Nuevo Vallarta - PV's El Tigre Golf & Country Club is celebrating its "5th Anniversary Tournament" aptly named "Amigos de El Tigre" on Saturday, June 16th beginning at 9 am.
A very special prize can be won worth $220,000 USD if a player makes a hole in one on a designated Par 3 hole. That special prize is a furnished one bedroom, one bath condominium at the Grand Villas Nuevo Vallarta, thus also giving the tournament the name of "The $220,000 Dollars Challenge."

The format of the one-day event is a scramble tournament. A scramble format has each of the foursome drive the ball. The team then picks the best drive, and all four players hit their next shot from the same spot.

The same is done with each shot, even on the green, so everyone has the chance to be a hero with just one great shot. Scores in scramble tournament are obviously very low, and it will take a superb score to win at El Tigre.

Although it is doubtful that someone will win the condo, there are prizes for the first, second and third place finishers. Other competitions will be "closest to the pin," "longest drive" and "team gross."

The cost is $1500 pesos + 15% for members of the club and $2000 pesos + 15% for non-members. This will cover the green fees, a welcome kit that will include an Ashworth polo shirt / cap / cap clip, an open bar with domestic drinks and a lunch buffet with the award presentation.

Also available to those participating is a 50% off coupon for any spa treatments at the Spa Hacienda del Paraiso. Other prizes to be given away are: memberships at the El Tigre Sports Center, dinners, massages, and other gift certificates.

For more information or to register, call 297-0773. Who knows? Someone might get real lucky and win the $220,000 condo. All the ball has to do is land on the green and roll into the cup...

Learn the soccer tips from the Champions in the soccer clinics.
Players Eric Wynalda, member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Frank Leboeuf, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and Vinnie Jones, ex-player and now actor in movies such as Swordfish, X-Men III and Juggernaut Roal, will be some of the soccer stars. Also attending are Richard Gough, ex-player for the Scottish National team, David Vaudreuil midfielder of Chicago Fire, Anthony LaPaglia, ex-player and TV series actor in The Sopranos - HBO and Without a Trace - Warner Channel.

MHRS Puerto Vallarta plans to open a homeless shelter for youth and teens with problems in Puerto Vallarta. To begin the fund raising for this project several famous ex-professional soccer players from Mexico and Hollywood United are coming to MHRS Puerto Vallarta to have soccer clinics for kids, a professional exhibition game followed by a cocktail and autograph session. The next day a Golf Tournament with one player in each foursome will take place at the Vista Vallarta Golf Course and to celebrate Father's Day.

Players like Eric Wynalda, the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Frank Leboeuf, who won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and Vinnie Jones, player and now actor who performed in movies such as Swordfish, X-Men III and Juggernaut Roal, will be some of the soccer stars. Also attending are Richard Gough, who played for the Scottish National team, Yari Allnutt, a member of the US team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, David Vaudreuil veteran midfielder of Chicago Fire, Anthony LaPaglia, ex soccer player and TV series actor who was in The Sopranos - HBO and Without a Trace - Warner Channel. The Mexican Soccer Stars that will be attending are "The Teacher", Benjamín Galindo; Luis Hernández "The Killer", Adolfo Rios who is now sports narrator for Televisa and René Ortiz Coach manager of Indoor National Soccer. A special guest to come for this event is Mr. Alfredo Macisse President of the Indoor National Soccer Federation.

Only 50 kids are going to be the luckiest which can learn the soccer tips from the Champions in the soccer clinics next Saturday, June 16 at the MHRS Puerto Vallarta at a cost of $2,500 pesos per child and also they can enjoy the game between the Champions, Mexico Vs Hollywood United; closing with a cocktail to meet the players and get autographs. Parents or the general public who want to participate in this cocktail, the cost is only $500 pesos per person. More activities continue the following day, on Sunday, June 17 as the public will have the unique opportunity to play golf with the Soccer Champions at VIsta Vallarta Golf course for $ 1,000 pesos per person. A soccer star will play in each foursome.

