News

Chances are that if you speak just a little Spanish, you know that the words "El Gallo" means "The Rooster." More accurately, the term for our adversary is "Pez Gallo" or "Roosterfish," which understandably is the main focus at El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge.  

Welcome to Bahia de los Muertos or Bahia de los Suenos, depending upon which chart you read, where adventure and angling prowess converge to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fishing enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of a desert tropical paradise, El Gallo is a haven for roosterfish aficionados seeking thrilling encounters and unforgettable memories. In this blog, we'll delve into the intricacies of the lodge, its accommodations, the exhilarating rooster fishing opportunities, the seasonal variations, and essential equipment.

A Glimpse of El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge: Located on the breathtaking coastline of the Sea of Cortez, El Gallo Lodge boasts a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by lush landscapes and pristine beaches, this lodge offers a tranquil setting for anglers to unwind and connect with nature. El Gallo's friendly and experienced staff are committed to providing personalized service, ensuring that every guest feels at home from the moment they arrive until they reluctantly depart.

Rustic-luxurious Accommodations: The lodge offers a selection of luxurious accommodations designed to cater to the needs of discerning travelers. We operate out of a spacious yet private villa within shouting distance of where we launch our boats, which are Captained by the best roosterfish fly fishing guides in the World. Each room is thoughtfully appointed, blending local aesthetics with modern amenities, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a thrilling day of rooster fishing.

Rooster Fishing: An Unmatched Adventure: Roosterfish, the prized catch of El Gallo's waters, are known for their remarkable speed, intelligence, and sheer power. Anglers from across the globe come to these waters to test their skills against this formidable species. Rooster fishing is an exhilarating experience that challenges even the most seasoned fly anglers.

These majestic fish can reach sizes above 100 pounds, making each catch an adrenaline-pumping feat. El Gallo's expert guides have a multi-generational knowledge of the area and will take you to the most promising fishing grounds, increasing your chances of encountering these impressive creatures.

Fishing Seasons and What to Expect: El Gallo offers year-round fishing opportunities, but certain seasons stand out for the best rooster fishing experiences. From May to August, the warmer waters attract large schools of baitfish and, consequently, roosterfish. This period presents an excellent opportunity to target trophy-sized roosters. During the Fall season, from October to November, the waters become more turbid, but roosterfish are still abundant and can be targeted, but are usually in the small to medium size; other species are available during this time, such as Dorado, Wahoo, and Skipjack tuna. The Spring Season, March and April, brings a marvelous Yellowtail fishery, Yellowfin Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Bonita, and even Mako Sharks!

 

Is it safe?

Yes, this part of Mexico is very tranquil and safe. Cabo San Lucas is two-and-a-half hours by car. The locals here are few and friendly. The small towns bordering our little chunk of quiet don't bustle like big cities, and everyone welcomes outsiders. If there is a cartel presence here, we have never experienced it. Our lodge is behind twenty-four, seven guarded gates.

The Mystic Triton 9' 12wt Fly Rod: An Exceptional Rooster Fishing Tool: Having the right equipment can make all the difference in the pursuit of roosterfish. The Mystic Fly Rods Triton 9' 12wt is a high-performance fly rod specially designed to handle the power and speed of these incredible gamefish. The Triton's innovative construction combines precision engineering with top-quality materials, making it ideal for targeting intense and unpredictable roosterfish.

The 12wt rating ensures you have the backbone to handle giant roosters, while the fast action provides excellent accuracy and casting distance. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended fishing sessions, and the responsive tip allows for precise fly placement, even in challenging conditions. The Triton's versatility will enable anglers to pursue other species like jacks, African Pompano, and even sometimes Marlin, expanding the range of experiences you can enjoy while staying at El Gallo Lodge.

Essential Equipment for Rooster Fishing: Aside from the Mystic Triton 9' 12wt, it's essential to come prepared with the right gear to make the most of your rooster fishing adventure. Here are some key equipment recommendations:

a. Rods: A 10wt rod (Mystic Tremor SW 9'3 10wt) is suitable for lighter roosterfish and inshore species, while a 12wt rod is better for targeting larger roosterfish. It's advisable to carry both to cover a wide range of fishing scenarios.

b. Reels: High-quality, saltwater-resistant reels with a robust drag system are crucial for handling the power of roosterfish and preventing line breakage during intense fights.

c. Lines: Weight-forward floating and intermediate sinking lines are recommended for rooster fishing, allowing for precise casts and effective presentation of flies.

