2005 Toast . . . Here’s to More Fish in 2006!

2005 Endless Season Recap

REPORT #991. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/31/05
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing has been very good this last week. The 82º blue water is at the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay. I actually observed two free-swimming sailfish, and a hooked and leaping dorado of about 40 pounds, less than 200 yards from the bay's mouth.

Each boat has been averaging two to three sailfish a day, plus two 25- to 30-pound dorado. Plus, the fleet is averaging between two and three blue marlin a day. However, due to the fact the fleet is geared up for the sailfish and dorado, there have numerous other marlin lost. The average marlin strike is about one fish per three boats.

Some notable catches this week were with Martin on the panga “Isamar.” Phil and Wendy Sollecito fished for two days, releasing six sailfish, a large dorado, and a small blue marlin of about 125 pounds. Bob Nelson from San Clemente, Calif., is an annual client of Martin's and also fished two days. Bob released five sailfish and took two nice dorado.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” had a great day catching the large dorado with 10.

Fly-fishers are getting a lot of shots at the sailfish, and even a couple of dorado. Fishing with me guiding and Captain Felipe on the panga “Yellowfin,” Fred Miller of Denver had three sailfish on the fly. I also did a drop back with a live bait for his son-in-law, and he tagged and released his first sailfish. The bait and switch was done using a spinning rod, 5-feet of 100# test leader, a circle hook, and the spinning reel filled with 20 pound line.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
77 - 86
Humidity
66%
Wind
W 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:22 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
2005 finished up with a bang with most boats finding fast-paced action. The blue water for this week has been averaging between 17 to 30 miles with calm days and flat seas. Many boats reporting double digit releases. A blue marlin pop this week had the crews scrambling to figure out which gear to use. There also plenty of dorado in the 20 to 40 pound class and one boomer that tipped the scales at 50 pounds.

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
73- 82
Humidity
100%
Wind:
SW 6 mph
Conditions:
T Storms
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:26 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:46 p.m. CST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

While there is still decent action down towards the Finger Bank, out in front of Magdalena has cooled down. There are a few dorado and tuna closer to the beach. The esteros (estuaries) are still producing good catches of sierra, pompano, as well as a few grouper and, for the lucky ones, a snook or two


Water temperature
68-73
Air temperature
66-7
Humidity
31%
Wind:
W 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:11 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:48 p.m. MST

East Cape
The north wind played hide and seek most of the week. First you see it then you don’t. This morning (12/31) is one of the “don’t” days. It is a classically beautiful Baja day to add the finishing touches to 2005. There are still a few larger tuna being caught on the outside along with enough billfish and dorado to keep things interesting. Along the shore, the sierra and white bonito dominated the catch for the Tin Boat gang. On the non-windy days at gray light a few sierra, ladyfish and even a few smaller roosters were the crowd pleasers for fly-flingers prowling the beach. Here’s to less wind, more sardina and lots of fish in 2006.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
69-73
Air temperature
68-76
Humidity
52%
Wind:
N 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:59 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:44 p.m. MST

The Endless Season Continues . . .Guatemala Next!

REPORT #990. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/24/05

San Jose, Guatemala
As 2005 season winds down, the chatter on the dock is about another great season that once again confirms the fact Guatemala offers some of the finest sail fishing in the world. With most of the action within an hour or so of the dock – and calm seas – it looks like the season will go out with a bang; and, there could even be a few new season-totals records set. The local fleet, along with a few yachts that arrived recently, have reported good to excellent fishing most of the week. With fishing like this, it’s hard to take time to get ready for another great Christmas in Guatemala.


Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
68- 82
Humidity
94%
Wind:
SW 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:23 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:42 p.m. CST


East Cape
Summer-like weather last weekend pleased the few visitors looking for a fish fix before Santa showed up. There are billfish up off of Punta Pescadero, and now that the visitors have dwindled down to a trickle, the dorado decide to bite. Closer to shore, the Tin Boat guys were catching plenty of sierra, some of which will probably end up in ceviche be served on Christmas Day. Sporadic north winds during the week helped remind the locals that it is December after all and Santa’s arrival is just around the corner. Merry Christmas!
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
79-84
Air temperature
68-77
Humidity
52%
Wind:
NNW 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:40 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
With just a short seven mile ride to the blue water, the action for sailfish is steadily picking up as we come out of the full moon cycle. Most of the action is straight out of Zihuatanejo Bay on a 200º heading, and at 15 miles.

The fleet is averaging about 3 sailfish a day per boat on conventional gear, and about two very nice dorado. The dorado have been a great late addition to the action this week, and are averaging a respectable 25- to 35-pounds.

Some boats are getting a bit luckier than the average however. Captain Maragarito, on the small cruiser “Gaby,” fished two days and released 10 sailfish. He also got five nice dorado.

Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” released five sailfish with Philippe of Denmark and averaged three released fish a day the rest of the week.

I guided fly-fishing client Terrence Tucker of New Jersey for some inshore action. The 14- to 18-pound jacks were really slamming the hookless popper teaser, but he was “snake bit” and couldn’t get one on the fly. He ended up hooking two very nice dorado of about 25 pounds, and just 150 yards off the beach. We fished with Arturo on the panga “Janeth.”

On another guided fly-fishing day with Baja on the Fly client John Oberton of Dana Point, Calif., he ended up with one sailfish and one 30 pound dorado. We fished with Captain Cali on the cruiser “Vamonos.”

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
77 - 86
Humidity
66%
Wind
WSW 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:13 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:18 p.m. CST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Yachts traveling up and down the coast outside have reported cooler temps and spotty action offshore with just an occasional billfish, dorado and tuna to break up the travel routine after they get above the Finger Bank. Inside the esteros, the bite continues; unfortunately there were very few anglers to capitalize on the action. The few here found the snook tough as usual. However, there were enough sierra and pompano action to keep everyone smiling.


Water temperature
68-75
Air temperature
68-73
Humidity
31%
Wind:
W 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:08 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:44 p.m. MST

Snook to Sails in Santa’s Bag

REPORT #989. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/17/05

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


Most of the warm water has been pushed down below Pt. Tasco, down around the finger bank, which is just far enough away from anywhere to be considered no man’s land for most boats. Still reports of very LARGE tuna and plenty of bait balls to keep the marlin fishing interesting.

The action in the esteros continues to produce snook, palometa and a few sierra, corvina as well.

Be sure to read Bob Vanian’s report about his recent trip to Magdalena Bay with Bob Woodward, both from San Diego, at http://www.976bite.com/ several weeks ago.


Water temperature
68-75
Air temperature
68-73
Humidity
31%
Wind:
NW 7 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:40 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing has picked up considerably this week. I do expect it to slow down a bit with the full moon waning, but as of yesterday (Friday) we have really been enjoying the action.

Conventional gear fisherman Ludo Coenen of Belgium, fished with Martin on the panga Isamar the last six days. They caught, tagged, and released 25 sailfish. Their fish were mostly taken at the 25 mile mark, and a 210º heading.

Another Belgian client, Philippe Collin, fished two days with Santiago on the panga Gitana. They tagged and released five sailfish the first day. Thursday (12/15), because several of us have not had much success on roosters locally, Santiago decided to make the 40 mile run to Papanoa with Philippe. It was a long day, but they released six roosterfish averaging 25- to 35-pounds, a 25-pound jack crevalle, and an 8 pound sierra. All the fish were taken on slow trolled live bait.

I guided Baja n the Fly client, Scott Haynes of Cody, Wyoming, for one day with the flyrod on the Vamonos with Captain Cali. Scott had never used a flyrod in his life, yet alone caught a sailfish. The first fish teased to the boat very well, and within minutes Scott had logged two firsts.

I also guided Baja on Fly client Fred Marx on a beach trip yesterday. We hit the beaches up north near Union and Majahua, and south below the airport at Barra Pototsi. We found sardines and birds crashing on every beach. Unfortunately, the larger 14- to 20-pound jacks were not there. We caught a fair number of fish, but nothing of any size. The black skipjack tuna, green jacks, and sierra were all biting well. The Barra had the most fish and the most promising signs that the big jacks should be moving in there shortly.



Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
77 - 86
Humidity
66%
Wind
WSW 12 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:09 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:14 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Action early in the week was a couple of clicks slow as boats scoured the waters 20 to 40 miles offshore for the mother lode. By mid-week, the herd was found and the action was cooking again. Mr. Wern Blasaditsch and Rodolf Hotter from Germany fishing on the Tranquility, a 31-foot Bertram, had better action each day as the week progressed. Their best day, they raised plenty of sails, releasing double digits all on the fly. Tom Pero, editor of Fish and Fly magazine and professional photographer Walter Hodges fished aboard the Maverick with Sailfish Bay owner Robert Fallon. Since neither had ever fly-fished for billfish before, there was a steep learning curve to deal with. By the end of the week, however, they both had notches on their flyrods for released sailfish; not to mention, plenty of photos and enough stories to impress their friends for some time to come. It will be interesting to see their take on Guatemala Sailfish on the Fly in Fish and Fly magazine some time next year.

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
80- 84
Humidity
79%
Wind:
W 9 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:19 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:38 p.m. CST




East Cape
It was windy and cool all week with not many boats fishing, but the few that ventured out were rewarded with good action for both dorado and stripers.

Lane Garett reported on his trip yesterday: The day began with rough seas and 15kts of wind out of the northwest, but by 8:30 the seas started to settle down and it turned out to be a beautiful day – no wind and light cloud cover.

Because of all the wind earlier in the week, no one had any live bait to sell. We found fair dorado action in the teasers producing moderate action most of the day. There were also a few striped marlin being spotted up toward Punta Pescadero.

While the wind persisted most of the week thrashing the beach, the determined were rewarded with decent action early in the morning for ladyfish, sierra, pompano , lookdowns, jack crevalle and even a few smaller roosterfish. The best action was from Bartle Beach out to the Punta Arena.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
79-84
Air temperature
69-77
Humidity
57%
Wind:
NNW 15 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
15 miles
Sunrise
6:53 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:36 p.m. MST

Sails and Tales Winners

REPORT #988. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/10/05
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The good sailfish action of this last week has died off somewhat. For the fleet, we are averaging about two sailfish a day per boat. However, most boats are also getting about one good 20+ pound dorado for dinner.

Fly fishermen are not having any luck at all on the roosters, but there are a few large jack crevalle eating the feathered hook. These fish are averaging a respectable16-pounds. Black skipjack tuna and cabrilla are rounding out the inshore action with the long rods.

Our Sales and Tales Tournament was completed on Monday with Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf, visiting all the way from Anchorage, taking first place; with second place going to Joe Dowdell, Marathon, Fla. For all the details and results go to http://www.bajafly.com/sailsandtales/sailsfinal.asp

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 87
Humidity
66%
Wind
W 8 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:05 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:11 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Recent reports this week are that the weather was absolutely perfect and the sailfish were ready to rock. Boats leaving the dock by 7 and began fishing around 9 a.m. It was teasers in the water and only a few minutes before the action began. A few of the boats reported double digit days with at least one doing it all on the fly.


Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
80- 84
Humidity
79%
Wind:
W 9 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:16 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:35 p.m. CST



Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Water temperatures continue to slowly cool and the action offshore has begun to creep back down to normal. Still a few stripers to be found, but not a bonanza it was last month. Also still a few dorado and tuna to be found inside the bank.

Last week, Bob Vanian of http://www.976bite.com/ and Bob Woodward fished one day in the Pacific about 40 miles out and in 72 degree water and caught several tuna and a few dorado. They had much better luck inside the bay where they fished three days and caught snook, pargo, corvina and a white sea bass in the 30-pound range. Capt. Hook, a boat out of Dana Point, Calif., with local guide Saul, caught four nice snook.


Water temperature
68-75
Air temperature
70-75
Humidity
64%
Wind:
WNW 4 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:38 p.m. MST

East Cape
Computer Generated ForecastLatest model data for Los Barriles. Saturday, December 10, 2005. (Lat=23.79, Lon=-109.7)
Above is the computer model for the North winds at East Cape. If you have the time to wait out the wind, the fishing is still good on the calm days. Still plenty of billfish, as well as a few dorado and tuna. Sierra are dominating the inshore, so a bit of wire might be in order. The tin boaters try to get out at gray light fish for an hour or two and high tail it back to the beach before the winds kick up.
Lane Garret sent us the following report:
The weather has been cool and windy most days. I have seen a few cruisers returning with what appear to be at least limits of 10- to the occasional 40-pound dorado. There are quite a few stripers still around and a friend of mine had a 250-pound class blue up to leader on Tuesday. The beaches have been hammered by surf and wind.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
79-84
Air temperature
70-77
Humidity
42%
Wind:
NNW 14 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
15 miles
Sunrise
6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:34 p.m. MST

Baja Slows . . . Z-What Goes

REPORT #987. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996 Endless Season Update 12/3/05Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico Yesterday (12/2) was the pre-fish day for our “Sails and Tales” tournament and Joe Dowdell, Marathon, Fla., was the first one back to the dock with bragging rights with his sail caught on the fly. The rest of contestants seemed to fall in the into the “Tales” category and could be heard over their margaritas last night saying today (Sat.) would be different on the first tournament day. Weather has been great all week and the number of shots has been increasing daily.
Angler - Joe Dowdell (Marathon, Florida)Captain - Felipe on the panga YellowfinLocation - Zihuatanejo, MexFight time - 5 minutes (fish was tagged and released in excellent shape)Guide and photo by Ed Kunze
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo Water temperature 80 - 84Air temperature 77 - 86Humidity 66%Wind WSW 6 mph Conditions: ClearVisibility 7 milesSunrise 7:01 a.m. CSTSunset 6:09 p.m. CSTMagdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Mangrove action topped the list this week with several boats choosing to sneak into Lopez Mateos through Boca de Soledad. John Lyddon’s “Don Juan” reported a wide-open snook bite with fish from 10 pounds and up along with some fat palmetto amarillo (golden jacks).
Outside, the water temperatures are down to 72 degrees and the striper bite has fallen off significantly with only a handful of bites for the boats fishing at the Thetis and up the bank. Did hear some rumors of larger dorado up toward the Uncle Sam Bank earlier in the week.
Check out my column in December issue of Pacific Coast Sportfishing for more information about fishing the beach on Magdalena Island.
Water temperature 68-75Air temperature 71-79 Humidity 23% Wind: WNW 8 mphConditions: ClearVisibility 6 milesSunrise 6:55 a.m. MSTSunset 5:36 p.m. MSTEast Cape North winds have begun their winter routine of on-again, off-again. There’s still a decent offshore bite on the good (read windless days) and tough on the others. Still a few dorado to be found if your are lucky and the sierra bite has been good for the tin boat fleet. Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84 Air temperature 70-8oHumidity 72%Wind: W 10 mphConditions: ClearVisibility 15 milesSunrise 6:44 a.m. MSTSunset 5:32 p.m. MST

San Jose, Guatemala The blue water is out between 15 and 30 miles and fishing this week has slowed noticeably compared to last week. Boats averaged high single digit releases along with a fair dorado bite throughout the week.
Les Kagel
Water temperature 78 - 82Air temperature 78- 84Humidity 46%Wind: SSE 7 mphConditions: Scattered CloudsVisibility 6 milesSunrise 6:12 a.m. CSTSunset 5:33 p.m. CST

Dorado Turn-on as the Turkey Bakes

REPORT #986. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996 Endless Season Update 11/26/05East Cape Can’t count out East Cape just yet. In spite of windy conditions early in the week, the billfish just didn’t want to quit. Jim Easterling, Houston, and his family found the action to his liking with plenty of marlin and sails on Monday. Making the trek up from Cabo again on Wednesday, he found an instant replay of the first day, sans wind. Still a few tuna and even a few late-blooming dorado are to be found when the wind takes a breather. Lane Garrett reported the weather for the past few days was perfect and wonder of wonders, the dorado finally decided to bite. The shark buoys produced great action yielding some quality dorado from 15 to 30 pounds. Lane even caught one in the 10 pound range from his kayak just south of Palmas de Cortez Hotel. The only thing I can figure is the smell of turkey woke them up!