All proceeds go directly to support funding for the shelter for the kids & teens on the street of Puerto Vallarta.

By Bob Cohen

The 14th Annual Sidral Aga International Sports Classic came to an end late Sunday with the finals of the Open division basketball played in front of a full house at the Municipal Gym. Again in the finals was the Sidral Aga team, captained by Howard Kelsey and included a list of players that have played on a professional or Olympic level during their careers.

The last two years, the team suffered their first two losses in event history, facing the Mexican National team for the first time in 2005 and again in 2006. The Sidral Aga team is made up of players who have retired from competitive basketball and most fall into the over 45 bracket. Playing the younger and stronger Mexican squad was a difficult task and the "older" guys couldn't take the trophy in the finals in the 100+ degree heat inside the gym.

This year, the format changed, as a Masters division was formed and many from the Sidral Aga team played in the over 45 event. The Mexican Masters team was permitted to have any players that were over 40 years of age. The game was played at 6:00 PM on Saturday.

Playing as the Vancouver Shadows the old guys filled the basket quickly and often against their Mexican opponent, the Euro Oficinas and led 36-20 after the first quarter. The lead opened to 60-35 at the half and Captain Howard Kelsey led the way, scoring 18 points by halftime.

The Mexican team was outmanned and had only two players on the bench, but did have a strong big man inside and a good long range shooter that launched some "threes" from beyond 25 feet. Bob Hieltjes and Jeff Moore form the Vancouver squad helped Kelsey, who finished with a game high 26 points, by adding 16 each. The bench finished out the final quarter as the good natured Masters final was won by Vancouver 91-69.

The Sunday Open Division final was played Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM and many of the same cast was looking for a second trophy. Added to the Sidral Aga team was the best point guard from Mexico, Enrique Zuniga, who was permitted to play as the National Team was not involved this year. Add Barry Randall and Jeff Moore to the backcourt and Bob Hieltjes and Lars Hansen to the frontcourt and there was quite a team on the floor. Ron Putzi was the first man in from the bench to replace any player.

Their opponents were named Selecion Vallarta, the best players from the Puerto Vallarta area. The team lacked a bit in size and did not offer the challenge that the powerful National Team did the last two years. But the team was tough, aggressive and was quite familiar with the gym and the warm conditions with had always hurt the team from the north.

Sidral Aga opened up a 25-17 lead almost completely on the shoulders of Barry Randle, who filled the basket with four "three pointers" in the opening quarter. Zuniga handled the ball throughout the first half with assists to all his supporting cast, especially Randle. The lead at halftime was 42-31 as Vallarta was staying close enough to take advantage of any lapses by the older, more experienced team.

No lapses or collapses occurred as Sidral Aga won by a final of 71-57, with Randle leading all scorers with 32 points and Zuniga scored 16, most in the second half. The game might be the end of the long reign of the Sidral Aga team in open competition. The youngest player is 43 and there are a few that are over 50 and Kelsey might opt to play in the Masters in future years.

Another good year of competition and fun was offered at the Municipal Gym and after the final each winning and finalist team was called out and presented with trophies. This year that also included a girl's team for the first time. Photos of the closing ceremonies show just some of the participants and award winners.

Picture, After the basketball finals, all award winners were presented with trophies in a party like atmosphere.

