Guillermo, end of April

[marktheshark]

Rrrright ... I've started packing my gear for Guillermo so it's that time of the year again.

First up, has anyone just got back who can update me on weather and fishing reports (I've read the most recent ones up to here ... thanks guys; are there any others?) I'd be interested to know what state the tarpon channels behind the Iberostar are in as well.

Second, any Maniacs staying in the Daiquiri (or anywhere else on Guillermo) in the last week of April who fancy meeting up either to share any shore trips, or boat trips or, for that matter, trips to the bar for another round of mojitos?

Answers on a postcard

Mark

[Fantasia]

That's my week off so I'll take you up on the drinks, if you're paying. I don't fish. At least, I don't fish for fish. No problem arranging to be at the Daiquiri as Fantasia Ferry employees get a 75% reduction on rates. See you there, marktheshark. You can bring my late birthday gift then too.

[marktheshark]

Oh dear ... I thought you'd got your present by now. I posted it ages ago. Not had it then?

[Fantasia]

Well, I've had "it" but not your present which probably went to my old address, but I had to move because the neighbors were complaining about the constant traffic through our place and the noise, obviously. I'll pm you my new address so you can resend the parcel if it is returned to you or just buy me a new one and send it to the new place. I have a special one for you for your birthday too which you will really enjoy. I can bring it to the Daiquiri if I can get it through customs ok. Something we've been using on the Ferry for a while now. Here's a hint. It has to do with rods, but not fishing rods.

[marktheshark]

Oh .... I get you. You mean for catching crabs. Thanks but no thanks.

Any serious correspondence in reply to the original thread also welcomed.

[baino 45]

Hello Mark. I go to the Melia twice a year (May & Nov) & meet up with a mate there.
I'd be really interested to know how it's fishing, especially the pier, bridge & rocks past the Sol.
Thanks & regards Dave.

[cowie]

Hi Dave,how do you find the fishing around the Melia? when in may are you going mate?

[baino 45]

Hi Cowie. I'm going on the 24th May. When you ask about the fishing, remember I'm at Cayo Guillermo not Coco as I think you mentioned in a previous thread.
Anyway If you are at the Melia you can get the 'day around' bus (5 pesos) where the bus will drop you off at any of the other Sol/Melia resorts on the islands. You can use the facilities of the hotels you visit (meals drinks) although you may need an extra wristband.
As you enjoy your fishing It's maybe worth trying the pier at the Melia Cayo Guillermo for the day.
I recon that you need something to catch baitfish with... those little feathers work O.K. and another outfit to lob the livebait out. Only 2 baits to use there are live fish & shrimp. The best livebaits are sardine or mohara. The needlefish do catch, but not as well. Floatfish for barracuda & bottom fish for snapper. The snapper prefer prawn but the locals cut a small fish in half & use that. Fish either rig about 10-30yds out although I've see plenty of fish cought right under the pier. There are often amberjack to about 40lb right under your feet. I've hooked a couple but never stood a chance. I saw a German bloke land a 40lb fish last May. I have a photo but I don't know how to post it. There is always a chance of something at the pier & it's dead easy as you can walk down to get food & drink. Best of luck!
Regards, Dave.

[Lewis H]

Just back. There was a lot of rain the week before we arrived and the chanels behind the Daq and the Sol are at good levels. Lots of small tarpon around. I had quite a few hook ups and met a couple of chaps from Scotland who did well behind the Daq. Note: the mosquitos were getting bad when we left, so bring repellant.

[lucky]

Guys, check out this spot for fishing....I'm a diver, but this place hosts both.

www.avalons.net (http://www.avalons.net)

It's in Jardines de la Reina, about 40 miles off the south coast off the dock at Jucaro.

Been there twice and the place is great, not fancy, but if you are a sportsman you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
Do you get there by ferry yakpack?

[Remediano]

How easy would it be to rent a boat for the day? I dont mind using Guides but I used to guide in the Keys and Florida bay so Im pretty confidant about what to do and I would hate to pay someone who I dont need.

[cubafish]

How easy would it be to rent a boat for the day?

Uhhhh, impossible.

But you can go out in a sit-upright paddle boat and paddle out from the beach at those resorts that have paddle boats. Same with small sailfish or catamaran sailbotes - but some resorts require an employee to accompany you when using the catamaran sailbotes.