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Capt Gene Kelly
TROPICAL FISHING ADVENTURES Inc
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2010

Fishing Reports

Managers Yolanda and Peter manage to keep you in fish stories.

July 17 - July 24

As we continue on this month of July, the fishing continues to be really good. I must admit that we do miss the big numbers of sailfish, usually common around this time but the Marlin are biting both on the reef and out on the drop-off. We were again blessed by the arrival of large schools of Yellowfin Tuna. Yes, there were some really sore muscles last week. These fish really put up a fight and they’re big. The largest one brought to the scale for the week weighed in at just over 200 lbs. I recalled last Monday when we had a triple header of tuna all over 100 lbs. What a moment. One angler also released a 600 lb Black Marlin on the reef. With all the rain last week the inshore bite was fairly slow but some anglers manage to pluck out a few Roosterfish and a couple on big Cubera Snappers.

Jack Boyer was the top angler last week. He released 3 BLACK MARLIN the biggest estimated at 400 lbs. Kevin Pate also had luck on his side, releasing his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 600 lbs. He also scored a really nice CUBERA SNAPPER around 45 lbs.  His wife Mandi also released her first BLACK MARLIN around 300 lbs. She also had a shot at her dream  ROOSTERFISH and released one around 45 lbs. Tyler Sudbrink released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. He also has some luck with 4 PACIFIC SAILFISH. Martin Bronstein and his son Matthew released 3 BLACK MARLIN for the week. Martin  also released a TARPON60 lbs, while fishing the rocks just north of the lodge.

John Lukacs Jr. released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs and C.J. Gifford also caught his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN, a respectable 350 lbs. His mom Gwyn released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Nancibelle Vallee , granddaughter of the original owner of the lodge, Ray Smith, released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 110 lbs. Zachary Helms released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 110 lbs and Jeff Gifford also had a shot at his first PACIFIC SAILFISH and got the release. Eric Stevens weighed in a monster 210 lb YELLOWFIN TUNA.

July 10 - July 17

The bite continued be spectacular  last week. The reef was firing up and bait seemed to be everywhere. Blacks were feeding both on and around the reef and a few lucky anglers got tom feel the pull of these magnificent beasts.  Big Dorado were piled up on the trash lines and were easy to catch too. Some of them in the 50-60 lb range.  The inshore bite continued to be great with some big Roosterfish and Cubera Snappers. There were also a few wahoo just north of the lodge.

Battle Hslam and his grandson Wynn both released their first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs.  They also had great action on the sailfish.  Both also released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 100 lbs. Sonny Hilyard had a trip of a lifetime. He released 2 BLACK MARLIN, 450 and 300 lbs. On his last day both him and his wife Donna decided to try the inshore fishing and scored three (3) MONSTER  ROOSTERFISH , all over 70 lbs. WOW!!!  Donna also released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 100 lbs. Gregory Armstrong released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Martin Tomerlin scored his first BLACK MARLIN release with a nice 300 lb fish  and Tyler Sudbrink released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs.

Evin Hamilton released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN after a grueling two hour battle. The fish was estimated at 350 lbs. He also got his first PACIFIC SAILFISH. His sister Caitlyn released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 90 lbs.  Steward Vanderlinden released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN, a nice sized fish in the 400 lb range. His wife Wendi released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 90 lbs. Their son Henry also got into the action and released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 100 lbs.

July 3 - July 10

What a bite last week! The sea was alive with bait and of course with conditions like that the fish were willing. Sailfish were schooling up on the trash line around 10 miles out and our guests were in the thick of all the action. Giant schools of Yellowfin Tuna also gathered to feast on the baitfish in the line. It was all out war.  Back at the reef, the schools of bonito continued to feed voraciously and in them was the odd Black Marlin.The Roosterfish were piled inshore and large schools of Wahoo were also around.

Mark Davis, host of BIG WATER ADVENTURES visited us this week to film a special production on Inshore Fishing at Tropic Star Lodge. Accompanying him was Raleigh Werking, one of the world’s best light tackle anglers and IGFA world record holder. Mark is certainly not the average angler.  He rolled down here with over 300 lbs of fishing gear. They decided to hit up the inshore for the first couple of days chasing Roosterfish. They released 6 ROOSTERFISH, 2 big AMBERJACK and  a couple of YELLOWFIN TUNA on day one. With the prize Roosterfish out of the way they decided  target all the other inshore and offshore species available at the lodge. For the next three days they caught WAHOO, SAILFISH, YELLOWFIN TUNA and CUBERA SNAPPER. They got them all. Mark told me that this was by far one of the best shows he’s ever done. Look out for his series BIG WATER ADVENTURES airing in January 2011. 

