Bowl Games . . . Plus a Fish or Two

REPORT #1043 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/30/06

East Cape
Looks like New Year’s at East Cape may be more Bowl games, parades and partying than fishing unless the wind cooperates.

The past few days have been pleasant with light winds. With the leftover surf from the wind, the beach and inshore has been tough. If there is going to be any action it is early . . . early and the bite only lasts a short time after sunrise. Sierra, ladyfish, small jacks and an occasional rooster make up the catch list if you are lucky. On the other hand, being able to walk a beach in late December with flyrod in hand beats cold, rainy weather any day!

On the flat days a few marlin and dorado are still being found a few miles off of Punta Pescadero.


Water temperature
70-76
Air temperature
45-82
Humidity
79%
Wind:
N at 8 - 16 knts
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:00 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:31 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Diana Hoyt reported that the extraordinary offshore action for both dorado and striped marlin remained consistent until the weather went sideways. The “Raptor’s” Captain Rueben Duran found good fly rod action outside the entrada for wahoo and further out the dorado continued to be thick. Even with the cooler water temperatures there were ample marlin found under the bird schools. As they worked their way up to the Thetis they had double digit shots on the fly. Strong wind and high seas later in the week forced boats back inside. Can’t wait to see what happens next week after the front passes by.

With the poor weather on the outside The esteros offered a fall-back, providing good action for pargo, grouper and lots of small sierra.

Water temperature
72 - 74
Air temperature
52 -66
Humidity
79%
Wind:
WSW 10 - 27 kts
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:10 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:46 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The 82° blue water is still close, but most of the best fishing is taking place at about the 25 mile mark. And, the fishing for sailfish has been good, with most boats averaging two or three fish a day. Plus, each day yields one or two 20-pound class dorado for each boat.

Ludo, from Belgium, finished up his week of fishing with Martin on the panga “Isamar” with a bang. On Ludo's last day, they released 7 sails, and took 2 nice dorado.

Fly fishing client, John Wexler, fished with guide Paul Phillips and Martin on the “Isamar” one day. They raised 5 sails and hooked two.

Dan Britt, of North Carolina, fished one day with me down at Puerto Vicente Gro. We were targeting roosters on the flyrod. Dan hooked two roosters, and one large jack crevalle. But, he was snake bit, and lost all threeEd Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
73-92
Humidity
83%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:15 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:20 p.m. CST

Big Sierra Accompanied by North Wind

REPORT #1042 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/21/06
East Cape

Wind, wind and more wind this week. There is an occasional hole when the dreaded north wind backs off for a day or two, but the winter pattern is definitely in swing. Here is the weather prediction for this morning at Los Barriles. Weather courtesy of Buoy Weather:Friday 12/22 Morning Breezy white capping conditions with moderate choppy seas. Small short period wind waves.Winds: NNW 11 to 14 knotsSeas: NNW 4 feet at 6 sec. Afternoon Light winds with a slight chop. Small long period swell.Winds: NW 9 to 13 knots Seas: S 4 feet at 14 sec.
With the wind cranking up early, sierra continue to be the primary target with a few ladyfish and small roosters if you are lucky. The good news is they are right in front of the hotels, so you don’t have to go far and there some good-sized ones up to 10-pounds reported.

On the calm days, the few boats heading out are finding a few billfish five miles outside of Punta Pescadero and even a dorado once and a while.
We are doing our reports early during the holidays so we can spend more time playing.
All of us at Baja on the Fly wish you a Joyous Holiday Season, Merry Christmas and more grabs in 2007.


Water temperature
70-76
Air temperature
61-77
Humidity
85%
Wind:
NNW at 12-16 knts
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:56 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:37 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Over the weekend, dorado and billfish action was red hot in front of the entrada. Unfortunately, the weather went sideways and the few boats traveling through have been hiding in the anchorage waiting for the high seas to subside until today.

The esteros continued to produce good catches of pargo, grouper and plenty of spotted bay bass.

Water temperature
70 - 77
Air temperature
60 -75
Humidity
78%
Wind:
NW 13 kts
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:42 p.m. MST



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82° blue water is still only 4 to 5 miles off the beach, with most of the blue water action happening between 4. 5 to 6 miles. Most boats are each averaging two sailfish a day, with several nice 20- to 30-pound dorado being taken by the fleet also.

Yesterday (Wed.), a huge low pressure area moved in, and the counts were way down. However, things have stabilized, and with the new moon phase, the fishing should be very good this week.

Ludo, making his annual trek from Belgium, to fish eight days straight with Martin on the panga “Isamar,” has taken three sails and two nice dorado in two days of fishing. Today, they are going after roosters.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” told me he got eight roosters in one day, and six on another when fishing about 25 miles north in the Saladita area. He also said there were tons of jack crevalle
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
69-84
Humidity
83%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:11 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:16 p.m. CST

Early Bird Gets the Sierra

REPORT #1041 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/16/06
East Cape

Early morning action before the sun comes up usually begins with sierra. Often the ladyfish, small jacks and roosters will show up as it becomes lighter and will last until the wind shows up. You may also get a shot in the afternoon if the wind backs off enough.
Offshore action can be found when the North wind takes a day off. Still a few billfish being found outside of Punta Pescadero, though it sounds like most of the volume has moved further down off of Cabo with double digit catches for many of the boats fishing the Golden Gate. Dorado and tuna action was reduced to being in the right place at the right time which seemed to be down below Cabo Pulmo.


Water temperature
70-76
Air temperature
60-84
Humidity
80%
Wind:
NW at 10 mph
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
6:54 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:35 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Fewer and fewer boats each week as they either head up the line for home or down toward Cabo for the holidays. Dorado action continued over the top with complaints still being heard that it was tough to get through them to get the billfish. Water temps remain steady which means the bite should continue for a while.

Last weeks Lopez Mateos tournament results reflect the continued good offshore marlin action.

The Esteros bite for grouper, pargo and a few corvina remained consistent throughout the week.


Water temperature
70 - 77
Air temperature
60 -80
Humidity
78%
Wind:
W 8 mph
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:40 p.m. MST



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water is only 5 miles off the beach, and, compared to last week's full moon cycle, the fishing has improved considerably. The water temperature, according to the Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures, is at least 82°, with some large offshore areas as high as 86°.

Flip Himmelrich, of Spokane, WA, had a large group of family and friends down this week, and even had a small tournament. Using 5 pangas, they averaged two sailfish a boat, per day. The winning captain was Santiago on the Gitana, with 5 sailfish. Santiago's brother, Adan, on the Gitana II was second.

Flip also fished another day with Santiago, and fly fishing guide, Paul Phillips. They got two nice dorado and a 30 pound yellowfin. One of the dorado, taken on a fly, was at least 30 pounds.

Roosters have been hit and miss. Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, had one good day early this week, taking 6 roosters and several jack crevalle. Then, Santiago and Adolpho both made the 35 mile run with their boats down to Vicente Gro. today (Friday), and only got one 15 pound jack.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
77-91
Humidity
93%
Wind:
ENE 3 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:09 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:14 p.m. MST

Late, But Great . . . Baja Action

REPORT #1040 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/09/06
East Cape

Mid-December and there are still billfish and dorado to be found. On the nice days outside Punta Pescadero, there is a fair concentration of both dorado and billfish which is a pretty good direction to head if there is a wind line outside. On the calm days, the fleet has found dorado and billfish outside of Rancho Leonero and on down to the lighthouse.

The squid action continues in front of Palmas which is handy if you’re looking for some extra chum to use. Squid chunks are excellent to keep the fish around the boat long enough to get off some casts to them.

If the sierra bite continues, there is going to be a lot of folks OD’ing on ceviche. Early morning continues to offer the best action for the toothy critters and don’t forget the long-shank hooks or a short wire bite tippet.


Water temperature
72-78
Air temperature
65-78
Humidity
84%
Wind:
NE at 5 mph
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
6:48 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:33 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico



Just a few boats left to enjoy the mid-November-like action. Plenty of bird schools holding dorado, marlin and a few with tuna as well. Captain Carey Dodson on the “Success” reported great marlin action all day and yellowtail to 30 pounds on the chute at night.

Brad Ellis, trailered his panga up from Rincon, headed out the boca toward the Thetis and was seen running from bird school to bird school sight-casting to feeding marlin. He hooked several when he could get his fly past the dorado.