Be sure to pick up a copy of the Autumn Issue of Fish&Fly
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84 Air temperature 70-81Humidity 19%Wind: N 12 mphConditions: ClearVisibility 15 milesSunrise 6:39 a.m. MSTSunset 5:32 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The best action continues to be at the “Finger Bank” below Pt. Tasco towards Cabo. Reports from the boats traveling up the line are that once they leave the bank, the action drops off pretty fast. Wind increased for the past few days and kept most of the boats close to the anchorage. While the reports are not wide open, it sounds like there is still some billfish and wahoo action to be found around the Thetis for the persistent. Back closer to the beach toward Lopez Mateos, the dorado and tuna don’t want to quit.
Back inside, several boats including John Lyddon’s “Don Juan,” have found some fair action on smaller snook and grouper. Check out my column in December issue of Pacific Coast Sportfishing for more information about fishing the beach on Magdalena Island.
Water temperature 68-75Air temperature 71-79 Humidity 23% Wind: WNW 11mphConditions: ClearVisibility 6 milesSunrise 6:50 a.m. MSTSunset 5:36 p.m. MSTZihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico Surface Satellite Temperatures show the water averaging about 82º. We are now primed for the Baja on the Fly Sails and Tales Fly Fishing Tournament Dec. 1 through the 6. Earlier this week, and under a full moon, we had 78º water. This was consistent with the cooler night time and morning temperatures we would not normally have this time of the year. Plus, being that sailfish prefer the warmer 80º-84º range, it was consistent. We were only averaging one or two sailfish a day per boat. However, the 78º water was perfect for blue marlin, explaining why one out of every three boats a day were getting a shot at a marlin, and one out of every five are actually getting the hooked fish to the boat. Today, at six miles off the beach, the blue water is just a short ride, with lines in the water only 30 minutes after leaving the municipal pier in Zihuatanejo Bay. Each day has been improving as we are almost out of the effects of the full moon. This next week should see a major improvement in the sailfish action due to the new moon phase. Inshore, the sierra action continues on its limits all around pace up near Ixtapa Island and it is the same for the jack crevalle near Pantla Beach. The roosterfish action, with the cooler water, had also cooled. The boats are averaging about one fish a day.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo Water temperature 80 - 84Air temperature 75 - 84Humidity 66%Wind WSW 12 mph Conditions: ClearVisibility 7 milesSunrise 6:56 a.m. CSTSunset 6:08 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala The 2005 Presidential Challenge starting 11-19-05 and ending on the 21st. For complete results click on the link; http://www.preschallenge.com/News/index.asp The action ranged between 20 to 40 miles with a couple of boats going as far as 50 miles on the last day. Alex McCleod, out of London, fly-fished four days. He had been fly-fishing in the past for sails, and had yet to boat one. After reading that Guatemala is one of the world’s hottest spots for sailfish, both with conventional tackle and on the fly, Alex booked his first trip to Guatemala. After boating 12 sails in four days (and with a few that got away) Alex said “Guatemala is all that I have read about and it sure feels great when those dreams come true.” Not only was Alex rewarded with 12 sails, but several dorado on the fly as well. Alex fished on-board “The Stragos,” a 31-foot Bertram and fished between 20 to 25 miles.Les Kagel
Water temperature 78 - 82Air temperature 78- 82Humidity 46%Wind: SSE 9 mphConditions: ClearVisibility 6 milesSunrise 6:08 a.m. CSTSunset 5:32 p.m. CST[b][/b]

Magdalena Bay Explodes…East Cape Fades

REPORT #985. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/19/05

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Chuck White on the “Pacific Venture” moved back up to the Thetis area and has found consistent action all week for billfish, wahoo and tuna. Boats traveling in both directions up the West Coast of Baja have had action beginning at the Uncle Sam to the north all the way down to the Finger Bank below Punta Tasca to the south and have tales of big bird schools with marlin thrashing the water to a white froth under them. Even the day boats out of Lopez Mateos are getting into the action finding plenty to fish for all the way out to the Thetis Bank. Stories of acre wide schools of tuna from football to VW size leaping from the water as they chase bait is enough to ignite the imagination. Then there are the kelps found above the Thetis all the way up to the double 23’s loaded with some fat wahoo. As always, when Magdalena Bay goes off it is an explosion heard all the way up the coast. I hope all the yachts arriving this week have plenty of tackle!

Inshore Josh Dickinson and Lance Peterson pounded the Esteros and landed more grouper, corvina and spotted bay bass than they could count. Seems like the exotics eluded them and according to Josh, they never even had a mystery bite.

Check out my column in December issue of Pacific Coast Sportfishing for more information about fishing the beach on Magdalena Island.

Water temperature
68-75
Air temperature
71-84
Humidity
23%
Wind:
NNW 4mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:45 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:38 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 84º blue water is only about 8 miles off the beach. The full moon has slowed the action down, with only a few sailfish per boat each day. Thursday, Cheva and Adolpho located a concentration of fish because they certainly did better than the average. Cheva, on the panga Dos Hermanos II, got 5 sails and Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos got 4. They were fishing an area 17 miles off the light house.

Blue marlin have really been the story. Our best day (Wed.) was 8 blue marlin for the fleet, with Alfredo on the Esturion getting two. The fleet of about 15 boats fishing the blue water, is averaging between 2 and 3 caught marlin a day.

With the inshore temperatures about 80º, the jack crevalle and roosterfish action is holding steady. The jack fishing has been incredible for a couple of weeks now. Adolpho fished for roosters for three days this week and released 6, but he also released 31 of the big jacks. Plus, for every boat targeting them, the sierras have also been providing us with limits all around. The roosters are averaging about 35 to 40 pounds, the jacks between 8 and 16 pounds, and the sierras are between 4 and 6 pounds.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 87
Humidity
79%
Wind
WSW 9 mph
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:52 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:09 p.m. CST
East Cape
With the North Wind howling, Lance and Josh headed up to Lopez Mateos to check out the Esteros. Fewer and fewer boats went out this week as a result of the north wind and fewer guests in the hotel. There are still a few tuna and the billfish bite has held up remarkably well. With Turkey day just around the corner, the focus seems to be changing from Rooster to Turkey. Still some “Bubba’s”are around but conditions have made it very tough to stalk them. By Wednesday when Yvonne and I finished up our move and headed back to Escondido, the winds had subsided to a mere breeze. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. It is safe to say that East Cape is slipping into its winter mode.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
79-84
Air temperature
72-84
Humidity
45%
Wind:
NNW 15 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy 20000 ft
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:34 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:33 p.m. MST


San Jose, Guatemala
With the 2005 Presidential Challenge beginning this morning, most of the boats fishing this week have been in their “Tournament Mode” and keeping quiet about the action and location. Secrets notwithstanding, the fishing was consistently good throughout the week and everyone is looking forward to a successful event. Sounds like there were some double digit scores for sailfish on some of the scouting boats. Boats also reported dorado and tuna were showing up behind the boat.

Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
78- 82
Humidity
74%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:04 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:32 p.m. CST

Wide Open . . . New Beginnings

REPORT #984. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/12/05

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico



Offshore action was strung out from the ridge all the way to 35 miles below Pt. Tosca. Chuck White on the “Pacific Venture” confirmed that they had found good action beginning at Thetis and then followed it down to below Pt. Tasco. Most of their catch was on conventional gear though John Whittaker landed marlin and dorado on our Billfish Babies that he purchased for the trip. Earlier, several East Coast boats, including Tony on the “Escape” and Nick Smith on the “Old Reliable One,” reported raising 75 fish and catching a dozen or so on the fly. Other boats found some excellent wahoo action up on the ridge near the double 23s. There were lots of bird schools strung out from the flats five miles above Cabo Lazaro out to the west toward the Petrel Bank. These are the classic Magdalena Bay bird schools that can be holding anything including tuna, dorado, billfish and wahoo. All-in-all this season is turning out to be one of the better ones in the past several years. Coincidently, Yvonne and I attended the Billfish Symposium held in Avalon recently. Guy Harvey showed some of the video that was shot on a trip we did several year ago. Trust me, seeing what is going on in the water underneath the bird school helps you understand just how many fish can be on one bait ball.

Understandably, with all the action on the outside, no one spent much time in the esteros this week.

