Trigger Happy:

Whilst hunting permit one day, we got side tracked by triggerfish tailing over turtle grass. Granted these humble fish might not be as desirable as bonefish, tarpon or permit, but they’re damn good fun on light tackle.  Triggerfish are also very tolerant, especially if you’re walking the flats, which means that numerous cast can be made without alarming them. Designed to slip into shallow water on their sides they might not match the acceleration of more torpedo shaped species like bonefish.  However, they remain tenacious beasts that never stop pulling, a bit like a freight train… Given this, we were happy to chase triggers where and when!

 

 

 

 

 

With hard mouths and crushing teeth for devouring crabs, triggers can be tricky when it comes to setting a hook.  A very firm strip strike is required if you’re to experience success.

 

 

 

 

 

Crabs might well be their principal prey, but triggers will just as readily gobble up shrimps which is why our homer Shrimpson scored

Predators like Storms…

Casa Viejo Chac guide Chucho clutching a spanking mangrove tarpon I winkled out on a 1/0 cockroach fly

 

The reason for coming to Ascension Bay is to avoid nasty weather back home!  Yet, against the rub of the green this season has seen unprecedented storms, which has a telling effect on fish.  Thankfully though the predators seem hungrier than ever and remained active to give us tremendous sport over the last few days.  In particular tarpon and snook have been our main focus, but plenty of barracuda and sharks latched onto our flies too.  Consequently, we’re now in a dilemma as to whether we want those lazy summer days so evocative of this part of the world to return…

Pete Eville displays a cracking snook (one of many) that we ambushed as they sidled along the edges on mangrove channels in search of sardines

 

We found plenty of cuda too which are in an aggressive mood at the moment, so much so that this beast latched onto my shrimp pattern intended for bonefish.  Heaven knows how it never sliced through the 10lb tippet with gnashers like that!

Predators on the chew:

 

Although permit and bonefish were off the menu, predatory species seemed to be enjoying the unseasonable drop in temperature. Poling the mangroves, we had rich pickings for sharks, jacks and barracuda.  There were moments of excitement too when snook flirted with us by edging out from deep within the mangroves though best of all had to be those tarpon.  Most of our group managed to tangle with one or two of these impressive creatures, even on the bleakest of days.  Pictured above is Paul Little with his very first tarpon, a cheeky grin says it all.  Admittedly, this might not equate to one of those ocean going giants, but that didn’t matter one jot to Paul…

Lemon sharks like this wandered up onto the flats, giving us plenty of opportunities to tempt them.

 

 

 

 

My baitfish flies have been taking a beating from both barracuda and sharks. So much so that the resin heads suffered damage beyond repair.  Fortunately, the fly box is full! 

A Stormy Start:

Our annual campaign got off to a stormy start in Ascension Bay.  Thunderstorms day and night pounded us and the cooling water made bonefish lethargic.  Thankfully, the predatory fish seem more tolerate and given fleeting glimpses of sunshine, we found them in abundance… Above, Paul Little ponders a waterproof jacket as we motor away from an approaching storm.

 

 

 

Guides and clients paddle through flooded fields whilst making their way to waiting skiffs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The roads round Punta Allen remain in a sorry state after days of rain…We’re still waiting for it too brighten up