Captain's Blog

Sunday March 14, 2010

2010-03-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Karma returned yesterday from 2 days fishing the waters surrounding Coiba - 2 sails yesterday and a few nice Pargo today. Jana Lynn and Bodacious fished yesterday and had a great inshore day catching various species of jack and snapper.

Karma is departing for Panama City today for a bit of maintenance and will return next week. Jana Lynn and Bodacious have a big week fishing every day. Stay tuned for a daily fish report by Mate Chris "Tomo" Thompson.

Capt. Rich is taking a short vacation and will return on April 7.

Karma has what it takes

2010-03-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Member Bob M and son Kyle, Capt. Juan Pablo and his 2 hot shot deckhands from P.V. showed up Sunday and have proceeded to whack em'. Over all fish count for 5 days fishing

Blues: 3 - 1 jig, 2 live bait

Blacks: 3 - all live bait

Tuna: up to 85# on poppers and live bait

Dorado: a few, just to keep the boys awake in the cockpit....

The fish have not been concentrated in any one spot. Bob got his fish south of Jicarita, on the Hannibal and West of Montuosa.

The Cebeco Bay boats have also had some decent fishing. "Legend" and "Extreme" have raised multiple Balcks on the Aguha over the last few days. Capt. Chris believes the fishing is going to turn for the better as the water temps have cooled and the skip jack have started to show on the reef.

Cebeco Bay

2010-02-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Jana Lynn fished in and around the region. They concentrated mostly on the inshore and did well. Snapper, Jacks and the like. The MARLIN fishing is picking up. The boys at Cebeco Bay Sportfishing have been raising 1 or 2 Blacks daily while fishing live baits on the reef. It takes patients and 100% commitment to slow troll live baits and wait for the strike. But..... if willing, the chances have been good and we think getting better.

On the Bite - 1 for 1 on the 8/0 Circle Hook.

2010-02-23T19:56:00.001-08:00

Gary! The hook belongs in the fishes mouth - not in your finger!

The VHF call I got today on the way to Cebeco Bay went a little something like this:

Gary: PacPro this is Fishful Thinkin

Rich: Yea Gary Go Head

Gary: Our ETA is 1830. I have a 8/0 circle hook in my finger

Rich: You what?!?!

Gary: It's pretty bad. I have it taped up. You are gonna have to get it out. It is wrapped around my finger. I think it's in my knuckle.

Rich: OK....... How was the fishing? (I'm thinking that Gary is pretty tough and the fact that he didn't pull it out himself is interesting....probably not good.....)

Gary: F...ing Great! We had a great day until I hooked myself.

When I got the call, I was on the Mothership Cebeco Bay visiting with Capt Chris and the Fishin'Chix who are with Cebeco Bay Sportfishing for a one week charter. It turns out that one of the gals is a doctor and another is a nurse. My lucky day. Although I truly love trauma and am very capable of taking care of the worst of accidents, I figured why be the bad guy and hurt Gary when two nice ladies wanted to do it for me? I opened up the hospital and readied for surgery. Lidocaine, needle (big needle!), Iodine, BOLT CUTTERS and a nice pair of VISE GRIPS. We were going Gladiator style - bring out the hardware! Ice, a few shots in the finger for the ol' digital block, CLIP and PUSH. Nothing like watching the skin bulge out like a volcano! POP - there she goes - hook tip thru that old thick skin. "Gary, are you OK? Somebody splash some water on his face - he passed out!" - Just kidding. He never flinched. I know it hurt......... Gary you are a true champion! I group people in 2 categories. I call it "Who do I want in my life raft?" If you are not mentally tough, can't contribute, or are just a jerk, then you don't make it in my life raft. Gary - you are in my life raft.

It's Spring in Panama - Isla Jicarita

2010-02-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

Los Suenos, Costa Rica

2010-02-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

We hove the anchor this morning and turned left to Panama where we will stay thru July.
A very Big Thank You to the owners and management of Suenos. Quality Resort run by quality people. The 2nd leg of the Signature Series is finishing up today. Fishing has been slow. I believe the fleet has caught about 1/2 the number of billfish they caught 3 weeks ago. It is going to be that kind of year. But, keep the faith! When it turns on, we will be On the Bite.
I don't have much to Blog about until we settle back in to Panama and start our game. Stay tuned for more EPYC action in the next few days.

Back In Costa Rica

2010-02-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

We crossed the line yesterday and anchored up in the Golfito region last night. Made some sardines and goggle eyes. Best bait making we have had in weeks. Thanks to Bob W. for passing on solid numbers off Jimenez. I am now anchored in Drakes Bay with "Ice Bear" and "Sea Wolf". It is Mothership Central - we are in good company. Too bad the fishing is in the shitter.
Water temps offshore today were as high as 89*. Gary went 1 for 1 on the Sails. Chris trolled a mean Sail spread for nada. Tomorrow is a new day.... God, please cool this ocean down a few degrees so we can catch more fish!

GALLO !!!!!

2010-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

If Billfishing is slow - Go for the Gallo's. If this doesn't get your blood pumping - you are dead!

Random Panama Pics

2010-02-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Great stuff! Lots of species, lots of Fun!

Liquid Jungle Facility - Bahia Honda

2010-02-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to the Liquid Jungle folks for allowing us to stay in their Bahia. A special shout out to Capt. Mark on the Amazon Express for a great time! Google this operation and check out all the great things these guys are doing. We anchored in this little Bahia for two days. Hiked the jungle, dove in Caribbean quality water, caught a few fish, and hung out with the scientist and crew of Liquid Jungle.

Another Great Day

2010-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

Don't ask why I haven't been on the Blog for a few days. Two words- Computer problems. I hate computers. Who is with me?

Jana Lynn having another great day in Panama.

Panama = Big Fish

2010-02-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Wed. Feb 3, 2010:

Jana Lynn fished the Aguha today and scored a 82# Amber Jack. It didn't come easy. The boys fished the bank yesterday and had good water. Today both Jana Lynn and Bodacious ran down to the Aguha. One boat set for diving the bank and the other set to fish. The water was pea soup! The dive boat ran to the beach and Gary ran wide to the 500 fathom where he searched for the blue water. He returned in the late afternoon to a completely different bank. Cleaner water with lots of bait and one big Amber.

Cebeco Bay Region Inshore

2010-02-01T09:03:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a quite a day for the inshore and snapper fishing! Capt. Gary D caught 12 different species:
White Bonita, Skip Jack, Yellowfin Tuna, Jack Cravelle, Rainbow Runner, Cubera Snapper, Mullet Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Amber Jack, Dorado, Amarillo Snaper and finally a Red in Color Mystery Jack...........
This morning Capt. Chris on Bodacious fished a few pinnacles off the SW point of Cebeco and also caught some nice snapper.
What was the Secrete? Butterfly Jigs!

