Gone Fishin'

Six places where the fishing, and the fun, are virtually guaranteed.

Tweet

The pressures of business often make it difficult to plan a vacation and steal a few days to renew body and spirit. To help, we've outlined six first-class areas where gamefishing for the glamour species is a way of life. All are relatively easy to reach, yet each offers a unique setting where you can enjoy the sport or simply relax in the sum and water. If you schedule your trip for the optimum fishing season, the fishing should be great wherever you go.

KONA COAST, HAWAII

"Kona" means lee shore or calm, and the placid waters below the majestic volcanoes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa produce an impressive number of big Pacific blue marlin. The fertile fishing grounds of the 100-fathom curve lie within a couple of miles of shore, making long boat-rides unnecessary. Swirling currents and gyres on this downstream side of the island push an abundance of bait into the area.

In addition to husky marlin that can weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds, there are plenty of tuna (called ahi ), wahoo (known as ono ), and dolphin fish (mahi-mahi ). Summer is the best season for marlin, but they can be taken throughout the year.

Kailua-Kona on the big island of Hawaii has several luxurious hotels whose facilities include tennis and golf. If you stay ashore for a day or two, be sure to see Volcanoes National Park.

Phil Parker, a charter captain, can tell you about the fishing, scuba diving, or snorkeling. Contact him at the Kona Activities Center, P.O. Box 1035, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, or telephone (808) 329-3171.

DEEP WATER CAY, BAHAMAS

Lying just off the east end of Grand Bahama Island and 112 air miles from West Palm Beach, Fla., the Deep Water Cay Club has earned the reputation over the past quarter-century as one of the best spots in the hemisphere for bonefish, permit, and barracuda.

The club accommodates 16 people in double cottages and maintains a 2,200-foot grass airstrip for those who fly their own planes. Charter air service from West Palm Beach is available Mondays and Fridays. Food is plentiful and well prepared. In addition to fishing, guests can snorkel, swim, sundathe, or go shelling.

Deep Water Cay remains open from February 1 through July 31. The best bonefishing is in May, June, and July. Write: P.O. Box 1145, Palm Beach, FL 33480, or telephone (305) 684-3958.

BERMUDA

Bermuda is a haven for anglers from May through November. On the offshore grounds, both yellowfin (Allison) and blackfin tuna can be chummed up right behind the boat, along with amberjack, rainbow runners, and a dozen other species. Skippers are so skilled that you can almost pick the trophy you want. For the light tackle enthusiast, there's no greater opportunity to battle big fish on featherweight gear.

During September and October, hordes of wahoo invade these waters; outstanding catches are made every day aboard trolling boats. Occasionally, blue marlin grab a bait, and dolphin fish appear when least expected.

Over 200 square miles of reefs surround the Islands of Bermuda; they offer spectacular habitats for bottom species as well as gamefish. Bonefish travel inshore along the beaches, and barracuda roam slightly farther out. These shallows are deeper than those of Florida or the Bahamas, and although the bonefish aren't so plentiful here, they can still be caught.

For more information, contact Pete Perinchief at the Bermuda Fishing Information Bureau, P.O. Box 465, Hamilton 5, Bermuda, or telephone (809) 292-0023; (809) 298-1257.

MONTAUK, NEW YORK

Montauk, on the eastern tip of Long Island, is a picturesque town where fishing is a way of life. Surfcasters consider it a mecca for striped bass and bluefish during the fall. Boats prowl both the inshore and offshore waters for a variety of species, including stripers, blues, swordfish, white marlin, tuna, and sharks, including the prized mako and an occasional great white. Fishing for one variety or another continues throughout the year.

Contact Carl Darenberg, Montauk Marine Basin, West Lake Drive, P.O. Box 610, Montauk, NY 11954; telephone (516) 668-5900. Or Frank Tuma, Tuma's Dock, West Lake Drive, P.O. Box 131, Montauk, NY 11954; (516) 668-2707.

CASA MAR, COSTA RICA

Tarpon and snook attrack anglers to Casa Mar, a well-run fishing lodge in the midst of a tropical rain forest along the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica. Through this unspoiled countryside the Rio Colorado and its tributaries flow to the ocean. Tarpon move into the fresh water from January through May and often filter into the backwater lagoons. The fish generally range from 50 to 80 pounds, though some weigh more than 100 pounds. They can be taken on fly, spinning, and plug casting gear, or by trolling.

From mid-August through early October, huge snook swim the beachfronts, and fishermen walk the endless ribbon of sand in pursuit. When weather allows the boats to cross the bar at the river mouth, tarpon fishing in the ocean can be spectacular.

If you tire of tarpon and snook, smaller fish, including muchaca, mojarra, and guapote, can be taken on light flyrods or with delicate casting outfits. San Jose, the gateway city sitting on a high plateau, is a delightful place to stay overnight.

Write to Casa Mar Fishing Club, S.A., P.O. Box 2269, Springfield, IL 62705, or telephone (217) 528-9681.

COZUMEL, MEXICO

Directly across the Yucatan Channel from some of the most impressive Mayan ruins lies the island of Cozumel. Visitors know it for its beautiful beaches, charming hotels, and clear waters. Snorkelers and scuba divers describe it as one of the world's great diving spots.

During April and May, streams of Atlantic sailfish move northward through the funnel that separates Cozumel from the mainland only 12 miles away. It's not unusual to have a dozen fish attack the baits simultaneously, or to see more than 100 sails in a day. White marlin, blue marlin, giant bluefin tuna, swordfish, dolphin fish, wahoo, kingfish, and other species populate these rich waters.

Comfortable hotels front on whitesand beaches with a view of the fishing area. Trips can be arranged to visit the Mayan ruins on the mainland. Contact George Hommell at Worldwide Sportsman, Islamorada, FL 33036, or telephone (305) 664-4615.