Black marlin and Pacific sailfish highlight this lightly-fished Central American destination
By
Glenn Law
Updated: September 25, 2012
Marina Puesta del Sol is situated on a protected bay on the northwest coast of Nicaragua, three hours by car from Managua. We fished this up and coming destination recently to sample the facilities and the fishing potential.
Assembled on 600 acres of remote former farmlands, the resort is entirely self sufficient.Glenn Law
The level of luxury and service at this resort belies its remote location. A full service marina, restaurant and luxury rooms are second to none.Glenn Law
Fully equipped Ocean 40, a competent tournament-proven captain and crew and all the necessary tackle stand ready to head offshore.
Our boat was well equipped and loaded, with Shimano 50s and 80s and a complete selection of lures, leaders and necessary rigging.Glenn Law
Nicaragua boasts the same bottom as is found off Costa Rica to the south and Guatemala to the north: the continental shelf drops off into the deep Pacific, and in this case we would end up fishing a sub-canyon that cut through the shelf about 40 miles offshore.
The first morning we had action almost as soon as we put out the lures, when a sailfish crashed the spread.Glenn Law
Angler and crew bear down for a fast releaseGlenn Law
Once near the boat the sailfish shows its stuff.Glenn Law
Shortly after the sailfish release we leader the first black marlin of the tripGlenn Law
Careful resuscitation sends them to fight another day. The crew was diligent about releasing our fish in good condition.Glenn Law
Sunset over the PacificGlenn Law
The local lifestyle and economy is very much built on artisanal fishing, as well as agriculture.Glenn Law
Day Two, and we’re fast into the sailfish once again. They liked the green lures.Glenn Law
And another black marlin followed a short time later.Glenn Law
The sails put on a lively show once they neared the boat.Glenn Law
As if a repeat of the day before the black marlin provided variety to the sailfish action. All the marlin were black marlin on this trip, though our host indicated 50-50 blues and blacks was the expected ratio.Glenn Law
We did pretty well with two blacks and three sails a day. The area is so lightly fished the boats that go out are without the advantage of others in the area to help locate concentrations of fish. Another boat that fished a few miles away on our second day boated 7 sails, but no marlin. At tournament time the number of boats makes finding fish easier for everyone.Glenn Law
Again careful handling assured good survival after a slug-out.Glenn Law
Puesta del Sol has been up and running for about five years and every year hosts the Flor de Cana tournament.Glenn Law
As we were leaving boats began arriving for the tournament the following week.Glenn Law
Once farmland, the resort grounds have replanted with thousands of native trees, shrubs and flowers.Glenn Law
Local ingredients, from excellent beef to fresh fish and vegetables and local cheese leave nothing to be desired at dinnertime.Glenn Law
The road back to Managua offers a look at the local agricultural-based economy that dominates.Glenn Law
Tradition is great, but the ice cream must be delivered as well.Glenn Law
Looks like the furniture store offers delivery service.Glenn Law
Just three of the more than dozen volcanoes visible at any one time from Chinandega.Glenn Law