Typical Bird School Action.
Don Armstrong, Park City, Utah, fishing with our guide on the “Mar Gato” for three days this week, was reduced to babbling about how over-the-top the billfish action they had encountered had been. They hooked multiple marlin on both fly and conventional and have already booked their trip for next year!

Not to be outdone, the esteros produced non-stop action for grouper, pargo and a few corvina.


Water temperature
70 - 78
Air temperature
64 -84
Humidity
93%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:55 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:36 p.m. MST


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Clean 83° blue water within four or five miles of the harbor allowed everyone to get an early start. Sailfish action remained constant this week with most boats averaging one or two a day.

Charles Sterling of Michigan, fishing with Santiago on the panga “Gitana,” scored on half a dozen roosters, a couple of sailfish, one 35-pound dorado plus a handful of jacks, sierra and black skipjack.

Overall, the roosterfish action was hurt by the full moon. The bait fish are scattered, as well as the larger exotics. This should change this week. There are still plenty of small jacks and black skipjack in the 2 to 5 pound range
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
74 - 82
Air temperature
65-86
Humidity
93%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Partly Sunny
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:05 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:12 p.m. MST

Mixed Bag in December? Sunday Magdalena Bay Update!

Sunday Morning 12.03 Captain Corey Dodson reported WFO marlin and dorado 53 miles west of Lopez Mateos.

REPORT #1039 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/25/06
East Cape

December is here and so are the north winds. The trick is to get out on one of the calm days, or at least as early as possible on the windy ones. Squid moved closer to home with good action out in front of the hotels early mornings. They are great for chum for either tuna or dorado, plus squid steaks taste pretty good back at the hotel!

It’s hard to believe that the billfish are still biting as well as they are. Even a few blue marlin, including the largest of the season, were caught last week. Most of the billfish action is strung out from Punta Pescadero to the 88, while the dorado and tuna action is down the other way outside of Cabo Pulmo.

Inshore, the sierra bite has begun in earnest and is best from gray light until the sun begins to come up. Also late afternoon in front of the hotels has been good for both sierra and ladyfish. Small olive Clousers are working well for the ladyfish and the sierra. If you tie your own, use long shanked hooks which will work almost as well as a wire leader. You will lose a few flies but will definitely have more takes.


Water temperature
74-84
Air temperature
60-82
Humidity
63%
Wind:
NNE at 11 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
2 miles
Sunrise
6:44 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:32 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
After a week of cooler temperatures and wind, the wind finally quit and fishing snapped back for both dorado and marlin with most of the action reported up above the Thetis. However with fewer boats fishing, it is difficult to know what else is happening closer to Santa Maria.
Inshore, the grouper, corvina and of course the spotted bay bass bite was excellent on yesterday’s slack tide.

The Mexican Government is sponsoring a Wahoo Tournament on Dec. 8th and 9th at Lopez Mateos

PRIZES!
1st place: panga with 60 hp Suzuki 4 stroke motor
2nd place: $20,000.00 pesos
3rd place: $15,000.00 pesos
4th place: $5,000.00 pesos
5 -10th places: Penn rod and International reel
Entry is FREE



Water temperature
70 - 78
Air temperature
60-79
Humidity
66%
Wind:
NNE 13 mph
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:55 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:36 p.m. MST



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The 82° clean water is still 1/2 mile in front of the bay, with the 84° deep cobalt blue water at the 10 mile mark. The fishing has been off a bit this week, and with the full moon ahead of us, I do not see it improving. However, all the captains are telling me the conditions are perfect, and the fishing is going to bust wide open after the full moon period.

Adan, on the Gitana II released 4 sailfish for two trips in the blue water this week, whereas his brother, Santiago on the Gitana, and Martin on the Isamar, both got skunked for their two days on the water. But, all three captains did tell me there are fairly decent numbers of dorado.

Adolpho, on the Dos Hermanos, feels the roosters appear to be moving around. When you find them, some days were good, and if you don't, the other days were down. Santiago had one of the good days yesterday, taking 6 roosters. Four of the fish were taken on surface poppers, and two on live bait.

Inshore is still excellent, with lots of sierras, small jacks, and black skipjack tuna.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature
74 - 82
Air temperature
62-91
Humidity
88%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:10 p.m. MST

East Cape Squid … Mag Bay Dorado

REPORT #1038 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/25/06
East Cape

Thanksgiving week came and went with a welcome respite from the north wind. Billfish action remained slow with sails and marlin found up toward Punta Pescadero. The Humboldt squid are back among us near Punta Arena. Some boats are catching the quid to use as chunk bait for both tuna and dorado. Inshore there are plenty of small roosters to five pounds to keep the action moving. Also, plenty of ladyfish strung out along the Las Palmas beaches. If you are lucky, you may stumble into some larger variety of jacks to bend your stick.

Gary was a guest on the Gander Mountain – Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Magazine with Jim Ferguson talking about the magic of Magdalena Bay. Here is the link

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=203232782&s=143441&i=12114142


Water temperature
74-84
Air temperature
63-90
Humidity
87%
Wind:
SSW at 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
2 miles
Sunrise
6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:32 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
After a month of warm temperatures here in Magdalena, things are beginning to cool down. Dorado action that will be talked about for a long time still dominates the offshore action. Pudge Kleinkauf of “Women Flyfishing” and her band of women had WFO action during their trip; and on their last day of fishing this week had a dorado stop that lasted from morning until mid-afternoon and only stopped because the group said “uncle.” Marlin and dorado were still swimming around the boat when we pointed the “Mar Gato” toward the boca! The group also had great estero action with lots of grouper to feed their flies to. They have already begun making their plans for next year’s visit.


Water temperature
75 - 83
Air temperature
60-77
Humidity
66%
Wind:
WNW 9 mph
Conditions:
Fog
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:50 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:36 p.m. MST



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The 80° blue water is at the Solitary Rock, only 1/2 mile in front of Zihuatanejo Bay. Averaging 1or 2 sailfish a day per boat, we are having fairly decent action, because a few 15 to 25 pound dorado also making a showing.

The majority of the yellowfin tuna are still beyond the 1,000 fathom line at the 30 mile mark, but some football sized tuna (10 pounds) did show up for a couple of days only a mile off the beach in front of Ixtapa.

The inshore action is excellent. With Orlando on the panga Tequila, fly shop owner and guide, Scott Cook and his dad Glen, of Bend Oregon, fished two days inshore. Each day they accounted for several small jack crevalle, sierras, black skipjacks, grouper, and cabrilla. Glen also took a 40 pound rooster on live bait.

Yesterday (Saturday), they made the run down with me to Puerto Vicente Gro., to target roosters on the fly. Scott got his 30 pounder only about 10 minutes after we started fishing. When Orlando grabbed the leader at the boat, the rooster broke off, leaving us with only in the water photos.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
74 - 82
Air temperature
72-84
Humidity
88%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:56 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:08 p.m. MST

We Give Thanks for Magdalena Bay!

REPORT #1037 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/18/06
 

East Cape

North wind remained consistent this week. Despite the gusts, our guide, Lance Peterson, found good November action for roosters in off-color water. One client landed eight nice firecracker roosterfish in the 5-pound class and lots of smaller ones. Also, he tangled with a few jacks and more ladyfish than he could count. Live bait teasing was very effective as the roosters charged after the bait almost to the transom. There are still a few billfish being found early in the day north of Los Barriles about five miles off of Pescadero. There were both sails and striped marlin. If you were willing to make the long run south, there were plenty of YFT and a few dorado to make the trip worthwhile.

Water temperature 74-84
Air temperature 65-87
Humidity 89%
Wind: N at 7 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 2 miles
Sunrise 6:34 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:33 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Herds of dorado cruising under the boats and not a small fish in the bunch! Marlin gang-banging the teasers until the artificials are removed, and then pouncing on the flies that replaced them as though they were a Thanksgiving turkey. Welcome to Magdalena Bay in November. Guides and clients alike climb off the boats like zombies shaking their heads and mumbling, “I don’t believe it.” Action has been from below the Thetis to the Double 100s for the marlin and almost anywhere for the dorado.

In the esteros (estuaries), the action has been good as well for grouper and sierra. Our guest, Alan Hyman, managed to connect with a dandy16-pound snook on his last half-day of fishing. All-in-all it has been a crowd pleasing kind of week.


