. This is the signal we are awaiting. His Majesty the BLACK MARLIN will be arriving soon.
Richard Kearley celebrated his 60th birthday with us this week. He released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. This release also completed his Billfish Royal Slam. The coveted award goes to the angler who caught all nine species of billfish in him lifetime; Atlantic and Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic and Pacific Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish and Spearfish. Congratulations! His wife Edie also did well this week. She released her first big BLACK MARLIN estimate at 500 lbs. She also released a BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. The couple released an amazing 8 MARLIN for the week.
 Kyle Vincent returned to Piñas Bay in search for another world record. On the third day out he dropped a live bonito down on the reef and cranked in a massive MULLET SNAPPER which tipped the scales at 24 lbs. This fish will earn him a slot in the IGFA Record Book for the second time. He also had his share of excellent billfishing, releasing a BLACK MARLIN, BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM.
Kurt and Anki Forsberg rejoined us at Piñas Bay this week to celebrate Christmas. Anki released her first BLACK MARLIN, first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 400 lbs, and first PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Kurt also had a week’s SLAM.
Greg Brandner brought his son Keith down to Piñas Bay for a week of fishing. Keith had a trip of a lifetime. He released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs, anothergiant BLACK around 750 lbs and his first PACIFIC SAILFISH. He also ended the trip by reeling in a 144 lb YELLOWFIN TUNA. Greg also had a turn and released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Congrats!
Elias Bentin also did well this week. He released a BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Taylor Macdonald released her first BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for week’s SLAM. Curtis Macdonald released his first BLACK MARLIN and PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN.
Edgar Benes released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Alex Musgociu released his first BLACK MARLIN and first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Lee Pallardy released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH. Jacquline Pallardy released her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH.
Michael Freddoso also did well, releasing his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Garrett Wittels released his first BLACK MARLIN and Stephen Wittels released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN. Mike Shea released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 80 lbs.
Milo Kirk caught a monster YELLOWFIN TUNA, weighing in at 188 lbs.
With so many billfish around we have great expectations for 2010. On behalf of all the staff here at the lodge, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Tight Lines, Albert Battoo DOCKMASTER
Tammy Hayman scored big this week releasing her first BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM.
Norman Donati also did the same. His BLACK MARLIN was estimated at around 400
lbs.
 Jack McCluskey a junior angler, only 9 years old, was also one of
the lucky anglers this week. He racked up a BLACK MARLIN (400 lbs), BLUE MARLIN
(350 lbs) and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM.
Don Gasgarth released
his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Pat Sangiacomo released his first
BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs and A.J. Zellers also released his first BLACK
MARLIN.
John Johnson released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at
300 lbs. and Arthur Hayman released his first BLUE MARLIN.
January 2009
was perhaps some of the best fishing ever recorded at the lodge. Some of you may
remember the last week of January when we released an incredible 95 MARLIN. Can
it be possible that the fish show up like they did this year? We anxiously await
the new year. January is just around the corner and we’re all spooled up and
waiting.
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The week began with a some great DORADO action and although the billfish bite was slow for the
first three days, it got better as the week progressed. The fleet
ventured a little further offshore and located the g iant schools of
Bonitos and Skipjacks. Many boats hooked up as soon as they were able to catch
and get the live baits into the water. I always say…Things change rapidly in
Piñas Bay and you can’t ever predict what’s going to happen both offshore and
inshore the next day.
The last two days was amazing. The marlin bite turned on
and it
was tight lines for most. Andrzej Bilip scored a GRAND SLAM on
his final day out, releasing a BLACK MARLIN, BLUE
MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH.
 Roberto Ucelay Jorge
also got a GRAND SLAM for the week releasing a BLACK
MARLIN, BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC
SAILFISH.
Andrew Lenton released his first PACIFIC BLUE
MARLIN this week. The fish was estimated at 300
lbs.
Ranney Moran released his first BLACK
MARLIN this week and Laura Johnson released her first PACIFIC
SAILFISH
Austin Hepburn
brought his two kids Hep and Annie down to enjoy the Tropic Star Experience for
the first time. Although they did not score on Marlin they both released their
first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Annie would never forget the triple
header of sails. Austin’s buddy Ranney Moran also scored his first Pacific
Sailfish and also caught a big YELLOWFIN TUNA which weighed in
at 170.6 lbs.
Sharon Ellis released a beautiful
ROOSTERFISH estimated at 51 lbs on the last
day.
This year Tropic Star Lodge hosted their 9th annual TSL Tournament at Pinas Bay, Panama. There was a record
turnout of 105 anglers representing 35 teams entered in the tournament. The seas
were calm and the beautiful weather made for a great three days of
billfishing.
 With 5 marlin releases (1,500 pts), John Crimmins, Phillis Crimmins and Mark Hayo of team La Ola
Azul took 1st place (Bertram 31 division). Ray Chang, Andrew
Chang and Peter Wong of team Trini to D Bone!, came in 2nd
with 1,200 pts and John Chrisholm, Don MeKinnon and John Sheridan of team
Pina Colada took 3rd place with 1,000 pts.
Francisco Salerno, Anthony Salerno and Lilian Alfaro fishing aboard on the boat Mandyale released 4 marlins and 1 sailfish (1,300 pts)
to capture 1st place in the Private Boat division.
Robert Novey, Aquilion Vallarino and Freddy Probst took 2nd place on board
the boat Amangani with 600 pts
and Arnolfo Escalona, Jeff Hofkin and Jorge Fernandez aboard the
Princesa Janca ended in 3rd place with 600
pts.
The highlight of the
tournament came when angler Ray Chang of team Trini to D
Bone released a Marlin on early on Day 3. He had released a marlin
on both Day 1 and 2 of the tournament thus qualifying for a shot of the Grand
Prize, a Hyundai Veracruz SUV. Ray is the first angler in the tournament’s
history to win the grand prize.
The top angler award
went to Francisco Salerno. And Top Female Angler award was won by Phillis
Crimmins.
Heaviest Dorado (30.3 lbs) was caught by Enrique Pretelt
Heaviest Wahoo (34.2 lbs) was caught
by George Mc Fadden.
Tony Berkman released his first Black
and Blue Marlin both estimated at
400 lbs.
Geoff Kilburn released his first Black Marlin and Blue
Marlin.
Andrew Chang and Ray Chang both released their first
Black Marlin.
David Sheridan, Larry Salo,
Jake MeKinnon, Troy Burke and Andrew McCartney released their first
Pacific Blue Marlin.
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