Westin Resort & Spa Announces XIII Tennis Anniversary Tournament The popular tennis club at the Westin Resort in the Marina announced its 13th Annual Anniversary Tournament which will be held beginning Thursday, September 22nd and concluding on Saturday, October 1st. A tournament that has been popular among local players should have a record number of participants announced tennis director Norberto Aguirre. “We expect about 120 players, mostly from the Vallarta area and some from Guadalajara and Tepic as well”, stated Aguirre. “Due to the time of year with families working and kids at school this has become a competitive local event. This is an amateur event with men, women and kids competing. At the tournament end, there will be a professional exhibition match between two of the best professionals in Vallarta, the winner to receive 1000 pesos”. Men will play in A, B, C, and D divisions; women will compete in C and D, and the kids will play in 12, 14 and 16 year old classifications. The men will play three set matches with tiebreaks when necessary. The format for women and kids will be a round-robin eight game set elimination until there is a winner in each category. The tournament will be played on the Westin’s unique synthetic grass surface which has a sprinkling of sand on the courts. The court provides play that is slower than traditional hard court yet faster than clay. The cost to enter is 150 pesos which includes a commemorative shirt from the tournament. Entries will close on the 21st, a day before play begins and the draw will be posted the following morning. The Westin has three courts, each separately enclosed. The tennis club has been a popular one with local players as well as tourists and Aguirre regularly sees all courts in use at all times. Norberto is also busy with clinics and lessons at the facility which offers spectacular accommodations, with a total spa and gym. To enter, stop by the tennis club to sign up or call 226-1143 or 226-1100 ext 4323. One can call Aguirre on his cell phone at 044-322-205-7274 or even email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The event is sponsored by the resort, Club Regina and Aura 1 publicity.

It´s time to look at the serve. You know, that stroke that requires an athletic movement with a very un-coordinated part of your body (the ball toss with the left arm), that stroke that is only "in" if you hit a small square representing 25% of the entire tennis court, that stroke that makes your racket feel so heavy during big points when you only have one chance left to get it in. Well, I will try my best to help you make this stroke a more enjoyable experience, with 2 more checkpoints to add to your list from the previous articles. But first I want to look at a few theories with the serve.
You´re only as good as your 2nd serve!!!
You´ve all seen the player that hits their first serve as hard as they can, and when they miss they offer you a big "lolli-pop" serve 80% softer than their first one. If that player happens to be you, then please read on...
Though hitting the 2nd serve at that speed demonstrates the partial understanding of the fact that if the 2nd serve doesn´t go in, you lose the point, and that you would even put your tennis ego aside and accept the people laughing at your "dinky" serve, just to get that serve in.
It also demonstrates the lack of understanding that the first serve must go in at a very high percentage in order to protect the "big weakness". Also, that the second serve´s arm speed should be fairly similar to that of the first serve, but it´s the addition of spin to the ball that will slow it down in the air, help keep the ball in the court, and not to mention make life a little more difficult for the returner when it bounces in the court...which brings me to my next point...

Types of Serve:

There are three basic types of serve, flat, slice, and topspin. There are variations and combinations of each of them, but for the sake of this article, I will limit it to these 3. Learning all 3 will greatly improve your serving game. I would recommend starting with the flat serve, then learning the slice as that is a similar motion the flat serve, and finally the topspin, which requires a slightly different arm motion and state of mind.

Checkpoint #1: "toss vs wrist"
It is important to toss the ball well enough to be able to make contact with it above your hairline, without having to move your left foot to achieve that goal. That is the last I will ever write (or teach) about the toss. If you are able to do that, (and even the most un-coordinated people are able to achieve that 8-9 out of 10 times), then there is hope for your serve!
Though a perfect toss would undoubtedly make the serve a much easier stroke, the quest for that dream will drive most tennis players mad for years, if not decades for the following reasons:
- A perfect toss requires throwing a ball up in the air with a hand that you don´t naturally throw with.
- A prefect toss achieved "indoors" on the practice court will be seriously affected nerves and/or fatigue in a match
- A perfect toss achieved "indoors" on the practice court will be seriously tested when the sun happens to be right where you like to toss your ball, or when the wind blows your toss away from that perfect spot you so desire.

