Thailand: monster mekong, redtail catfish and arapaima caught!

Jean Francois Helias, legendary fishing guide in Thailand send us this interesting report: 

"I just got back today from a 4 days fishing trip at both Ratchaburi and the Mae Klong river. I fished that river to try breaking my still current 1.80 kg Golden Belly Barb All Tackle record (a tie with my client) which was set a long time ago. I only had one bite fishing with fruit on top water. The fish did not get hooked... 

But we did very well at Ratchaburi with 5 clients from the USA. 

One of them from San Antonio, Texas, Kyle Burgess, who was on his first visit to Thailand, got particulary lucky during the 3 days fishing he had with us. 

On his first day fishing on May 11, he had the chance to land after a tremendous fight a 72 kilos (158 pounds) Mekong giant catfish.

Two days later, while guiding him for a day at Ratchaburi, the higlight of his day was a 30 kilos (66 pounds) Redtail catfish. A big one for Thai angling standards!nks one million

The fish he wanted the most of all was an Arapaima aka Pirarucu which he had failed to add to his list of new fish species captured in the Land of Smiles. I had to go back to Ratchaburi and luckily was able to convince him to give it one more shot. Thank you for trusting me Kyle! I'm known in my big circle of faithful clients to back my words at 98 %.   

Kyle ended his Thai angling adventures with the capture of a marvellous 75 kg (165 pounds) Arapaima (see attached pics).  

As they say everything is bigger in Texas....when it comes to fishes captured in Thailand by Texan anglers then I may start believing it a bit (lol)....

For more information:  http://www.anglingthailand.com/

Egypt Lake Nasser

National Geographic television is currently running a documentary Hooked ‘Lake Monsters’ which tells the story about two American fisheries scientists conducting a research project on one of our safaris last summer.

The film is about their adventures while fishing for Nile perch on Lake Nasser (Egypt)and hard fighting Tiger fish and at the same time conducting scientific research. The most interesting aspect of this research is tagging big Nile perch with satellite tracking devices and then following them day and night to track their movements.

Check out the Nat Geo links to the video and photos below.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/hooked/4643/Overview#tab-Photos/0

For more information about fishing safari for nile perch: http://www.african-angler.net

Seychelles: Exploring the Western Side of the Farquhar Atoll

 Tourette Fishing Send us this interesting report:“Tim was going to be our guide today.

Since we hadn’t yet fished with Tim, or explored the western side of the Atoll, we were eager to do both.The morning started slowly, with the dropping tide we decided to walk a long section of The Ridge, with the hope of spotting some GT’s. Although our search for GT’s was fruitless, we did however land some very good Bluefin Trevally. One in particular was an excellent specimen. Rob spotted a big cruising shark about 150 meters in front of him, and knowing the high likelihood of there being a GT with the shark, he ran to get into position. As the shark came clearly into view, Rob spotted a very big Bluefin Trevally swimming close to the back of the shark. One short cast, and the Bluefin exploded forward to chase down the fly. With the big Bluefin well connected, the shark instantly became highly switched on. It first turned its attention on the struggling Bluefin, but only momentarily before turning and heading straight towards Rob. The shark picked up and speed and seemed intent on turning Rob into a meal. When the shark was within half a meter of Robs legs, Rob used the butt of the 12 weight to hit the shark on the nose. After this the shark raced out towards the deep blue, thankfully loosing interest in Rob and the Bluefin.

Tim decided that it would be more conducive to look for fish off the boat. Since this side of the Atoll is strewn with treacherous rocks, that make the going slow. In the boat we could cover more ground, and hopefully find more fish. It turned out to be a good decision, as within 5 minutes we spotted a good GT sitting perfectly still in a small depression. Keith made a good cast, and although the fish at first seemed uninterested, it suddenly burst forward out of its hole and swam with incredible speed towards the fly. Unfortunately the GT was now swimming directly towards Keith, as well as the direction in which the fly was being retrieved. Without effort the GT caught up with the fly, and promptly ate it. Unhappy with merely one meal, the GT continued in the same direction, obviously still looking for more baitfish. With the GT swimming in this direction, it made it impossible for Keith to set the hook. Feeling that the fly wasn’t the real deal, the GT spat out the fly and turned slowly back towards the area in which we had first spotted the fish.

