Like the other areas in the tropics of Mexico, the fish counts were down quite a bit, but not due to a lack of fish. Same as in the other areas, it was due to a lack of anglers on the water. Our report from Puerto Morelos reflected only 11 days fished that resulted in a 9 fish species in their mixed-bag catches that included 13 dorado, 1 blackfin tuna, 7 giant Atlantic barracuda, 1 Spanish mackerel, 11 triggerfish, 5 banana fish, 4 soap fish, 2 groupers and 4 mutton snapper. According to the Fleet and Marina Manager, Armando Gutierrez, this charter slowdown is typical for this time of year and is mostly due to the very warm & humid weather and recognition that this is the peak of the hurricane season, too. Besides, the slowdown gives us a chance to perform the annual maintenance on our fleet, getting it ready for the next surge of anglers that normally commences by mid-to-lat e October.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy and warm days days, and humid, with temps that ranged from 74 nights to 93 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Mostly calm waters his past week with nothing m0ore than light & variable surface breezes in the 5-10 mph ranges that allowed the sea temps to remain stable in the 82-83 degree ranges throughout the area.

Best Bait: The ever ready availability of the ballyhoo continue to be the bait of choice for all of the skippers from this area and they use it in a variety of formats that include colored skirts, strips, chunks and natural rigging, all depending on the fish being sought after.

Bait Supply: We have never experienced even a remote problem with not being able to provide sufficient fresh baits for all of the fleet on an everyday basis.