Cinco de Mayo Ushers in the Season

REPORT #1009. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/06/06
East Cape
East Cape fishing conditions have been great over the last week. Warm water and ample supplies of bait have lead to good action both inshore and offshore. Early in the week, the offshore bite turned on big time with marlin, sailfish, and dorado on the feed in the vicinity of Ocho-Ocho (88). Gordon P. Henriksen made the trip across the planet from Denmark to sample the East Cape fishery. He and his buddy/camera man, Morten Svendsen, had plenty of action inshore with good catches of black skipjack and pargo. They moved offshore the next day and found wide open action on pelagic species including marlin, sails and huge skipjack. The fish had schools of squid balled up tight on the surface where they fed at will on the helpless cephalopods.

Inshore fishing has been good thanks to large schools of flat iron herring (sardina). Roosterfish, jack crevalle, black skipjack, pargo, and the occasional sierra have been on the prowl along the beach making for some outstanding action. Jim Schmitz of Tacoma, Wash. had an amazing day, hooking three large roosterfish from a dead stopped panga as the predators exploded in a feeding frenzy around the boat. It was Classic East Cape action!

Yesterday, JD and I went to the lighthouse for snorkeling and some casual fly-fishing. Got to cast to a few good fish. Turned a couple but no eats. Fun stuff. Great way to spend Cinco de Mayo. As we were leaving, a mega school of jacks appeared off the beach. Hundreds and hundreds packed in a tight ball.

By Lance Peterson and Josh Dickenson
Baja on the Fly Guides

Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 62-89
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 2 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:48 p.m. MST





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Cooler than normal conditions persisted again this week with a west wind that won't quit. Estero [estuary] action seemed to be confined to corvina and pompano along with an occasional grouper. Out at the entrada [entrance] action was fair under the bird schools for sierra, bonito and a few firecracker yellowtail. Offshore there was little to report with the continued rough sea conditions. Under the bridge at the entrance to San Carlos also produced a few corvina and even a pargo or two.



Water temperature 60 - 67
Air temperature 59-78
Humidity 94%
Wind: W 17 mph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:55 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The water has changed again this last week. Looking at the current Terrafin satellite photos, both the inshore and offshore waters have cooled down as much as four or five degrees this week.

This has slowed the fishing also. We are currently in the second day of our annual sailfish tournament, with about 120 boats fishing. They are averaging about one sailfish per day, per boat.

Talking this morning (Saturday) with Adolpho on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” the inshore action is seeing some sierras and a few jack crevalle, but no roosters.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 72 - 86
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:08 p.m. CST

East Cape Inshore Heats Up

REPORT #1008. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/29/06
East Cape
Late April on the East Cape saw continuing improvement for inshore fishermen. Brett Phillips of Oregon in particular saw the Sea of Cortez at its finest. Brett fished from a panga, never getting more than a few hundred yards from shore and for two days hooked good numbers of fish, including pargo, grouper, jack crevalle, needlefish, black skipjack, roosterfish, and the largest gaff topsail pompano any of us has ever seen. He is submitting it to IGFA for a possible new All-Tackle World Record. Decent amounts of bait including mullet and sardina are beginning to show, making for some exciting inshore days.
The bait seems somewhat condensed in the Punta Pescadero and Punta Colorada areas however, keeping many of the predatory schools condensed as well. These concentrations are making locating roosters and jacks from the beach a little more difficult. Hopefully, in the coming days these fish will disperse and beach sightings of big roosters will improve.
Offshore action remains good for striped marlin, but they're feeding aggressively on small squid and not coming into the lures very often, despite being present in great numbers. Ray Rickard of Grand Junction, Colo. recently enjoyed a classic mixed bag of East Cape fishing, hitting the inshore for good snapper and grouper action with small chartreuse Clousers. Then, in the p.m., we headed out about 2 miles where we found a good school of bait, and Ray battled a nice 180-pound striper. As reported, the stripers haven't been suckers for the tease, so we caught some “liveys” with a Lucky Joe and pitched to a feeder. It's that time of year again here on the Cape. The inshore and offshore bite can be only a few minutes boat ride apart.
Tim Harris, Redmond, Wash. followed up a slow offshore day on Monday with a good inshore trip on Wednesday with an action packed day catching sierra and black skipjack near Punta Arena.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 68-77
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:45 p.m. MST




Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

It was another week of windy cold conditions with the sun finally making an appearance today. Seem to be plenty of fish at the entrada, but they are plugged with langoustes (red crab) and have a serious case of lockjaw. Up in the mangroves, there were a few snook caught at Los Barrilles and I understand it is wall-to-wall nets up at Devil’s Curve again! Up at Lopez Mateos, the grouper and corvina provide the best action for the few who cared this week. Offshore, it continued to grumpy and kept most of the panga fishermen close to the beach.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 66-78
Humidity 59%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:55 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 82° clean water is out about eight to nine miles, with the deep blue water at 20 miles. Most of the boats working the 18 to 20 mile mark are getting one or two sailfish a day.

Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” along with his brother Adan on the “Gitana II,” are working the 25 mile area and averaging three sailfish a day on conventional gear. Plus, Santiago told me the schools of yellowfin tuna are out around the 1,000 fathom curve (30 miles), and are about ready to move in closer for our annual May run.

Santiago fished with clients Chris and Tom Topher of California, releasing three sails and took two smaller tuna of about 20 pounds. Yesterday (Friday) he fished with Dwight Holly of Seattle, releasing three sails. Adan also got a small 150 pound blue marlin fishing with Danny Burns of Oregon.

Martin, on the panga “Isamar,” sampled the inshore fly-fishing and his client had some fantastic action on fish perfect for the 7- to 9-weight rods. Yesterday they got approximately 30 green jacks, about 15 jack crevalle, and 20 black skipjack tuna on a very small white fly. All the fish were in the 2- to 5-pound class.
Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 80 - 86
Humidity 83%
Wind NW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:05 p.m. CST


San Jose, Guatemala
As the season winds down, the few boats going out are still finding decent action. Everyone one agrees that 2006 will go down in history as an extraordinary season even by Guatemala standards.


Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 79- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:42 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:19 p.m. CST

East Cape Spring . . . Mixed Bag

REPORT #1007. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/22/06
East Cape
Warmer air and warmer water resulted in improved inshore fishing conditions this week. The presence of long-lost sardina in the bait tank only helped matters. Early in the week, large roosterfish put on a great show tearing up bait at El Cardonal north of Pescadero.
The offshore anglers found reduced catches of yellowfin tuna, but a few white flags were still flying. Striped marlin consistently took pitched bait but refused to appear in the pattern making fly-fishing difficult.
Perfect weather, calm seas greeted participants that traveled from all over the US to participate in Pudge Kleinkauf’s, Women’s Flyfishing® annual “Baja Spring Special” this week.
While the quantity was less than hoped for, there was plenty of variety. The group’s species list was impressive. Catches including marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, amberjack, bonito, white bonito, sierra, jack crevalle, needlefish, roosterfish, gaff topsail pompano, pargo, and cabrilla.
The beach fishing in front of the hotel late in the afternoon produced a few small roosters, pompano and a few mystery bites for the group.
Western Outdoor News, holding their East Cape Fiesta de Pesca April 8-30, awarded two of the group with the largest fish-of-the-day prizes. Dan Jansen, Anchorage for the largest YFT on Easter Sunday and Jim Hunter, Albuquerque managed to land the largest dorado on Wednesday. They both received enough goodies to fill their already stuffed suitcases.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 68-77
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: NW 4 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:42 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

There were reports of a few grouper, pargo and corvina up in the mangroves both at Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos. There were a few snook outside the bocas with pompano mixed in. Enrique Soto reports that the yellows are still out at the entrada. Offshore the wind persists keeping almost all the boats close to home.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 66-81
Humidity 79%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:58 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:52 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
No Report This Week . . . Here’s last week’s:

The Terrafin satellite surface temperature charts show 78° water out six miles to the 100 fathom line, and 82° water beyond that. This combination has been great for jack crevalle inshore, and sailfish offshore.

Few people are fishing the inshore, but when they do, they are catching 12 to 15 of the 14- to 20-pound jacks a day. Most of the fish are taken on slowed trolled live bait, but the fly fishers are also getting several.

Two to three sailfish a day is the average per boat. Scott Anderson from Minn. caught four sailfish while fishing with Ruben on the “Vamonos III.”