Water temperature 74 - 82
Air temperature 68-80
Humidity 88%
Wind: NW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:48 p.m. MST




Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82° blue water has been fluctuating with the current all week. Today (Friday) the blue water was at 8 miles, but has been as close as 1 mile and out to 10 miles off the point at Zihuatanejo Bay. Most boats are raising 4 or 5 sailfish a day, and hooking 2 or 3.

Russ Kitchener of Indianapolis, fishing with Adan on the panga, Gitana II, had the best day locally, with 4 sailfish releases.

Adan's brother, Santiago, on the Gitana I, had a decent day with Myles Mcfarr. They first released a sailfish on conventional gear for Myle's wife, and then Myles released two sails on the flyrod. The real excitement kicked in when a nice blue marlin was teased in and ate the fly offering. The big blue stayed hooked for about 5 minutes, running out a million miles of backing, and then came unbuttoned.

Margarito, on the Gaby, made the 40 mile run South to Puerto Vicente, Gro., and had a great day with 3 sailfish and a nice 350 pound blue marlin.

Daily, with a 15 to 20 pound average, about 1 out of every three boats are also adding a nice dorado to the count.

Lots of jack crevalle are showing, and tons of black skipjack tuna. Fly casters are actually getting weary of catching 30 to 50 of these hard fighting fish a day.

Roosters are still scattered. The late season rains have the inshore waters a bit discolored, and each boat is only averaging 1 or 2 a day.
Ed Kunze


Water temperature 74 - 82
Air temperature 68-80
Humidity 88%
Wind: NW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:48 p.m. MST

Dorado Thick….Magdalena Bay

REPORT #1036 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/11/06
 
East Cape

Early in the week, just a few miles off the beach outside the off color water our client, Dr. Ted Hard, from Santa Rosa, CA, found good dorado action landing a good sized dorado on the fly. While skipjack could be found closer to the hotels, if you wanted tuna action you had to be willing to make the long trip down below Las Frailes and risk a rough ride home if the north wind kicked up. Billfish were still in limited numbers offshore with only a few to be found throughout Las Palmas Bay. Beach action was basically an early bird’s game with a few sierra, ladyfish and even some roosters found chasing small schools of sardina.
Water temperature 74-86
Air temperature 73-92
Humidity 88%
Wind: NNW at 4 kph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:26 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:38 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

I arrived in Lopez Mateos Wednesday and began fishing on Friday.
We found marlin action ten miles straight out from Santa Maria Bay. As we reported previously, dorado were thick and almost a nuisance, ranging from ten to twenty lbs. with an occasional bull twice that size. We raised an even dozen marlin. They were not as aggressive as we would like with only a few getting close enough for a shot. We did land one and Jack Balch from Diablo, CA, had one on the fly that broke the hook. Closer to Lopez Mateos, the tuna action was non-stop inside of ten miles. Alan Hyman and Bruce Q. Vale both landed their first of many yft’s and dorado on the fly. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed the fresh fish dinner Friday night. After flat calm weather all week, the wind has picked up a bit but it is still very fishable.


Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 68-80
Humidity 88%
Wind: NNE 5 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST





Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Sailfish have still been a bit slow, with an average of only 1 or 2 fish per boat, per day. But, this should change as the 82° blue water is back to the 10 mile mark, and we are getting out of the full moon phase.

The inshore fishing has been very good, for both conventional gear fishermen and fly rodders.

Travis Watkins fished 2 days with Martin on the panga Isamar, catching what could be considered the average for this last week. The full moon had scattered the bait fish, but they still managed 2 roosters, about 30 black skipjack tuna, an equal number of jack crevalle, and 6 sierra.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 78 - 100
Humidity 89%
Wind ESE 9 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST

Time Falls Back…Magdalena Lights Up

REPORT #1035 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 11/04/06

East Cape

With few on the beach to notice, once again the gill nets begin to appear on East Cape Beaches. Here's a photo of a panga with a pile of gill nets on the beach near the lighthouse at Punta Arena. All the local captains are angered, but as usual, no one is doing anything about it.

Early north winds continued to takes their toll on the beach action. Wind waves pounded the beaches earlier in the week leaving the water the color of chocolate milk. Moving a few miles offshore, the water cleans up and there are a few decent sized dorado to be found. Hookless teasers will get them close enough for a cast or two. Small white hoochies with a hook also will work. When you hook one, bring it close to the boat, throw a few sardina and fling your see-through deceiver at the boils.
Further down the coast beginning outside of Cabo Pulmo, there are enough yellowfin tuna to keep things interesting. Keep an eye on the wind! If it kicks up, it may be a sloppy ride home.
Billfish action has dwindled down to precious few this week with very few catches being reported throughout Palmas Bay
Water temperature 74-86
Air temperature 73-92
Humidity 88%
Wind: NNW at 4 kph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:26 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:38 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Offshore more yachts are arriving daily, like moths to a flame, as the striped marlin action heats up. Action seems to be strung out on a straight line south from the Thetis. It is always amusing to hear the radio chatter as most everyone complains about too many dorado beating the marlin to the teasers - enough to glaze over the eyes of the anglers at East Cape struggling to catch a few dorado. Most of the fleet are anchoring either at Santa Maria Bay or inside the Entrada at Belchers.

The pace in the Esteros has also quickened, providing good action for leopard grouper, pargo, corvina and some mystery bites that are leaving anglers with broken lines and a sheepish grin on their faces.

OK…sounds too good to miss, so early Tuesday morning I will be on the road again heading for another November hiatus at Magdalena Bay. The clients arrive mid week and I will be out there yelling CAST until I am hoarse as multiple marlin chase the teasers to the transom. See ya’ out there!



Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 68-80
Humidity 88%
Wind: NNE 5 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST





Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The offshore fishing is slow. According to the Satellite Surface Temperatures, we have 86° water out beyond the 50 mile mark, but it appears to be too warm to attract the blue water game fish.

Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, fished the blue water for three days, and only got one 25 pound dorado at 25 miles. I have never heard of him doing this poorly for three days on the water.....ever. At least he is honest.

However, he did tell me the roosters are still very active on the beaches, with 4 to 7 roosters a day being taken by each boat. Plus, they are good sized fish, with an average between 30 and 40 pounds.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 78 - 100
Humidity 89%
Wind ESE 9 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST

North Wind Follows Paul’s Near Miss

REPORT #1034 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/28/06

East Cape

A near miss by “Paul” brought some rain and early north winds with a few nice days mixed in making for an interesting week. While there is plenty of bait inshore and along the beach, the off-color water persisted throughout Las Palmas Bay. Early in the week, Claus Donath, Buenos Aires, Argentina struggled with the tough conditions. During his two days of fly-fishing he managed to land his first rooster on the fly and had some ladyfish action as well.

While tuna could be found below Los Frailes, if you didn’t get there early you were out of luck and had to face a rough ride back to the hotel. While there were a few dorado for the persistent angler, the action was mostly singles – not the schools that produce non-stop action.

On the marlin front, action continued at a moderate pace on the good weather days and tough on the windy days.


Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-90
Humidity 73%
Wind: NE at 10 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:22 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:43 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Offshore action for dorado and tuna continued to be productive and the marlin bite improved from the previous week. Closer to shore, the grouper action was great within five miles of the boca.

Enrique Soto reported that the entrada continued to produce fair action for firecracker-sized yellowtail on the surface, while further down in the water column they found a few leopard grouper to 20 pounds. West of the entrada five to 20 miles there were plenty of dorado under the shark buoys.

The esteros, while lightly fished this week, still had corvina, grouper and decent pargo action at both Devil’s Curve and up north of Lopez Mateos.

Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 69-82
Humidity 92%
Wind: W 5 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:31 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:48 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Currents have the water conditions a bit mixed this week. On a 180° heading, we have 86° blue water at 12 miles. But, on a 220° heading we have 83° blue water at 22 miles.

This lack of a defined pattern has hurt the fishing somewhat. We are only averaging 1 or 2 sailfish per day / per boat. A few 20- to 25-pound class dorado are still showing, but the tuna left the area.

The main action is still inshore, and on the beaches. On the beaches, the roosterfish are averaging at least 4 to 5 fish per day / per boat. Klaus Meyer of Texas fished one day with Santiago on the “Gitana” and caught four roosters to 45 pounds.