Water temperature
70-77
Air temperature
62-78
Humidity
85%
Wind:
NNW 2mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:41 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:40 p.m. MST
East Cape
Don Murnane, who we met at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ earlier this year, began his week on Saturday. Greeted by flat calm weather, he had great action for small roosters, ladyfish and jacks. Mid-day, guide Lance Peterson, using a surface teaser, had school of jacks charge the beach. Don capitalized on the opportunity and caught his first jack from the beach. A short time later, “Bubba” chased the teaser into the beach, but wouldn’t go for Don’s fly. It was enough to make Don sit down for a few minutes to catch his breath. On a panga the next day, he had his first encounter with the mighty Humboldt squid and was impressed. With few sardina to be found, the cut-up squid has become a staple for chum. Along the way down the beach they found a bait guy selling mackerel and bought enough to fill the tank. He spent the entire morning casting to ladyfish, jacks and more small roosters. By mid-day the strategy changed and Lance began slow trolling hookless mackerel. It wasn’t long before the better-sized roosters joined the dance, providing Don with plenty of action. One more panga day with more squid action, a ride all the way down below Las Frailes to purchase some sardina. Then they worked just outside of Cabo Pulmo and after few minutes the skipjack and YFT were boiling all around the boat. With a variety of species and plenty of action, Don couldn’t stop talking about his first East Cape Baja Adventure and is already planning his next trip. He did it in the nick of time – the north wind came back for another visit on his final day.
As I sit here writing this report and watching the north wind blow at our home “Rancho Deluxe” here at East Cape, I am saddened to announce that after 17 years in the house we will be moving out on the 15th. We have many memories and have enjoyed our time here at East Cape. We won’t be leaving the area, but soon after we move the house it will be torn down to make way for a new development including a rumored golf course with the 9th hole dead center where our home stood.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-86
Air temperature
72-84
Humidity
31%
Wind:
NNW 15 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:30 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:35 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
According to the Terrifin Satellite Surface Temperatures, the water is finally starting to warm up again, with 80º being the norm. This will improve both the blue water fishing and the inshore.

The great bite on the jack crevalle action is still going well to the north of Zihuatanejo, but the water has warmed up there faster than the south.

Several blue marlin we taken this week, and about one sailfish per boat average per day. Russ Kirtchner of Indiana had a decent week’s fishing with Santiago on the panga “Gitana” and Cheva on the “Dos Hermanos II.” He took one sailfish of 120 pounds, a 310 pound blue marlin, two roosters of about 35 and 40 pounds, and a couple of jacks.


Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 86
Humidity
94%
Wind
SW 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:49 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:10 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
The fishing for Guatemala this week went from BORING to WFO. Early in the week, boats were traveling 40 to 50 miles to find good action ranging from high single digits to mid-double digits with a few here and there on the fly. As the weekend approached, the fish moved half the distance to the beach ranging anywhere from 15 to 25 miles. The sailfish bite turned on and by all accounts the 2006 Season has begun! Boats were reporting an incredible number of the fish that Guatemala is famous for raised and caught. With even a few yellowfin tuna and dorado thrown in; it was a great start for a new season.

Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
78- 84
Humidity
84%
Wind:
SW 4 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:02 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:32 p.m. CST

North Wind . . . No Wind . . . Transition Time

REPORT #983. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/05/05
East Cape
The week started out with the dreaded North wind whistling down the Sea of Cortez leaving more white caps and less fish. Regardless, there were a few tuna to be found on the outside. As the wind increased, the boats moved closer to shore and found a few skipjack and small jacks to round out the day.
By mid-week, the wind had diminished, but the beach was still blown out and there was little action to be found. Back on the boats yesterday (11/4) Jodie Reece and her sister, visiting from Florida, got into a wide open sierra bite first thing in the morning. Then it was out to the blue water to look for some billfish action. Great action, plenty of stripey’s in the pattern, but not the least bit interested in the fly. They finished up the day at the reef in front of Rancho Leonero, catching ladyfish and pargo using squid chunks for chum. Geoff Nathanson, Malibu, Calif., fishing with guide Josh Dickenson, spent part of the day trying to get a roosterfish excited enough to eat his fly. Same story – plenty came up to the teaser, but wanted no part of the fly. This morning the weather is flat calm and our Lance Peterson couldn’t resist and headed out onto the beach for a guide’s day of chasing the illusive roosters along the shore.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-86
Air temperature
77-84
Humidity
31%
Wind:
E 2 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:2 6a.m. MDT
Sunset
5:38 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Weather has settled down somewhat and the reports are of scattered fish from the boca to the Thetis Bank. I understand that there has been an excellent tuna bite for the bigger fish down below Tasca on the Morgan Bank. However, this is old information and I imagine it has gotten pretty crowded there by now. Diana Hoyt reported another large yacht came through the boca this week with no problems. The esteros have been producing a few corvina and grouper lately. The snook have been acting more like snipe and have been hard to find. Out at the entrada, Enrique Soto has been consistently getting a few yellows under the bird schools.


Water temperature
70-77
Air temperature
68-75
Humidity
82%
Wind:
WSW 8mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:32 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:47 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
As expected, with the new moon phase and the water cleaning up, the offshore action is improving. Yesterday (Friday) has been the best day of the week for the blue water. However, it is still below the seasonal average. A few of the boats released two or three sailfish yesterday, and others maintained an average of one. There are also several 20-pound class dorado coming to the dock. It certainly is not wide open, but about one nice dorado per two boats average.

A few blue marlin have also showed in the counts this week, with an average of one a day for the fleet (about 15 boats a day fishing the blue water.)

The inshore fishing has picked up dramatically. Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” is averaging three roosters and 10 to 15 jack crevalle a day on conventional gear. I guided Baja on the Fly clients Tom and Elisabeth Hart of Houston yesterday to sample the great jack action using the flyrods. Fishing with Felipe on the panga “Yellowfin,” we got into acres of breaking jacks. They were everywhere! We literally had hundreds breaking the water only 20 feet from the boat. It sounded like a hard rain storm. The jacks were in individual schools of 8- to 10-pounds, up to schools of about 18- to 20-pounds. Needless to say, we caught a few fish.


Photos by Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 87
Humidity
94%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
6:46 a.m. CDT
Sunset
6:12 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
All the storm activity during the past month has driven the clean water forty to 50 miles offshore. While the fishing is good, it is not up to the usual level found in Guatemala. Sounds like there are few YFT and dorado mixed in as well.

While last month’s hurricane “Stan” left a mess in its wake, the area has bounced back quickly and the port is getting back to normal. While [resort hotel] Villas del Pacifico sustained some damage, they are cleaned up and back in operation.

Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
78- 84
Humidity
94%
Wind:
SSW 4 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
5:59 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:34 p.m. CST

Fish till You Drop

REPORT #982. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996 Endless Season Update 10/28/2005East Cape Long time clients Joe and Nick Turano, from Houston, arrived earlier this week on another “take no prisoners” trip; and for openers, both landed striped marlin on the fly. It was Nick’s first one, at that! The Cabo Pulmo tuna action went deep and made it tough for the fly, but a few football-sized were suckered into doing the fur and feather routine.
Again this week the sardina were in short supply and the Humboldt squid came to the rescue. Cut into small chunks it makes pretty good chum. Anybody got a squid chunk pattern? While I am on the sardina thing, our guide Lance Peterson reported that juvenile sardina are beginning to show along the shore and he could see the ladyfish sending little showers of bait out of the water as they were feeding. That is new and different for this year.
East Cape delivered on its claim of being a “Fish Till you Drop” destination. Joe and Nick, after a full day on the boat, decided to tackle the beach after a quick dip in the pool and, of course, an ice cold Pacifico. Here is Lance’s comment about the afternoon: “Well, I rocked the Turano’s world on the beach this afternoon. Put them on a constant boil of ladyfish, jacks, and small roosters. Fished from 4:30 to 7 p.m., they were stoked! What a day. Man, I'm dead. The next morning was an instant replay before they had to leave for their flight mid-morning.”
As the week progressed the weather held, but the action slowed somewhat with the inshore action producing the best “bang for your buck.”