The conditions are almost perfect and we are expecting the big yellowfin tuna and marlin almost any day now.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 83%
Wind NW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:25 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:03 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
Sketchy reports seem to indicate that the season seems to be winding down from a client perspective. Most of the action is outside of 18 miles with double digit action for the few boats making the run.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 75- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: NW 8 mph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:45 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. CST

East Cape Sardina and All That Follows

REPORT #1006. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/15/06
East Cape
Welcome to Baja, one of our guides failed to make muster this morning, so I had to go fishing and let the report slide.

Nice weather most of the week and some sardina for chum should make anyone smile. Pudge Kleinkauf blew into town this week with a dozen close friends for a five day stint of serious fly-fishing. Pudge, Sandie Arnold, Cindy Esquivel all from Anchorage along with Alison Osinski, San Diego, took advantage of an early arrival and had pre-fish day yesterday. They weren’t disappointed. Tuna, skipjack, pargo, pompano and even a small roosterfish provided a nice first day species list. The tuna are inside of 30 miles along with a few marlin closer to shore. Not much on the dorado front. Inshore, the catch was a mixed a mixed bag including sierra, pargo, jacks, skipjack all within a half mile of the shore. The beach on the other hand has not kicked in just yet.

The trick with the tuna is the first to find them . . . FISH, get there late and you WISH.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 62-89
Humidity 66%
Wind: S 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:58 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:39 p.m. MST




Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Scallop season and windy conditions slowed the fishing interest down this week. Still some corvina at the bridge and pier at San Carlos. Out at the entrada, a few yellows and skipjack could be found under the bird schools. Up at Lopez, the grouper continued to put on a show in a few of the locals secret hot spots. Plenty of spotted bay bass including a few fatties. Still a decent halibut bite on most of the sandy beaches. Hearing rumors of tuna but can’t tie down the location other than offshore.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 64-82
Humidity 99%
Wind: NNW 17 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:49 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The Terrafin satellite surface temperature charts show 78° water out six miles to the 100 fathom line, and 82° water beyond that. This combination has been great for jack crevalle inshore, and sailfish offshore.

Few people are fishing the inshore, but when they do, they are catching 12 to 15 of the 14- to 20-pound jacks a day. Most of the fish are taken on slowed trolled live bait, but the fly fishers are also getting several.

Two to three sailfish a day is the average per boat. Scott Anderson from Minn. caught four sailfish while fishing with Ruben on the “Vamonos III.”

The conditions are almost perfect and we are expecting the big yellowfin tuna and marlin almost any day now.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind NW 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:02 p.m. CST


San Jose, Guatemala
No Report Received This Week. Here’s a repeat of last week’s:
The record-breaking catches seen during March madness in Guatemala are over with new records set. There are enough stories to dominate Happy Hours wherever fishermen gather for sometime. April began with the fish being less concentrated as they spread out looking for bait. There was consistent action beginning at 20 miles for both sails and an occasional marlin in calm seas.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 70- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: NW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:50 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:16 p.m. CST

Dorado Early Arrivals During Transition

REPORT #1005. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/08/06
East Cape
Too bad there were only a few visitors to enjoy the great fishing early this week. "Shooting fish in a barrel," was how one client described the fishing when I arrived here in East Cape last Friday afternoon. But then the north wind roared back in on Wednesday (4/5) leaving white caps and lumps in its wake.

Yesterday (4/6) the Matt Smith party of three from Indiana had a pretty decent beach trip despite the breezes. They nailed some croakers and a jack. Meanwhile, inshore fishing turned on nicely, with pargo, grouper and ladyfish hitting the decks.

Skippers are finding quality dorado under the shark buoys, striped marlin and sails outside, and, if you go far enough and are lucky, you might even find a few tuna to bend your stick. Inshore, skipjack and white bonito provided the best action. On the good days the beach yielded a few ladyfish, pompano and if you pay attention you might find few decent-sized jacks to sight cast to. If that is not enough, rumors of grande yellowtail in shallow water up towards Muertos Bay have some of the locals chomping at the bit. As the winter-to-spring transition continues, it appears to be shaping up to be an exciting springtime at East Cape.