Educational Opportunities for Aspiring Anglers: El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge is more than just a fishing destination; it's an opportunity for academic growth. Their experienced guides are eager to share their expertise and knowledge with guests, ensuring that seasoned anglers and beginners can learn new techniques and strategies. Whether you're looking to improve your casting skills, learn about local ecosystems, or understand roosterfish behavior, the guides at El Gallo are ready to provide valuable insights that will enhance your fishing experience.

El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge offers a rare and thrilling opportunity to embark on a rooster fishing adventure. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and immersed in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, anglers will indeed create unforgettable memories during their stay. With exceptional accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and equipment, including the Mystic Triton 12wt, your rooster fishing dreams are within reach at El Gallo. Whether you are a seasoned angler seeking a new challenge or a novice looking for an unforgettable experience, El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge promises an adventure of a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your fly rod, and get ready to reel in the roosterfish of your dreams!

Contact El Gallo Fly Fishing Lodge:

https://elgalloflyfishing.com

1 (405) 650-5654

info@elgalloflyfishing.com


**For more information on the Mystic 9' 12wt Triton fly rod please call 1-888-669-7842.  Specialty rod not listed on our website.  

The following blog was written by our friends at Monic Fly Line (www.monic.com). They took both the Mystic Reaper X and the Mystic Tremor saltwater rods to pair with their incredible salt water lines.  Below is the story....

As the summer draws to an end and fall begins, we start looking forward to planning next year's adventures and maybe even a winter fly fishing getaway. The Bahamas offer amazing opportunities for anglers with a wide range of target species and a variety of different lodging experiences. Whether you want to stay on one of the more developed main islands like Grand Bahama, Nassau, or Andros, or travel farther south to less inhabited islands like Acklins and Crooked Island. The Monic team was fortunate enough to travel to Acklins back in May of this year to put our lines to the test. I want to outline the trip and gear we used to offer an insight for anybody looking to travel to the Bahamas or other tropical fly-fishing destinations.

We stayed at Salina Point Angling Adventures, located on the Southeast side of Acklins. Ryan and Alicia of Primal Angling run this small operation and it offers a great family style lodging feel. The lodge is located just a short 15-minute walk to the beach, so your fly-fishing adventures await just outside your door. You can have the option to go out on the boat with local expert guides Joseph and Frankie exploring the over 500 square miles of walkable flats in search of Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda and so much more every day. Or you can also take a more DIY approach and drive around the island walking the many beaches and sandy flats in solitude with just as many fishing opportunities.

You can expect to primarily be targeting Bonefish for your trip. Bonefish are the most abundant gamefish and give the angler the most opportunity when walking the flats in the Bahamas. Depending on the day and conditions, you can expect to get at least one or two casts at small schools of Bonefish, and on your best days, you might run into so many Bonefish you will grow tired of casting to them, if that is possible. The flats are full of life though, and you never know what you might run into. We would commonly sight Barracuda stalking the flats for Bonefish as well, and these big toothy fish make for great fun on the fly rod. Another species that can be commonly seen when walking the flats in the Bahamas is the elusive Permit, one of the toughest species to be caught on the fly. The Permit is often referred to as the holy grail of species to target on the fly. So, if you get lucky enough to sight one on the flats you better have your rod rigged and ready to go, as these opportunities can be few and far between.