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 80-86 Air temperature 77-86Humidity 31%Wind: NW 5 mphConditions: ClearVisibility 10 milesSunrise 7:22 a.m. MDTSunset 6:42 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Early in the week Diana Hoyt of Mag Bay Outfitters reported rough seas, but good action for wahoo, marlin and yellowfin tuna just inside the Thetis Bank. Enrique Soto, our San Carlos pangero, fished offshore down to the south for the past two days and found good signs including lots of birds and bait. While there were good numbers of marlin spotted, they all seemed to have lockjaw. They caught a few as well as a dorado, but not the numbers that are normally associated with Magdalena Bay offshore action. The entrada continues to produce a few yellowtail and grouper. Up in the esteros, the mainstay has been corvina. One boat near Devil’s Curve managed to locate a school of snook that yielded a few up to 10 pounds. They also landed two red snapper in the 20 pound range.Water temperature 70-77Air temperature 68-79 Humidity 60% Wind: W 8Conditions: ClearVisibility 5 milesSunrise 7:32 a.m. MDTSunset 6:47 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico Clean 82º water is only 6 miles off the beach, but the bluewater species have yet to turn on. Boats are still only averaging about one sailfish a day each. However, a few nice 20- to 25-pound class dorado are being caught each day. Hans Clausen of Denmark fished with Santiago on the panga “Gitana” for three days this week. Hans is the president of the European Federation of Sea Anglers and is here with a small group to sample our fishing. On the first day, Hans got 8 large jack crevalle, a sailfish on the second day, and a couple of nice roosters with several more jacks on the third day.
Ed Kunze Water temperature 80 - 84Air temperature 78 - 86Humidity 94%Wind: CalmConditions: Scattered CloudsVisibility 10 milesSunrise 7:43 a.m. CDTSunset 7:15 p.m. CDT
San Jose, Guatemala No Report received this week
Water temperature 78 - 82Air temperature 79- 89Humidity 100%Wind: CalmConditions: Scattered CloudsVisibility 6 milesSunrise 5:57 a.m. CSTSunset 5:36 p.m. CST[/b]

More fish . . . Too Much Wind

REPORT #981. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/22/2005
East Cape
Justin Cordonnier, Mario Proia, Dana Erikson and Jon Weber – Atlantic striper and bluefish guys from the East Coast – came in search of action and weren’t disappointed. By the end of their trip they had caught 15 species and tallied more firsts than a 21st birthday party: everything from bonefish to Humboldt squid. Inshore, they found jacks, roosters, ladyfish, pompano; moving a few miles further off the beach outside of Cabo Pulmo they connected with YFT, skipjack, white bonito, dorado and even a wahoo.
Still few sardina to be found, however the squid cut into chunks did the trick. Tuna and dorado couldn’t resist the chum line of one inch cubes thrown out in handfuls. We had a chum line on both ends of the boat and it worked like a charm. Justin, casting from the bow, hooked both dorado and yellowfin tuna on a well-placed See Through Deceiver with a hint of turquoise.
By Tuesday, (10/18) the north wind began to ramp up and the rest of the week went south. On the water there more holes than a Baja back road and the wind waves on the beach had turned the water the color of bad tequila. Lance did manage to guide his clients to a few small roosters and jacks at the sticks near La Ribera. By early this morning the wind began to back off and we are hoping for a repeat of last weekend.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-84
Air temperature
77-88
Humidity
31%
Wind:
NW 11 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:18 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:47 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

While lumpy seas made fishing tough, the results were good for the few who ventured out. Below and inside the Thetis Bank, a few marlin were located feeding on the surface. Dorado and tuna could be found back closer toward the boca (mouth) into Lopez Mateos. The shark buoys west of the entrada were producing the fair catches of dorado and also a few marlin.

Up in the esteros, the bite continued to be slow, with plenty of cabrilla as usual, but the corvina, leopard grouper and pargo were in short supply. There were a few yellowtail found deeper in the water column.

Several of the East Coast yachts that made the long journey to get in on the hot marlin bite Magdalena Bay is known for have been heard complaining that the fishing has been disappointing for them. Too bad. I guess ballyhoo don’t work here as well as they do on the other coast. The West Coast yachts traveling up and down the coast past Magdalena Bay have been reporting good to great fishing for the past several weeks. Local knowledge must help.

Water temperature
70-77
Air temperature
68-79
Humidity
60%
Wind:
WNW 17
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:28 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:53 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Things sure have turned around since the heavy rains from the remnants of tropical storm Stan hit us two weeks ago. I was sure they would take a turn for the better, because we are now out of the rainy season, and getting back into a normal pattern.

The inshore waters are approaching 80º again and the fishing reflects it. Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” got 7 roosters for his client, and a couple of large jacks. They fished the antennae area near Petalan. Most of the fish were taken by casting large surface poppers. A few were taken slow trolling a live bait.

The bluewater is still a ways offshore, but the 84º water is closer in. Santiago on the panga “Gitana” is doing about the average, with three sailfish released for his client for two days of fishing. As we come out of the full moon cycle, the bluewater fishing shall also improve dramatically.

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 87
Humidity
94%
Wind:
WSW 8 mph
Conditions:
Overcast
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:41 a.m. CDT
Sunset
7:19 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
With all the recent storm activity, the water has be off-color and fishing has been tough. Everyone is hoping that the fringes of Wilma don’t extend the poor conditions. Activity should begin to pick up right after the first of the month as the fleet begins to ramp up for the upcoming season.

http://www.bajafly.com/Newsletter/guatstrom.jpg
Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
79- 89
Humidity
100%
Wind:
W 11 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
5:55 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:39 p.m. CST
For additional information: mailto:bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

Storm Moves On – Stuff Bites

REPORT #980. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape
After dumping a ton of rain on the mainland, the remnants of Tropical Storm Stan were hardly noticed as it went by here earlier in the week. In its wake came the first north wind of the season, causing the Sea of Cortez to get grumpy. However, the fish didn’t seem to care and there were plenty of tuna and billfish for the anglers who hung in there. Surprisingly, there were even a few dorado to be found. By yesterday (10/14), the wind had backed off some and the sea had started to settle down. The beach is still dirty from the wind waves and will need a few more days to clean up. There were several larger roosters released this week close to shore somewhere between La Ribera and the Lighthouse.
Our guide Lance Peterson reported: “The wind backed off considerably today (10/14). Just a breeze. Clear skies and warm. Fished inshore with the fly-guys from Cordonnier group. We quickly jigged up some Humboldt squid to use for chum. There were no sardina to be found anywhere, only mackerel. We trolled the ‘hoochie’ a little and a hooked a dorado. One of the guys hooked one of its followers. It was just a little guy, but cool. Then we headed over to Punta Colorado and cast over the rocks. Caught a lot of small roosters, under a pound. There were ten at least. Finished at Punta Arena where I teased up a bunch of hot ladyfish, needles, and more little roosters. Caught a few pompano, too. It was an eight species day.”

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-84
Air temperature
78-93
Humidity
31%
Wind:
N 7 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
12 miles
Sunrise
7:15 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:53 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Water conditions are still recovering from when we were hit hard last week by remnants of Tropical Storm Stan. However, things are improving daily and should be back to normal by the end of next week. The blue water is still out a long ways, but coming back in to about 25 miles. From the Terrifin Satellite Surface Water Temperature, the 80º water is now at 10 miles, and the 84º water is about 32 miles.

The boats are averaging about one sailfish a day each. Dan Leo, fishing on his private boat Dancin, caught two very nice dorado yesterday. He had gone out with a new electric reel to try some very deep water meat fishing. When they spotted the dorado under some debris, that put an end to the deep water expedition.

Terry Carter, guiding in last week's Baja on the Fly roosterfish tournament, fished with Santiago on the panga Gitana for two days. He caught one sailfish on the fly each day boosting his lifetime total to 102 and one of them was on a 4-weight.

The inshore waters are clearing up fast, but they are not yet back to a normal 82º. They should be in great shape by next week.


Ed Kunze

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 86
Humidity
66%
Wind:
SE 9 mph
Conditions:
T-Storms
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:38 a.m. CDT
Sunset
7:24 p.m. CDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Clear skies and no wind. That’s something different! The past few weeks seem like a broken record of threatening weather. The few boats have been out this week found some warm water which was holding a few dorado and YFT. No one was really targeting the marlin or wahoo, but there were rumors of some of both being spotted at the lower end of the Thetis. Before the storms hit, several yachts found enough action to get their scores up in the double digits; hopefully those fish are still hanging out and can be located again. Back in the esteros, slim picking persisted with cabrilla, a few corvina and even fewer grouper. There was a flurry of action under the bridge at the entrance to San Carlos at gray light several days last week producing a pretty good corvina bite for about an hour each morning.

Water temperature
70-81
Air temperature
68-82
Humidity
80%
Wind:
NNW 13
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:24 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:00 p.m. MDT
San Jose, Guatemala
Because of the large clean-up effort after Hurricane Stan, no boats that went out. Also, it will take another week or so for all of the river runoff to get back to their usual levels, thus bringing the blue water back normal distances.

Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
77- 88
Humidity
70%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
5:54 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:44 p.m. CST
For additional information: mailto:bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

REPORT #979. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Torrential rains greeted the early-arriving participants for our catch and release “Jacks or Better” tournament. Several anglers including Bruce Pratt, from Beaufort, South Carolina and last year’s winner Brian Berger from San Francisco, found plenty of action in the jack department, both landing fish in the 10- to 20-pound class on Wed. (10/5). By Fri. morning when the pre-fish day was scheduled, the sun was shining and the boats headed out in search of some action.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 86
Humidity
55%
Wind:
SE 5 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:37 a.m. CDT
Sunset
7:29 p.m. CDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Otis came and went and left some grumpy seas along with wind and rain which prevented anyone from fishing outside. The esteros were not wonderful, but did provide some diversion while waiting for Otis to pass. Spotted bay bass, a few grouper and trigger fish were all that could be found.

When things finally settled down later in the week, a few boats were able to get outside. Water temperatures dropped a few degrees to the 77-78 range, but the YFT didn’t seem to care and were found half way out to the Thetis Bank. With few boats out, it is difficult to say where the marlin, wahoo and dorado ended up after the storm.


Water temperature
70-81
Air temperature
71-86
Humidity
79%
Wind:
W 17
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:21 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:58 p.m. MDT

East Cape
Everyone is watching the storm containing the leftovers of “Stan,” which is meandering up the Mexican coast. Stan dumped plenty of rain on Guatemala and the West Coast of Mexico including Zihuatanejo. Unsettled conditions this week slowed the fishing down a tad. With few clients willing to head out, the reports were sketchy at best. There are still the squid out a few miles (go figure). Some tuna are out in front of La Ribera, but they are driven down quickly as more boats land on them. Offshore, billfish remain the best target. Dorado finally are showing, but don’t get me wrong – it’s not a bonanza. Along the beach, wind waves have made the water the color of a bad cup of coffee.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-88
Air temperature
78-96
Humidity
55%
Wind:
SE 12 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
12 miles
Sunrise
7:12 a.m. MDT
Sunset
6:50 p.m. MDT

San Jose, Guatemala
Hurricane “Stan” caused some heavy flooding to some parts of Puerto San Jose. A few of the private houses in the Villas del Pacifico Compound were flooded with two to three feet of water but most are OK. At the resort, a few large trees were fallen and some flooding to the employee quarters and parking lot but the resort is OK and open for business.Currently the roads to both the Villas and Marina Sol are closed but should open soon. Because of the poor weather no boats fished this week.

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
77- 80
Humidity
94%
Wind:
WSW 9 mph
Conditions:
Light Drizzle
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
5:53 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:46 p.m. CST
For additional information: mailto:bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

Has Anybody Seen Otis?

REPORT #978. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

As we have been saying for the past few weeks, the locals have been reporting increasing numbers of marlin and well as dorado and wahoo. Larry and Martha Warlaumont, Newport Beach, Calif., heading up the line aboard their 61-foot Viking “Retriever,” reported excellent fishing 15 miles outside of Santa Maria Bay including double digit marlin plus dorado and wahoo. Capt. Ruben Duran, skipper of Mag Bay Outfitters’ 26-foot go-fast catamaran, found plenty of YFT’s in the 30-40 pound class between the Boca and Thetis Bank. Looks like Magdalena Bay is lighting up early this year. Both boats reported finding 81 degree water. As of this morning, tropical storm Otis is slowly making its way up the West Coast of Baja and is expected to arrive sometime tonight. There has already been some rain, wind and the conditions on the outside have turned pretty grumpy. If Otis doesn’t turn everything upside down, October could be a hoot.

.
Water temperature
70-81
Air temperature
71-86
Humidity
46%
Wind:
NE 9
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:18 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:14 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
With reports of good inshore action for both roosters and jacks reported, we are all looking forward to the “Jacks or Better” roosterfish tournament that will begin mid-week. Anglers from as far away as Florida will begin arriving early in the week to get in some practice. Our sponsors have outdone themselves. The prize list is impressive including Abel 10-weight rods and reels, Scientific Anglers flylines, boxes and tippets, a killer selection of Rainy’s inshore flies, Kaenon Eyewear, Dr. Slick pliers, special tournament shirts provided by Newport Blue. As an IGFA Rolex qualifying tournament, everyone is hoping to win big and participate in the Florida event in 2006.


Ed Kunze

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
78 - 84
Humidity
66%
Wind:
W 13 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:36 a.m. CDT
Sunset
7:35 p.m. CDT

East Cape
Squid continued to be found a few miles offshore and the small tuna were still out in front of La Ribera. The billfish bite including sailfish, stripes and blues turned tougher this week. By week’s end, tropical storm Otis was heading by outside of Cabo and caused some rain but little wind. This morning (10/1) only a few hotel boats headed out. Judging by the white caps on the horizon, it may be a short day for everyone.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
80-88
Air temperature
78-99
Humidity
84%
Wind:
SE 17 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
7:10 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:06 p.m. MDT

San Jose, Guatemala
With nice weather and blue water less than an hour away, a few boats headed out last weekend. While there were a few sails to be found the dorado fishing was very good. It is not often that the sailfish take a backseat to the dorado.

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
77- 84
Humidity
79%
Wind:
SSE 7 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
5:52 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:31 p.m. CST
For additional information: mailto:bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

Roosters a Go Go in Zihuatanejo

REPORT #977. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
While the offshore continues to be on the slow side, with most boats only averaging one sail a day, our focus has been on the inshore getting ready for the only catch and release roosterfish on the fly tournament in Mexico. “Jacks or Better” is scheduled for October 5-10.

All signs indicate that we should have an action-packed event. Good-sized roosters along with some jacks have been found cruising the backside of the swells close to shore. Felipe, on the panga, “Yellowfin,” fished two days, taking seven roosters and several big jacks. The roosters were between 30 and 40 pounds, with the jacks going about 18 pounds . . . encouraging news for our contestants who are arriving for the event in a few weeks.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 84
Humidity 89%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 4 miles
Sunrise 7:35 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:40 p.m. CDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Locals reported marlin, dorado and a few wahoo near the Thetis Bank; and closer to shore there were plenty of small tuna and dorado. Along the shore, a few yellows and sierra were found under the bird schools. On a recent Magdalena Island trip, Diana Hoyt, of MagBay Outfitters reported that their clients landed several small snook. They were fishing from the rocks just below the lighthouse at Cabo San Lazaro.

The esteros produced fair to good action for sierra, corvina and a few leopard grouper early in the week.

Water temperature 70-82
Air temperature 71-86
Humidity 78%
Wind: WSW 11
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:20 p.m. MDT
East Cape
Things I thought I would never report in September: Giant squid within a few miles of the hotel, dorado fishing slim and almost none.

Billfish including sailfish, striped marlin and blues are still around, but with all the squid in the water are not as aggressive as usual. There were some smaller YFT near La Ribera, but most of the fish were caught deep, which is not ideal for the flyrodder. One trick that has worked for us is to use a shooting head with either a heavy Clouser or Baja Deep Diver (chartreuse or olive work well) and let the fly sink until your flyline is almost straight down. Then retrieve with long, abrupt, pulls. If you don’t get a take in 5-7 pulls, let the fly sink and repeat the process. Inshore, roosters and jacks can be found along the beaches from Bartle Beach to the lighthouse feeding mostly on mullet.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 80-88
Air temperature 78-99
Humidity 55%
Wind: S 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:08 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:12 p.m. MDT

San Jose, Guatemala
Most of the annual boat maintenance is complete and the countdown has begun for the season to get underway. By mid-October, the much-awaited season will have begun. If you haven’t made your reservations for the upcoming season yet, you better do so soon before all the best dates and boats are taken.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 77- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:52 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:57 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

More Fish Than People

REPORT #976. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape
With all of the recent news about hurricanes, it is understandable that the locals at East Cape keep a close eye on the Mexican Satellite map. So far...so good. While the weather has been hot and there have been some showers in the foothills in the afternoon, it was still a pretty nice week. Billfish continued to provide some good offshore action and if you found the right pod of porpoise the action could have you reaching for a cerveza in no time at all. While mid day is the best time for the beach action, the hot sun kept most anglers closer to the pool than the beach. There were a few “Bubba” sightings near Bartle Beach and a pretty good ladyfish bite in front of the hotel. Best bet was early morning or late afternoon as the sun dropped behind the mountains.


Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 80-88
Air temperature 78-93
Humidity 69%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:19 p.m. MDT



Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Full moon and strong currents didn’t slow the action down at the Entrada. Enrique Soto reported leopard grouper to 18 lbs and a handful of firecracker yellows kept the clients busy on Friday. Offshore, there are still plenty of marlin sightings by the locals who usually don’t target them. Most of the dorado reported this week were on the small side and few tuna were found. Shrimp season has begun and most of the locals have been targeting them. Few fished the Esteros this week and the fishing was slow. There were a few corvina and pargo found near the bridge at the entrance to Puerto San Carlos.


Water temperature 70-80
Air temperature 75-86
Humidity 78%
Wind: W 15
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:33 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The fishing remains unchanged for the last several weeks. It is poor fishing for the offshore species, and fairly decent inshore for the roosterfish and big jack crevalle. The 84º to 86º blue water is about twelve miles out, but the gamefish are not around.

Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, went 34 miles and had only one hooked sailfish and one other strike. Very few boats are getting more than one sailfish a day.


The roosterfish action is averaging about three fish per boat. We did have a couple of days this week where the surf was very high from offshore storms. This makes it difficult to get in close to the shore break to properly present a bait to the roosters. As our rain season winds down over the next couple of weeks, there should be an improvement on our inshore fishing conditions.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 90
Humidity 79%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:34 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:45 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
Still a month to go before the sailfish action begins to heat up. While the sailfish seem to be here year round, the clients don’t begin to arrive in numbers until mid October at the earliest. Most of the crews are just finishing up their maintenance and clean up and hopping from one foot to the other waiting for the season to get underway.



Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 73- 86
Humidity 100%
Wind: WNE 7 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:52 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:02 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

Psst…Wahoo & Dorado…Thetis Bank

REPORT #975. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Barry and Val Wilkerson of Loreto, looking for an escape from the typical Loreto hot summer temps, decided that a couple-hour trip across the peninsula to Lopez Mateos was in order.
The possibility of great fishing at Thetis Bank would be a bonus.
They arranged to fish with Magbay Outfitters on their speedy catamaran which put them in the zone in short order. The wahoo that Thetis is famous for have arrived as well as the dorado (so that’s where they have been). Not only did they catch both, they spotted a considerable number of marlin frolicking about.

With the action heating up offshore there were few bothering to fish the Esteros. The Entrada still has a few firecracker yellow under the bird school mixed in with the bonito.

Wahoo, dorado and pleasant weather……September at Magdalena Bay may make sense.



Water temperature 70-80
Air temperature 75-86
Humidity 78%
Wind: W 15
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:33 p.m. MDT
East Cape
September began with typical hot weather with just enough breezes in the afternoon to cool things down. As the SST chart reflects, the hot water continues all the way up into the Sea of Cortez. Once again the sardina played hard to get narrowing the bait choices down to mackerel, Caballito and anything else that comes up in the net. I am not kidding! One of the bait guys tried to sell us puffer fish claiming that they were great baits because the fish couldn’t spit them out! With the lack of sardine, strategy shifted back to chasing porpoise schools which yielded a better quality of YFT’s. Even a few gorilla class (100 lb. +) tuna charged the boat…. A Wasabi fly cast into boiling fish disappears as huge tuna inhales the fly…ZING…POW…@#$$%^…PRICLESS.
Billfish have been putting on a decent show up to the North - mostly sails, with a few stripes and blues mixed in - all within twenty miles. Talk about bizarre: the Giant Humbolt Squid showed up again this week. I told you it’s not what bites but what might!

With the hot sun beating down during prime time during the day, most opted to hang out at the pool. Some action found within walking distance of the hotels early morning and late in the afternoon as the sun dropped behind the mountain. A few ladyfish, jacks and for the very lucky, a rooster or two could be found.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 80-88
Air temperature 78-96
Humidity 55%
Wind: NNW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:03 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:27 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
There has not been much change this last couple of weeks. The sailfish action is still only averaging 1 or 2 fish per boat per day. Dorado are starting to build under the floating debris caused from rain runoff out of the rivers, but there have not been very many of them caught.

The roosterfish action is still the best bet, with the boats averaging about 3 fish a day per boat.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 88
Humidity 89%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:33 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:51 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
September is “make ready” month for what everyone hopes will be another extraordinary year. Don’t miss the September\October issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters magazine. Read Scott Leon’s “Swimming with the Fishes” story about Guatemala sailfishing. Our good friend Bill Boyce shot the photos for the article and they are outstanding.




Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 73- 86
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 7 mph
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:52 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

First in Line . . . Wins

REPORT #974. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape
This week’s fishing was all about lines! First in line at breakfast, then the pier, then the bait boat and you might be one of the first to get to the high spot in front of La Ribera. It’s worth the effort: plenty of football- and beyond-sized tuna to bend the stick. Finally, there are a few sardina to be had for chum if you find the right bait guy. First, throw the sardina, then the Baja Wasabi and it’s fish on. Within an hour, you realize why being early is important as the fleet grows to parking lot sized. Next comes the decision . . . inshore for roosters and jacks. Punta Colorada and La Ribera are your best bet. If you are looking for Bubba, the lighthouse makes the most sense, but be ready to spend some time and walk a lot. Or head out a few miles in the blue water for billfish – sailfish are the most likely – with stripes second and an “Oh my God” blue a possibility. Forget about dorado; they aren’t here in any appreciable numbers and are incidental catch at best.
If you live in or are a frequent Baja visitor, Chubascos (hurricanes) are always a factor in late summer and early fall. Katrina slamming into the Gulf Coast last week and leaving heartbreak and destruction in its path demonstrates the need for concern and preparedness. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims. If you haven’t donated to Red Cross yet here is a link where you can.

[img]http://www.bajafly.com/Newsletter/helpmhd.jpg[/img]
[url]http://www.redcross.org/[/url]

[img]http://www.bajafly.com/images/wasabi_small.jpg[/img]

Baja Wasabi recipe
[url]http://www.bajafly.com/bajawasabi.htm[/url]

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 78-88
Air temperature 78-94
Humidity 55%
Wind: NNW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:33 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Reports vary. The esteros surrounding the Puerto San Carlos area still producing little; while above Lopez Mateos corvina, grouper and snapper continue to provide fair to good action.
Offshore, the Thetis Bank is holding plenty of dorado and it seems like more marlin sightings each week. On a straight line toward the entrada about 15 miles from the entrance, dorado and a few marlin can be found around the shark buoys. Closer to shore – toward Lopez Mateos – football-sized tuna and dorado have been providing the best action.

Water temperature 70-80
Air temperature 74-80
Humidity 92%
Wind: NW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:08 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:43 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The fishing has picked up a little since last week, but it seems that all species remain fairly scattered. Most boats when fishing offshore are averaging between one and two sailfish releases a day. Plus, there have been several very nice 30- to 40-pound dorado hitting the pier every day. This has been expected, since the rains last week created a lot of debris lines.

The smaller school-sized dorado have yet to show, but when they do, we should have some outstanding action.

Inshore, the roosters and jack crevalle are still going very well, as long as you stay away from the stained water areas the runoff from the rivers has created. The boats are averaging about three nice roosters, of 30- to 40-pounds, a day

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 88
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:32 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:03 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
No Report Received. Be sure to pick the September\October issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters magazine and read Scott Leon’s “Swimming with the Fishes” story about Guatemala sailfishing. Our good friend Bill Boyce shot the photos for the article and they are outstanding.

[img]http://www.bajafly.com/Newsletter/120-October_2005_Cover_BIG.jpg[/img]
[url]http://www.flyfishinsalt.com/in_this_issue.jsp?ID=38409[/url]

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 77- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: N 7 mph
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 5:51 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST

Hilary Splits...Irwin Saunters By...Blue Marlin on the Fly

REPORT #973. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape
Last week I said “Talk about choices. East Cape in the summer is like trying to guess what is behind doors 1 . . . 2 . . . or 3.”
Well, I picked #3 and that was not a good choice. Hilary bopped in on Sun. (8/21) dumping enough rain to be a nuisance. I flew in on Mon. and it was still raining when I walked off the plane. Tues. (8/23) a film crew arrived and the “Curse of the Camera” began. SO you don’t care about my problems, what about the fishing you ask? First day out with camera crew and angler was Wed. and we raised 10 sailfish, cast to 7 for one solid hookup that broke off in the backing. Thurs., wind and rain chased everyone back in early. However, a few lucky anglers had some action Al Larson fishing with Dave Cooper from Denver landed his first blue marlin estimated to be approximately 200 lbs. on the fly which was quite an accomplishment by anyone’s standards.