As of last Sunday, all flights have been cancelled by Aero California and that has thrown Baja travel into a tailspin. Word is that the Mexican government yanked their license. Competition for the remaining flights on other carriers has driven the cost of tickets through the roof. Hopefully, there will be some resolution during the next few weeks.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 68-82
Humidity 60%
Wind: NW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:37 p.m. MST




Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

I spent the early part of the week in Lopez Mateos and it could only be described as cold and windy. I don’t think I took off my sweatshirt once during the day. However, by Friday it warmed up and the wind quit blowing. Inside the bay there was a decent leopard grouper bite for some 10- to 20-pounders up above Lopez Mateos. Not much to talk about outside, but judging by the number of big tuna boats anchored in Santa Maria Bay on Thursday hiding from the weather, there must be a slug of tuna somewhere in the vicinity. The number of whales around San Carlos and the entrada is diminishing rapidly. Lastly, still a few firecracker yellows can be found under the bird schools at the entrada.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 64-78
Humidity 99%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:46 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water is still only a very short three mile ride, with water temperatures hitting 80°. The fleet is averaging about two sailfish a day, per boat. Adan, on the panga “Gitana II” did have a four sailfish release day for his clients. His brother Santiago, on the “Gitana,” fishing with Martin and Rachel Patrick, released two sailfish and a 170 pound blue marlin. Doug Leach, also fished a day with Santiago using the flyrod, hooking a couple, and releasing one sail, and a dorado.

The inshore action is still strong for the large jack crevalle and there are lots of black skipjacks.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind WNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:34 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:00 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
The record-breaking catches seen during March madness in Guatemala is over with new records set. There are enough stories to dominate Happy Hours wherever fishermen gather for sometime. April began with the fish being less concentrated as they spread out looking for bait. There was consistent action beginning at 20 miles for both sails and an occasional marlin in calm seas.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 70- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: N 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:54 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:15 p.m. CST

Wind Shifts . . . Conditions Improve

REPORT #1004. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/01/06
East Cape
The news this week revolved mainly around the lack of wind. When the slight breeze picked up, it was from the southeast. This trend will bring warmer weather and water. The inshore fishing hasn't quite caught up yet though. We're running into intermittent ladyfish, pompano and jack schools. This time of year it's not unusual to see large Pacific jack crevalle in tight schools, moving slowly and not responding aggressively. Calmer days have permitted some snorkeling which reveals very tight schools of gafftop-sail pompano also. As water temps rise and more bait appears (striped mullet and flatiron herring), these schools will loosen up, providing more shots to the beach angler. The roosterfish catch picks up with the arrival of bait also. Thus far, it's the very lucky boat to run into roosters, but this week's weather is only helping matters.

Most of the boats seeing consistent success are cruisers willing to make fairly long runs to blue water. Some reported being among large schools of sleeping striped marlin with mixed hook-up results. Dorado and yellowfin tuna contributed to some success stories as well.

Josh Dickinson
Baja on the Fly Guide

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 67-82
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:11 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:34 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Nice weather throughout the week and then it turned cold and windy today (4/1). There are still a few whales hanging around while they are psych themselves up for the long trip up the coast.

Offshore, the Humboldt squid have been about the only thing reposted of any consequence for the week. The best action in the mangroves was not far from San Carlos at Los Barrlies there were a few snook to be had if you were there at the right time. Still a decent corvina bite either at the pier or under the bridge at the entrance to town.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 52-72
Humidity 99%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:18 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:43 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water is only three miles off the beach, yet a cooler water current is moving down from the north and pushing the sailfish further south. The current Terrafin Surface Temperature image shows 78 degree water coming down and displacing the sailfish rich 82 degree water. This will be great for the blue marlin and yellowfin tuna however.

Inshore, the action has been outstanding on large jack crevalle. The fish have been averaging 16- to 18-pounds, with some going 25-pounds. Most are being taken at the white rocks on slow trolled live bait, but many are following a hookless popper to give a fly-caster a decent shot.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind SW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:59 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
No Report Received this week – Last week’s report repeated

As expected, the WFO action couldn't go on indefinitely. This week, the catches were still in the low double digits as the sailfish scattered in search of bait. The acres of small baitfish that had been reported for the past few weeks seemed to have disappeared leaving no other choice than to resort to more exploring. The fleet did find action anywhere from 15 to as far as 45 miles offshore as the boats spread out in search of herds of sailfish seen in the previous week. You can imagine how many times this week’s visitors heard, “You should have been here last week!”