Another 5 minutes later and another GT was spotted, this time Rob climbed off the boat and quickly got into a position to cast. Two strips and the GT burst out the water attacking the fly with all its energy. Rob sent the hook home with three solid strikes.

Although the GT was initially thought to be a really good one, with the tremendously powerful first run, it turned out to be not as big as expected, but another great fish never the less.

This spot seemed to have a number of GT’s moving around, and it wasn’t long before Keith got another shot a really big GT. This time he connected well with the fish, and within seconds the fish was peeling line in an attempt to reach the edge of the atoll, as well as the sharp coral to cut itself off. Even though Keith applied as much pressure as the 12wt could muster, he could stop the fish, and after a brief but powerful fight, the GT reached a coral bommie and reefed up the leader. Leaving Keith feeling exhilarated, but disappointed.

With good numbers of GT’s around, it was expected to be an amzing session in the afternoon, when the start of the push began. After lunch we were high in hope of having some move shots at GTs. We worked the western Edge hard, but unfortunately we couldn’t find any notable fish.”

http://blog.tourettefishing.com

http://www.tourettefishing.com

New IGFA Slam Club Members

The IGFA Records Department recently received an Offshore Grand Slam application from an angler where we have previously not seen much interest in salt water sport fishing; the eastern European country of Poland. Seeing that it would be quite difficult to accomplish an Offshore Grand Slam in his native land of Warszawa, Poland, angler Andrzej Bilip decided to travel to world famous Tropic Star Lodge, in Pinas Bay, Panama to try his hand with some billfish. Bilip’s trip was a great success, with the Polish angler landing a 400 lb black marlin, a 200 lb Pacific blue marlin and a 90 lb Pacific sailfish; accomplishing IGFA’s Offshore Grand Slam. And not only was this a monumental trip for Andrzej personally, but his accomplishing an IGFA Grand Slam marks the first IGFA Special Clubs member from Poland. Congratulations to Andrzej and to the country of Poland!

www.IGFA.org

IGFA May 2011 Hot Catches

This month’s hottest potential records have reached IGFA headquarters from as far afield as Brazil, New Zealand, the Cayman Islands, and a slam conquest that spanned from Africa to Hawaii to Brazil – as well as five great catches from Florida and Ohio. Check out these latest angling accomplishments!

Fly fishing aficionado Dotty Ballantyne, of Bozeman, Montana, USA has been on a tippet class record tear in 2011, and these two record submittals indicated no sign of her slowing down. The first of Dotty’s two most recent catches came on 11-Apr-2011 fishing with Capt. Robert Trosset in Key West, Florida, USA. Casting a custom orange fly and 08 kg (16 lb) tippet, Ballantyne hooked up to this 52.05 kg (114 lb 12 oz) bull shark to potentially qualify for the women’s 08 kg (16 lb) tippet class record.  Dotty landed this toothy critter in 45 minutes, and the current IGFA record is 43.43 kg (95 lb 12 oz).

A week later on 18-Apr-2011, Dotty was at it again, but this time she was after the silver king on 03 kg (6 lb) tippet. Still in Key West, but fishing with famed inshore guide Doug Kilpatrick, Ballantyne successfully landed and released this sporty 7.71 kg (17 lb 0 oz) tarpon (Megalops atlanticus); a potential women’s 03 kg (6 lb) tippet class record. The fish was landed after a tense 25 minute fight, and ate a Dark Rabbit strip fly. The current IGFA record is 7.26 kg (16 lb 0 oz).

Veteran angler Christian Hampl of Cartago, Costa Rica was fishing with his personal captain and guide, Edgar Montero on 08-Apr-2011 off Golfito, Costa Rica when he hooked into this massive toothy snapper. Hampl’s potential All-Tackle (Length) record Pacific cubera snapper (Lutjanus novemfasciatus) measured 99 cm and was caught in 12 minutes after the fish struck the live snapper being used for bait. As with every All-Tackle (Length) record, this fish was released alive after being measured and photographed. The current IGFA record is vacant.                  