Grass Hoppa (Say it like Kung-Foo)

2010-01-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

PacPro Hangin' at Cebeco Bay

2010-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

My favorite location to date........ Cebeco Bay. Beautiful water, beautiful beaches.

Relax

2010-01-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

Inshore Perks Up

2010-01-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Panama - Fishermans Paradise

Anchor on the Hannibal?

2010-01-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true, and let me tell you - it was amazing............. After checking in with the Ranger Station on Coiba, we made our way to the Hannibal and arrived at sunset, Bodacious still fishing.

I chose the highest spot I could find on the West side of the bank, 168'. I have 3 each 300 lb anchors I use for yacht moorings. I also use one of these little anchors for my stern anchor on the PacPro. We rigged one of the 300 pounders with 600' of 1" crab line and let her go on the high spot! I'll-Be-Dammed if she didn't catch on the first try. But no, it never goes easy........ No kidding, 15 minutes after I had turned the engines off a rain squall found us and blew 30 knots for 20 minutes. Had to crank her up again to relieve a bit of strain on the anchor rope. After the squall passed, we got down the business of FISHING. We trailed Bodacious off the back and floated some baits back into a chum line. I had the whole kitchen sink out. Light sticks, live bait, dead bait, squid, on the bottom, in the mid water, on the surface. We tried everything...... Not one bite - all night long. What the hell? But, it sure was fun. The next morning we woke to the Bank to ourselves - no other boats showed until 1000. Member Brant C. took the RIB out and caught a sail on a live skippy 200' from the ship. How bout that? The fishing was a bit slow, but what an experience. Chef Drew jumped in with a tank and dove with Dorado and Porpoise under the ship. Cool stuff. We hove anchor at noon and ran into Hermosa where we caught Roosters and Jacks into the sunset.

Not a bad day....................

Dawn of a New Day

2010-01-25T06:28:00.001-08:00

Beware of Jelly's

2010-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Beware of Agua-Mala Jelly Fish! Alyssa got it good. We were spear fishing yesterday around Isla Secas. The jelly's were thick. Fair skinned Alyssa took a beating. About 15% of her body got stung. The guys got stung too, but did not develop welts like these. Ammonia, hydrocortisone ointment and benadryl. We hope she is ready for the water again in a couple of days.

Bodacious Wacks em' on the Hannibal!

2010-01-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

Member Brant & Kari C. and friends departed the Mothership at 0645 for the Hannibal. After a 35 miles run they put in the baits. 6 Blue Marlin Bites before noon! Captain Chris reported back that Brant has a secrete Ballyhoo rig that raises fish like bee's to honey. The boys were in tall cotton today - the only ones on the bank and EPYC fishing. It really does not get any better than that. Jana Lynn stayed in shore and caught a few nice Pargo and Roosters. Tomorrow they will fish the Bank with Bodacious.

While the Game Boats were having a great day, the mighty PacPro steamed 50 miles from beautiful Isla Secas to Bahia Damas located on the South East side of Coiba Island. Both Jana Lynn and Bodacious were waiting for us there at sunset. After dropping anchor, fueling, washing, ect, it was time to settle down to bar food and football. While the guys fished, we recorded both Championship games. Hot wings, sliders, ceveche and chips and salsa. Oh ya, lots of BEER! Guest Rick F. leaned over to me about 1/2 way thru the first game and said, "Can you believe we are in Coiba Island, had a great fishing day, and now we are watching the game on your 52" TV, eating hot wings and drinking cold draft beer? - Pinch me!"

Pictures will be posted asap. Stay tuned. Tomorrow night I am anchoring the ship on the Hannibal Bank. That will give me something to write about!

Good Start for EPYC at the Hannibal

2010-01-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Jana Lynn made good with an estimated 450# Black yesterday on the Bank. Jana Lynn is on a "camping" trip away from the Mothership for 3 days. Gary D. spent the night at Coiba and fished the Bank again today. When I have a report, you will hear about it. My plan is to meet up with Gary tomorrow night in Bahia Damas on the East side of Coiba. The PacPro held up in the Secas Islands last night- WOW! Yea, that nice. Today we picked up Member Brant & Kari C and their guests' out of Boca Chica, a 45 minute drive from David. The transfer went seamless thanks to the following:

1. Paradise Air - Brant chartered one of their 6 seaters and flew from San Jose, CR to David, Panama. Brant reported back that the service was exceptional. On time and clean. Thank you Paradise Air.

2. Mototourpanama.com - Peter Neal and his gang. Peter provided the air conditioned transfer from the David Airport to the crappy little pier in Boca Chica where our 21' RIB picked the group up.

3. Brant and the Gang for being great travelers and fully getting into the adventure of it all!

The Pacific Provider has been in Panama for 3 nights - all in different anchorages. All beautiful. If you love to boat and explore this is the country for you!

Another big fish day tomorrow. Stay tuned, I have a crazy schedule planned this week!

I Must have a Magnet on my Back

2010-01-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

Boarded AGAIN!!!!! The PacPro must have a Navy Boarding Party Magnet on her back! This time it was Panamanian kids with machine guns.............. No Problemo Amigos. Our paper work is always in good order.

We crossed the boarder at 0900 this morning. Arrived to Puerto Armuelles at 1100. Peter Neal took care of all our entrance needs with the officials - who, by-the-way were great. Fees were the same as they always are - the PacPro is $600 comin' and goin' is all the ports we have visited. Amazing, something I can count on......

We are anchored just outside Boca Chica behind little Gamez Island. (not a mis spell) The Mothersip Coral Star is anchored next to us - no movement on the ship. They must be between groups.

We just finished fueling ops. Big fish day tomorrow. Both Jana Lynn and Bodacious will run to the Hannibal and the mothership will re-locate to Isla Secas. Tune in tomorrow for the first fish report from EPYC in Panama!

Mothershipping at its Best!

2010-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

Why be a part of EPYC? How bout loosing a transmission in the middle of no where! Jana Lynn had a transmission oil cooler fail - the result was damaged clutch packs in her port gear. No worries for Gary D. The PacPro team removed the gear, arranged for it to be cracked open at a local machine shop, flew a technician down to C.R., put it all back together, craned it back into the yacht from the mothership, installed, aligned at shi-bang - back in business! We depart for Panama tomorrow morning.