So if a better toss isn´t the answer, then how can you hit your serve better? Simple, better use of your wrist! The first step to allow you to use your wrist on the serve, is to make sure the wrist is loose enough prior to hitting the serve. Once it is loose, then you can use the analogy of trying to hammer a nail into the wall as you hit the ball. The "hammering motion" requires wrist motion that will allow your wrist to be active during impact. (try hammering a nail only using your upper arm...you will see its quite difficult).

Checkpoint #2: "Hit Up vs. Snap Down"
Ok, so if the toss isn´t the secret to a great serve, then what is? In terms of consistency these 4 words, "Hit Up vs. Snap Down" are the keys to getting the ball in. When a serve goes into the net, your focus on the next serve should be on the "hit-up" part of the serving motion. When you hit the serve long, your focus should shift on the "snap down" part of the motion. Your motion will always be composed of both these movements, but it´s the excess focus on one or the other that will help correct the mistake you just made.

One last thing on this. You must compare apples with apples, and oranges with oranges, when trying to make these adjustments. If you have a hard flat serve as you first serve, and a softer spin serve as your second then, you must make the adjustment according to the result of the last time you hit that particular serve. (ie. If you hit your first serve long and the second serve in the net, the next time you hit a first serve you must focus on the "hit-up" motion to correct the mistake that happened the last time you tried to hit a FIRST serve, and not just the last time you hit ANY serve...).

Thank You. We will look at ways of avoiding injury both before, and during your tennis game.

Karl Vukobrat
Tennis Professional with Peter Burwash International.

Puerto Vallarta has been selected by I.G.F.A. (International Game Fishing Association) to host their "Hook The Cure Fishing Tournament", which is a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and when you set the tournament record you will qualify for the "8th Annual 2007 I.G.F.A. Offshore Championship Tournament" while helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They'll be fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, and Marlin.

There will be trophy prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado and Sailfish with trophy prize for the most released billfish. We're expecting 40-50 anglers from all over the USA. There'll be about 15 to 20 local boats involved. The host hotel is the Premier and host charter company will be Charter Dreams along with PVRPV Property Management Company who will be helping with the PR for the tournament. ESPN will be bringing in 4 camera crews to shoot the event. They're hoping to make it an annual event. If you are interested in fishing the tournament contact me or Charter Dreams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Well let's move on to what is going on with the local fishing. The rains are here and things are changing for the better but just a little slower start than what we're use to. I'm not to sure what's up with this slow start, some say that it is because of the El Nino effect and some say that it's the commercial tuna boats, but who knows. Offshore: There's not as many boats going out this time of year so we don't get as much information as we'd do during the season. Both El Banco and the Rock are giving up Marlin in the 300 to 400 pound range along with some big Dog Tooth Snapper (Pargo). Dorado (Mahi Mahi) is also being caught from 20 to 40 pounds. The Yellowfin Tuna aren't the big boys yet, they've been 50 to over a 100 lbs. and a little tuff to catch with some saying that they are feeding on the small red crabs and the small sardines. The big Tuna will be in anytime now and I feel that we will get that world record (388 lbs.) this year; we catch them every year over 400 lbs. but just don't get them weighed on a certified scale. Sails are being caught from Punt Mita to past the Rock. I was told that a boat came in with a Sailfish that weighed 165 lbs. and released 4 more, they were trolling dead baits.

Inshore: Roosterfish have been very active around the buoy at Punta Mita to over by Litibu. They've been nice ones, 30 to 50 pounds. Live bait works the best but they'll take a lure such as a Rapala and other diving plugs. Dorado are also being caught inside the bay on both north and south shores. Rabalo (Snook) have been active in the mouths of the rivers and off some of the beaches. As always plenty of snapper can be caught at night over the reefs and rock ledges.

Cajon de Pena: Bass have been on the bite with rains filling up the lake. They've been most active on the south shore where it drops off deep fast and biting right on the edges. Plugs and worms seem to be working the best. Just get out there and plug that shore. If you are looking for any of our great fishing just drop me E-Mail and we will get you hooked up.