Hugh Lazenberry Jr. released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. He also had a shot of his first PACIFIC SAILFISH and got the release. Hugh also released the biggest ROOSTERFISH for the week, a monster, estimated at 75 lbs. WOW! His dad Hugh Sr. released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at around 120 lbs.  

Collin Oswald released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN this week; a nice one too, estimated at 400 lbs. He also released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH90 lbs and also got a 50+ lb DORADO. Art, his dad also released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 90 lbs.  Art’s biggest YELLOWFIN TUNA for the week weighed in at 120 lbs. He also released a BIG ROOSTERFISH estimated around 60 lbs. Both the Lazenberry’s and Oswald’s fished for six days on two boats and boy did they ever rack up the numbers.  They caught 110 fish over the six days fishing. Incredible action!  

June 19 - June 26

After last week’s great offshore bite I waited in anticipation for round two of the action. It started on Monday with a Edward Carter releasing a BIG BLACK MARLIN estimated at 600 lbs. Three other Blacks were also hooked but eventually lost. Hey, they win sometimes right? The tuna bite continued to be great. Lots of action too. One boat caught 80 +Yellowfin Tuna in one day. Spectacular!

Tom, Tommy and Tyler Smyth all caught their first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Steven Pender Dina Green and Tony Zimbicki and released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH this week. Frank Guerra released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 110 lbs and a nice 130 lb YELLOWFIN TUNA.

Raleigh Werking, our Marketing Director and I fished inshore for two days and I can tell you it was probably the best two days of inshore I have ever experienced here. Raleigh started off with a 50 lb CUBERA SNAPPER on 16 lb. test. He then released a beautiful ROOSTERFISH around 60 lbs on 16 lb. test line.  I also had a crack at the light tackle and scored a nice 50 lb ROOSTERFISH. I also won a battle with a 45 lb CUBERA SNAPPER while casting a popper with 50 lb. braided line on the rocks. It was an unforgettable moment.

June 12 - June 19

Last week can only be described as spectacular! The ocean just came alive and great schools of bait were everywhere. Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Sailfish were seen free jumping and feeding in the gigantic bait balls. There were great dinner stories to be told of double and triple header sailfish hookups. Yellowfin Tuna were also pulling on the lines; some in the 200 lb range. Roosterfish and Snappers were also hitting the baits inshore. It was indeed a week I will remember for some time. On the last day of the week two boats returned to the dock with a marlin and 11 sailfish release flags flying.

Kent Tomkins reeled in his first BLACK MARLIN which was estimated at 450 lbs. Kimberly Tomkins also scored her first BLACK MARLIN which went 350lbs and Parr Brookover got his first BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs.  Both Mike Jordan and Riley Tomkins released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN300 lbs. Kurt Tomkins also released his first STRIPED MARLIN estimated at 200 lbs. averaging around

Hanna, Kurt, Riley, Reagan, Shelly and Kimberly Tomkins all released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Billy Ray Suggs, Pate and Parr Brookover also released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH.

To sum up the week, 12 Marlin and 140 Sailfish were released. 100+ Yellowfin Tuna and also 28 Roosterfish were caught.  We’ll see what next week brings; I am certain is gonna be a good one.

June 5 - June 12

This week can only be described as spectacular! The ocean just came alive and great schools of bait were everywhere. Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Sailfish were seen free jumping and feeding in the gigantic bait balls. There were great dinner stories to be told of double and triple header sailfish hookups. Yellowfin Tuna were also pulling on the lines; some in the 200 lb range. Roosterfish and Snappers were also hitting the baits inshore. It was indeed a week I will remember for some time. On the last day of the week two boats returned to the dock with a marlin and 11 sailfish release flags flying.

Kent Tomkins reeled in his first BLACK MARLIN which was estimated at 450 lbs. Kimberly Tomkins also scored her first BLACK MARLIN which went 350 lbs and Parr Brookover got his first BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs.  Both Mike Jordan and Riley Tomkins released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN averaging around 300 lbs. Kurt Tomkins also released his first STRIPED MARLIN estimated at 200 lbs.

Hanna, Kurt, Riley, Reagan, Shelly and Kimberly Tomkins all released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Billy Ray Suggs, Pate and Parr Brookover also released their first PACIFIC SAILFISH.

May 15 - May 22

This week it’s marlin; blues and stripes. Big Dorados were also patrolling the trash lines offshore and again the inshore bite continued to be spectacular, however with the rains, the water along the coast changed and the bite slowed at the end of the week.

