Weather . . . Whales and Sails

REPORT #995. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/28/06
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We are coming out of the full moon phase, and those clients who fished for three or more days ended up with some very good numbers. Those who gave it a one day try may have done well . . . or maybe not.

The 82º blue water is a very short run, and we are averaging about two to threesailfish a day per boat. Plus, the blue marlin are showing up in the catches for an average of about one blue for every six boats.

Both the panga “Gitana” with Santiago, and his brother Adan, on the “Gitana II” had some respectable numbers this week. Minnesotan Bill Berg – down for a break from winter’s ice and snow – released 11 sailfish and two yellowfin tuna for four days of fishing with Santiago. Mel Walberg and Troy Courneya each fished three days with Adan, releasing a total of 12 sailfish and one dorado.

The inshore action for fly-rodders has been best for the black skipjack tuna and green jacks.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 86
Humidity 683%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:38 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The trick this week was to find the blue water, which seemed to moving around. The calm seas made it easier for the fleet to spread out and search for the action anywhere from eight to 35 miles. Early in the week, there was more seeking than catching! By mid-week the captains had narrowed down the area and everyone’s results improved and double digit scores were not uncommon. With an occasional blue marlin and some fat dorado for variety, everyone had plenty to talk about over fresh dorado hors d'oeuvres at happy hour.


Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 68- 80
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:01 p.m. CST
East Cape
Weather continues to thwart even the most dedicated angler. Sure, hit it on the right day and you may find some dorado, tuna or maybe even a billfish to brighten your day. Inshore, wind waves continue to thrash the beach keeping the sierra out of casting range. Our guide Lance Peterson arrived Fri. night and reported that he was greeted with rain, which is was what he left his home in Washington to get away from. Not a great way to begin his month-long trip to East Cape.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-71
Air temperature 59-81
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:00 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:03 p.m. MST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Whale Ho! This is the time of year that both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos go bonkers as tourists come flocking to the area to get up close and personal with the whales that arrive for a little hanky panky and family building. If you can find a panga that isn’t in the hunt for the whales you will find fair action for yellowtail and grouper out at the entrada. One yellow caught last week was in the 40 pound class with others in the mid-20s.

Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 99%
Wind: WNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. MST