The games will be held in Bogota Colombia from the middle of July to beginning of August. So far Jenny and Ariana have made the prequalifying events, both are now officially on the National team.<br>These 8 girls will compete to represent Mexico in the Central American Games. Jenny is second from left, Ariana 4th from left.

 Congratualtions to the PV all-female "Dreadnought" captain and crew on winning the Vallarta Cup Regatta!

 Deep sea fishing…..What a sport; and what a difference a day can make. From hero on day one; to third stringer or out of the running in just 24 hours. As an avid racing sailor I thought sailing was high on skill and luck but fishing brings a new meaning to this fact. It has even more variables, I reckon. Wednesday was signing in day and the Sheraton Hotel, one of the sponsors, was the rallying point and hosted the final dinner on Saturday night. The processing of 285 fisherman or ‘rods’ hosted on 102 boats (both figures are a record) took some time and we were lucky to be early for this. This event is hosted by the local Club de Pesca of Puerto Vallarta where many elitist Vallartenses have laboured hard to make this 50th anniversary tournament the biggest ever in every regard including prizes. SAILFISH: First Place to Sr.Jose Alfonso FONS weighing 51.60 Kg. aboard DISCOVERY Prize a new Mercedes Benz B-200 Turbo. 2nd place to Sr. Felipe PALACIOS Quintero (Felipe’s restaurant) weighing 50.80 kgs aboard YAIMAICA he won a new pick-up truck Chevy Meriva 3rd place went to Sr. Oscar Arturo AMARAL weighing 45.60 aboard OSCAR (owner of OSCAR’s restaurant) Prize Chevy C-2 three door MARLIN : First Place to Mr. Clarke SMITH weighing 173.20; prize a Silverado Pick-up 1500, 2nd place Stefan KNEFFEL weighing 172.30 winning a Corsa sedan 4 door and 3rd place to the person I replaced aboard KEEMO SABE Bob PATE aboard DAMNIFANO who ended up with $5000. in cash. TUNA: First place to Jeff CORTES with a 79.30 kg fish, prize an Astra 4 door; 2nd place to Oscar DIAZ weighing 59.60 Mercury outboard 60HP 4 stroke engine. (he also won third place with another tuna and won an additional $2500 in cash) DORADO: First place to Rafail ARECHIAGA Esquivel weighing 20.10kgs. 2nd place to Juan Fernando CALDERON weighing 16.70 and 3rd to Hector Arriaga with a weight of 15.80 kgs.

By Claire Miller
It was an emotional goodbye when Charles Randall, revered fencing coach and co-founder of the Club Esgrima Vallarta, left for the United States in May to join the U.S. National Sabre Coach Ed Korfanty at the U.S. National Training Center in Portland, Oregon in May.

Now assistant coach to Korfanty, Randall is keeping his promise to continue assisting the Vallarta team. Randall secured 3 partial scholarships for PV's Jennyfer Lobato, Hector de la Torre and Ana Hernandez, to come and train with the U.S. National saber team and other world champions at the Portland center's Elite training camp in August.

"Jenny has been here before, and each time she comes you can see her level and understanding of the sport increase. With the new timings in sabre I felt it was critical for her, Hector and Ana to come and learn new techniques to use with these timing changes. Jenny came before the training camp, as she had to return to Mexico for the Div. 1 competitions, which were happening at the same time as our elite camp here. Jenny's time here paid off, as this last weekend she achieved her goal of making it onto the Div. 1 Mexico National Team for the first time. I felt that this was going to be her year to make it, in May she briefly became the #1 ranked fencer in the county. She continued training consistently even though I had left so I am very proud that she realized her dream," said Randall.
For Hector de la Torre and Ana Hernandez, this was their first visit to the United States. "Charles had warned me to work out as hard as I could, that this would be the hardest training I had ever undertaken, but I never came close to imagining how hard this camp was going to be" said Ana. "During the first day I didn't think I could make it through, I wondered how I was going to face the second day. I was exhausted and sore. Hector was feeling it too, so we talked together and with mutual support we both made a mental adjustment to embrace these feelings and work though it together. After the 4th day we were starting to feel stronger, and it just got easier. I learned so much. I even got to fence Olympic Champion Mariel Zagunis (I lost 3-15). Now I know why everyone from PV who knows her likes her so much. She was welcoming, down to earth and friendly.

