For anyone serious about hunting half-ton marlin, Cabo Frio has proven its potential for shots at huge blues. Indeed, the all-tackle world-record blue of 1,402 pounds was taken just up the coast, off Vitoria, in 1992, and two blues over 1,200 pounds have been weighed in during the past few years. That's despite very little sustained effort beyond the one annual tournament held here. At the same time, outside of that tourney, finding a real charter boat may be impossible (the lack of a public marina has discouraged full-time charters), and hiring a private boat has plenty of drawbacks. Even with a good, safe boat, the fishing grounds are a long, usually rough run. On the other hand, at amazingly reasonable prices, you can enjoy a great Brazilian beach resort on the off days. A nearby alternative this year is Guarapari, a bit farther north, where at press time Capt. Jo Franck planned to operate from mid-December through April. The run to the fishing grounds from Vitoria is a kinder, gentler 25 miles.
The Odds: The lack of directed effort makes it somewhat hard to assess the odds. No doubt of big fish here, but with only one real charter boat operating (for the first time) in 2002-03 for just four months, it's difficult to compare. Most stats (and many granders) come from the annual two-day tournament held here each January; that suggests perhaps 30 or so days of trolling per grander. In most years, at least three or four granders will be hooked among 20 to 40 boats. In 1999 and 2002, says Rio marlin enthusiast Eduardo Baumeier, warmer water temperatures accounted for particularly large marlin, though he adds that "in 2004, we had a run of smaller fish. The three fish weighed in at the tournament went 796, 842 and 860." That marked the first time in 11 years of the tournament at Cabo Frio without a grander.
Species and Size: All South Atlantic blues, of course, averaging in the 500- to 600-pound range, with 300 to 800 pretty common.
Release: The annual tournament once accounted for many dead marlin, but mortality of undersized fish is declining as the sponsoring Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro's rules have increased minimum weights to 250 kilograms, or about 550 pounds (it's considering raising that minimum to 660 pounds for 2005), and added penalties for killing undersized fish. Rio resident and marlin meister Andy Hahn estimates that in recent years around 90 percent of tournament marlin have been released, but says weekend fishermen probably release at a somewhat lower rate — Baumeier estimates 70 percent overall.
Distance to Fish: Sit back and relax: Plan on a run of 45 to 70 miles to reach prime grander grounds along the continental shelf.
Length of Prime Season (for Granders): Two and one-half months: mid-January through March — summer in Brazil. The big girls are a possibility starting in October, though more small fish remain on the prowl then. April through September sees little blue-water effort here.
Conditions: Unfortunately, that long run often isn't smooth — 5-foot seas are typical, thanks to strong east winds, with seas to 10 feet not rare. You may want to take a pass when they get even lumpier, waiting until things calm a bit. Of course, you might luck out and catch one of those rare, flat-smooth days, too. Situated fairly far to the south and bathed in rather constant ocean winds, Cabo Frio can experience surprisingly cool weather.
Charter Availability/Quality: Here's the rub. So far, there's been only one real, dedicated charter operation. In 2003, Franck came over from the Azores during his off-season to run a charter boat out of Cabo Frio during its on-season. Franck and his crew provided top-notch skill and service, and this year he's operating out of nearby Guarapari with a shorter run.
Charter Cost (in U.S. dollars): Franck's rate has been about $1,500 per day.
Accommodations: You'll find places to stay are as plentiful as boats to charter are scarce. Cabo Frio's a major tourist draw for vacationers, many from Brazil's interior cities looking for some beach time. So accommodations abound. No five-star hotels — but no five-star rates, either. The favorable exchange rate means lots of Brazilian reales for your buck: $30 to $100 will get you a decent spot.
Other Fishing Opportunities: On good days, anglers may raise several blue marlin — plus white marlin turn up now and then, and sailfish can be numerous in November and December (and a mere 15 or so miles offshore). The usual cast of other blue-water pelagic players is available. For any interested bottomfishers: Big snowy and gag grouper await 10 to 50 miles out.
Cost to Get Here: (from New York): $800 to $1,000 should get you to the area.
General Information: www.brazil4you.com.
