Fishing Report #11
April 06 – 13, 2025
Back Home (or Something Very Close to It)
After many years, countless seasons, and thousands of miles, coming back to ESB isn’t just about returning to work—it’s coming back to a place I now truly call a second home. The Caribbean beaches, the ever-present sun, and that wind that seems to carry old stories… all remind me why I chose this corner of the world to come back to, season after season.
A heartfelt thanks to JP for holding down the fort during the first ten weeks. Not just for his commitment to keeping things running smoothly, but for the trust and friendship we’ve built over the years. From those distant days deep in the Amazon—wading through mud, swatting mosquitos, and dreaming big—to now, we’ve kept paddling in the same direction. This is more than a job; it’s a friendship woven through time and shared purpose.
Since our family grew with the addition of the lodge in Chile El Saltamontes—already through its first season, which exceeded all expectations—we’ve been left with that familiar, buzzing excitement for what’s to come. In times like these, having someone like JP on our side not only lightens the load, but inspires us to keep pushing forward. Because creating new destinations isn’t just about location—it’s about maintaining the warmth, spirit, and sense of belonging that Chiara and Dane embody so well. And it’s no coincidence. It’s a tangible reflection of who they are, what they believe in, and what they’re building with every step.
This year, the lodge welcomes us with upgrades that may not be immediately visible, but are definitely felt: 24/7 solar power, improved infrastructure, and a kind of quiet comfort that lets our guests fully enjoy the experience—fishing, breathing, and simply living the Caribbean dream.
Fishing
The week kicked off with some uncooperative weather: strong easterly winds and thick cloud cover doing their best to block out the sun during key moments. Gusts exceeded 25 mph at times, limiting access to protected areas and pushing our anglers to make quick, precise casts—as if saltwater fishing wasn’t already challenging enough.
Brendan was the first to break the ice and put the week’s first permit on the board. Sam, just getting started with this kind of fishing, came out victorious in his first battle with a beautiful snook. The rest of the group had shots at the bay’s legendary permits, though luck wasn’t quite on their side—at least not yet. Thankfully, bonefish and tarpon were active and gave everyone a satisfying end to day one.
By Tuesday, the forecasted shift in winds had arrived, now coming from the north. This stirred up the southern flats and coastlines, leaving murky water and very little visibility due to the choppy waves. Anglers had encounters with small schools and solo permits, but they were reluctant to cooperate. A heavy cloud layer tinted the water silver, making it nearly impossible to spot fish or read their movements. Still, bonefish, tarpon, and snook came to the rescue.
Wednesday brought a noticeable improvement in conditions: light northern and northeastern winds, bright sun, and the welcome return of moving shadows over the shallow flats. Although the water was still stirred from the previous days, Max made the most of the window and landed a beautiful permit. Opportunities multiplied, and most anglers devoted the full day to chasing the bay’s signature species—the elusive permit.
Thursday was a repeat performance: gentle northerly winds, sunshine, cleaner water, and very active fish. Sightings of solo permits and schools came from all directions, and both Max and Brendan continued adding to the scoreboard—with some fish hitting the 25-pound mark!
Friday dawned with another dreamy forecast: light winds, zero clouds, and active schools spread across the bay. Brendan landed a few more permits, Bryce did his part with a couple of great fish, and everything aligned—except that tiny sliver of luck we all depend on in those final moments. Delicate tippets, soft lips, and a few too many unlucky breaks kept the scoreboard from growing even more.
The final day of fishing stayed right on trend: near-zero winds from the north, blazing sun, and highly active fish. Fortune returned from the brief holiday it had taken the day before and got back in sync with our anglers—perhaps as a reward for the group’s determination and resilience. Max, Sam, Chuck, Shaun, and Jory all found themselves in hand-to-hand combat with the queens of the bay, and emerged victorious. The star of the day? Sam, who landed the very first permits of his life. Welcome to the club, my friend!
Weather
The early part of the week was dominated by strong easterly winds, which gradually shifted to the north and northeast while losing strength. Tides were unpredictable at first due to the wind but became well-defined and consistent as conditions settled. We had no significant rain—just a few scattered drops during the first couple of days.
Flies
Nothing new under the Caribbean sun. Permits are still falling for the classic ESB patterns—Casa Blanca, Flexo, and ESB Shrimp among them. Tarpon and snook continue favoring EP patterns in all colors, and bonefish are sticking to their diet of shrimp, crabs, and Clouser Minnows, in hook sizes ranging from #8 to #2.
We’ll see you next week with a brand-new report. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friends at The Fly Shop® to hear firsthand what life is like in Espiritu Santo Bay, inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (which means “Where the sky begins” in the Mayan language).
Taak ulak k’iin and Ka xi’ik teech utsil
(See you later and good luck, in the Mayan language)
Martín Ferreyra Gonzalez and the entire ESB Family
800-669-3474 | 530-222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com | ESB Lodge
