It has been unseasonably cold here in the last couple of months and the waters off San Cristobal have been slower than usual warming up for the start of the high season. Several of us have been giving our boats the regular annual makeover and fix-up and the local captains have been making the most of lobster season which closes soon. Nobody has been fishing offshore for a while. But thoughts are turning again to the banks which have previously been such a reliable source of striped marlin action.

On December 14th, Galeodan's honeymooning guests Chris Lemieux and Leyna Owen, from Florida, boarded Leodan with Sean and capitan Edwin Buenano, to try their luck at Rosa Blanca. The water was still chilly, and none too clear, so despite some healthy tuna action, only one marlin was raised and none attacked the lures or baits.

On December 15th, we made the longer trek to ochenta y ocho (88), sometimes known as Black Sheep, where the water was blue, clear and noticeably warmer. We raised several marlin (7 by Edwin's count - but he has sharper eyes than me!) and were attacked by 4, of which we released two. The agility and strength of Galapagos striped marlin are a constant revelation to visitors and these were no exception! Here's visitor #2:

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This is nothing like the level of action we experienced last Christmas season, but considering the recent conditions, we were happy not to come away empty-handed. Anyway: what the fish lacked in numbers, they certainly made up for in strength.

We're heading out again just after Christmas and will report again soon.