Fly fishing Ascension Bay Report: Paul Procter's Report
With numerous Permit credited to our party last year, November 2009 was always going to be a hard act to follow. However, our annual pilgrimage to Ascension Bay in 2010 was to prove just as successful for many different reasons. Yes, Permit did feature from day one though for me it was the tailing Bonefish that captured my imagination, as nothing comes close to gently strolling through ankle deep water and scanning the flats for glistening tails of large feeding fish. When I say large, it’s pleasing to see the average size of bonefish has increase year on year in Ascension Bay as we regularly encountered fish in the 5-7lb bracket with the occasional 8 pounder showing up too. Believe me, using 7-8 weight outfits, such specimens take off at a fair lick when hooked, exhilarating stuff I can tell you. Enjoying several days of this, personally, it ranks as one of my most memorable fishing experiences to date.
Whilst low tides are not to everyone’s liking, it certainly presented us with plenty of opportunities to tangle with Snook. These secretive predators are often tucked up tight in mangroves roots, but low water pushed them out into more accessible areas. And whilst every member of our group managed to hook them, Mark Windsor certainly got more than he bargained for when he latched into a Snook of well over 20lb.
Barracuda are one species that are often neglected here. So this year, we all decided on a concerted effort to bag a decent sized fish. Using slender baitfish imitations dressed on TMC 600SP, I experienced a high hook-up rate and managed to land several cudas over 10lb. What’s niggling me now, is the number of these fish I’ve past up on previous trips. For my money they’re a great sporting fish that take off at speed before tailing walking. One of our group-Rob Evans almost exclusively targeted these menacing creatures for his entire trip. Others thought he’d lost his marbles, but I’m with Rob all the way on this one!
As for the elusive “P” fish, well our group had days when they cast at not just one, but several permit. In fact they were surprisingly prevalent during our stay and at least one Permit was reported being caught most days, a testament as to how extensive the Permit fishing is out in Ascension Bay.
Newcomer to saltwater fishing-Steve Grimes didn’t realise what all the fuss was about, as on his third day, he landed a monster Permit of 25lb….incredible. I too got amongst fish with hefty shoulders and managed one nudging 20lb. Perhaps more of an angling feat was Jonathan Tomlinson who connected with a substantial Permit when bonefishing. Naturally, his 8-weight outfit took a beating, equally, he was looking somewhat worse for wear after the battle. Congratulations must surely go to Steve Langan though, who finally joined the Permit Club after chasing them for a number of years now. Though, before that eventful day, Steve did say he’d decorate himself a tattoo to mark the occasion, we wait with bated breath!
Finally, let’s not forget the Casa Viejo Chac in Punta Allen which made this trip special. Run by Manuel Chac we had access to the best guides in Ascension Bay, including the services of Manuel himself. His kindness and generosity made everybody welcome when on most evenings he entertained us with fly tying demonstrations. Needless to say, we have made many friends out there and have already rebooked for 2011.
Paul Procter Dec 2010
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