Trip Details
Galapagos 2011 | 01/30/11 - 2/6/11For those not familiar with OIFC's Traveling Fisherman program, essentially it is meant to be an opportunity for fishing friends of the OIFC to travel together to unique and extraordinary fishing destinations around the world. I have been fortunate to have made many contacts in the fishing industry over the years through the Ocean Isle Fishing Center platform and thus have access to information that allows me to distinguish quality fishing adventures from potential disappointments and unmet expectations.
I'm happy to report I have found the next destination for the Traveling Fisherman in 2011. After significant research, I have organized a trip to the world renowned true last frontier of sportfishing and everything wildlife at the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos were first made famous by the research and consequent book publishing by Charles Darwin whom documented countless new species of wildlife on the islands. The Galapagos are located south of the equator off the coast of Ecuador in South America. I've heard it said fishermen will go to the ends of the Earth to find the fish, well this is certainly proof of that. The fishing in the Galapagos is merely one part of the allure of the pristine islands. The on land hiking tours, and snorkeling tours have been described to me as can't miss attractions. From the giant Galapagos turtles, to the iguanas, to the lazy sea lions that greet pedestrians on the street, the Galapagos islands present a unique opportunity to experience an ecosystem that has been unimpeded by human occupancy.
We are fishermen and fisherwomen and thus there must be something exciting about the fishing if we're going to travel half way around the world to we a line right? The answer is YES. The Galapagos is an archipelago of islands that sits right at the crossing point of 3 major currents. These currents in turn create a nutrient rich water base and the food chain multiplies exponentially from there. Our attraction to the Galapagos is of course big game fishing. In particular marlin fishing is what sets this place apart from anywhere else in the world. January thru May is considered peak season and when the weather is typically calm. The runs from the marina to the fishing grounds are between 25 and 40 miles. Fishing takes place over large underwater sea mounts where bait gathers and currents churn. The most prevalent gamefish in these waters is the stripe marlin. These are not your average run of the mill stripe marlin either. The AVERAGE stripe is 150 to 200lbs which would be considered enormous for other parts of the world. Fish up to 300lbs are possible. In addition to the stripe blue and black marlin upwards of 500lbs are frequent visitors. Average days during the peak season see boats having 10 to 25 shots a day at marlin and 40+ shots a day are not uncommon. In addition to the incredible billfish action yellowfin and bigeye tuna are also extremely abundant throughout the fishing grounds. The methods of fishing are interesting. Because of the high number of billfish encounters, the Galapagos are the number one stop on any fly fisherman's schedule whom desire to catch a marlin on fly. If fly fishing isn't your thing, conventional tackle is used with plastic trolling lures and occassionally the bait and switch tactic is used. Meat bait is not typically used as a normal trolling spread due to the abundance of sea lions in the area that will eat the trolled baits (can you imagine!). The boats are sportfish style boats in the 30-35' range and are powered with 4 stroke outboard engines. All fishing vessels are powered with 4 stroke outboards due to government regulations and their attempt to minimize any possible pollutant impact on the environment. Our plan is to fish 4 anglers per boat but the option is available to fish 3 per boat.
Currently this trip will accomodate 12 fishermen and yes this a fisherwomen friendly adventure. Do to the immediate response I've received for this trip, I am working to increase the number of anglers we can take. For those that have interest please email me captbarrett@oifc.com and I will answer all the questions I can and get answers to the rest. I will drop reminders over the next few months in the OIFC fishing report. Thanks and let's go fishing!
When: January 30, 2011 - February 6th, 2011
Where: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Fishing Grounds: Rosa Blanca sea mount
Target Species Offshore: Stripe Marlin, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna
Target Species Inshore: Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Snook
What to Bring: All equipment is provided, however if you have certain lures, rod/reels that you'd like to use they are welcome. Temperatures are in the mid 80's.
Accomodations: More details to come
Food/Beverages: All meals and non alcoholic beverages are included on land and on the boats except dinner. Dinners are available at restaurants in town for average of $15/meal. While in Guyaquill, EC meals are not included.
How to Get There: American Air from Miami is 4 hour and 20 minute flight to Guyaquill, EC. Flight from Guyaquill to San Cristobal is included in price and flight is 1 hr 20 min.
Cost: $3649 per person (4 per boat) for 4 days fishing, 5 nights in San Cristobal, 2 nights stay at 5 star Oro Verde hotel in Guyaquill, all meals except dinner and alcoholic drinks in San Cristobal, and flight to San Cristobal. Does NOT Inlcude gratuity for crew/staff, airfare to Guyaquill, $100 park fee
Contact: Captbarrett@oifc.com for details and booking.
-Capt. Barrett McMullan
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