This week we also hosted the annual 2010 Tropic Star Challenge Tournament, put on by Diane Locke and Scott Parsons. Twelve anglers competed against each other over five days of fierce action on light tackle.  Tom Curran won the Top Angler award this year and both Tom and Mark Mitchell won Top Team.

Hohn Hotz released his first BLACK MARLIN this week, a monster that was estimated at 700+ lbs. Scott Parsons released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN this week estimated at 300 lbs. Alfred and Mark Teo both released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 300 lbs. Tom Curran released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs and Mark Luzon released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 250 lbs.  

Clint Everett released his first Striped Marlin this week thus completing his BILLFISH ROYAL SLAM. Susan Coleman hooked a “Grande” STRIPED MARLIN in the 300 lb range and got the release. This was her first Striped Marlin.  Lawrence Morris released his first STRIPED MARLIN estimated at 200 lbs. Mark Mitchell also released his first STRIPED MARLIN estimated at 200 lbs.

With all this marlin around we are looking forward to next week as we’ll be hosting yet another light tackle tournament. I can’t wait!!!

May 8 - May 15

Last week continued to excellent inshore fishing. The Roosterfish were piled up on the rocks and all of our eager guests were delighted to get into the action. There were some giants released this week in the 70+ lb range. These things put up a really good scrap on 20 and 30 lb tackle. Watch out for the rocks though! The Cubera Snappers were not too aggressive last week. We did manage to pull out a few, and one of them weighed an impressive 62 lbs. There were more than enough roosters to keep everyone contented. Offshore, the marlin action was sporadic but those hours waiting weren’t too bad as the swarms of BIG Dorado and Yellowfin Tunas continued to pull the light tackle rods. Large Dorados are not common this time of year but with the crazy weather patterns we’ve been experiencing, anything is possible.

Debra Fennell released her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 500+ lbs. This fish was caught just minutes after lines in the water on the first day of fishing. Congratulations! Warren Machol also released his first BLACKMARLIN last week. The fish was estimated at 200 lbs. James Fennell hooked into a really nice STRIPEDMARLIN estimated at 200 lbs and got the release. David Langer also released his first STRIPED MARLIN150 lbs. around

May 1 - May 8

Well, I couldn’t wait to write about last week’s fishing. Inshore is definitely at its best. One boat finished on Friday with 9 Roosterfish releases and a giant Cubera Snapper, and that’s just one boat. The others crews also scored really well. We had a lot to talk about at the dinner table….. A couple of guests also had action offshore with Black Marlin Blue Marlin and Sailfish.More Sailfish are showing up; definitely a good sign and I expect that they’ll be here in big numbers soon. Yellowfin Tunas and BIG Dorados are also patrolling the trash lines further offshore. I suspect more anglers will want to try their hand at the Roosterfish next week and we’ll be happy to have the lines stretched by these monsters of the rocks.

Mark Griffin released is first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. Carol Schorr released a BLACK MARLIN and a BLUE MARLIN this week. Reed Simmons had a shot at his first 110 lb PACIFIC SAILFISH and got a release. Rob Perine also scored his first PACIFIC SAILFISH, a big one, estimated at 120 lbs. Terry Zimmerman also released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH.

Alain Duquuesnoy, Francoise Boutrand and Andre de Botton had an unforgettable trip. The concentrated on the inshore fishing and really racked up the numbers. Together they caught 12 Roosterfish (a few in the 60+ range), 8 Cubera Snappers, 16 Yellowfin Tunas, 10 Dorados, 4 Groupers and a big Amberjack and a host of various groupers and jacks. 

Angelo Milanese, Anthony Milanese, John Knief and Robert Perine were also here fishing 2 boats for 4 days. They finished with 13 Roosterfish, 8 Cubera Snappers, 25 Yellowfin Tunas and more.

Apr 17 - May 1

This is the time we typically put away the heavy Marlin gear and break out the lighter rods for the spectacular inshore bite. It’s not over yet though. A few Black and Blue Marlin are still patrolling the waters around the reef; some really big ones too, in the 400-500 lb range. The marlin bite will pick back up again in June. We are currently awaiting the arrival of the sailfish.

Woodrow Thompson released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. Woody also released a rare Tarpon while fishing inshore.  Thomas Olvitt also got lucky and released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 525 lbs.  He also released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH that easily went 100 lbs. Joanne Mohney released her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Joanne also reeled in a lovely YELLOWFIN TUNA that weighed 115 lbs and released a 70+ lb Roosterfish.