Venezuelan angler Eduardo Aristeguieta traveled south to the country of Uruguay in early March to target the countries infamous dorado fishery. Fly fishing with guide Francisco Cabrera on 12-Mar-2011, Eduardo found what he came to Salto, Uruguay for; this beautiful 11.34 kg (25 lb 0 oz)  dorado to qualify for the new 06 kg (12 lb) tippet class record. Aristeguieta was throwing a custom gallo-grifo fly, and needed 12 minutes to successfully land and release the fish to fight another day. The current IGFA record is 7.48 kg (16 lb 8 oz).

Professional angler and guide Capt. Peter Deeks, Jr. of Merritt Island, Florida, USA entered his first world record with this monster 96 cm red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to qualify for the new All-Tackle (Length) record. Capt. Deeks was fishing his native waters of the Banana River, Florida on 30-Mar-2011 when his potential record redfish hit the mullet he was using for bait. Deeks needed 35 minutes to boat the fish, before safely photographing and releasing the fish alive. The current IGFA record is vacant.              

IGFA Representative and Lifetime Achiever, Dr. Martin Arostegui of Coral Gables, Florida, USA, may have added to his ever growing record total with this nice 68 cm permit (Trachinotus falcatus) he caught while fishing with Capt. Bouncer Smith on 04-Apr-2011 off his hometown of Miami, Florida, USA. Arostegui needed 10 minutes to land and then safely release the big permit after it hit the crab he was using for bait. The current IGFA record is vacant.

Angler and US Naval Officer Phillip W. Richmond, Jr. has been quite productive while being stationed in the South Pacific island of Diego Garcia, with his most recent record submittal being this interesting new species, a white-blotched grouper (Epinephelus multinotatus). Richmond was trolling at Rapala X-Rap Magnum with local guide Ramir on 08-Jan-2011 when he hooked into this 8.65 kg (19 lb 1 oz) potential All-Tackle record fish; landing it in a quick 5 minutes. The current IGFA record is vacant.

Angler Gregory S. Taite made the catch of a lifetime while fishing his local waters of Long Beach, California, USA on 01-Apr-2011. Drifting a live anchovy on 02 kg (4 lb) mainline, with no leader or double line, Taite landed this potential men’s 02 kg (4 lb) line class record California halibut (Paralichthys californicus)! Taite’s halibut took him 1 hour and 20 minutes to land, and tipped the scales at 16.33 kg (36 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA record is 15.78 kg (34 lb 12 oz).

 www.IGFA.org



2011 IGFA OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The IGFA Offshore World Championship has ended. The following winners were announced in one of Cabo fishing’s most prestigious tournaments:

First Place Team, “Islamorada Fish Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament” team from Florida with 3400 points. They worked hard and Sam Worden and Hunter Barron tied for fourth place angler, each racking up 1400 points. Also tied for first place was the “IGFA Offshore World Champions 2010” with 3400 points. Not far behind in second place was the “IGFA Offshore World Championship2010 -

2nd Place

” team from the Bahamas with 3200 points. In third place was the “IGFA Offshore World Champions 2008” team, also from Florida with 2400 points. Also tied for third place was the “27th Treasure Cay Annual Billfish Tournament” team from Florida with 2400 points and second place angler Eddie Flack with 2200 points. The rest of the top ten teams were “N'Gor Marlin Cup 2010” from Senegal also with third place angler Jean Robin Dubochet, “S.A.D.S.A.A. Billfish Classic 2010” from South Africa, “Lyford Cay Offshore Tournament” from Florida, “Campeonato de pesca OPEN” from Brazil, and rounding out the top ten teams were the “IGFA Offshore World Champions 2003” from Bermuda and Virginia.

Picante Sportfishing’s captains scored big in the Top Captain category. Picante had three of the top five Captains. Ivan Gomez was second place winner, Antonio Romero was third and Daniel Carrera was tied for fourth.

