Fishing Report
May 05 – 12, 2019

Hello Esb Lodge Anglers & Fans,

We have had another week blow by here at Espiritu Santo Bay Lodge. We had the pleasure of hosting two longtime friends of the lodge, in addition to other anglers new to our fishing program. It is always enjoyable to share this place with new faces. Heavy winds were battled all week long, but the anglers were able to capitalize on some shots and land some nice fish. We are impressed more and more each week with the incredible cuisine Chef Felipe presents at the dinner table. With the help of the house staff our guests experienced a comfortable week at the lodge.

FISHING
ESB Lodge Report - May 5 - 12, 2019Heavy winds for the duration of the week from the southeast made for some unfavorable conditions. This wind direction had us focusing on the lee side, or in this case hugging the southern shore of the bay for protection. With southern winds carrying across the bay, we see the northern shore accumulate large amounts of Sargasso and get churned up. This turns the bayside flats into a dark brown color. We did manage to cross the bay a few of the days, and focus on our river systems with clear water and protected areas. We are always impressed with how many encounters and shots at fish we get during these unfavorable wind conditions. The guides know these waters well, and are able to position the boat accordingly with wind and sun direction.

Guest Alex Maher was able to land a permit on the first day with guide Jorge. Alex and Jorge reunited later in the week and landed two more permit, both from large schools in deeper water. With the wind as it is, permit tend to run to deeper water and force us to fish in rougher conditions. Richie Gruber landed his first permit on the fly this week with guide Fernando. While we spent a lot of time pursuing permit in deeper water, we still had encounters on shallower flats to tailing fish. Ron Zega was able to land a nice permit in shallow water while wading with guide Jorge. Intermittent cloud cover in addition to heavy winds made sight fishing a challenge, but the guests were impressed on how many fish were located during these tough days on the water. Throughout the week we had multiple other close encounters with schools of permit, singles in shallow water and fish cruising on stingrays. Watching a permit follow a stingray is one of my favorite situations to come across in the bay. The symbiotic relationship between the two species can be beneficial to the angler, as we know the permit is eating the shrimp and crustaceans the stingray spooks from the bottom. This situation can give you a shot at a fish that is actively eating, which of course increases your chances of hooking up.

The group collectively landed 5 permit for the week, bringing our season total to 147 landed with 103 guests thus far!

ESB Lodge Report - May 5 - 12, 2019Tarpon fishing was minimal for the week, with only two juveniles landed. Guest Sock Woodruff was able to land his first ever tarpon on the fly. Snook fishing was also tough this week. Ryan Fields managed to persuade a nice snook out from the mangroves on the first day. With all of the wind we have been having lately water levels have been high in the bay, pushing the juvenile tarpon and snook deep into the mangroves. One large tarpon was spotted during the week, but cloud cover moved in at an unfortunate moment and the fish was lost. This fish was estimated to be in the 80 pound range.

Bonefish were plentiful as ever and the group was able to sight fish to some large schools on gin clear flats protected from the wind.

ESB Lodge Report - May 5 - 12, 2019WEATHER/TIDES
The weather as mentioned was partly cloudy with strong winds coming out of the southeast. The beach in front of the lodge is inundated with large amounts of Sargasso, causing dirty water and unfavorable conditions for wade fishing. We are hopeful for a change in wind direction to move out some of the Sargasso and open up our ocean-side fishery.  It is not uncommon to see a tailing permit right in front of the palapa as your pouring your second margarita for the evening.

Tides were falling in the morning until around 10:00 am, and then rising for the rest of the day.

FLIES:
ESB Lodge Report - May 5 - 12, 2019The Tan #2 squimp struck again this week, while other spawning shrimp and small white crab variations were responsible for landed permit. Black/purple baitfish patterns were used for the tarpon landed, and a olive/tan/white baitfish pattern for the snook. Bonefish were taken on all manners of shrimp patterns in size 4-8.

Chef Felipe and the kitchen staff delivered excellent dishes for our guests, and everyone was impressed with the quality and consistency. Compliments were high with the incredible arrangements he presents his cuisine in. The house staff worked hard to ensure the accommodations were top shelf, and any requests were met.

ESB Lodge Report - May 5 - 12, 2019Seven guests will join us this upcoming week, with all but one new to our operation. John Bishop has fished with us in the past, and has made the journey to join us once again. Chris and Randy Iversen fish the Texas coast extensively for redfish, so we are excited to show them ESB and are hopeful they will see some different types of tails out there. We love making new friends out here in the Yucatan, and hope they will always come back to see us. It looks like wind will continue through the week, so the group has their work cut out for them!

We suggest you stop in or give our friends at The Fly Shop a call to inquire about this very special place. Enjoy your week, get some fishing in and stay tuned for next week’s report!

From a very special place in the Yucatan,

Saludos desde el Caribe Mexicana

Sam, Mia and Faustino

800-669-3474 / 530-222-3555

travel@theflyshop.com