I also made friends with Merrick Zagunis, JJ Go, Mera Keltner and several others. Mera surprised me, she gave me a pair of $200.00 fencing shoes that didn't fit her, these are my very first fencing shoes and I am so appreciative," continued Ana. ."I could not have made this trip without the help of my sponsors. I want to thank Villa del Palmar Hotel, my Uncle Oscar Ceballos, and my god mother Susana Austin Sommers for believing in me enough to help make this trip possible" said a happy Ana Hernandez. "I knew Ana would really benefit from this trip, especially if she could get through the tough first days. I wanted her to come to see how champions really train, giving it their all. She exceeded all my expectations and I am extremely proud of how she stuck to it and made the most of this opportunity," said Randall.

17-year-old Hector de la Torre arrived a few days ahead of the camp start date. In those few days he had a chance to fence Jr. World Champion Rebecca Ward losing to her 15-4, he fenced NCAA all-star Ian Farr losing 15-6, and Olympic Champion Mariel Zagunis losing 15-6. By the end of the camp Hector stunned all (except his coach Charles Randall) by his ascent to the top. In the camp tournament Hector eliminated Mariel in a tight bout 15-14, then moved into the finals defeating Pan. American Games. Jr. Champion William Thanhouser. Hector moved into the gold-silver match against Patrick Ghattas (Jr. World Sub-Champion- ranked #2 in the world in Jrs, Ghattas was the strongest male fencer at the camp). All fencers stopped fencing and lined the sides of the fencing strip watching the match. Even Coach Korfanty stopped what he was doing and moved to watch the match, the tournament had been buzzing about Hector's stunning wins. Giving it his all Hector took the match to 11-11. Ghattas called upon his years of experience and then finished the match 15-11. Afterward he shook de la Torres hand and said "congratulations you gave me a really hard time". The crowd applauded both fencers in appreciation for the exciting duel. The only fencer he was not able to beat during the camp was Ghattas.

"I think I learned the most from Patrick and Mariel" said Hector. "At the end of a completely exhausting day (the day I beat Mariel), everyone went home, Charles told me to take a look at Mariel if I wanted to see what makes a real champion. Mariel asked Ed for lesson to learn why I had beat her, she took a 40 minute lesson after the 8 hour camp, then bouted for 45 minutes to put into practice what Ed had just shown her. The next day Mariel asked me to fence, she wanted a chance at revenge! We fenced, she beat me 15-11. From Pat I learned what true stamina, speed, using every strategy and calling on your inner strength looks like. He, Ana and I were the only fencers from the camp that also went on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to the adult open bouting sessions from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Pat is an incredible athlete but he doesn't rely on that – he uses his ability to fool and change direction at the speed of light.

His technique and speed are amazing to fence against. Each time you face him you never know what to expect. You can be ahead of him 13-5 and he never thinks the world defeat, he comes back and finishes you off without a second thought.

He keeps fencing, dripping sweat, taking all comers, coach Korfanty has to tell him to quit so we can go home.

I admire these athletes so much" continued de La Torre.
"I knew Hector would learn a tremendous amount. I have felt that he has true talent for this sport. I expected him to respond to the atmosphere and spirit of competition at the camp. I watched him get better each day.

