Right now’s prime time for world billfishing – though some fisheries definitely have their better times of year, mid-summer in the Northern Hemisphere is a good common denominator for finding billfish in most places.

But this summer’s been unsual in that regard – here’s a look at where’s hot, and where’s not, right now in billfishing…and to tell the truth, it’s more not than anything else right now…

HOT

– Cape Verde.  Though the numbers of fish are down significantly from last year, any place that sports three granders in a week is a hot fishery…and Cape Verde has done exactly that, including the World Cup winner.

– Cabo San Lucas.  Not exactly tearing it up, but compared to what Cabo’s been seeing for the last 6-9 months, the several fish a day boats are seeing these days (the last month or so) is a terrific bite.

NOT

– Bermuda.  Some fish being seen – including a grander this week on the Playmate – but the numbers are still down compared to what this world-class billfishery is used to.

– Kona – slow summer thus far, with a number of fish in the 400-800 class but the run of males has not happened yet.  It will.

– Madeira – a number of big fish, with some streaks of quantity, but June was relatively slow, though with a promising late May.  But this fishery can turn on at any time.

Other fisheries – US East Coast, Mexico (ex-Cabo), Florida, Costa Rica, St. Thomas, all relatively seeing bites they’re accustomed to this time of year.

We’re keeping our eyes on the Azores, Madeira, Kona, and Bermuda – those fisheries are either starting up or almost surely will light up at some point soon.  We’ll keep you posted.