Apr 3 - Apr 17

These last two weeks have been very interesting. The offshore bite had slowed somewhat however the over the last few days it did turn on some and a few lucky anglers got into the action. Blue Marlin showed up around 22 miles out and gigantic schools of yellowfin tunas also showed up. Acres upon acres of them swarmed the drop-off. I lost count of how many poppers we lost to them but that’s fishing. Those eating machines provided many an angler with a bent rod and sore muscles, which always makes for a great day on the water.

fishing if you fish for what’s biting.” Inshore the bite was also spectacular. Roosterfish and Snappers were biting and many anglers got into the action, not to mention the dinner stories of the ones that they could not keep out of the rocks.  

John Nemanic had good luck and released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Parker Simmons also released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. James Hughes released his first BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs and Terri Romanow released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs.

Mar 20 - Apr 3

I’ve often wondered what makesPiñas Bay such a special fishing hole. Is it because of the abundance of bait, or is it because there’s such little fishing pressure here? Whatever the case I’m glad to be here right now to witness yet another gathering of big marlin on the reef. These last two weeks have been a wonderful experience both offshore and inshore. Acres upon acres of bonitos and yellowfin tunas were feeding voraciously on tiny baitfish and squid. Black Marlin and a few Blue Marlin were in the mix picking of the injuredid dad David were here atPiñas Bay. During the first hour of the first day out, Ryan hooked up on a big BLACK MARLIN. After three hours he finally got the monster to the boat for a release. The skipper estimated this one at 700 lbs. His dad scored his first BLACK MARLIN on the next day, an estimated 350 lb fish. The balance of the trip the father and son team chased Yellowfin Tunas, Dorados and Cubera Snappers. They caught an amazing 15 snappers.

Margot Vincent returned to the lodge with her grandson Kyle. They came with a mission; records…

On the morning out, only minutes after putting out the baits, Kyle hooked a giant ROOSTERFISH and returned to the lodge for a weigh in. Voila, a new pending Junior IGFA Record (70.6 lbs). On day two he returned to the dock again with yet another fish, this time it was a PACIFIC JACK CREVALLE. This one tipped the scales at 26.4 lbs, another pending Junior IGFA Record.

Lennart Lindahl brought his wife Leslie, son Lenny and daughter Lauren down toPiñas Bay for their Easter vacation. Lennart released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Lauren had good luck on the next bite. She hooked into a grande BLACK MARLIN which unfortunately got tail wrapped and died on the line. After one and a half hours the crew managed to get the fish in the boat and headed to the dock. The BLACK MARLIN weighed an impressive 508 lbs. Leslie also released a nice ROOSTERFISH on the last day.

Mike Minadeo II released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. His dad Michael released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 400 lbs. William Andreoni also released his first BLACK MARLIN in the 200 lb range. Walter Moss released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Justin Young released his first BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs, and Russell Swann also scored his first BLACK MARLIN at 400 lbs. John Woravka released his first BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs. His buddy Richard Karr also got his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 200 lbs.

Twenty years ago, an Australian Captain by the name of Laurie Wright and his girlfriend Julie, were married at Tropic Star Lodge.  It was the first wedding held here, to our knowledge, and set the stage for Mike and Terri Andrews to be wed next, one year later.  Last week the Aussies, and a large group of friends, came back to TSL to celebrate their 20th Anniversary in style.  A shindig by the pool with all of our guests in attendance made the evening quite special.  The bonus was having Guy Harvey fly in to surprise Laurie and Julie as he has fished with them in Australia many times. The guys did well offshore too, releasing 6 BLACK MARLIN and 1 PACIFIC BLUE. What a week!!!

Mar 6 - Mar 20

The last two weeks of fishing has been great, considering that we are nearing the end of the annual marlin run. Many anglers got into big marlin action and I must say that I am impressed with the size of some of the blacks and blues we’ve released over the past two weeks (500-600 lb). The reef and up to around three miles west of it has been very productive and there were also lots of big Yellowfin Tunas around to keep us busy. The inshore bite has also been nothing short of spectacular and our guests have been plucking out some big Cubera Snappers and roosterfish from the shoreline.

Gustavo Arvelo released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 550 lbs. Bob Pelosi also had a fish of a lifetime, releasing his first BLACK MARLIN500 lbs. Peggy Rose released her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Fred Perkinson Jr. and Joel Allison were very happy when they got their first 400 lb BLACK MARLIN to the leader. estimated at

Celeste Allison was happy with her first BLACK MARLIN which went around 350 lbs. Micharl F. Holick, Mark, Phil and Anne Langlois, Simon Parkin, Mitch Wergiles and Stevel Palmo also had great luck, releasing their first BLACK MARLIN in the 300 lb range.