Speaking of getting it done and illustrating what we can do for the fleet. Chief Engineer George Zapetis fab'd a new door striker plate late last night so "Game On" could shut their salon door. Big Deal? think about it. The poor guys would have to fish without air conditioning!

The attached pic is of George holding a custom hand made wrench needed for another big job. No job too big or too small. I love it when a plan comes together!

Signature Series Shows Hot Sailfishing

2010-01-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Los Suenos Signature Billfish Series (LSTournaments.com) finishes strong with 42 boats catching over 700 sailfish and a few marlin. Team Galati/Viking on "Game On" finished 11th and will fish the next tourney in Feb shooting for the tournament championship. Pat, Carmine and the Viking boys enjoyed PacPro hospitality every evening after fishing. Fun times? You bet!

The Pocket was On!

2010-01-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

After fishing two days on Jana Lynn, Member Clint C. and friend Brian fished EPYC's little sports car, Bodacious. Fishing has been generally slow - expectations were low. Capt. Chris made for the only patch of water that showed any promise - the "Pocket". A little known fishing area south of Suenos. (The Pocket is like the 302 at home - a real secrete indeed........). There is a reason spots are fished and yesterday was the reason. The boys went 4 for 8 on the Sails and boated a nice Dorado. They pounded their way home in a 3-4' head sea in 25 knts of N'ly wind and made it home in time for a big dinner party onboard the PacPro.

Tournament Update:

NORTH Winds! White caps in Los Suenos....... I hope the winds don't mess up the fishing.
The town is buzzing with expectation. Stay tuned for tournament reports from Capt. Tony Carrizosa on "Game On".

Surf Report:

Playa Hermosa is firing. South 4-5' with 20 knots of offshore winds.

Can Anyone Identify this Fish?

2010-01-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Drew's B-Day fish trip. Floating in the current line was this boat killer. We made two tacks past the tree for nada, so decided to jump in for a look. Where were the Dorado? Lots of bait and a few weird reef fish - in the Blue? I have never seen a fish like this offshore......

Blue Marlin for Chef Drews 40th B-day!

2010-01-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Old Mans Club Drew. The BIG "4" "0"!

Bodacious departed the PacPro this morning with one mission. Put Drew on a Blue Marlin. Me driving, Drew in the Pit and Pam on the camera. After steaming for 27 miles, the jigs were set in slightly off color blue water due South of Salsipuedes. The water in C.R. has not been the blue I have come to expect in Mexican Marlin Country - but hey, the water was bluer than it was a few miles closer to the beach, so we put em' in! 15 minutes later a nice 200 lb. Blue jumped on the left rigger and the fight was on. This little Blue put on quite a show! 30 minutes later he was released in fine shape. The bite shut down, so we jumped in to the deep blue on a floating tree, not a branch, but a full grown tree - ouch! On the way home, we had a lazy Sail show in the pattern, but didn't stick around long enough for the pitch bait - next time. It was an epyc day on the water. The day finished off with a home baked cake in the shape of, guess what?, a marlin!

Good fishing at the Furuno

2010-01-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Wed Jan 6:

The PacPro fleet scattered this morning. Jana Lynn steamed in the trough to Los Suenos where he picked up his Mate Jose and Member Clint C. and Buddy Brian. Bodacious steamed through a current line filled with trees and debris and ended up on the Furuno Bank in the afternoon. The mighty PacPro steamed straight line to Drakes Bay, passing Cano Island at sunset. Capt. Chris fished 1 hour on the Furuno - raised 5 sails and caught a nice wahoo.

Thursday Jan 7:

Jana Lynn fished the Furuno in great weather conditions today. They went 2 for 2 on the sails and caught a nice Pargo on a marlin lure! No kidding! The bite was in the morning hours and shut down in the afternoon. Tomorrow Capt. Gary will try South off Salsipuedes where a reported 600 lb black was caught a few days ago.

Cano Island:

While Jana Lynn was fishing today, Bodacious ran out 10 miles to Cano Island to check out the digs and make acquittance's with the local Park Rangers. The Ranger camp in on the North side of the island and offers dive trips and hikes into the jungle. The diving looks spectacular. Clear calm water. They charge a small fee for a anchorage and dive permit. There is a no take boundary 3 kilometers around the island and the Rangers don't mess around. We were in tight checking out a waterfall and the patrol boat found us, AK-47's at the ready. Don't mess with the boys at Cano!

PacPro Outlook:

The ship will steam back to Los Suenos tomorrow night for an ETA of 0800 on Jan 9th where we will remain through out the tournament. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and I'll buy you a drink!

Pacific Provider Repositions to Drakes Bay

2010-01-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

We are on the move again! ETA Drakes Bay 16oo today. We will fish in this remote region of Costa Rica through the 8th and then return to Los Suenos where we will remain until Jan 17 supporting the Galati Sponsored 50' Viking "Game On" for the Los Suenos Marlin Tournament. Capt. Tony Carrizosa was in the money last year - look for a repeat this year for "Game On".

Weather Report:
Calm and Clear. Low overcast with occasional thunder showers. Water temp 85*, air temp 84*.

Surf Report:
3-4 SE long period swell.

Jana Lynn finds the fish out Wide

2010-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

It was a long day for Captain Dodak and friends. 55 miles from our protected anchorage in Isla Tortugas up inside Golfo de Nicoya Gary found beautiful blue water. As the last jig was being positioned, the short left rigger sang out. 20 minutes later EPYC's Pam Deckman was looking at her 109 pound yellowfin on the deck - Nice fish! Jana Lynn raised multiple sails and stripes through out the day.

A great week with Dr. Randy L and Family K

2010-01-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Trial Membership week with Dr. Randy L and family K: We started in Los Suenos, moved up to Carrillo and finished off the week taking it easy in Isla Tortuga. A bit of fishing, swiming, diving, and water sporting. EPYC does it all! More fun stuff to come - stay tuned.

Fun Pics from last week - Carrillo and Tortuga

2010-01-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

Top Pic: Dorado on the Popper

Mid Pic; Can you see the Dorado under the Turtle?

Bottom Pic: Boobie Bird - what a face!

Inshore Fishing Carrillo and Isla Tortuga

2010-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing like an afternoon of inshore fishing after a swim, lunch and a nap.

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kip and Colby K for the pyrotechnics! The boys shot off about 30 bombs and we lit up the Bahia.

2009-12-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Somewhere off the coast of Costa Rica….. This nice little Blue had a heart attack after a 1 hour fight on 30 lb and had to be taken. EPYC’s Ryan Parkin was the angler onboard Gary D’s 43’ Riv Jana Lynn. Don’t worry folks, they eat well. It is always a shame when one of these beautiful fish gives it up, but rest assured there will be no waste on the PacPro.

