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Photos and Story by Lane Forrer
In all of their travels, the Polynesians and South American cultures never settled the Galapagos. It’s debatable whether they found them, but there are no archeological remains of people prior to Europeans. Curious. So many currents collide in and amongst the archipelago that anyone might have arrived and called it home.
By Zachary Granat
On May 2, the Supreme Court of Colombia ruled that recreational fishing was unconstitutional. As a result, Colombians expect a ban on recreational fishing to take effect within one year.
The decision comes after the Court’s 2019 ban on recreational hunting. Then, the Court held that recreational hunting was animal cruelty and a threat to the environment. It has made the same decision about recreational fishing.
Photo courtesy Mark B. Hatter
By Mark B. Hatter
“We know more about the moon than we know about the habits of billfish.”
Brad Philipps, captain, owner and operator of the charter boat Decisive and Guatemala Billfishing Adventures, introspectively remarked as we sipped whisky and smoked Cuban cigars on the rooftop of his Casa Philipps in Antigua, in January of 2020. It had been a VERY slow week, yet under the uncharacteristic circumstances, we raised and released more sailfish using fly tackle than any other boat in the fleet.
So, I am not so sure about Philipp’s moon and billfish remark.
Photo courtesy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hightower, U.S. Coast Guard
US Department of State, US Coast Guard, Jan. 20, 2021—The Department of State is supporting the U.S. Coast Guard Operation Southern Cross as part of an effort to build regional maritime security partnerships and counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the South Atlantic. The U.S. Department of State announced the multi-month inaugural deployment of the new USCG Legend-class National Security Cutter, the Stone (WMSL 758), will strengthen cooperation and enhance security throughout the region.
Rugged and remote, the Pacific Coast of Panama offers untapped fishing potential.
By Dave Ferrell
The first thing that pops into most people’s head when you mention Colombia is the question, “Is it safe?” The short answer is yes. A lot has changed in this country since the cocaine cowboy days of the 80s and 90s. Extra security and international co-operation with the United Sates has dismantled most of the major drug cartels.
The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels has further laid the groundwork for record numbers of international tourists. Tourism is up over 300 percent since 2001, and last year, over 4 million visitors flocked to this beautiful, culturally rich country that is eager to show itself off to the world once again.
