Based on the 39 participants who participated in the poll, only 1/3 said it was about the same as previous years. Just 5% did better than previous years and more than 60% complained that this year was slower than previous years.
Why? For sure it’s bait availability was a factor. There were less bait fish, including oama, near shore, so the preds didn’t risk coming so close to all the people traipsing in the water. And yes, there were more traipsers due to the shutdowns of many businesses.
There’s a strong possibility that the fact that this is the first season after an El Nino, which caused reduced rainfall and slightly cooler water and air temps, made it difficult for baitfish production.
It’s not like the papio died off and are permanently gone though. We’re catching much more papio in deeper water than we normally do. I guess they’re foraging for food out there.