Today we fished on the 1,000 fathom south of Carrillo. Beautiful water, but not what I was looking for. Quality Dorado, but the billfish didn’t show for the Bodacious. Saw a few jumpers, but had nada in the spread. Never-the-less, we had a great day in 84* calm waters. Perhaps the moon had a bit to do with the billfish bite. As a side note, all of the bites were on the long Ballyhoo. As a West Coast bread fishermen, I haven’t had as much experience with dead baits as my East Coast bro’s – let me tell ya – I am becoming a believer!

We were flopping around pretty hard last night, so we moved behind the reef and shot the stern anchor. The ship is riding like butter, but it made side tying the game boats a bit rough. The above pic is Bodacious on her own anchor right next to us, full moon on the rise. Man, this place is beautiful!

"Always on the Bite"

2009-12-29T20:34:00.000-08:00

0600 - Departure Los Suenos for Bahia Carrillo 60 miles to the North where Gary D had experienced one of the best fishing days ever 10 days ago when he went 4 for 6 on the Blue Marlin. Jana Lynn (AKA Fishful Thinkin') took off at 0400 and Bodacious took off at 0600. Momma departed shortly after and steamed straight line to the Bahia. Gary went 2 for 2 on the Blue Marlin today, both about 300 lbs. Pics to follow.... Capt. Chris took out our new Trial Member Randy L and his family. Chris had 1 Stripe and 1 Blue in the pattern and went 1 for 5 on the Sails. 16 year old Colby K. caught the sail. The billfish were not hard on the chew. The boat caught 4 nice Dorado and released 2 more. Both boats fished the 1,000 fathom curve due south of Carrillo, about 20 miles off the beach. Tomorrow we will fish those same waters and give it another go!
Weather was mixed. A bit windy in the morning, coming down as the day progressed.

Surf Report:
Cawabunga Dude! A nice SE'ly swell is filling in. The outer reef on the north side of Carrillo is breaking and is ridable.

Weather:
Nice - what can I say.........

Christmas PacPro Style

2009-12-29T20:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Costa Rica - it's not bad. You all should try it next year. Let's make a date!

It was Owner Gary D and his guest, Drew and Pam's parents both and the crew. No rain, no snow, no cold - just sunny and 85* - that's the water and the air both. We did a bit of work in the morning - can you beleive it! It's true. Played in the water and had a wonderful dinner with lots of toasts' and good cheer. The night before we made cookies and all joined in the fun!

2009-12-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

It was Ladies day on the Jana Lynn. Ashlie J. landed a beautiful 66 lb yellowfin, Anna H. caught and released her first sail – a nice one too @ 120 lbs, Jana J and Janice J caught a few nice 35 lb Bull Dorado, and Connie R released a nice 25 lb Rooster. The Spinner Dolphins made a good show and the birds and bait played like a Blue Planet video. Fishing off Cabo Blanco and Isla Alcatraz.

Los Suenos

2009-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

0300 Bahia Carrillo Squall – Thunder and Lightening woke me from a hard sleep. I staggered up to the pilot house and found Dave on watch, wide eyed starring out the windows looking at the front as it passed over us. Last year in Mag we were struck by lightening – I have a whole new appreciation for mother natures electricity. I starred out the windows with Dave and prayed that tonight would not be a repeat of Mag Bay 2008 – that little event cost us over $7,000 in repairs to our 21’ RIB. Thankfully, the front passed and it was business as usual. We departed Carrillo at 0800. The bay is beautiful and we will return. We arrived Los Suenos at 1430 and dropped anchor just outside the marina entrance. The most impressive marina I have ever been to – If you are a sportfisher boat geek, this is the place for you. Every single boat, large and small, is rigged perfectly and maintained impeccably. This is where the reel pros hang out. I am looking forward to meeting the boys and learning the grounds. Dock master Bill extended a warm hand to EPYC and we have access to the marina amenities even though we are at anchor. I sound like a broken record, but if you ever have a chance to come down here – do it! The Johnson party rejoined the ship after taking a few days off touring the county side. Chef Drew prepared fresh fish and fillet mignon for dinner. I know, rough life on the PacPro.... With belly's full, all retired early to rise early for a big fish day tomorrow. It rained heavy for 3 hours – I mean rained. Fishing pictures to come. Stay tuned……

Bahia Carillo - Costa Rica

2009-12-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

We arrived to Marina Papagayo yesterday morning to clear into the country. I chose to stop there because our Chief Engineer, Neal, had to catch a flight back to Australia the next day and he probably would not have made his connection if we pressed on towards Los Suenos. It was a great break after 7 days of steaming. The marina facilities are top flight. The dock master Dan runs a tight program. I highly recommend Marina Papagayo to any boat traveling in northern C.R. Jana Lynn also stopped here to clear customs. By the way, the C.R. officials were very professional and the fees were reasonable.
We departed early this morning for Bahia Carrillo where we met up with Jana Lynn after they fished the 1000 fathom curve down the coast. I entered the little bahia after dark with no moon or stars. The mighty PacPro nearly took up the entire bay. I am excited about seeing our surroundings in the morning.

Fish Report:
Totally Awesome!!!! Jana Lynn went 4 for 6 on the Blue Marlin, 1 for 1 on the Stripes and caught 6 nice Dorado. They had one Blue that jumped off that topped 500#. A great day fishing in great weather. This is why we are here!

Outlook:
We will arrive Los Suenos tomorrow at 1400. We are at capacity until Dec. 24, then a few days break and then full bore again through Jan 5. Hey all you Members out there, if you want to come down, make your reservations soon.. We are filling up.

More Fun Pics

2009-12-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

UNREP

2009-12-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Dec. 15, 2009

UNREP. For those of you not familiar with Naval Vernacular, that is Underway Replenishment. Off the coast of Guatamala 30 miles, Jana Lynn was on the tow houser and riding nicely. Water hose streamed back – check. Fuel hose streamed back – check. Provisions; lots of ice and beer – check. Crew change – check. We used our work boat “Capt. Ryan” to float back the goods and the guys. Worked great. This is what Mothershipin’ is all about. The guys were back in business and fishing in 2 hours.
On top of all this fun, we changed the port side windlass wild cat. Big Job – Lots of pressure, lots of heat, and a big sledge hammer! Not a bad days work.

Fish Report:
Jana Lyn went 6 for 6 on the Sails and had a nice Blue in the spread. Finally a good day of fishing. They caught two sails while being boarded by the always vigilant US Coast Guard.

