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.
I would agree, the fish are still around, just not in their usual spots. For me, bonefish has been on par with previous years, but I don’t mind blind casting for them if I have to. Friends who are hardened sight fishermen report seeing fewer fish, and consequently have caught fewer (on the same flats as me). They’re definitely still there though, just hanging out closer to the breakers or in deeper channels of the flat where they feel safer from the “traipsers.”
Thanks for always providing your on-the-water observations while targeting a fish that’s less affected by bait fish availability. You give us a more “objective” perspective of what’s going on!
Also been seeing a lot less indicators of predators. No more baitfish jumping, no random boils, and haven’t seen any predators in the water, all things that I saw occasionally in July. Everywhere has been slow for Papio (at least for me) and the only way I picked up one was by using dead oama. Hopefully it picks up but I doubt it.
Here in Japan, its very slow. . Bait are everywhere but all we catch is smaller Hamachi and Sawara from shore. Water temperature Is high as tropical area. Bigger fish are out and deep. right now is the best season of the year but worst fishing ever.
Hopefully the water and air cools off in Japan soon and typhoon season ends safely.
Our Fall pelagic season is off to a good start with ono being caught closer to shore. Opelu biting better now, just not for me. ;-(