Fly-fishermen are doing very well inshore on the black skipjack tuna, a few sierras, and the smaller jack crevalle.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 75 - 91
Humidity 100%
Wind SE 6 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:43 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:15 p.m. CDT

East Cape Transition Time

REPORT #1033 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/21/06

East Cape
Adopt a Billfish
After a long, hot summer, East Cape has begun to cool down. Strong north winds for the past several days chewed up the beach this week, slowing the action down. Inshore, the action continued for pompano, jack crevalle, ladyfish, roosters and sierra that can be found from Buena Vista all the way down to the Lighthouse. While there is some off color water, it has not shut off the bite.

Most of the billfish action was soaking baits down deep which is not good for the fly guys. I understand there are plenty of YFTs down below Los Frailes, all the way to Gordo Bank, almost long-range trip in the opinion of most. Rounding out the week were a few dorado spread throughout Palmas Bay.


Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 69-90
Humidity 74%
Wind: NNW at 9 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:48 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


While offshore was definitely on the upswing this week as the seas began to finally settle down, it was not up to the usual Mag Bay standards. The Riviera Sportfishers Yachts held their 10th Annual Rendezvous, finding most of the action closer to the entrada than the Thetis Bank as the cooler water pushed down from the northwest. Plenty of dorado for everyone and most boats averaging 3-4 marlin per day. Closer to shore at Lopez, the yellowfin and skipjack tuna action remained consistent. In the esteros, the grouper action along with some nice-sized pargo kept the rods bent.

Chugey Sepulveda from the Pflueger Institute just returned from the ridge where they tagged 20 wahoo with archival tags. He wrote, “The tags are externally visible and worth $500 for their return. All of the fish were tagged near the 13.” He reported that there was a consistent morning and late evening bite for the wahoo with Marauders being the most consistent lure “On our last day of fishing, (10/16) we re-captured one of our tags, so we are hopeful some of the boats down that way might get a tag or two.”

Chugey Sepulveda, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research
901-B Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 721-1404

Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 74-86
Humidity 75%
Wind: N 15 kph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 2 miles
Sunrise 7:27 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:54 p.m. MDT





Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The sailfish have been steady at an average of about two to a boat per day. Going into the new moon phase, this average should pick up a bit.

A nice bonus is the dorado have finally started to show, with some of the boats getting a couple of the nice 25 pound fish. One commercial pangero, working a floating tree limb, managed to get 10. This same pangero also told me the yellowfin tuna are now showing at the 25 mile mark.

The rains this last week had some dirty water flows out of the rivers, creating a turbid inshore situation. This did hurt the rooster fishing this last week. But, talking to Adopho on the panga Dos Hermanos, he feels in three days we are back into the great action.

Cali and I, driving along the dirt road at Playa Blanca today, spotted some birds and lots of small jack crevalle crashing the backside of the surf line. The water was a bit green, but the bait and the fish are definitely here.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 77 - 84
Humidity 100%
Wind SE 6 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:18 p.m. CDT

Magdalena Bay Delivers

REPORT #1032 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/14/06

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Toward the end of the week offshore reports were that the dorado were as thick as tortilla chips at the guacamole bowl, but few marlin. Earlier in the week however, there was a good show of marlin at 45/35 about 45 miles from Lopez Mateos. Unfortunately they seemed pretty lethargic.

Earlier this past week, Lance Peterson guided Sam and Janet Farish, Atlanta, GA, at Loreto and this is excerpts of his Loreto report: “Off to a good start. Founds lots of roosters today...almost all cookie cutter copies of about 5lbs. Good action. Had several teased up which ate the fly big time so the Farishes are happy.

It went really well again today… dorado and lots of skipjack. Sam caught the big bull he wanted...about 30lb.”

Lance Peterson and the Farishes moved to Lopez Mateos the last few days. Lance’s report:
“Fishing here at Lopez Mateos has been very productive. Heavy winds prevented us from fishing offshore today. Thursday, we made it out some 28 miles and were immediately rewarded with yellowfin tuna and doubles on dorado. While it wasn't WFO, we had no trouble finding enough fish to keep the anticipation level high. Friday, we stayed in the bay and found excellent action on pargo, corvina, white sea bass, and the odd long jaw leatherjack. Top water action was at points unbelievable with violent takes and almost unstopable runs into the mangroves. Lots of gear lost but lots of great fish landed. Another amazing day!

The wind was rippin today and it's still blowing a little even now. I really hope it lays down so we can exit the entrada tomorrow (Saturday) and go for it.
We saw a pair of bald eagles today...a sight not often seen in Baja!
Sergio is the best captain I've fished with in Mexico bar none. We have really clicked and have been a great team.”


Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 74-83
Humidity 88%
Wind: S 6 kph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:00 p.m. MDT


East Cape
Unsettled conditions persisted into the week and fishing slowed down a few clicks from the previous weeks. Most of the marlin action was on drifting baits down deep. Dorado action was spread out with mostly singles and no schools. If you wanted Yellowfin tuna, it was a long boat ride either way - up toward Cerralvo Island or the other direction - from outside of Cabo Pulmo all the way down to Destiladeras.

Inshore the roosterfish action improved close to shore with lots of smaller fish chasing the hookless teasers right to the boat transom.

From the beach, ladyfish and pompano were to be found and if you could locate the sardina, the roosters and jacks weren’t far behind.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 68-93
Humidity 84%
Wind: NNE at 7 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:53 p.m. MDT



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 86° blue water is still just a short boat ride. And, as we get out of the full moon phase, the fishing has picked up. There has yet to be any dorado or tuna in the counts, but we have so few boats going out, we are not getting much on the water coverage.

Most boats are getting 2 to 3 sailfish a day average.

The inshore action has been outstanding. Captain Cheva on the Dos Hermanos fished with fly fishing guide Brent Darby of Idaho for one day. Using the fly rod, he caught 6 sierra, 8 black skipjack tuna, and several small jack crevalle.

Plus, the rooster fish action on the back side of the waves is still fantastic. Each boat is averaging 4 to 6 fish a day.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 72 - 92
Humidity 100%
Wind E 5 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:38 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:24 p.m. CDT

Fall Season Begins…Everywhere!

REPORT #1031 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/07/06
East Cape
With the baggage requirements changing more often that the price of bait in Baja we thought a link to TSA’s latest update might be helpful.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#1

No storms on the horizon and great weather for the week! Dorado and tuna continued to be the crowd pleasers, though the tuna were a lot more picky than last week.

While plenty of billfish were seen, getting them to bite was a different story. We did hear of one billfish that was hooked on the fly by a woman fishing in the middle of the tuna bite outside of Punta Arena. She hooked it while her husband was getting beat up by a tuna..go figure.

Our guide, Lance Peterson returned this week and of course headed straight for the beach. He reported that he had found good conditions and some smaller roosters and jacks to play with. Also, a decent ladyfish bite filled in the gaps in the action.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 72-94
Humidity 94%
Wind: WSW at 3 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 9 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:00 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Beginning just a few miles off the beach, the dorado were thick this week. And plenty of yellowfin were found just outside Boca de Soledad - five miles. Most of the marlin action reported was down below the Entrada near the pinnacle. Chip on the “Old Reliable” reported good marlin action on the fly with double digit follows every day.

Estero action continued to be on the slow side with very little pressure. Up at Lopez Mateos one angler reported a few small yellows, some fair sized grouper and a few pargo to round out his day.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 74-87
Humidity 95%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:21 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:07 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Boats freshly painted, reels cleaned and oiled, fish arriving, everything is ready…all we need is clients!
The 85° blue water is only a short 7 mile ride out of the harbor. The full moon is hurting the fishing for the sailfish a bit, but overall the sailfish have been decent. The average has been two to three per boat, per day.

With the rain season essentially over, and the inshore waters clearing up, the roosterfish are still the main action. The boats are averaging 4 to 5 roosters a day each.


Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 76 - 99
Humidity 100%
Wind E 5 kph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:37 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:29 p.m. CDT

Baja Ready to Pounce on October

REPORT #1030 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 09/30/06

East Cape
Good weather continued this week with the locals talking about the Sea of Cortez being like a lake. Tuna and dorado action was the best for the few hotel guest this week. On the billfish front, the action has improved from last week when the fish were pretty lethargic. More fish in the pattern this week, but still not enough to make it worthwhile for the fly-flinger. Along the beach, the water has cleaned up after the storms and action has improved. There are a few jacks and roosters crashing on the schools of sardina between La Ribera and Punta Colorada. Also some ladyfish and a few pompano near the hotels.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 75-91
Humidity 94%
Wind: WSW at 2 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 9 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:07 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

We received a report from Nick Smith on the “Old Reliable,” who began their first trip of the season. Fishing the pinnacle below the entrada mid week yielded fair action for a couple hours in the afternoon. When they returned the next day, the sweet spot had dried up and they slid down seven miles below Tosca and had non-stop action. Meanwhile, up at Thetis, there were reports of lots of marlin around the bank and further up the ridge good wahoo and dorado action under kelp paddies.

Mangrove action included corvina, grouper and several small snook at Devil’s Curve.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 74-87
Humidity 94%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:15 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Things have calmed down considerably since the last two near misses by Hurricanes John and Lane. The 82° blue water has come back to the 12 mile mark and the sailfish fishing has been very good this week. Even though there are very few people fishing, the three or four boats going out each day are averaging about three sailfish each.

The blue marlin have also come on very strong. Each boat is getting at least a shot at the blues, with a couple a day being caught. Most of the blues are being taken at the 20- to 25- mile mark.

The most exciting day I have ever had on the water was just this last Monday. Baja on the Fly client, Jim Funk of Snow Valley, Idaho, fly-fished with Cheva, Jesus Juarez and me on the panga “Dos Hermanos.” Jim and I made the 1.5 hour trip to Puerto Vicente Gro. in my Suburban, while Cheva and Jesus made the 2.5 hour trip by water and brought the panga down from Zihuatanejo.

Ten minutes after getting on the panga, we were into the roosterfish. They varied in size from five to an estimated 50 pounds. And, there were a ton of them, with the average being around 25 to 30 pounds. In a few short hours we had teased up 32 roosters. The fish were so aggressive they followed the hookless surface popper to within 10-feet, to a maximum of 25-feet, from the boat. Sometimes we had a different rooster following the teaser on three and four consecutive casts. It was awesome.


Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 77 - 92
Humidity 95%
Wind E 5 kph
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:36 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:36 p.m. CDT

Baja Conditions Falling into Place

REPORT #1029 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 09/23/06
East Cape
As storm season winds down, it was another busy week of clean up and preparation for the flood of visitors who will begin arriving after the 1st of October. Traditionally, Chubasco season officially ends in late October, but with cooler temperatures both on the mainland and Baja, hopes are high that the worst is behind us.

Nice weather with some wind chop in the PM was the report from the anglers who were out on the water.

If tuna are your thing, this was a great week to be at East Cape. Tuna schools were found just a few miles offshore from La Ribera all the way down to below Las Frailes, providing enough action to keep the sashimi flowing at “Happy Hour” back at the hotels.

As the water continued to clear up close to shore, more dorado were found under the floating debris left in the wake of the recent storms. Anglers who failed to have their rods rigged when they left the dock took more than a little heat when the boats skidded to a stop on floating weed patches close to the hotel. Small olive-backed See Through Deceivers or Baja Wasabi’s were the flies of choice.

A few anglers opted to spend their time looking for billfish, but the action included more dorado and tuna than the targeted billfish this week.

Locals predict some extraordinary East Cape action as conditions settle down in the next few weeks.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 74-94
Humidity 89%
Wind: NNE at 9 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 9 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:14 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Every year, boats seem to be arriving earlier to search for the “holy grail” – the fish build-up that often is found offshore here at Magdalena. This year is no different. I received a call from Nick Smith, Palm Beach, Fla., whose “Old Reliable” is steaming up the West Coast of Mexico to begin fishing for billfish on the fly later this month. From recent reports, his timing may be right on target. A few yachts traveling through the area have reported large schools of billfish, tuna and dorado all the way from Thetis down to the entrada.

Inshore the action at the entrada included a few small yellows, grouper and bonito with skipjack just beyond the entrance. Still a few sierra on the surface at Punta Belcher’s with halibut hugging the sandy bottom.

Up at Lopez Mateos, Diana Hoyt reports that the mangrove action included corvina, grouper and spotted bay bass.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 74-83
Humidity 87%
Wind: NE 5 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:21 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
No report received this week. The following is a repeat of last week’s information with a weather update.

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 76 - 92
Humidity 86%
Wind E 5 kph
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:35 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:42 p.m. CDT
We really do not know how the fishing is right now. Tropical storm Lane formed only 60 miles out in front of us, and the port has been closed for 4 days now.

We do know the blue water has not come in very much from the 20 mile mark where it was pushed out last week by hurricane John.

And, just like Hurricane John, even though the port was closed and we got rain, we did not get any wind at all. However, I have recorded 9.75 inches of rain since this last Monday (the 11th), almost twice the amount of rain we got from John. Things should start clearing up soon, and we can get back to fishing.

Ed Kunze

Whew! Hurricane “Lane” Heads East

REPORT #1028 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 09/16/06

THE CENTER OF LANE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE
LANDFALL ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST OF MEXICO LATER TODAY.... NWS.
East Cape
While the locals continue to clean-up after Hurricane John, “Lane” came bobbing and weaving up the Mexican coast. Fortunately, Friday night its course altered to the East and this morning conditions are cloudy but calm.

Tuna and billfish provided the best action offshore most of the week. Back inshore, as the off color water dissipated, there were more dorado to be found under the debris left in John’s wake.

Beach action is sporadic at best with a few ladyfish found near the hotels providing the best action. With the dirty water along the beach, sight casting is impossible. Your best bet is to look for diving pelicans working the sardina schools from La Ribera to Punta Colorada.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 74-90
Humidity 96%
Wind: W at 11 kph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:22 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


Aside from the large swells from Hurricane Lane down below, the weather has been nice. The large swells prevented most of the boats from going out to Thetis Bank where the marlin and dorado action had been great earlier in the week. Last week the dorado were even found in the Entrada when the water temps reached 80 degrees. Back in the Esteros, the pargo action has slowed down from last week’s bite. Still there was decent grouper action up at Lopez Mateos and of course still a few corvina and plenty of spotted bay bass at Devil’s Curve.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 74-88
Humidity 82%
Wind: NW 7 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:30 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We really do not know how the fishing is right now. Tropical storm Lane formed only 60 miles out in front of us, and the port has been closed for 4 days now.

We do know the blue water has not come in very much from the 20 mile mark where it was pushed out last week by hurricane John.

And, just like Hurricane John, even though the port was closed and we got rain, we did not get any wind at all. However, I have recorded 9.75 inches of rain since this last Monday (the 11th), almost twice the amount of rain we got from John.

Things should start clearing up soon, and we can get back to fishing.
Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 78 - 95
Humidity 90%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:34 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:48 p.m. CDT

East Cape…Damaged but Rebounding!

REPORT #1027 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 09/10/06
East Cape
Hurricane John came and went, leaving plenty of damage in its wake as the photos will attest to.
Here’s the link to photos of the damage caused: http://www.parkmodelexpress.com/baja/Hurricane%20John

While everyone has a story of varying degrees of damage, there have been limited reports of injury. Many of the locals however, were wiped out and are basically starting again from scratch. There are several individuals working to deliver relief to the families who were affected. If you are interested in additional relief information, there are links on the photo page.

Hotel boats are beginning to get back on the water, and are reporting plenty of debris which was washed out of the arroyos. Like someone said “fish have got to eat” and the tuna schools wasted no time resuming the bite below Las Frailes. Out in front of La Ribera the billfish came right back on point as well. Mark Rayor’s “Jen Wren” reported good tuna catches, several marlin and a dorado from under the debris in spite of a revisit of rain on Thursday.

Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 78-90
Humidity 52%
Wind: W 6mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:03 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:27 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


Neither Puerto San Carlos nor Lopez Mateos took much of a hit from “John”. They did have some wind and rain, but not of epic proportions like the tip and the west side of the Sea of Cortez, according to Enrique Soto in Puerto San Carlos. Several boats that ran up to Turtle Bay to hide from the storm reported lots of marlin spotted above the Thetis all the way to within fifteen miles of the Entrada. Also plenty of dorado to 35 lbs. were spotted under the floating debris.
Back at the Entrada the grouper bite was the best thing going and in the esteros it was primarily cabrilla with an occasional corvina.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 72-84
Humidity 54%
Wind: WNW 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:35 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Things have calmed down considerably since hurricane John blew by last week, but the blue water has been moved out to the 20 mile mark. And the full moon phase is hurting the catch a bit. Most boats in the fleet are only averaging about 1 or 2 sailfish per day.