US Coast Guard Report:
Speaking of the USCG, they shadowed us well into sunset and buzzed us a few times with their bird. No radio call, no contact – strange. I don’t know how a suspected drug boat could ever get by those guys. They are that good. I am glad they are always close. If the stuff ever hit the fan, I would be happy to see them steaming over the horizon. So we have to go through an occasional boarding and shake down – give it a rest, they are just doing their job.

The Day Started Out So Well ............................

2009-12-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

NEARING TEHUNATEPEC:
0800 dropped anchor in Bahia Grande, 40 miles south of Salina Cruz (the Gateway to Tehuantepec). A beautiful sandy beach with a point break under the light house – a beach comber’s paradise for sure. Jana Lynn pulled alongside and is was NASCAR pit stop number 2. Fuel hose – check. Water hose – check. Food – check. Bait – check. They were away in 1.5 hours making their way in glassy conditions towards the bight of Tehuantepec. While we were side tied in the middle of nowhere, I glassed a quad racing up and down the beach with 2 Federales, AR15’s on their backs? We weighed anchor and off we went. 2 hours later a Mexican Fast Boat is on us like stink. We were ordered to stop and wait. 2 hours after that we see on the south horizon a cloud of dark smoke. Under the smoke is a Mexican Gun Boat. Nothing like teenage sailors with automatic weapons giving you the stare – “What were you doing in Bahia Grande with that small yacht Capitan?” I replied – “You must have the wrong ship, we weren’t in Grande!” – KIDDING…… I explained our operation to them. They stared at me with dead confused eyes as if to say, “Are you kidding me?” After checking our paper work, fishing licenses and inspecting the ship with some kind of “void space finding” gizmo, they were some what satisfied we weren’t trying to smuggle drugs BACK into Mexico……… What ever. Did I mention the perfectly calm conditions we had at 0800? Well now the wind was blowing 15 and the sea was building. I consulted all the usual weather channels for the 3rd time that day and they all said less than 10 knts. I chose to cross Tehuantepec 20 miles south of the beach line. I got “Tehuantepec’d”. It blew 40 knts solid for 10 hours and the sea built to 8+ with larger swells. Bummer…….
Double strapped the toys, slowed down and crabbed my way to the east side of the gulf with my tail between my legs. The sea was a maelstrom. Heavy spray making it over the pilot house, the back deck awash every 10th swell or so. A southerly low swell mixed with wind changing at random from NE to NW, and some weird currents – what a mess. A 50’ sportfisher would have foundered – no doubt in my mind. What a crappy piece of ocean. If you ever think about crossing the gulf – DO NOT do it. Hug the beach even in the best weather outlook. At 0200 the weather was behind us and was coming down. I woke the next morning to beautiful weather - flat sea with a slow NW’ly swell. I must have dreamt the horrible night before. Advise of day – Respect the Tehuantepec-er!

NASCAR EPYC Style in Zihuat

2009-12-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

I forgot how beautiful Zihuatanejo is. It's been about 5 years since I visited this region. Spectacular! My favorite piece of local flavor is the custom pangas. They remind me of the Filipino Jeetney's. Lots of colors and personality. Check out the pics of just a few that passed us in the anchorage this morning. Mexican low riders on the water - just plain cool!

It was a NASCAR pit stop for the Jana Lynn this morning. Arrival anchorage 0800. Jana Lynn alongside 0815. Fuel, water, food, the guys onboard for eggs to order, a long hot shower and back onboard and underway - all in 1 hour! We departed Zihuat at 1000. So much for smelling the roses..... We want to make a nice weather window at Tehuanepec, so no time to waste. After the Diving Chef cut off a few meters of longline gear from the stbd strut, we hove the anchor and off we went at warp 9 knots!

Fishing Report:
Lots of breaking skippies. No game fish. Jana Lynn had a few sails in the spread chasing the big blue marlin gear, but no hook ups. Lots of sea turtles and porpoise.

Thursday Dec. 10, 2009

2009-12-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

PacPro took the 500 Fathom line and Jana Lynn took the 1000 Fathom between Manzanillo and Pta Sam Telmo. Not much to report. Saw a few jumpers, lots of skipies, some porpoise and beautiful blue 85* water. At sunset we transfered a few of the guys from Jana Lynn to Momma so they could enjoy a long hot shower, fresh grub and a big bed that doesn't move too much. Tomorrow more of the same. Stay Tuned.

Man Over Board Drill

2009-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Alyssa in Banderas Bay holding on tight to the life Retriever.

Departure P.V. - South Bound

2009-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

Today is a really big deal for EPYC. We are leaving our hood (West Coast) and heading to the brave new world of Central America. Now I know many of you have fished those waters for years. Some of us onboard the Pacific Provider have also fished the waters of C.A., but nobody has fished that area with a Mothership that has the capabilities of the Pacific Provider. After taking 40,000 gallons of fuel in P.V. and saying good by to my little friend the Grass Hoper, we made our way past two cruise ships, threw into the ocean our very own galley assistant Alyssa for a M.O.B. drill, dried her off and gave Otto steering instructions for 156* T.

Weather:
NW 3-4 white capped sea. Winds NW 10-15. Clear skies.

Fishing Report:
Tune in tomorrow for a full report from both the PacPro and Jana Lynn who is making the trip down with us.

Fun Pics from Mag to P.V,.

2009-12-06T09:48:00.001-08:00

Fun Pics from Mag to P.V,.

2009-12-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Costa Rica Here We Come!

2009-12-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our 2 week P.V. stay has come to an end. Brant and Kari C. spend one week on the PacPro fishing Bodacious. Kari caught her first Wahoo and had some great dorado fishing. Tomorrow we take 40K of fuel and head south. "Game On" and "Jana Lyn" will be shadowing us for the trip south. Fishing in C.R. has been excellent. Great bill fishing has been reported. Double digit sail shots, Blues and Stripes are making a good show with multiple shots each day. Make your reservations now and come experience the Club in CR.

Fish Report:
We experienced good fishing in P.V. We caught a little of everything: tuna, dorado, wahoo, sails, blues, and blacks. The Pargo fishing was very good with the game boats catching one nice 25# plus each day, either on live skippy's or on dead baits drifted down on the high spots. Stay tuned for my daily sailing report as we make our way south.

Surf Report:
We have had a solid WxSW swell since our arrival two weeks ago. The stand out spots have been inside Punta Mita at two locations. I don't know the local names, so I named them myself. One spot I call "Stair Steps", in front of guess what? Stair steps! The other now called "Palladiums", in front of the Palladium hotel and resort. Both spots were surfed by local groms. The vibe in the water was nice with enough waves for all.

