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