The dorado, like the blue water, took off with John, and the tuna do not yet want to come in close to play. The yellowfin averaging about 50 pounds, are 40 miles out.

However, the roosterfish and jack crevalle fishing is still excellent. Adan, on the panga Gitana II got 3 nice roosters to 45 pounds for his clients, plus they lost a couple others. They also got two large jacks averaging about 20 pounds, and a trevally
Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 78 - 90
Humidity 62%
Wind WSW 7 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:33 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:52 p.m. CDT

And Along Came John!

REPORT #1026 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 09/02/06
East Cape
While everyone was preparing for a big Labor Day weekend, along came Hurricane John. This is the first time that I can remember the same storm hitting three of our locations in one week. If you haven’t heard about “John” you must be watching too much football. All the networks covered this one extensively. To Tel Mex’s credit, they managed to keep DSL up throughout the storm. The IM’s (instant messages) yesterday reflected the sender’s experience with Baja storms. Messages ranged from “ho hum” to “oh shit!”

Here’s a typical message from early evening and this morning:

PP: (3:10:37 pm): Right now it's coming down in sheets and winds are about 60 MPH, but we should get the 110 MPH in couple of hours. Our windows are boarded up so we can't see, but the last time I ventured outside the waves were about 4 feet and the tide was high, but not much more than a normal high tide. Power is going in and out so we will probably lose that soon.
MR: (4:37:58 pm): We may have had wind to 25, just 2 inches of rain; we had more rain two weeks ago.
MR: (5:55:39 pm): Man did we take a hit. Ripped doors out by the jams. Filled the house with water and tossed things around pretty good. The eye came over us about 10pm last night. I can't get out the front or back door because of all the downed trees. Well, at least I still have a front door (minus the stained glass) The front door at guest house is laying out in the driveway.
MR: (7:14:37 am): A 28’ Californian parked on a trailer behind Vista Del Mar. The wind blew it off the trailer and it rolled 360 degrees. Landed on its bottom after taking out the Bimini, rails and more. The 100 pound battery is lying in the dirt next to it. The trailer is bent like a pretzel.

As the reports continue to filter in, it sounds like plenty of property damage, but fortunately few injuries.

On a lighter note, congratulations to Brett Phillips who received notification this week from IGFA that his “Gaff Sail Pompano” caught on a trip with Baja on the Fly in May set a new all tackle record.



Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 80-91
Humidity 83%
Wind: S 15mph
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:35 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


As the Southern tip of Baja begins to dig out this morning, all of Magdalena Bay is hunkering down for their turn with “Hurricane John”. Predictions are for more rain and less wind as the storm moves into that area.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 76-86
Humidity 97%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Rain
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:44 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The big story this week was not about fishing, but rather staying off the water. Hurricane John, even though we got no damage at all, passed only 60 miles out in front of Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo. Over a period of several hours, we did get 5 inches of rain, but no wind. However, you would not have wanted to be on the water, because it was a completely different story only a couple of miles off the beach.

It is going to take a few more days before the barometer stabilizes and things settle down.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 75 - 84
Humidity 89%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:31 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:58 p.m. CDT

East Cape…Something for Everyone!

REPORT #1025 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 08/26/06
East Cape
With Tropical Storm ILEANA meandering its way below us, we experienced some rain earlier in the week. But the rain didn’t seem to hamper the tuna bite below Los Frailies. As usual, the early bird got the action and as more boats arrived the bite slowed significantly.

The billfish action slowed early in the week and then came roaring back as the storm headed out to the west. With a little luck an angler might be able to achieve a Trifecta of billfish including; striped, blue marlin and a sailfish.

For those choosing to keep their feet dry, the beach action included ladyfish, pompano and enough shots at roosters and jacks near the hotels and between La Ribera and Punta Colorada to keep things interesting.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 77-91
Humidity 83%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:41 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


The marlin have moved closer to the Entrada this week with some reported as close as eight miles on a 240° heading. Also mixed in were some dorado up to twenty pounds. Most of the tuna action seemed to be considerably farther offshore.

At the Entrada, there were a number of small black sea bass caught and released, nothing bigger that fifteen lbs.

Devils curve produced a few corvina, grouper and a couple of snook in the ten lb. class.

Up at Boca Santo Domingo the corvina and grouper dominated the catch later in the week.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 72-83
Humidity 86%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:51 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The fishing has picked up a bit over this last week. The 82º blue water is still just two miles off the beach, and the seas have calmed down after a couple of days of rain. But, the rain did push a lot of debris out of the rivers, making for some great current lines.

Marcos, on the panga Oceana, had a one day catch of 3 sailfish and 5 large dorado. He was fishing the debris laden current lines 6 miles out, and in front of Ixtapa.

The fleet is averaging two sailfish a day per boat. Plus, 40 to 100 pound yellowfin tuna have been located at 35 miles, on a 180º heading.

Kyle Trynsky from Oregon, fished with Martin one day, just after the heavy rains, and even though they experienced rough seas, they raised three sailfish and caught one. Kyle then fished with Santiago on the panga Gitana for the roosters inshore. They caught 4 roosters and 6 large jack crevalle.

Adolpho on the panga Dos Hermanos told me the hot rooster and jack fishing has not let up at all.
Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 77 - 80
Humidity 81%
Wind WSW 12 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. CDT

Turtle Releases and Marlin Refusals

REPORT #1024 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 08/19/06
East Cape
Cooler than July, August at East Cape has produced great striper fishing this week with multiple shots for those willing to put in the time to tease them close enough. The billfish teasers are also attracting a few larger dorado in the pattern.

Plenty of football sized tuna if you are willing to make the run down below Las Frailes. The better quality fish are a bit deeper below the smaller fish boiling on the sardina on the surface. A Baja Wasabi on an Eagle Claw 413 hook allowed to flutter down a bit deeper will draw a take that can rip the flyline out of your hand if you aren’t paying attention. There are also some better sized fish in front of La Ribera down deep, too deep to get to with a fly. If you get lucky, however, you may occasionally get a shot at them feeding on the surface.

Close to the beach, either from a panga or hoofing it, you can expect to get some shots at both jacks and roosters, a few of which are in the Bubba class. The best action will be where the sardina are being pushed in close to the shore by feeding fish. Watch for the diving pelicans. In the afternoon when the boats are unloading at the hotel and dumping their leftover bait, the action can be good as well.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 78-93
Humidity 49%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:57 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


On Saturday, August 12th, Lopez Mateos held its 4th Annual Turtle Festival in Lopez Mateos, with a crowd estimated to be at least 1,500 people. The Governor of Baja Sur, el Gobernador Narciso Agúndez, along with other government dignitaries and staff were in attendance as the townspeople celebrated their successes and considered the challenges for the upcoming year. The festivities included crowning a new queen for the Turtle Festival, along with food, music and speeches.

Sunday, El Gobernador Narciso Agúndez and his staff traveled out eight mile into the Pacific to assist graduate student, Hoyt Peckham, and his team in releasing a large turtle with an electronic tracking tag on its back into the wild.

By chance, later in the morning one of the local fisherman delivered a turtle that had been tangled in the net to the Proytecto Caguama, led by graduate student Hoyt Peckham. The Governor had the opportunity to assist the team in cleaning, measuring and tagging the animal. It was then placed in a pen to allow it to recuperate from its ordeal before being released back into the ocean.

As I promised last week, here is a photo of a nice sized rooster caught in the surf near Boca de Soledad. As you can see by its size, there are some nice ones just waiting for the right angler.

Offshore, with our client, Richard Negley Gill from San Antonio, TX, we checked out the Thetis early in the week where we found offcolor water and only raised one billfish. The highlight of the week was on Tuesday, when we worked south of the bank, we found classic Mag Bay conditions with diving frigates, marlin feeders, tuna and porpoise everywhere. While there was plenty to look at, nothing wanted to bite. For the remainder of the week we found marlin every day, but unfortunately, they seemed to have lockjaw and would barely come into the pattern, let alone get close enough for Richard to present the fly.

On our last day (Saturday) we opted to fish the esteros and had excellent action for leopard grouper and spotted bay bass. Chartreuse Baja Deepdiver was definitely the hot fly for the morning.