Dive Report:
Every day there was at least one boat load of free divers on Corbatania. I have not recieved any reports. Water clarity has been very good with lots of bait. Water temp a cool 79*

Wx Report:
SW swell @ 2-3', no wind, rain.

P.V. Report

2009-11-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

Fish Report:
The 43' Cabo "KW Karma" made the trip from Cabo with us. Bob M and son Kyle have been putting in long days at Corbetena. 3 days fishing have produced 1 275# Blue on live bait, 1 500#+ Black on live bait, 1 85# tuna caught on chunk and 2 nice Pargo caught on dead skip jack at sunset. While chunking yesterday, the boys worked the kite for no strikes. Stay tuned for another "Team Karma" fish report. Tuesday, the Club Game Boat Bodacious will start fishing with Member Brant C.

Surf Report:
There is a nice SW swell breaking into the bay. Yesterday Steve S and son Danny caught waist to sholder high perfect waves at a spot we call stairsteps between las Cruz and Punta Mita. While surfing a few others snorkled in good vis and saw lots of life, including a sea turtle. Water temp 85*, air temp 85* - what could be better?

Cabo San Lucas

2009-11-22T21:44:00.000-08:00

The fishing in Cabo is starting to heat up. The stripes are starting to show in good numbers on the Pacific side, tight on the beach up near Pta Gasparino. The dorado fishing has been very good. We had a nice stay in Cabo, but this is not where EPYC belongs. Next stop P.V. where the tuna and black marlin fishing has been good. Tomorrow we will make the 280 mile transit across the Gulf of California and fish the Tres Maria's and El Banco. I'll post next when I have a solid fish report.

EPYC's Crazy season in Mag Bay comes to a finish

2009-11-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

"Should I stay or should I go" by the Clash rolled around in my head days before we pulled the plug on Mag and headed south for more fetile waters. It was a wierd season. Mag seeemed more like Cabo and Asuncion seemed more like Mag. Between November 9th and the 16th our fleet of 11 game boats caught 5 Blacks, 3 Blues and a YFT over 275 lbs! Great fishing, but the Stripes remained a no show. Ofcourse there were a few caught, but not in the numbers we hoped for. A few stand out catches were Alex Foster's first Snook taken at Devil's Bend in the Mangroves, Robert Ross's 275 lb Yellowfin taken near the Petrel, Bandit's 500 plus Blue and Bad Company's 472 Black caught straight out front. The inshore was very good this year and kept us busy when the wind blew. We will be in P.V. thru Dec. 8. next stop Costa Rica. Drop me an email for more detailed info, or better yet, come on down!
Capt. Rich

Fun Pics

2009-11-19T18:55:00.001-08:00

2009-11-19T18:44:00.001-08:00

Thursday Nov. 12, 2009

2009-11-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Serious Hardware.......................

Great fishing today. Stay tuned for the pics of Bad company's 482 lb Black and Bandit's 82 lb Yellow fin Tuna.

Halloween Mag Bay Style

2009-11-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Happy B-day Tom!

We had a bit of Halloween cheer and celebrated Tom's birthday on the mighty Pacific Provider. Thanks to Pam for the great costumes - we were looking good.

Eric Herman and his peeps from the Channel Islands joined EPYC for a one weeek trial Membeship fishing the 50' Gallati Viking "Game On". Captain Tony Carrizosa put Jim, Stan, Mike and Gina on the sailfish, marlin, wahoo, dorado, and tuna. The offshore fishing was good, but the inshore was off the cuff. The guys caught pompano, huge sierra, yellowtail, bass and lots more. We had a great time with great people.

2009-11-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Wed. November 11, 2009: Custom Boat Central - WOW!

42' Gamefisherman, 50 Viking, 58' Spenser, 33 L&H.

Monday Nov. 9, 2009 Something to Talk About!

2009-11-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

Comin' to ya live from Mag Bay!

Up until yesterday, I didn't have much to talk about. Fishing has been slow. Very slow. If you can't catch the marlin, do what Gary Dodak does - catch what is biting! How bout this 115 pound grouper. Caught on the Thetis on a pink butterfly jig. 30 minutes later she came up lifeless and had to be taken.

The dorado fishing has been good. Small schoolie yellowfin and pretty good wahoo fishing on the high spots. A few wahoo have been taken on the 50 fathom line straight out front. The weather has been fantastic. We have had 4-6 game boats attached to us since our arrival on October 19th. Most of the boats are searching for the billfish, but have come up short. We'll keep the hunt going for a couple more weeks and then start our journey south. I'll keep ya posted.

Capt. Rich

You of Little Faith - Check It Out

2009-09-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

After one hell of a crazy year, we are back bigger and better than ever! The mighty Pacific Provider will depart San Diego for Cabo on October 11, 2009 where we will support the Bisbee tournaments. Mag Bay for the month of November and then off to Costa Rica and Panama. Yee-Ha! Check the web site for the 2009/2010 schedule.

A very big thank you to the investment group, all the members and our family and friends for being patient while we navigated through the storm. Fair weather is ahead.

If you are considering joining the Club, I would suggest you take advantage of our Promotional Membership program while it is still available. We will not be offering this program after we depart San Diego. The hard sell is on...... Do the math - this is the best deal in town!

No time to blog – back to work preparing for departure! See you in Mexico!

Friday August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

WHITE MARLIN OPEN:

I just returned from Ocean City, Maryland where I assisted the Sportfishermen.com crew cover the 36th annual White Marlin Open Tournament. Read my Captains Blog for more information on my trip to O.C. on the Eastern Pacific Yacht Club on Facebook. Yes, we are on Facebook.... You're not? You should be. Log on and keep track of EPYC there, as well as on this page. You can also find all of the EPYC crew members individually on FB and link to the EPYC Facebook page that way.

I was lucky to watch the largest White Marlin since 1980 come to the scales on Tuesday - a 93.5 lb beauty worth over 900,000! On Wednesday I witnessed a Blue Marlin Grander hit the scales at 1,062 lbs. A new state record and nearly an 80 lb IGFA record! How bout a 249 lb Big Eye! For you West Coast boys - the N.E. has some dam good fishin'.

For live video feed of the tournament, log on to sportfishermen.com. The boys at Sportfishermen are doing a great job with live video feed and still pics as the fish come in. Pretty cool stuff.

