Species of Fish Found off Loreto; Pacific Sailfish

Marlin

Striped Marlin caught, revived and released in mid August 2007

All three species of Marlin that swim in waters of the Pacific Ocean are caught off Loreto.

Marlin may be considered the highest honor for saltwater fly and conventional anglers. In our waters they swim with the Sailfish and Dorado but are more elusive as they seem more intelligent. Marlin will hit live bait (mackerel), trolled feathers or flies. The largest specimens (over 500 pounds) are found well off Isla Carmen's east side and are truly offshore but nicely sized examples (to 400 pounds) are more often caught nearer to port. The Striped Marlin (Tetrapturus audax) are the first to arrive to our area in late spring and they range in size from 60 to over 200 pounds. Later in the season the Black and Blue Marlin move in (Makaira indica and Makaira nigricans). We're able to catch Black's and Blue's from 80 to over 400 pounds from pangas from late July to early October. During the past five seasons (2003-2007) our practical observations are that the number of Marlin has increased in proportion to other fish common to our area such as Dorado from what has been observed in previous years. From this we've been able to distinguish between the migration patterns of Striped vs. Black and Blue Marlin through our area.

The hanging dead billfish display is becoming a thing of the past. (at left) A large sailfish that was caught and released in June 2006. After many years of providing sportfishing service in Loreto, B.C.S. Mexico we have recently taken the position that to kill a billfish is wrong so we no longer allow it. Sailfish and Marlin meat is edible but the proportion of edible meat (about 30-40%) to the size of this fish only one reason we maintain this policy. Previously we left the decision to the descression of the angler but in our decision process we've came to the conclusion that it's more important to set an good example in order to preserve these species while they swim through our area. Only billfish that come up dead or are verified potential IGFA records of their respective species will be kept. Potential records will need to be radioed in and verification of the record confirmed via radio before we will allow a billfish to be taken back to port. In all seriousness the chances that someone will land a record breaking Pacific Sailfish or Marlin off Loreto are slim to none.

If you plan on keeping billfish we recommend that you not fish with our service.

A first for Mike Shubin (below). Mike, an avid bait fisherman who's never released "a keeper" before, caught and released this Marlin in August 2007.
Fish hooked on live bait tend to swallow the hook and this can cause damage to the fish's internal organs. If "gut hooked" we recommend cutting the line as close as possible to the fish's mouth. To avoid this, circle hooks are recommended for live bait fishing. This kind of hook is designed to be swallowed yet can be drawn back out of the fish's gut easily. On passing the fish's mouth however, it sticks. Local captains have not yet completely warmed up to the use of circle hooks but if we continue to set a good example and explain their use and design they will change their opinions. Usually flies end up hooking the fish in the mouth so they're easy to retrieve. De-barbing the hook makes releases much easier. Trolled feather lures also tend to end up hooking the fish's mouth. We've observed that the angle the fish tend to hit flies and lures vs. bait, has to do with the higher proportion of mouth-hook results with artificials. If the hook cannot be removed then its best to cut off the line as close to the fish's mouth as possible.

To release a billfish hold the bill firmly while the fish is in the water at the side of the boat and motor slowly so that the fish can get water (oxygen) thorugh its gills. When it struggles with enough force to free itself from your grip its ready. Watching your fish dive down and swim away will give you a great feeling.