We were back in by 11:00 a.m. loaded up the van and headed back for the border which accounts for my report being a day late.

Water temperature 64 - 78
Air temperature 72-84
Humidity 62%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:56 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
There has not been much change in the fishing this week. The blue water is just a very short ride of two miles off the beach, and the fleet is only averaging a sailfish or two a day, per boat.

There has been a change in the water temperatures, however. According to the Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures, the "cooler" 81º water is about 60 miles out, with the inshore waters as warm as 87º.

The jack crevalle and roosterfish action is continuing on its good pace, with about 4 roosters and 6 of the jacks per day.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 77 - 91
Humidity 63%
Wind WSW 12 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:29 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:08 p.m. CDT

Baja Surprises……

REPORT #1023. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 08/12/06
East Cape
Woody Spruance, Salt Lake City, emailed me the following about his trip he took last week with his son Peter: “So we are back from East Cape. Good trip. Caught an unusual fish on a fly which the guide said was a " leasone" It was a tarpon-like fish in a large school off the lighthouse near Cabo Pulmo. We were told it is rarely caught on any tackle, so my son and I are feeling smug. Great on the fly, jumps like tarpon. Also, good fishing at night on the beach just north of Rancho Leonero, from 8-9 pm, just at dusk. First two nights of ladyfish chasing ballyhoo, then the next night they were gone and replaced by snapper chasing sardina.”

Catching a new species on the fly is always a thrill. The fish is the same milkfish that you have been reading all the stories about in the other parts of the world. It is the first confirmed catch on the fly at East Cape that I am aware of. We occasionally see large schools of them on the surface but never could get them to bite the fly or anything else for that matter. Pretty exciting stuff!

The schoolie dorado have moved in closer to the shore but are mostly singles not the larger fish in schools that deliver arm numbing action. The tuna bite continues with multiple choice of either football size or even some forty pounders further down the beach outside of Las Frailes. Not quite as good as last week, but the billfish show continues with few Fly-Rodders to take advantage of the action.

Water temperature 74-87
Air temperature 78-90
Humidity 66%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:54 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

We have had some interesting reports coming out of Lopez Mateos this week: Wahoo out toward the Thetis Bank, a few dorado here and there and all the tuna you can handle. Weather has settled down with eighty degree temps during the day with westerly winds in the afternoon to cool things down.

Speaking of surprises……after hearing rumors for years about big roosters at Magdalena, I finally received a confirmed report of a thirty-seven pound fish caught in surf on Magdalena Island. Yvonne and I are beginning our drive down to Lopez Mateos today. I will be fishing offshore for the week so we should have lots to talk about next week. There is a digital photo of the rooster waiting for me at Lopez that I will post next week.

Still not much to talk about in the Esteros, although with the water temps climbing I look for that to change soon.

Water temperature 64 - 74
Air temperature 72-80
Humidity 62%
Wind: NW 15 mph.
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:58 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82º blue water is only 2 miles off the beach, and the fishing has improved. Sailfish are being taken at the rate of 2 to 3 per boat per day. The 20 pound yellowfin tuna are still lingering at the 5 to 7 mile mark, and several 20 to 30 pound dorado are showing up in the count. Some boats are getting three dorado a day, and at least 2 sailfish.

The fishing pressure is very low, with only about 7 to 10 boats a day consisting of the entire fleet. A few of these boats are concentrating on the inshore action. It has been outstanding. The average is still 4 roosterfish from 25 to 45 pounds, and about 6 large jack crevalle from 14 to 25 pounds.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:27 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:14 p.m. CDT

Few Blues…Stripey’s Thick…East Cape

REPORT #1022. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 08/05/06
East Cape
After the poor weather and fishing left in the wake of Emilla, there was a collective sigh of relief this week. Nice weather greeted the participants of the Bisbee Tournament which dominated most of the attention. Unfortunately the blues missed the invitation and only two qualifying fish came to the scales at 418# and 350#. Andrew Hughes, out for the first time on his new boat, “Mi Corazon”, landed the 418# blue that won the big money. Andrew should sell the boat today; his average will never be any better. In the tuna department, another local, Bob Hardesty, “Makaria”, brought in a fat 132# tuna to win that division. In the dorado category, a 54# bull took all the marbles.

Talk about good news…bad news, everyone was complaining about how thick the stripers were and that they were shaking them off in hopes of a blue. That, my friend is good news for the fly flingers. Mark Rayor reported eight stripey bites in a couple of hours. So if you have a hankering for a marlin on the fly, now might be a good time to be in East Cape.

Inshore the water has cleaned up after the storm and the roosters are showing again. Take your pick either inshore on a panga at Punta Colorada or try Bartle Beach on foot at gray light where they are netting the bait. See through deceivers or Chivo Lisa’s should do the trick for you.


Water temperature 74-87
Air temperature 82-90
Humidity 72%
Wind: NNW 7 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:58 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

The seas offshore calmed down this week allowing a few boats to go outside. Decent tuna showing with a few dorado mixed in half the distance to Thetis bank from Lopez Mateos. Also some small yellows at the Entrada. In the esteros a few corvina seemed to be the best that anyone could come up with.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 72-82
Humidity 62%
Wind: WNW 15 mph.
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:08 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82º blue water is only 2 miles off the beach, and the fishing has improved. Sailfish are being taken at the rate of 2 to 3 per boat, per day. The 20 pound yellowfin tuna are still lingering at the 5 to 7 mile mark, and several 20 to 30 pound dorado are showing up in the count. Some boats are getting three dorado a day, and at least 2 sailfish.

The fishing pressure is very low, with only about 7 to 10 boats a day consisting of the entire fleet. A few of these boats are concentrating on the inshore action. It has been outstanding. The average is still 4 roosterfish from 25 to 45 pounds, and about 6 large jack crevalle from 14 to 25 pounds.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 82
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:26 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:17 p.m. CDT

Emilla Comes A Calling….

REPORT #1021. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/29/06
East Cape
As Emilla approached the tip of Baja early in the week, conditions deteriorated quickly. According to an IM from Mark Rayor of Vista Seasport, a much needed eight of inches of rain on Tuesday was one result. Grumpy seas caused his dive trips to be cancelled but he was still able to send out the “Jen Wren” on a fishing trip. The fishing prior to the storm had been less than stellar with the best action being the tuna 35-40 miles down below Las Frailes. After the storm, off-color water prevailed and most of the action was a few blues, stripes and even one black reported along with a few dorado found further offshore. The tuna bite shut off and so far the school has not been found again. As of this Saturday, the murky water was a memory and all that is left to do is to find where the fish have moved to.


Water temperature 74-87
Air temperature 82-90
Humidity 66%
Wind: E 4 mph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:02 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

While Emilla managed to dump quite a bit of rain in the area, Enrique Soto at Puerto San Carlos reported good fishing at the Entrada which included several large black seabass, one close to 100 lbs. In tight to the beach on the north side of the Entrada there were a few small white seabass in the shallows near the rocks.

Offshore the remnants of Emilla have caused unsettled conditions.

The esteros remained slow yielding with few fish this week.

If the Mexican government continues to increase the quotas for sardine, it may be a long time before fishing improves. A group of locals, led by Enrique, are planning to deliver a petition later this week demanding a rollback on the extraordinarily high quotas for sardine that are decimating the bay.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 72-82
Humidity 39%
Wind: NNW 15 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:13 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
According to the Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures, the inshore water is holding at 84º, with 87º water at the 100 fathom mark (10 miles off the beach) and beyond. The blue water is only 2 miles off the beach.

I talked with Santiago on the panga “Gitana” who told me he had only fished a couple of days this week but was taking sailfish and lots of 20 pound class yellowfin tuna only 5 miles out.

The fleet is averaging about 2 sailfish a day, per boat.

The roosterfish and jack crevalle action is still holding up, with about 4 roosters per boat average and 6 of the large jacks.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:23 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:20 p.m. CDT

Tuna on the Fly

REPORT #1020. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/22/06
East Cape
Great weather this week, though the temperatures were in the mid-90s. While it was a long ride, the tuna bite was great if you got there early. Mostly football-sized tuna, but they were sucking up wasabis like they were going out of style. Closer the home, there were a few billfish on the outside allowing the hotel boats to rack up some decent scores. A few mile out in front of La Ribera there were some better quality tuna, but unfortunately, most were caught deep and not on the surface. Also some pargo up to 15 pounds. Along the beach there were a few roosters if you could get past the pelicans, needlefish and ladyfish. There were even a few sight casting ops for the diligent.

