Fishing is an ancient activity dating back 10,000 years that involves catching fish using various techniques. Common fishing methods include angling using a hook and line, trolling by dragging bait behind a moving boat, casting using a rod and reel, and surfcasting from the shore. Popular fishing techniques in the Gulf of Guayaquil include using jigs, floats, sinkers, and catching fish when they strike bait. Common fish in the gulf are snook, weakfish, catfish, and pompano. Good spots for fishing include Chongón, Carrizal, and Bajen. Fishing strategies depend on location, like using strong line when fishing from docks or using live bait

1. Fishing Luis Enrique De Grau

2. “ Fishing is the activity of hunting for fish. It is an ancient and worldwide practice that dates back about 10,000 years with various techniques and traditions and it has been transformed by modern technological developments.”

3. Types of fishing Angling: Angling is a method of fishing by means of an "angle" (hook). The hook is usually attached by a line to a fishing rod. The rod is usually fitted with a fishing reel

4. Trolling “ Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position.”

5. Casting Casting is the act of throwing a fishing line out over the water using a flexible fishing rod. This is a different technique. You use casting reels and rods.

6. Surfcasting Surfcasting is the sport of catching fish standing on the shoreline. Basic surf fishing can be done with a fishing rod between seven and twelve feet long, equipped with a suitable spinning fishing reel

7. Fishing Techniques

8. Jigs A jig consists of a lead sinker with a hook molded into it and usually covered with a soft body to attract fish. Jigs are intended to create a jerky, vertical motion. Many species are attracted to it.

9. Floats Floats are generally used in places where water is not deep and in the canals of shrimp farms. It lets the angler know when the bait has been taken, because the float will go down. For the night, luminous floats are recommended to use because it calls the attention of fish.

10. Sinkers “ A sinker is a weight used in fishing to force the bait to sink more rapidly or to increase the distance that it may be cast. The use is not that simple; everything depends on the water current and in the weight of the sinker. If the current is normal, you can use a sinker of 0.5 oz.

11. Destructive technique It is done easily and cheaply with dynamite or homemade bombs. Small fish are killed by the shock from the blast, and immediately go to the surface. The explosions kill large numbers of fish and other marine organisms in the vicinity and can damage or destroy the physical environment.

12. Strike First the predator approaches the live bait. Next it immobilizes the bait with a bite to the backbone. (you will feel this as a bite). Then the predator flicks the bait from its mouth to take it again from the head on the turn. The predator now swallows the bait fish. Now is the time for the strike.

13. Common Fish in the Gulf of Guayaquil

14. Snook The common snook, or robalo, is one of the best fish that lives in the Gulf. The lateral line is black and distinct, extending well into the tail. The snook is a vicious feeder and a strong fighter when hooked. It is the best quality the snook has. They eat fish and shrimp. Also it can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater.

15. Weakfish The Weakfish, or Corvina, is a beautiful animal that lives in our Gulf. The body color is silver and the belly is white. Their favorite food is the shrimp and some small fish. Generally, they swim in groups, but the big species can swim alone. Also, because of some studies, female whitefish can grow more than male. The average corvina has between four to six pounds.

16. Catfish It is named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers. It is the most common fish that lives near the city and away from it. They are dirty animals. That is why our inhabitants do not eat catfish too much. Some fishermen say that a very good thing of the catfish is that they keep our waters clean.

17. Pompano It has deep flattened body with small mouth.It is a great fighter, very quick and brusque. It is a small fish. The average weight is one pound. The best technique for catching this fish is trolling.

18. Perfect spots for fishing

19. Chongón

20. Carrizal

21. Bajen

22. Gulf of Guayaquil

23. Fishing strategies

24. Docks Fishing in docks is not that simple. You need a very good line because sometimes fish can cut it with the columns of concrete. Sometimes, you can use a jig but do not let it go to the bottom, because the fish is two meters down the surface.

25. Seashore Fishing in seashore is really simple. The most recommended technique is jigging with living bait. But if you troll with artificial lures, fishing can be very good. In Salinas, people from the town catch snooks of twenty to thirty pounds.

26. Moon and tides

27. Spring tides Spring tides are especially strong tides. Spring tides occur during the full moon and the new moon. Fishing is good in places that are close to the city; only in spring tides. Also, in shrimp farms, it is good to fish in this period of time.

28. Neap tides Neap tides are especially weak tides. Neap tides occur during quarter moons. Fishing is good in places that are far from the city. For example: Chupadores, Bajen or Puna Island .