Fishing Report #2
February 02 – 09, 2025

ESB Permit FEB 02, 2025

Dear Friends,

This week, the second of the 2025 season, we were honored to welcome back our dear friends from Michigan—our longtime guests, with the exception of Mike, who was visiting for the first time. Though new to our waters, he is an experienced saltwater angler. Having friends with us is always a gift; they make our week easy and enjoyable, reminding us how fortunate we are to run our operation in the remote and pristine natural landscapes of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This fuels our passion to keep doing things right—always in harmony with nature.

Now, to what everyone is waiting for: The Fishing.

ESB Snook 02 FEB 2025

Since the week started with similar weather conditions to the previous one—same winds, same temperatures, same tides—I assumed the fishing would be similar too. But by the end of the first day, as the boats returned to the bay, I was once again reminded that I have no real ability to predict fishing in here. Everyone came back with smiling faces, thrilled by a full day of action. But without a doubt, the highlight came from Dodd. At his very first stop near Red Buoy, while he was still getting his gear in order, his guide (have I mentioned we have the best guides around?) spotted a permit about 60 yards away in three to four feet of water. A few subtle movements with the push pole put Dodd in range. First cast—on point. Two strips—eat. Solid hookset, flawless fight, a quick photo, and back in the water. Can you believe it? First cast of the week.

Dodd himself thought he had burned through all his luck in the first hour, but the bay had other plans. It sent him more fish—solid permit shots, multiple landed tarpon, and plenty of bonefish. The only thing left on the list? A snook for another day. The rest of the group also had great numbers of bones, several tarpon, and a few snook. Ben had a thrilling encounter with a big barracuda, teasing it with a needlefish fly. After several missed strikes, the fish finally committed, and he landed it.ESB Tarpon 02 FEB 2025

Tuesday and Wednesday brought similar weather but slightly less action. Plenty of bones, tarpon, and snook were still caught. Mike was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when a feeding frenzy of jacks erupted nearby. He had the perfect rod in hand, and on his first cast, he hooked and landed a beautiful 15-pounder. The fight put his homemade reel to the test—it passed with flying colors.

While there seemed to be more permit schools in the bay, these two days proved challenging. Matt had a fleeting encounter near Tabasqueños when his guide spotted a ghostly school of four or five permit—so faint only the guide could see them. After several attempts, Matt finally spotted them at 50 feet. A good cast, a slow sink, a subtle strip, and boom! The eat. That’s often the hardest part, but it’s not the only challenge. This fish demands more. To be photographed, it requires a well-timed hookset and a fight with just the right amount of tension. And since “just right” is subjective, there’s only one way to learn: by losing fish. And as they say, the fish you lose are the ones you remember most—this is one Matt won’t forget anytime soon.ESB Permit FEB 02, 2025

Thursday brought a special moment for Mark and Ben. Between “Arenal De La Isla” and the Cenotes, they found themselves in the right place at the right time, watching tarpon roll. Mark was up first, landing a tarpon and passing the position to Ben, who wasted no time hooking into a jack after a brutal fight. Back and forth they went, switching every five grueling minutes. Then, when it was Mark’s turn again, his guide suddenly whispered loudly (yes, whispering loudly is an oxymoron—unless you’re a fisherman): “Stop!”

ESB Permit 02 FEB 2025

At first, Mark thought he had done something wrong. But no—his guide had spotted a school of six permit moving happily along, about 60 yards away. With careful maneuvering, they were positioned perfectly. First cast—too short. A quick adjustment. Second cast—just right. The fly landed two feet from the lead fish’s head, sank, and came to life with a couple of subtle, slow strips. The fish showed interest. Another strip. Eat. Solid hookset. Perfect fight. Landed, a quick photo, and back in the water. What followed? Cheers, handshakes, crossed congratulations, and an overwhelming rush of emotions in the boat.ESB Permit 02 FEB 2025

Friday brought more action—bones and tarpon for everyone, with a few snook in the mix. But the standout moment belonged to Matt, who needed redemption. Two days earlier, the bay had taught him a hard lesson. Now, drifting through Ensenada, covering plenty of water, his guide spotted a pair of permit in four to five feet of depth. One well-placed cast near the lead fish was all it took. A competition for food ensued, and one permit won. The eat was solid. Hookset—easy. The fight—beautiful. The fish finally surrendered into Matt’s hands, was photographed, and swiftly returned to the water. More emotions flooded the moment.

Saturday dawned overcast and threatening rain. Scattered showers fell across the bay. Only after lunch did the sun finally break through, and it only took a couple of hours to turn the day around. Mark, who had received one of Mike’s handmade reels as a gift, had the chance to honor it—landing ten bonefish in a row. The reel? Tested and approved.

Nearly everyone focused on permit, but the one to close the week was the same one who opened it: Dodd.

At our final dinner, as always, we enjoyed lobster—freshly caught that day by the artisanal fishermen of Punta Herrero. Our chef, Luis, outdid himself all week with his Mayan-Mexican creations. We toasted, laughed, shared memories, and honored those who are no longer with us. And, of course, they made promises to the sea—to return soon.

Thank you for reading to the end. See you next week.

Saludos,
JP (Juan Pablo) and the entire ESB Family

ESB Group FEB 02, 2025

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