I found that the best rod and line combos for walking the flats consist of an 8wt rigged for Bonefish and either a 9wt or 10wt rigged for Permit/Barracuda. The 8wt rod for Bonefish should be medium to fast action, as you will experience windy conditions and can expect to make casts up to 60-70ft, with most casts being in the 30-50ft range. Although you can chase bonefish with lighter rods and tackle, the 8wt offers the most versatility. For the 8wt line, we found that we had the most success when using our clear floating tip fly line, the Bonefish Phantom Tip, Phantom Tip - Bonefish - Monic Fly Lines. This line has a 15ft clear floating tip and it's very important because some of the fish you will be targeting might only be in 6 inches of water, and with the water being crystal clear, the clear line makes a huge impact on whether you spook the fish or not. Bonefish are on the menu for many of the predatory fish in the ocean, as well as for the birds in the sky, so it makes sense that they are extremely wary and spooky. All it takes is one shadow in the wrong spot and the fish are gone, so it is imperative that you take every precaution available to maximize each opportunity you get. The Bonefish taper also makes a big difference, as it has a long overall head design at 46’, this design is to make it easier for anglers to pick up more line off the water and shoot it right back out. So, if you make a cast at 60ft as the school of bonefish approach and then the school makes a sudden change in direction requiring you to recast, you can pick that full 60ft of line up and replace your cast. This allows the angler to get more shots on the moving school within a quick time span. The front end of this taper was specifically designed to allow for enough power when facing strong winds that you can turn over a heavy weighted shrimp or crab pattern, while still retaining enough delicacy to allow for accurate presentations. For this trip I used the Mystic Tremor SW 8wt rod, this rod was the perfect Bonefish rod as it was fast enough to punch right through the wind, but with its specialized Scandinavian taper, the rod had enough feel and delicacy to accurately present the flies at 60ft. This moderate/fast action rod paired perfectly with our 8wt Phantom Tip Bonefish line, which is weighted on the heavy side of AFFTA true to weight. I suggest that if you are using a true fast action stiff rod to upline one size for a better weight pairing.

For the Permit/Barracuda rod I was using the Mystic Reaper X in a 9wt, this rod is also a medium/fast action rod and paired well with our Advanced Clear Plus 9wt line. (I highly recommend checking out Mystic Fly Rods if you are not familiar with them. They make quality rods for both fresh and saltwater applications, and are located right here in CO. Mystic Outdoors | Custom Fly Fishing Rods) I chose to use our Advanced Clear Plus line for this rod as I knew it was going to need the aggressive Javelin taper for delivering larger flies to Barracuda, and I knew I would need the stealth of the clear floating line for the Permit. The Advanced Clear Plus is our newest full clear floating line construction, Advanced Clear Plus - Monic Fly Lines. It uses our semi-stiff Sensicore core material which is great for improved hooksets and faster line speed, paired with our aggressive Javelin taper made for punching through the wind and turning over heavier flies. I find the best way to rig this rod so you can be ready for either species is to have your permit fly tied on and always ready to go. If you see a permit or school of permit, they will most likely be on the move and your window of opportunity to make a cast will be limited. Then keep your barracuda fly tied to a 12”-18” piece of wire bite somewhere that is quickly accessible. When you run into barracuda on the flats most of the time, they will be stationary waiting in an ambush position, along the point of a beach or tucked into a mangrove, generally close to those transition areas from shallow to deep. This will give you the time to tie on your barracuda fly with the wire bite and make a cast. The quickest way to rig up, is to tie on your barracuda fly much like you would a dropper on a dry dropper set up, just off the bend of the hook from the permit fly. This allows you to quickly change between set ups for whichever fish you run into. This came in handy as we had a handful of shots on large Barracuda and although I did not get the opportunity to see any Permit, the crab pattern I had tied on got plenty of use with the local Trigger fish on the island. It is good to note though, that a trigger fish will have no issues tearing up your pretty Permit crab with their big horse like teeth, so keep your favorite flies in the box away from the trigger fish.

The other top line for our trip was our Skyline Plus, Skyline PLUS | Floating Fly Fishing Line | Monic Fly Lines - Monic Fly Lines. The Skyline Plus is a great all-around saltwater fly line, built on a zero-stretch GSP core for excellent hooksets and line speed. This line also uses our aggressive Javelin taper, making it great for any application. I rigged this line in a 9wt on the Reaper X Mystic rod and used it for throwing poppers and large baitfish imitations at structure along the beach in search of Barracuda and other predatory fish. On one of the days when I was out walking the beaches, I was fortunate enough to spot two Horse-eye Jacks following a nurse shark along the reef. The Jacks like to follow the sharks to eat any small bait fish that get spooked out of their hiding spots as the shark swims by. So, I quickly made a cast out over the shark with my popper and after 3 quick strips, boom! The Jack hit the fly at full speed and the fight was on. I was very happy to have the strength of the Skyline Plus with the GSP 65lb test core for this fight, as this fish would not give in for almost 15 minutes. Ripping me out to my backing over and over again. I could tell the fish was doing its best to bury itself and the line in the coral, but I was happy to see that my 20lb leader and fly line held up to the test. This just goes to show that you never know what you might run into when saltwater fishing.