NEWS ON THE PACIFIC PROVIDER:

The crew of the PacPro continues to make ready for our departure. We are making small repairs and modifications to not only the Mothership, but also to the Game Boats. We are using this time to tweak the already well oiled machine. The current plan is to depart San Diego around mid September where we will stop in Ensenada at shipyard. We have a bit of steel work to do before we leave for 11 months! Mostly water drainage from the top decks in preparation for Central America down pours! We will be on station in Mag Bay around October 1, 2009.
Last year early October had a great marlin show with very few boats in the area. Be on the look out for an email from Club Director Tom Ellsworth regarding reservations for the coming season!

Over and Out.

Thursday May 21, 2009

2009-05-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

NEW TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Some visions and dreams are just worth pursuing. Tom and I began this venture in the spirit of creating the next generation fishing club. A club that would not be bound by land, impacted by commercial fishing and subject to local political uncertainty. We envisioned a sea born club – the first of its kind – that could Sheppard its’ membership to incredible fishing destinations anywhere and at anytime. A club that could capture the stories and experiences I read about and grew up with as a kid.

We are doggedly passionate about making this club a success and as a group our membership has decided to launch a new Limited Trial Membership program to help you experience the club and encourage you to join in the efforts to make this club successful. Give me a call today for details on how you can be a part of the next generation fishing club with no limitations. Our number one goal is to get back in the action by August 1, 2009.

Picture taken in Mag Bay 2008. Thanksgiving Morning. "Ohana" and "Andiamo" alongside the Pacific Provider. It dosen't get any better than this.

Back in San Diego

2008-12-22T14:45:00.001-08:00

After a GREAT Mag Bay Season, the Pacific Provider returned to San Diego for the Holidays.
We are planning to depart for Central America sometime in late January. If you wold like to visit the boat or just come down to say hello, drop me an e-mail at pacpro@live.com

Capt. Rich

One of my favoritve pics taken by the "Acacia" in Puerto Mag, backloading Bodacious.

Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

All the game boats took the day off today, staying side tied to the PacPro. The kids free boarded, the adults fished inshore and napped in preparation for Chef Drew's Feast!

The PacPro Crew and Members dined together - 24 in all. Drew prepared 4 turkeys (Purchased in San Diego in anticipation of this day) and all the fixin's. Lots of toasts', speaches, and wine! Gary broke out some of his private stash and treated us all to the good stuff - Thank you Gary!
We finished the evening signing Karaoke at the Marlin Bar well into the night .........

Ohana departed at midnight headed for the Morgan Bank. She will eventually arrive to La Paz, where she will stay through July. Jana Lyn departed at 0430 Friday morning headed to the Finger and will stay in Cabo a few days before making her way to P.V. where she will stay through December. Andiamo will return to San Diego. Her delivery crew is arriving Saturday.

Wed November 26, 2008

2008-11-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Back to Marlin fishing today with all three boats having good days, catching double digits on the Marllin. Same place, same action. Stephanie Colobatto caught her first Marlin onboard Andiamo today - way to go Stephie!

We are in the company of 5 sail boats now in Puerto Mag.

Tuesday November 25, 2008

2008-11-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Buoy Weather says there's a small South swell hitting today - it's a surf day!

Andiamo and Jana Lyn headed to Punta Hughes to catch the predicted 4' S'ly swell. Well ...... it wasn't 4 foot, but it was surfable and fun. The Jana Lyn boys surfed the point and the Andiamo boys surfed the beach break at the river mouth. We all caught as many perfect waist to shoulder high waves as we wanted. Marty and his two sons and me and my two sons sharing the experience. What a day! The boys still hadn't had enough surfing and when we returned to Puerto Mag, they free boarded behind our 21' Raider RIB through dusk in Puerto Mag. They slept well ......

The 51' Riv Ohana arrived Santa Maria last night and fished off Sandy Beach today bringing 18 Marlin to the boat, the anglers being Mike Levesque's wife Julie and their three kids all under 12. Capt. Eric Brusig reported that the fish were eating good, with all their marlin being hooked with-in 20' of the boat on either drop backs or throwing to feeders. They were the only sport fisher in the area. Water temp still holding at 78* in nice blue water.

Monday November 24, 2008

2008-11-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Weather remains pleasant with the air temp now dropping in the evening to nice 75*.

The 42' Riv Andiamo experienced the mangroves today under the guidance of Crispin Mendoza. Crispin arrived to the mothership at 0700 and we were off on Andiamo with the PacPro Panga, Bear Bones, following in her wake. We stopped about half way to Devils Bend, skiffed ashore with the surf boards (less fins) and San Dune Surfed on 40' Dunes. We could have been in the Sahara! After making a few runs each, winded with blistered feet (the dunes were hot!), we continued up to Devils Bend where there were 3 Panga's fishing the bank. I have fished this spot a dozen times with little success. We caught a few bass, but no Snook or Corbina. It was a great day non-the-less and we made it back to the PacPro before dark. It was a great day for the kids!

The 43' Riv Jana Lyn headed North to the Theitis for a day of spear fishing. The bank was not holding much with Steve Salas only seeing a few tuna, too far to take a shot. The vis was about 40 feet. They ended their day fishing inshore around Punta Hughes catching the usual fire cracker yellowtail and bass.

Mag Bay Weekend Wrap Up

2008-11-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Sat Nov 22:

Great fishing continued for the remnant here in Mag. Our group, plus the always present Pacific Pioneer and a few boats floating through is all that is left..... Too bad considering the fishing is still gang busters!

Jana Lyn had an epyc day today catching Marlin in the high teens and a boat load of nice tuna and dorado. The fishing remained in the vacentity of 24-13 and 11-50 in 78* water, slightly off color. Weather has been great with hardly a swell and a NW'ly 2' wind wave.

Sun Nov. 23:

My two boys joined the operation yesterday for Thanksgiving and I had the awesome opportunity of catching Peter (12 years) his first Marlin and Stan (14 years) his largest tuna to date at 36 lbs! We fished the EPYC Game Boat, Bodacious, departing the mothership at 1100 and returning at 1600. We went 4/7 on the marlin using live macheral and boated 3 nice tuna in calm conditions. The tuna were a bit inside the marlin under feeding pelicans and in porpoise schools. It ranked right up there with some of the best display of marine life I have ever seen!

NOTE: I am having fits uploading pics. I will post asap.....

Great Day in Mag

2008-11-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

Flat calm seas and lot's of fish. That was Mag today. The marlin were snappin' at 24-10 / 111-55- 30 nm @ 150* from the Entrada. That is about 3 mile due West of Pinnacle. The radio was alive today with all boats in the game catching lots of fish.