Water temperature 74-87
Air temperature 78-97
Humidity 66%
Wind: E 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:05 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Diana Hoyt reported good dorado, tuna and skipjack a few miles outside the boca. Out at the Thetis, it was Giant Humboldt Squid to 50 pounds and a fair show of yellowtail on the surface.

Still mostly corvina, grouper and spotted bay bass in the esteros with plenty of halibut near the shallow sandy beaches.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 72-82
Humidity 39%
Wind: NNE 9 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:16 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82º blue water is only a couple of miles off the beach. Due to the full moon phase, the sailfish action has slowed down a bit, but the fleet is still posting a two to three fish a day average per boat. By the middle of this next week, because of the new moon period, I really expect these numbers to increase.

We are starting to see a few small dorado and small yellowfin tuna also. This should also increase next week.

The main action is still the roosterfish and the large jack crevalle. This has been red hot. A typical day will yield five roosters, and at least eight large jacks of about 15 to 25 pounds. The roosters are averaging between 25 and 40 pounds, with a few larger fish showing every day.
.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 84
Humidity 66%
Wind WSW 12 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:21 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:23 p.m. CDT

Slow Start . . . Better Finish

REPORT #1019. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/15/06
East Cape
Early in the week moderate to strong winds slowed the fishing down somewhat. Inshore action was best early in the morning with plenty of ladyfish and a good pargo bite at Punta Colorada. While there were plenty of roosterfish to look at, getting them to take the fly was a different story. Several tropical storms below us have caused unsettled conditions for the past few days. Yesterday (7/14), in spite some rain and windy conditions in the morning, the fishing turned around with some tuna and dorado flags flying for a change.

Coci our Southeast San Diego ghetto dog that morphed into to one of the best fishing dogs to hit a Baja beach, left us last Wed. after 14 fun-filled years. A star in his own right, he was featured on the cover of several national magazines with many articles about his fish-spotting abilities. He had a remarkable life prowling Baja beaches with me. We will all miss him!

Water temperature 74-86
Air temperature 78-94
Humidity 66%
Wind: ENE 10 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:41 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Gary Hoterig reported an excellent yellowfin bite 30 miles south of the Thetis Bank. Later in the week, big swells and wind prevented most of the boats from getting outside the entrada and the ones that did get out found it uncomfortable. Some quality dorado were caught near the shark buoys west of the entrada.

Up in the esteros, there were big tides this week that resulted in very dirty water that slowed fishing down significantly.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 72-80
Humidity 81%
Wind: NNE 9 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:19 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We are really enjoying some very good fishing, great weather, and the only thing missing is a few more people here to take advantage of it. The rain, as normal, has only been coming in the late evenings. Plus, the 82º to 84º blue water is only a couple of miles off the beach, and the fish are biting.

The bluewater fleet, consisting of four to five boats, is averaging two to three sailfish a day each. The two or three boats fishing inshore are averaging three or four roosters a day and several large jack crevalle.

Thursday (7/13) Adolpho on the “Dos Hermanos” got lucky and found porpoise, birds and game fish herding a large school of small flying fish only about ¼-mile off the beach. They had already caught four roosters by the time they pulled up on a feeding frenzy. Before it was over, they were able to catch several large jacks and seven more roosters off the spot. Eleven roosters in one day is a highly memorable event.

My 11 year old son Ken and I fished with Adolpho yesterday (7/14). To guarantee our success, I had forgotten the camera, and had left it back at the house. We caught four roosters from 25- to 50-pounds, plus four large jacks from 18- to 25-pounds. This was all before 11. Ken was whipped, so we headed back, but then Adolpho spotted a feeding school of more jacks and roosters. The roosters did not cooperate, but we released another six jacks in the 14- to 17-pound range. And, we still made it back to the dock an hour and a half early.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 82 - 91
Humidity 83%
Wind WSW 12 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:24 p.m. CDT

Species Galore

REPORT #1018. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/08/06
East Cape
Fourth of July week at East Cape was memorable for the pleasant weather (though toasty mid-day), little wind and great fishing. Ed Lowery arrived from Las Vegas with his 10-year old son Nick on Sun. (7/2) and from Mon. to Wed. fished outside Cabo Pulmo, (tuna, skipjack, bonito and triggerfish); Punta Colorada, (snapper, pompano, cabrilla and needlefish); and the beach (jack crevalle and ladyfish). Nine species in three days! They also saw billfish and roosters, but couldn’t get them to bite.

With dark clouds of bait strung up and down Bartle Beach, it is not hard to figure out where to be early morning. The diving pelicans are a dead giveaway where the fish are feeding. Just a few yards outside the bait are herds of ladyfish, jacks swimming along the bottom; and roosters grabbing any bait that strays from the school.

The action for dorado was fair a few miles outside of Las Barracas, yielding a few fish from low teens to 40 pounds. We spotted the tell-tale V marking the greasy surface of the sea early morning, tossed a few sardina and the sea exploded – not with the expected dorado – but with a school of 10- to 15-pound pompano which sums up this week: always expect the unexpected at East Cape.

Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-94
Humidity 30%
Wind: ENE 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:08 p.m. MDT





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Offshore there have been a few dorado close to the buoys 10- to 20-miles west of the entrada. At the entrada, there are a few yellows mixed with sierra under the bird schools. Still reports of large tuna schools west of Cabo San Lazaro.
Up in the esteros there has been some action on snook near Devil’s Curve. Larry and Martha Warlaumont arrived aboard “Retriever” and are spending the entire week checking out the esteros using the big boat as a mother ship.

Lopez Mateos reported good corvina, grouper and a few palometa amarillo up to the north. Offshore, a few dorado and good tuna action out toward the Thetis Bank.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 68-80
Humidity 87%
Wind: NNW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:20 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82º water is holding great roosterfish action inshore and fairly good sailfish action offshore. This last week or two has only seen a total of about 7 to 10 boats a day fishing, but they are averaging two to three sailfish each in the blue water; or about four large roosterfish if they are concentrating on the inshore fishery. The roosters are averaging 30- to 42-pounds.

A few dorado are starting to show and this should pick up notably over the next few weeks.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 72 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind W 4 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:24 p.m. CDT

Slower Fishing and a Slower Truck

REPORT #1017. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/01/06
East Cape
Sorry for the late report. I began my drive down to East Cape yesterday (6/30) and was delayed a bit by a very large truck that I had to follow for 50 (yes, 50!) miles before they would let me pass. So I am posting the report from La Paz instead of East Cape this morning.

Offshore, the action continued with billfish, dorado and tuna leading the charge. Inshore, the action seems to have slowed down a click or two, but it’s still very productive early; and then it is out to the bluewater to search for the bigger boys.

Beach action consisted mostly of ladyfish, pompano and a few pargo. There is plenty of both sardina and mullet tight to the beach from Scott Glenn's house all the way to Bartle Beach. Still seeing some roosters, but they seemed to have lockjaw this week.

Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-99
Humidity 78%
Wind: SSW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:34 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

There’s no wind and the water temperatures are beginning to climb; as it does, the fishing action has improved. Ten- to 15-miles outside the boca at Lopez Mateos there are plenty of yellowtail, bonito, barracuda and skipjack to keep everyone busy. Out another five miles above Lazaro there is excellent tuna action and a few marlin being spotted.

In the esteros, grouper, corvina, halibut and the ever-present spotted bay bass have been the best bet.

Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 68-78
Humidity 62%
Wind: W 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:19 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Inshore and offshore, the water is averaging a very warm 88 degrees. This has kept the tuna and marlin out of here, but is very favorable for the sailfish. Dorado, even though they have yet to show, also like the warmer temperatures.

Fly fisherman Tod Eason had a short 4 day trip down here and wanted one day of fishing. I lent him my fly gear and put him on the panga “Gitana” with Santiago. In just a few short hours he had one sail come off on a poor hook set, another broke the leader, but they tagged and released the third.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos” told me the inshore roosterfish action is outstanding. He is averaging 6 roosters a day, between 30- and 45-pounds. His best day was 8. They took them about 14 miles to the north, along the Pantla beach area.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 72 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind W 4 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:23 p.m. CDT