In the wahoo competition, the winner was the “60th Ernest Hemingway International Billfish Tournament” team from Russia with a 43.5 lb wahoo aboard the Rising Sun, part of Picante Sportfishing’s fleet.

The biggest surprise of the tournament was the Brazilian team “Torneio De Marlin Azul do Rio De Janeiro” with their catch of a giant yellowfin tuna that weighed in at 226.2 lb.

Congratulations to the real sports fishermen in the group. They fish for the love of the sport. Thank you for your participation and fine showing of sportsmanship and fishing in Cabo San Lucas.

www.igfa.org

May 2011: Greetings from the Himalayas !

Continuing India's glory this year from the cricket world cup, Misty Dhillon's 34 lb, record Himalayan Mahseer on the fly earlier this season was taken during a reconnaisance trip to the mighty Mahakali river.

Soon debuting as one of our latest offerings, the Mahakali river is an un-tapped Mah! seer frontier; a river that demarcates the borders of India and Nepal.

http://www.himalayanoutback.com/

Blue marlin hot bites in Cape Verde

Blue marlin hot bites in Cape Verde.

"SMOKER" had a great april on Cape Verde, releasing 65 Blue Marlin during 30 days of fishing!

Capt. Matthias Henningsen

www.atlanticfishingcharter.com

Costa Rica: April 2011 Fishing News

Hot spot on the Pacific coast appears to be continuing on the southernmost coast, but well offshore. Zancudo Lodge at Golfito reports boats are raising 12 to 16 a day, about 25 miles off the point with water temperature running 82 degrees. Only one or two marlin a week reported, but getting a few tuna and on Saturday an angler boated a 42 pound wahoo and lost another.

I called everyone in my phone book in Quepos and Carrillo, but was unable to get a report, so assume things have slowed down up there as I normally get some calls when the action is hot.

The website for J.P. Sportfishing in Quepos reports five sails on their best day last week, and just one marlin for the entire week.

Calm seas are reported on the northern Caribbean coast, with large schools of tarpon outside the river mouth at Barra Colorado.  There hasn’t been any action in the river due to very low water although anglers are getting mojarra in the back lagoons when you can get a boat into those areas at high tide.

Rio Colorado Lodge reports that Jim Hanken and Harrison Jewell from Washington and Bob Herbert, from Colorado, last week jumpe 26 tarpon and boated nine in four days.

Gregory Rose, from Washington, jumped 12 tarpon over last weekend, breaking two 12-weight flyrods in the process, and still had two days of fishing left on his trip as this is written. Kota Hiruma and Sato Yoshio from Tokyo, Japan jumped eight tarpon and boated three on a four-day trip last week along with a 40 pound wahoo while Herman and Kirby Burton from Texas jumped 13 and boated three.

Had an email from Harlan Thompson in Indiana asking what we mean when we say tarpon are “jumped” and only a couple “boated.”

Harlan, the tarpon takes oxygen from the air, which is why you often see them rolling or free-jumping, and when hooked they immediately come high out of the water and shaking their heads in an effort to get free from the hook and get more oxygen pumping. When they come out, the anglers is well advised to “bow to the King,” which means dropping the rod tip to the water to give them slack lest they pop the line or your rod tip.

When we say a tarpon is jumped, it means one has taken a lure and come out of the water as they do when first hooked. They will then jump time and time again, often soaring high in the air at which time the experienced angler (or those wise enough to listen to their guide), drops the tip of his rod to give them some slack, and then starts cranking again when they crash back into the sea in order to bring them to the boat for release. Tarpon are always released alive as they are not a good food fish, and there is no commercial market (thank Heaven), but they have no equal as a game fish.

When fishing them in the open ocean you just drift, casting the lure out and twitching the rod now and again. They are often on the inside of the river mouth as well, and in that case you may want to cast and retrieve slowly with a twitching motion to keep you lure working and on occasion do some trolling.

Cportesy: http://www.costaricaoutdoors.com