Daniel Mena released a big PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. Chris Parkin also scored his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN in the 500 lb range. Both Roy King and Mike Palmieri released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs.

Gil Contreras, Mike Webb and Kevin Langlois all released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. Kevin also released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH this week. Ruth Pelosy got her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 200 lbs. David Lane weighed in a nice PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN 326 lbs that got tail wrapped and died during the fight.

Chris Walsh released his first STRIPED MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH this week. Anne Langlois released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 120 lbs.

Feb 27 - Mar 6

The bite has turned on this week. The Reef was loaded with decent numbers of baitfish and the billfish were right just off on the outside feeding on the bonito schools.The bite has turned on this week. The Reef was loaded with decent numbers of baitfish and the billfish were right just off on the outside feeding on the bonito schools.This was what I call a big fish week. Quite a few marlins were in the 600 lb+ range was released. The Blue Marlin bite was also really good which is fairly uncommon for this time of the year.

Luis Ortiz Villaba released a monster BLACK MARLIN this week estimated at 700 lbs. His buddy Francisco scored a double; releasing his first two BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs and 250 lbs. He also released a lovely 110 lb PACIFIC SAILFISH. Andre Bilip, released his biggest BLACK MARLIN ever, estimated at 750 lbs. Sandra Ferguson also released her first big BLACK MARLIN this week. The skipper said it went around 600 lbs. James Curtis Jr. also scored his first BLACK MARLIN around 500 lbs. He went on to release a second BLACK MARLIN around 400 lbs later on in the week.

Ron Paulson released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Both Pat Kennedy and Steve Walker released their first BLACK MARLIN this week estimated at around 300 lbs. Pat Calella also scored her first 250 lb BLACK MARLIN.

Bob Weinert released his first BLUE MARLIN, a big girl in the 600 lb range. Carol Klutch released her first BLUE MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. Therese Montupet released her first BLUE MARLIN also in the 500 lb range. Frank Cirone scored his first BLUE MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Also, Gary Thoe, John Ackerman, Audi Nelson, Mike Echevarria, Scott Strady and Steve all released their first BLUE MARLIN this week.

Feb 20 - Feb 27

This week at the lodge was rather eventful. The Black Marlin bite continued to be excellent. There were also a few Blues mixed in too. A few anglers were also lucky inshore and picked up a number of bib Cubera Snappers. One angler released a monster Roosterfish also, estimated at 71 lbs.

Richard andSherry Lane were back at the lodge this week for their second visit. Richard released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 550 lbs. He also got his first PACIFICSAILFISH. His wife Sherry released her first “BIG” PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 500lbs and also released her first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 90 lbs. Sherry also had a shot at a “grande” Piñas Bay Roosterfish and got the release. The captain estimated the fish at 70+ lbs. WOW!

Christopher Bean caught a fish of a lifetime this week. He released an estimated 600 lbBLACK MARLIN, his first ever. Doug Ooms doubled up this week releasing his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbsPACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 300 lbs. George Couch also had a double. He released his first BLACKMARLIN at around 500 lbs and his first BLUE MARLIN around 400 lbs.  Brian Sears also scored his first big BLACKMARLIN around 500 lbs. John and Charles Phelan both released their first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs.  Nicholas Glass released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs and Andy Teller released his first BLACK MARLIN350 lbs. and also his first around

Brenden Kelly scored big with his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. Ande Moore also released his first 500 lb PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN this week. Allen Johnson, Chris Comb and Bob McBride all released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN in the 350 lb range and Mark Grimes scored his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs.

I will also like to mention that Ken Young battled with a monster YELLOWFIN TUNA for 4 ½ hours on 50 lb test line and won. The fish tipped the scales at 211 lbs.

Feb 13 - Feb 20

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.

Feb 6 - Feb 13

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.

Jan 30 - Feb 6

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.

Jan 16 - Jan 23

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.

Jan 16 - Jan 23

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!

Jan 9 - Jan 16

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.

Jan 2 - Jan 9

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.

Dec 26 - Jan 2

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.

Dec 19 - 26

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.

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

Dec 12 - 19

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.

Robert Novey, Aquilion Vallarino and Freddy Probst took 2^nd place on board the boat Amangani with 600 pts and Arnolfo Escalona, Jeff Hofkin and Jorge Fernandez aboard the Princesa Janca ended in 3^rd 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.