Old Reliable had lady luck onboard today, our very own Pamela Deckman who witnessed the fly guys raise 47 in the spread and release 7 on the fly. Tomorrow Nick returns home to Florida and his boat heads south to Cabo and then to Guatemala where he will target the sails. It has been a pleasure working with Nick and his crew. Buenos Suerte. He may elect to stay in Cabo a little while longer and catch an even 100 Stripes on the fly in one season, crushing his old record. He now has 93 Stripes on the fly to the boat. Only 7 to go - Good luck Nick and Chip!

Jana Lyn fished today with 11 persons onboard. All of the Johnson Clan, Gary, Chris and Drew. They released 15 marlin caught on bait and boated 5 nice 25 lb Dorado. All had a great day.

Chief Engineer Dan O'Niell and I had a go with the bay bass this afternoon and caught a few. This fishery is more expensive than marlin fishing ...... We loose a fish trap skirt to the trigger or needle fish every 3rd cast. However, catching the 2-3 lb bay bass is such a blast, it is worth the collateral damage.

Jana Lyn will fish tomorrow, so I will have an update on the blue water fishing. My two boys (Peter and Stan) arrive tomorrow for 5 days. We'll try to get them on some marlin and a bit of spear fishing in the blue over the coming days.

I am expecting the the 51' Riv Ohana this Tuesday, on her way to La Paz. Mike Levesque is carrying a variety of parts and consumables for the Pacific Provider.

Yacht traffic is thining out as most of the boys are heading back home. We will be here on station until the 30th and keep you posted until then. Based on what we have seen, I think the fishing will hold through December!

Capt. Rich

Mag Bay Continues to Produce

2008-11-21T08:09:00.001-08:00

Friday Nov. 21, 2008:

I never get sick ............ Until now. I have been down for the count for 36 hours. Speaking of down for the count, last night we watched the legend Randy Coutre (UFC) loose his heavy weight title to a monster of a man 14 years his younger. We were all rooting for the old man Randy! Having Sat TV onboard has been great. (As a side note, we started the season off with Direct TV Trinidad and were entirely disappointed. We switched to Direct Puerto Rico and have been very pleased. I visited with the boys on the "Bounder" last week and they also switched from Trinidad to P.R.)

Let's get caught up:

Wed Nov 19, 2008:

The Striped Marlin fishing has been frustrating this season. It has been Blue Planet, but the fish are not cooperating like we think they should! Capt. Chip Shafer and Nick Smith on the 42' Gamefisherman "Old Reliable" had one of those frustrating days today, only raising one marlin in their pattern of teasers and ballyhoo. They hooked and brought her to the boat for a 1/1 day. The live bait boats have been run and gun with mixed success. The fish are moving soooo fast chasing small to medium sardine bait balls. If the bait doesn't hit them in the head, wind it in and keep running for the next group of feeders. I prefer the much slower switch baiting to this hurry up type of fishing. However, there are boats hitting double digits daily on the live mackerel. (As a side note, the bait has been plentiful in Puerto Mag, but it has the flu - red fin and that slimy goopy stuff. We are getting only a few days out of the mackerel in our huge 500 gallon tanks.)

The 43' Riv "Jana Lyn" headed north out of the Entrada today to check out a new batch of warmer water West of Punta Hughes. They experienced great tuna fishing with Yellowfin to 45 lbs. After pulling on a 1/2 dozen tuna, they headed in to the south side of Santa Maria for grouper fishing. They had one good bite, but did not land her. They had a great mixed bag of Sand and Bay Bass, Yellowtail, Sierra, Sheepshead and an assortment of other bottom dwellers.

Chef Drew made fish sticks from the bass - breaded and deep fried to perfection, served with a great dipping sauce and a draft beer!

Thursday Nov. 22, 2008:

My how things change ............

"Old Reliable" had a great day today raising 27, hooking 12 and releasing 10 on the fly. (27/12/10) Rather than towing the usual spread of plastics and ballyhoo, they switched to the dredge and had great success bringing the Stripes into the spread. This matches Nick's second best day ever with 10 Stripes to the boat. (His best day ever was also this year on the Golden Gate where he released 11 a few weeks ago)

"Jana Lyn" took a layday today as the Johnson family has a new group of friends arriving today.

Capt. Rich

Marlin Mob Moves Further South

2008-11-18T19:57:00.001-08:00

EPYC sent two boats out today the Jana Lynn and Old Reliable to scout waters 30 to 35 miles south of the Entrada today as the main Marlin Mob has pushed south past Punta Tosca. The fish were still found in good number with Nick Smith releasing 8 fish on the fly as Captain Chip Schafer continued to raise large numbers of stripe marlin in the pattern. Members Cliff Johnson and Gary Dodak put Cliff's wife Jana onto several fish with the kids batting cleanup for a total of 11 marlin before they wondered off for some tuna action.

The Tuna were closer to the beach below Tosca in 78 - 79.5 degree water. The average fish was 25-30 with an occasional 35-40 pounder. The water outside Mag Bay has been a pond for most of the two months the Pacific Provider has been on station. It seems to be a late season with plenty of bait on the sounder from the six's past Tosca on the 50 fathom curve. Last night was the first night a little chill of fall has appeared in the air and the wind freshened out of the west to 15 knots this afternoon. It looks like fall has finally arrived. After a sweltering October that culminated with the arrival of Hurricane Norbert and water above 80 degrees through last Friday November 14th things are a changing. There are some good reports of wahoo up on the ridge with some significant showing on the 23's and the 13 spot early last week when the Cummins Rendezvous boats headed back to San Diego. The Club will remain on station in Man o War cove in Mag Bay through Thanksgiving prior to making departing for Isla Maria Cleofis and the surrounding waters of Banderas Bay.

I just received word from Pam that dinner is served so I'll sign off. Chef Drew has an amazing duck confit, tender octopus salad, dorado tampica wrapped in banana leaves and creme brule for dessert. Of couse that's after the pupu platters of fresh sashimi, tuna tataki and an assortment of other sushi rolls in the outside bar. I'm continually thankful for the gym.

Captain Austin

EPYC Hosts Cummins Marine Diesel Rendevous

2008-11-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

The Eastern Pacific Yacht Club played host seven boats and their crew in Mag Bay from November 1st to the 8th. The fishing was incredible as a large pack of stripe marlin showed up of Sandy Beach south of the Entrada by mid week. The weather laid down to grease flat. The fleet of seven boat released over 500 stripe marlin in 6 days of fishing and caught all the dorado and tuna anyone cared to pull on.

Mag Bay

2008-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Member Cliff Johnson and Family arrived today on the Pacific Provider. They plan to fish 6 days with family and friends. More to come of their adventures.