He was able to beat those who had beat him in the beginning (Ward, Farr, Thompson, etc). by the middle of the camp and by the end of the camp his confidence and adaptation to the new timing and strategies had become a strength. Coach Korfanty pulled me over to congratulate me on how well Hector was doing" said Charles Randall. "Hector is going to be extremely dangerous in Mexico in both his own division of Juniors and Div.1. I believe he has the most potential of any fencer I have seen from Mexico" said coach Ed Korfanty.

With Randall gone, it's apparent his legacy is continuing on. Last weekend his 3 female sabre fencers, Jennyfer Lobato, Ariana Aranda, and Anylu Cruz took the Team gold medal at the National Championships in Mexico City. Jenny also took the individual bronze with Ariana #5 and Anylu #7. The strong finish put both Jenny and Ariana on the Div. 1 Mexico National Team, making Puerto Vallarta responsible for filling 50% of the national team spots.

In men's epee, Osbaldo Arciniega helped bring home the team silver medal. Club President and epee coach Eugenio Davidson Rodriguez commented, "Charles may be physically gone, but his spirit is with us every day. His students are extraordinarily trained and they know what to do. He and I are in constant contact and he continues to help us in everyway possible. He has helped me arranged for Osbaldo and Stefany Lobato to go to Portland in Nov. to join Michael Marx for epee training at the national epee training center there. As long as the kids continue to want to train and work out we will continue this club in the same spirit that Charles and I founded it in. To keep fencing as long as we enjoy it".

Next up for the club, Ariana Aranda as the #1 fencer in the country will travel to Guatemala for the Central American Championships in October. Then will be the November Cadet and Jr. Championships. Complete information on Club Esgrima Vallarta can be found at: www.geocities.com/esgrimavta

Some species are shy while others will come right up to you expecting to be fed. This unnatural behavior was created by repeated hand feeding and/or the regular throwing of crumbs in the water surrounding the boats. The debate of whether this practice of feeding fish is advisable or not continues. While this adaptive fish behavior presents no danger to humans, it could be detrimental to the fish should a spear fisherman enter the area. The fish wouldn't know the difference and that would make the poacher's job a lot easier. The three species of fish that most frequently approach people and boats at Las Marietas are: The King Angelfish, the Panamic Sergeant Major and the Cortez Chub. You may find interesting to know that if hand fed, the first two will carefully only take the bread but the third will often nip your finger by mistake.

A few species are also very good at camouflage. The combination of their coloration, the area they inhabit and their tranquil behavior permits them to remain unseen by most inexperienced snorkelers. You could find yourself no more than four feet away from a Panamic Fanged Blenny (although it can measure up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length) and not see it as it blends perfectly well with the rocky reefs and moves very little. Another one who follows the same example, and one of my favorite reef fish, is the Flag Cabrilla. This particular fish can measure up to 1.7 feet (0.5 m), its body is of an olive green to reddish brown with irregular white spots.

It usually sits between two rocks and also moves very little unless it feels threatened. The reef Cornetfish, will also change its coloration pattern to avoid being seen. This long tube-like fish (up to 5 feet in length (1.6 m)) has a very elongated narrow snout and a long filament extending from its anal fin. Under normal circumstances, it is of an almost transparent color with large vertical light beige bands along its body. When detecting an unfamiliar presence, it will change its color pattern to narrow horizontal light blue pinstripes, making it hard to see in water or over a sandy bottom.

On the other hand, some fish seem to always steal the spotlight with their vibrant colors, special traits and active swimming. In this group, we find the Giant Damselfish, a 2-tone blue fish with long elegant caudal and anal fins (males can be distinguished by their silvery head). The Juveniles of this damselfish are simply spectacular with their dark purple-blue body and bright neon blue spots. Also included in this group, although more rarely seen, is the beautiful Moorish Idol (up to 8 inches in length (20 cm)), a white and yellow-bodied fish with clearly defined vertical black stripes, an elongated snout and a long whitish filament on the dorsal fin that extends beyond its tail. Snorkeling tours to the Marietas Islands can be reserved all over Vallarta.