DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT Columnist Dan Simmons and a crew man show off a roosterfish the writer caught during a recent "sportsman's quest." Advertisement

It's no secret that Southern Nevada is not a fishing Mecca, but it does have a great airport in Las Vegas with flights to great fishing locations.

You must only decide in which direction you want to travel; north to Idaho, Oregon and Washington, or even further north to Canada and Alaska, where the fishing is world class.

If you decide to go west, it's hard to beat San Diego, the Baja and it is now prime time there too. Going east is a road trip to Utah, with the northern part of the state offering big Rainbow and Brown Trout, but this week let's go south, way south, to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, to the Port of San Juan del Sur.

I recently made my second trip to this fishing village as the guest of Nancy Grant of Pahrump Realty and her husband John. My fishing partner on this trip was math professor and former Channel 41 news anchor, Jim Mutton.

We fished once again with Rana Tours for tuna and barracuda in one of their 24-foot skiffs, which they also use as a taxi to isolated beaches, or for sea turtle viewing during the nesting season.

This type of fishing is perfect for new and experienced anglers alike offering lots of fast action while exploring the inshore Pacific coastline of Nicaragua.

I'm often asked, "When is the best time to fish?" My answer is always, "Anytime you can get away and find water."

Jim had to get back to teach a summer session at the community college. So, May it was. We were after bigger game this time and took our heavier trolling tackle, in hopes of landing some of their large Mahi Mahi, roosterfish or possibly a pre-season sail or marlin. They peak during July and August, but a few had already been landed during the month of May.

We didn't connect with the bill fish, but other fish were plentiful and we landed some nice Crevalle Jacks and roosterfish -- both of which were firsts for us.

The roosters were particularly powerful and exciting while displaying magnificent colors. Their long unstoppable runs reminded me of Mahi Mahi, but we're talking about Mahi Mahi on steroids. They certainly rival sailfish for their runs and dives, if not their acrobatics.

It was good once again to hear the hiss and spray of line being torn from the reel; the excitement time and time again when you thought you had the fish beat, only to have him take the line back again as if playing with the angler rather than the other way around.

Roosters are one tenacious fish. Even as they are brought to gaff, they don't surrender easily.

My best was a 65-pounder, almost twice the normal size and it had Captain Jorge Aguilan and the boat's pilot Alvaro Prado shouting with excitement during the 20-minute battle.

It was the talk of the town for the next couple of days, as people on the street shook my hand, which still bore the burn mark from the line sizzling off the reel, and referred to me as the "pescador," the fisherman.

This quiet and friendly village is too beautiful to remain secluded, but it owns my heart for now. I'll be returning there soon and next time perhaps the Marlin will be my next prize.

By the way, Professor Jim caught this all on tape and will be part of the soon to be released Sportsman's Quest Video Productions. More on that later.

For more information on San Juan del Sur fishing, contact Captain Jorge Aguilan of Hotel Gran Oceano Sport Fishing at www.hotelgranoceano.com.ni. and while in San Juan a trip with Rana Tours is an adventure not to be missed.

Upcoming

If you have a friend with a connection to the sports fishing industry, now is the time to give them a call.

The American Sports Fishing Association's 50th anniversary ICAST trade show will be in Las Vegas July 11-13.

This is the world's largest fishing equipment exposition and one of Las Vegas's most exciting conventions. This one won't disappoint.

On July 28, the Fraternity of the Desert Big Horn will host its annual banquet at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.

This will be the biggest ever with your favorite raffles, silent and live auctions. This is my favorite organization dedicated to "putting sheep on the mountain".

For more information, call Paul Harris at 702-596-6849 or go to desertbighorn.com.

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You may have noticed this column has become more sporadic; fishing just seems to be getting in the way. I'm finding it necessary to go farther afield and spend more time finding the adventures that you and I most enjoy. I'd like to hear yours and perhaps include it on this page.

If you have an adventure, a story or a comment give me a call (775) 727-9777 or email me at dansimmons@usa.net.

Recipe of week

Nicaragua and Central America have a unique cuisine.

The use of fruits and subtle spices are very common; sauces have a definite European flavor.

This recipe is a classic and one of my favorites. I first became aware of it while sipping a Gin and Tonic, reminiscing over the days catch. Try this one and make it one of your favorites too. Buen apetito.

Roosterfish in Mango and Ginger Sauce

Ingredients: 2 roosterfish filets; 1 lemon, squeezed; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tsp. dried tarragon; 2 shallots, chopped; 1 tomato, cubbed; 2 mangos, peeled and crushed; 2/3 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp syrup from preserved ginger; 2 tbsp butter; salt and pepper.

Directions: Place roosterfish in a shallow baking dish and squeeze lemon juice over fish. Sprinkle with garlic, tarragon, salt and pepper.

Cover and refrigerate for about three hours. Blend shallots, tomato and mango in food processor. Add chicken stock and ginger syrup.

Sauté fish for 3 minutes per side. Add mango sauce, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Plate fish and pour the sauce over top.

Serve hot with a side of rice and your favorite green salad.