Yesterday (8/26), more unsettled conditions, but by mid-morning the sea began to lay down and it was a beautiful day. Tuna were under the porpoise, sardina being sold at La Ribera, several multiples on billfish including, blues, stripes and sails finished up the week on the upswing.
Today we are back on the beach in search of Bubba or anything else that wants to play. Hopefully the weather will stay settled down for a few days and Irwin will continue its march toward Hawaii.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 78-89
Air temperature 78-98
Humidity 55%
Wind: Calm. PM slight breezes
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:41 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


The entrada continued to produce good fishing including grouper, yellowtail and a few sierra as well. If you are looking for something a little larger, there has been a pretty good marlin show 240˚-210˚ five miles off. Enrique Soto reported that the esteros (estuaries) had been slow with little bait to be found anywhere.

Up at Lopez Mateos, outside the Boca (mouth) there has been plenty of good-sized Dorado to provide non-stop action. Also, there’s plenty of small yellowtail to be found. Further out at the Thetis Bank, there were also reports of a fair show of marlin reported.

Water temperature 62-80
Air temperature 74-86
Humidity 83%
Wind: W 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:51 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We have had quite a turn-around in the fishing and the conditions this last week. The fishing can only be rated as poor. We have had a lot of tropical storms forming just off the coast here. Before they build in intensity and head further out to sea, we have been getting a little wind and a lot of rain. This has pushed the 82º blue water out a couple of miles off the beach. There is only about a one sailfish per day average per boat.

The inshore has also been taking a beating. With the large quantities of dirty water coming out of the rivers, the visibility is poor, and the fish are scattered.

The one highlight is the rivers have also pushed out a lot of trees and debris, which should start producing Dorado in a few more days.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 89
Humidity 83%
Wind: W 6 knots
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:03 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
This week few Sportfishing boats ventured out. For those that did releasing sails were in the low digits with some Dorado in the 10 to 25lb.class. The local captains are saying that the water is unseasonably warm which accounts for the low sailfish numbers. The last two days of the week saw strong winds and rough seas.

Les Kagel and Carlos Morales

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80- 86
Humidity 74%
Wind: WSW 7 mph
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 5:51 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:18 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

Tuna Tussle Time

REPORT #972. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape

Hilary looms on the horizon. No, not that one. Hilary is the name of the latest Tropical Storm making its way up the Mexican Coast.
With few dorado, the Tuna Tussle is almost the mandatory way to begin the day. The YFT footballs seem to be growing up, causing some of our fly guys to cringe when a fatty comes charging up from the depths and inhales their Baja Wasabi. Usually after some “pump and grunt” time everyone is ready to move on to billfish or roosters.
Plenty of sailfish to fling a fly at, but you better pay attention or a striper may catch you napping. Of course, there is always the possibility of a blue dog (Blue Marlin) showing up in the pattern, inhaling the fly and punching it for the horizon leaving you with a broken line and a silly grin on your face as you realize that you have just been dusted by the best.
Then there is the Lighthouse, dubbed by some as the “Freak Show”. This is the time when “Bubba” class roosters cruise up and down the beach looking for a bait school to beat to a pulp. Timing is everything and if you and the fish get there at the same time, you may get the trophy of a lifetime.
Talk about choices. East Cape in the summer is like trying to guess what is behind door 1…2…3.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 79-89
Air temperature 60-98
Humidity 64%
Wind: Calm. PM Breezes
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:56 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

As the warm water moves up the west coast of Baja, the offshore reports just get better. Too bad there are only a few anglers to take advantage of the show. Dorado, YFT’s, yellowtail and so many marlin that one of our Captains pulled all the jigs in because he didn’t want to waste time on fish he couldn’t keep. If this keeps up, late October and November could be exciting.
In the Esteros, there are plenty of leopard grouper, snapper and corvina to keep the flyrodder busy. It is only a matter of time before the snook decide to get in on the action.

Out at the Entrada the promise of action under the bird schools for bonito, skipjack with an occasional firecracker yellowtail mixed in have kept the boats racing from one flock to another.

Water temperature 62-80
Air temperature 74-86
Humidity 83%
Wind: W 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:56 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 83º to 86º blue water is right on the beach, and depending on the particular luck you have on any given day, the blue water fishing for sailfish is either good, or just average. It seems most of the boats are averaging between 1 and 2 sailfish a day. There are very few dorado around, and no one has seen any tuna.

However, the inshore has been outstanding. Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos fished 5 days this week. Two of the days were in the blue water and they released 6 sailfish. The other three days were spent on the backside of the waves looking for the big jack crevalle and roosters. They caught 13 roosters and 16 jacks. The roosters averaged 30 to 35 pounds, and the jacks about 16 pounds. Adolpho's client's fish were all taken on either a slowed trolled live bait, or a surface popper cast on the ridge of the waves with medium action spinning gear.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 89
Humidity 83%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 2000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:29 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:08 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala
According to the locals, the unseasonable hot water contributed to the slow down in the action this week. Factor in strong winds for the past few days and most of the fleet decided to stay in the Marina. Only a few sailfish and dorado were accounted for by the few boats that did decide to venture out.

Les Kagel and Carlos Morales

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: WNW 8 mph
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 5:50 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:22 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260;
Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373 or (760) 670 4916

East Cape: Right Place…Right Time

REPORT #971. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
East Cape

This was another cookie cutter week of nice (hot) weather and fishing to match. Billfish including stripes, blues and sails, kept everyone staring intently at the teasers to see what would show up next. Still a good tuna show under the porpoise and if you held your mouth just right and were in the right place at the right time, there were a few fat dorado to be found. While not tons of Bubba sightings those with the patience to wait for one to come along were getting a few shots. While waiting, ladyfish, pompano and an occasional jack crevalle could be found meandering down the beach looking for a free meal. August at East Cape is not a bad place to be.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 73-88
Air temperature 80-102
Humidity 41%
Wind: Calm. PM Breeze
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 22000 ft
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:53 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico



Diana Hoyt, of Magbay Outfitters, reported the fishing outside Boca de Soledad is great, with yellowfin tuna and dorado continuing to be found just a few miles offshore. The boats making the trip to the Thetis Bank reported a few marlin, lots of YFT’s and yellowtail as well. The shark buoys out to twenty miles west from the Entrada were holding good sized schools of dorado. With the offshore action continuing to pick up, few chose to fish inside the Esteros. Still plenty of corvina along with a few pargo and grouper landed at Devils Curve.

Water temperature 62-76
Air temperature 74-84
Humidity 43%
Wind: WNW 20 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The blue water is only a mile off the beach, but it sure has warmed up. When I reached in the live well to get a bait for the kite fishing we were doing for the roosters and jacks, it felt like bath water. The http://terrafin.com Satellite Surface Temperature photos show the cooler inshore water at 84º, with the offshore at almost 88º.

Mid-week, Riley Wilcox of Missoula, Montana fly fished with me for roosters and jacks. The needle fish literally took practically all the kite baits we had, and we ended up chasing the birds and schools of huge jack crevalle. The jacks were averaging about 18 pounds, and were crashing on acres of bait. The jacks were everywhere. This was sight casting at its best. The only problem was avoiding the birds, which was very difficult to do. We ended up with a couple of pelicans released unharmed also.

John Miller and his two sons, of Woodland Texas, fished with Cheva on the panga “Dos Hermanos II”. They released two sailfish (about the average), and lost a third after it threw the hook a few minutes into the fight. The marlin and sailfish zone is only a scant 8 to 10 miles off the beach.

Adolpho, on the panga, “Dos Hermanos”, got a 70 pound roosterfish for his client. Using medium action spinning gear and a popper, it took over two hours to get the big fish to the boat.
Ed Kunze


Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 80 - 91
Humidity 64%
Wind: 7 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorm
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:27 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:13 p.m. CDT

San Jose, Guatemala

Only a few boats ventured out this week and found only a few sailfish and dorado due to the runoff caused by the rains. One boat out on Friday released a 450lb. marlin, and caught 20
yellow-fin tuna and two wahoo.

Les Kagel and Carlos Morales

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 84
Humidity 62%
Wind: SSE 7 mph
Conditions: Thunder Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 5:49 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. CST