El Salto: All About the Angles

Back in 2012, my friend Kevin Jarnagin made a video of “5 Things to Know When Traveling With Anglers Inn International,” simple rules to make your trip to El Salto (and now Picachos) more productive. Nearly a decade later, every aspect of his advice rings true.

From a fishing perspective, Tip Number 3 -- “Listen to Your Guide” – is probably the most important. You may think you’re the next KVD or Rick Clunn, and at home you may be a hammer, but on Mexican soil you need to trust your guide’s knowledge. They’ve helped clients pull more giants over the side of a boat than you’ll see in a lifetime. Some of them walked these lake bottoms before the reservoirs were impounded. They’ve seen them at all water levels, from super-high to super-low. Besides, they’re highly incentivized to put you on fish and keep you on fish. It’s how they feed their families.

But in order to “listen” to your guide effectively, sometimes you need to know what questions to ask. Some of them are bold with the advice, but others are timid until asked specific questions. They’re most likely to recommend specific lures in particular colors. Having the right lure is of course key, but if you don’t put it in the right places you’re just wasting your time.

That’s why before making my first cast, I always ask, “Which way?”

If they don’t speak solid English, I make a pointing motion with my arm and shrug my shoulders until they point where they want me to throw.

When you pull up on a spot, particularly an offshore area, the “juice” is not always obvious. There may be a sexy-looking point to your right, but the actual sweet spot is in front of you or to your left. The one stump on the hump might be in a direction that you don’t consider throwing. I’m shocked at how often my fishing partners get up and start chunking and winding without making this inquiry.

Ask, and then ask again.

Every few casts, I once again look quizzically at my guide and ask for direction. Remember, there might be more than one sweet spot within casting distance. While you’re at it, ask about different lure options. After hitting something with a crankbait, for example, you might want to alter your presentation to include a swimbait, Carolina Rig or spoon. Just trust your guide. They want you to catch fish. They know what they’re doing. If they remain in a spot far longer than you think necessary or reasonable, it’s because they’re waiting out a giant.

More than anything, continue to ask about casting angles. They’ve seen where the giants live and where they ambush prey, and they’ll be only too happy to give you direction.