All in all, the trip to the Bahamas was one I will never forget. I hope that I can return soon because there is so much more to explore, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. If anyone reading this has the opportunity to go fish or just travel to the Bahamas, I highly recommend you take advantage of it because you will not be disappointed. If you do, make sure you check out Monic fly lines because the advantage is clear. Our lines could be the difference between spooking all the fish you cast to and landing that fish of a lifetime. Whether you want a colored line or full clear or anything in between, we at Monic have got you covered.

Read more

Trout are a very elegant and stunning fish that many anglers are fond of.  They are a very delicate fish that require conscientiousness and careful handling.  Poor handling of trout or being unaware can result in casualties of healthy fish. Their chance of surviving after being released is determined by how we handle and take care for them.  Here are some key recommendations to remember the next time you are on the river to increase their chances for survival. 

The excitement of hooking a trout when your line goes tight, the strenuous headshakes, the flash of colors and size when the trout breaks through the water surface into the air!  These moments are important to be mindful of how long to toil a fish before a swoop in the net.  The quicker you can get the fish in, the better chance for survival.  Avoid playing the fish to the point of exhaustion.  

Prolonged fights increase the stress levels on the fish with a less chance of survival particularly when water temperatures are high.  Carry a thermometer and check water temperatures during those hot summer days and low flows.  Water temperatures headed towards 68 degrees Fahrenheit and above are not optimal conditions to fish.

Rubber basket nets are choice compared to the old-fashion string nets in protecting the fish from disease and bacteria.  Removing the protective mucous layers places the trout into susceptibility in decline of health. Always wet hands first before handling trout.  Be conscientious not to squeeze the trout.  Squeezing too hard can cause trauma to internal organs and possibly result in death after release.  Never place fingers in the gills or hold the trout by the lip.  Fingers in gills can insult the trout’s breathing structures as well as holding by the lip can injure or break its jaw.

Keep the fish wet!  Fish breathe through their gills in moving water.  Prolonged exposure out of water is oppressing or suffocating the fish.  Keeping the trout in the water maintains its capability to still breathe.  Once the fish is in the net, keep the basket submerged underwater while reaching down to unhook the fish.  

Always carry a pair of hemostats for use of unhooking the trout.  Try to unhook the fish when it is in a more relaxed state and cradle the underbelly of the fish.  Remember to not squeeze the fish for a better grip in unhooking.  Once your hemostat has a good grip on the hook, gently reverse the curve of the hook out of the fish.  Thrashing while unhooking can cause injuries, and bleeding to the face and mouth of the fish. Often, I’ve caught many trout already missing one or both maxillary bone structures.  This can be prevented by simply being patient in the removal of the hook.

Fishing barbless causes less physical trauma and removal is effortless.  Again, with a grip on the hook with your hemostats, reverse the curve of the hook out of the fish.  Bonus with barbless hooks is that it is very easy to unhook from your clothing and anything else you may accidentally get hooked into. 

Many anglers marvel over a big catch which means taking a photo to share with friends.  It is easy to figure the experience of an angler by how he or she holds a trout.  First and foremost, avoid placing a trout on the dirt, rocks, and sticks on the river banks.  This is harmful causing damage to their outer protective slime as well as dirt sediment in their eyes and gills.  No fingers in those delicate gills. With taking photos, be hasty with the fish out of water.  Trout calm down by cradling them and supporting their weight.  Cradle underneath just behind the head and at the wrist of the tail.  Keep the trout in the water, lift up very briefly out of the water for the picture shot.  Always use two hand with large trout.  Your hand cradling just behind the head is right where the heart and many other essential organs are located.  So, don’t crush the heart as a fish may soon swim away and die shortly thereafter.

As always with release, ensure the fish are properly recovered before freed back into the water.  Release the trout facing it upstream and when the fish has responded with a sure recovery.  With being knowledgeable of how to handle trout, we can continue to savour our beautiful fisheries.  See you on the river!

Blog written by Mystic Outdoors Ambassador Cat Toy (@cattoyflyfishing) 

The ice will melt soon and some of the most productive trout fishing of the year will arrive. Here are five tips to help you make the most of it.

Read more