Each year during the winter season, nutrient rich currents flow from South America pushing its way north up onto the shallow shelf off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico (Yucatan peninsula) drawing in large shoals of sardines and needle fish. Following these baitfish are great numbers of Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus albicans). It is here in these shallow waters that marine life and predators collide in havoc.
The sailfish work as a team to control the sardine bait ball, individual sailfish take their turn to go into the bait ball for their meal, once fed they drop back into formation with the rest of the group. Above the water frigate birds (Fregata Magnificens) swirling in a funnel cloud formation trying to get a piece of the sardine action.
The action is at a very fast pace, like being in a pinball game. Sometimes we are swimming with 30 to 50 sailfish.
Beautiful image. I've fished for Atlantic sails and white marlin off of Cancun and Isla Mujeres many times back in the day. I recall using big eye shad and goggle eyes or greenback herrings for live bait trolling. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
Thanks Ashley, Getting into underwater photography can be a wee bit expensive. There are ways to reduce the cost by buying good used housings and ports. Best regards Safari Boy.
