Peru Fishing Adventure

Had the pleasure of being invited by my buddy Dan Payet a banker from NYC to fish the historically famous Cabo Blanco coast of Peru. Joining us in the trip was my cousin Pepe who with Dan are native Peruvians. This destination holds the current Black Marlin record of 1600 lbs, and Bigeye Tuna at 440. Travel was easy with a direct flight from Newark to Lima, then an hour and half flight north to Tumbes. The resort we stayed at was www.puntasal.com.pe, which was luxurious, clean, with great security. Fishing was on a well equppied 32 foot Bertram. We were hosted by local legend Pancho Helguero who has caught more Marlin than anyone in Peru, he had his captain Willy and brother Juan to assist on the trip. Were told by Captains Pancho and Willy that fishing for Black and Striped Marlin would be challenging due to fishing out of season, Prime Time is December-February, Full moon, and torrential rains which effected water clarity. The few tailing fish we saw were very skittish and non committal to our trolled offerings, had every intent to throw the oversized demo Waxwings Shimano provided but never got a second look at a fish. However, there was numerous other fish that provided great action. Half a mile off the beach there were numerous school of yellowfins from 10-20lbs, which we landed, did get spooled by something amongst the schools. Made our way to the famous Peru Bank then trolled Wahoo lures provided by Elias from Crook and Crook in Miami and caught monster Wahoo to 100lbs! After that showed the guys how deep drop canyon style with Torsa reels and our rigs. Was rewarded with a type of grouper they called "Cabrillas", tilefish, orange rockfish, and other tasty creatures, reason I know our mate Juan would fillet them and make "ceviche styled fish" within minutes of hitting the deck. All the fish was caught was prepared by the chefs at the resort, and was remarkable, wahoo on the grill with their special sauces, seared tuna in pepper sauces, and so many other prepareds styles, actually gained 5lbs just by eating fish because I couldn't get enough. The crew and staff were friendly and accomadating to every need, compared this world class service to any resort I have visited. Will be visiting the Punta Sal resort during prime Marlin season in December, and look forward to reconnecting with Pancho, the crew and staff!