DAN SIMMONS Sportsman's Quest MORE COLUMNS SPECIAL TO THE PVT Dan Simmons and Capt. Leandro Chamorro's granddaughter pose with a needlefish caught on a recent trip to Nicaragua. Advertisement

This is the story of two continents meeting; of a unique biome; of a paradise, and of fishing.

I'm referring to Central America, where the warm ocean currents of the south meet those of the cooler north, and the meeting of diverse wildlife and plant populations.

Pumas and deer reflect the Northern hemisphere, while the jaguar and monkeys represent the mammals of the south.

This is also the home of the greatest diversity of sport fish, which is what brings us on our "Sportsman's Quest".

On a recent visit, I caught Dorado Mahi Mahi, roosterfish, tuna, wahoo, and a great black marlin.

Central America is also the home to some very strange fish, such as the barracuda-like needlefish, with its long beak-like mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and the fresh water bull shark of Lake Nicaragua, which can reach lengths of 10 and 11 feet.

One of my fishing friends recently sent me a picture of a large wrasse-looking fish, also from Lake Nicaragua, with a large bulbous protrusion on its forehead. It's not in any of my books, does it sound familiar to you?

The needlefish, however, is one I do have experience with. While marlin fishing at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, with Capt. Leandro Chamorro and friends, I hooked into one of these, on the light rod, with a Rapalla Shad Wrap lure.

At first I thought I had a dorado, but when it leaped from the water and cart- wheeled, I thought it was a thin, starving barracuda, or a sea snake of some sort. When boated, it was clear the crew had respect, based on experience, for its formidable snapping teeth and jaws.

Of everyone on the boat, the captain's granddaughter and I were the only two interested in holding it up for a picture.

She was brave; I just didn't know better, but we both came out unscathed as I threw it spear-like back where it came from. It turned out to be a very successful outing.

No marlin, but the dorado were plentiful, the company was superb and that's what it's all about.

On my next trip we'll try for one of those sharks in Lake Nicaragua and perhaps hook into one of those scrappy fish with the large bump on its forehead.

The main query, though, will be Pacific marlin and sailfish, with tarpon in the San Juan River as a bonus.

Update

The Amazon Peacock bass trip planned with friends, Bob Beckett, Ed Goedhart, and Ron Cross for November has been postponed until January.

Another member of the team had to drop out, so there's still room on the Amazon Queen riverboat/luxury hotel boat.

If you're interested in exploring the upper Amazon basin of Brazil and the Rio Negro for this most ferocious fish, and a few piranhas on the side, give me a call or e-mail.

For more information go to www.amazontours.com.

What's new

It's a lot easier to plan your trips, whether it is to Utah or the upper Amazon, if you can first find a good quality map. For years I've relied on mail order houses when I needed topographic or road/river maps.

Pahrump and Las Vegas have their own handy source for these and other guides. Their name is appropriately, Gotta Getta Map, and is located in Pahrump at 361 S. Frontage Rd. No. 2.

The folks at this store are a sportsman's or explorer's best friend. For more information call Cassandra at727-3773 or go to www.gottagettamap.com.

Upcoming

The Mount Charleston Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its 10th annual banquet at the Mountain Falls Clubhouse Nov. 17.

This popular banquet gets bigger, better, and more exciting each year, thanks to the dedicated committee headed by Mike and Tracie Dreyer. This is the one you won't want to miss. For more information, contact Michael or Tracie Dreyer at 1-775-209-6750

The Las Vegas Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual Wetlands banquet at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nov. 15.

Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Cliff Russell at 1-702-378-5598 or Scott Bowles at 1-702-461-8779

The Las Vegas Desert Chapter of the Safari Club International is holding its banquet at the Rio in Las Vegas Jan. 19.

For more information, contact Dave Small at 1-702-334-3860, Rance Spurlock at 1-702-564-5668, Chris Petersen at 1-702-873-1094 or Marian Hinebauch at 1-702-419-6516.

Recipe of week

In Central America, it's fish and chicken, and they do it best with a host of delicious marinades and sauces.

Here's one from Honduras by the way of Costa Rica.

Grilled Caribbean Tuna Steaks

Ingredients: 4 tuna or Mahi Mahi steaks; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 large onion, grated; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup crushed pineapple; 2tsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp red chili paste;

Directions: Combine all ingredients except tduna steaks in a small bowl, mix well. Place fish steaks in baking dish and pour marinade over the fish, coating well.

Cover and marinate for 4 hours turning fish over after 2 hours. Grill Tuna over hot heat for 6 minutes on each side, brushing fish with marinade every few minutes.

This goes well with seasoned rice and your favorite salad.

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If you have an adventure, a story or a comment give me a call at 727-9777 or e-mail me at dansimmons@usa.net.