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 72- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:59 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:15 p.m. CST

Baja Transcends . . . Guatemala Peaks

REPORT #1003. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/25/06
East Cape
As March fades into April, East Cape slips into that transitional mode when the winds begin to lose strength and start to shift from north to east. Then there begins to be more good days than bad. Early this week, it was calm but by mid-week the north winds were churning up the Sea of Cortez leaving murky water and white caps. Then, as quickly as it started, it slacked off.

As expected, locals along with the few visitors staying at the hotels, headed out. With the unsettled conditions it is always like starting at square one after the wind backs off and with few boats looking it is tough to locate any concentrations of any usual suspects.

Oddly enough, striped marlin – along with a few sailfish – seemed to be the most dominate species with a few found scattered throughout Las Palmas Bay. There were also a few dorado (on the smallish side) found outside of Punta Pescadero a few miles as well as further offshore mixed in with the billfish. Several boats gambled that the north wind wouldn't kick up and headed down south. They were rewarded with a few tuna. Inshore, skipjack, white bonito and sierra provided the best action. The beach walkers needed to be out at zero dark hundred and were rewarded with fair sierra action until the sun climbed high enough to shut the bite off. By then, the ladyfish took over and did their baby tarpon-like leaping after being fooled by an array of very small baitfish patterns such as bonefish-sized Clousers.

As reported last week, rumors of swordfish fining attracted some interest including Mark Rayor, of Vista Sea Sports, who spent two full days searching for the illusive swordy before the wind came up and conditions deteriorated. With picture perfect weather, he would have been back out this morning, but his boat was chartered for the day.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 61-82
Humidity 52%
Wind: NW 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:31 p.m. MST
San Jose, Guatemala
As expected, the WFO action couldn't go on indefinitely. This week, the catches were still in the low double digits as the sailfish scattered in search of bait. The acres of small baitfish that had been reported for the past few weeks seemed to have disappeared leaving no other choice than to resort to more exploring. The fleet did find action anywhere from 15 to as far as 45 miles offshore as the boats spread out in search of herds of sailfish seen in the previous week. You can imagine how many times this week’s visitors heard, “You should have been here last week!”

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 72- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: ENE 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:03 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. CST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

As the number of whales in the bay continues to diminish, more attention is directed toward the mangroves, entrada and offshore. Offshore – out among the shark buoys – there are a few tuna to be found. Nearer the entrada, bonito and skipjack with an occasional yellow can be found under the bird schools.

Up at Devil’s Curve, Enrique Soto reported good catches of palometa in the 10 pound category along with a few smaller snook as well as a decent corvina bite on both streamers and surface poppers. With water temperatures creeping slowly upward, conditions should continue to improve over the next month.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 64-72
Humidity 100%
Wind: NNW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:40 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The water warming up several degrees did wonders for the fishing this week. Martin, Captain of the “Isamar,” provided three memorable days for Greg Pike, visiting from Great Falls, Mont. By the end of the trip Greg had landed seven sails and a striped marlin on the fly. Santiago, Captain on the “Gitana,” had several busy days with ample action to keep everyone on the boat smiling.

Inshore at Ixtapa Island, jacks in the 15 pound class were feeding on the surface keeping the flyrods bent most of the morning.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind NNE 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:57 p.m. CST

Adios Whales . . . Sailfish Records Smashed

REPORT #1002. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/18/06
San Jose, Guatemala
This was the week that was and will be remembered for a long time. Sailfish action exploded, reports of sailfish everywhere was the norm for the past week, allowing fleet records, boat records and personal bests to be smashed during the week. Will it continue, Quien Sabe? It is safe to say this week will be remembered for a long time – maybe forever! – and the bar for high boat counts and personal catch records has been raised significantly. Guatemala continues to demonstrate why it is considered the destination to deliver the highest volume of sailfish.
Catch Details>>

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80- 82
Humidity 100%
Wind: SW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST



Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Whale watching season has finally wound down and all but a few whales have begun their long journey northward. It has been one of the better whale watching seasons in recent memory.

With the water temperatures beginning to slowly creep up, the locals have high expectations for the fishing inside the bay and are already reporting lots of bait.

Outside, winter conditions persist with rough seas and plenty of wind.

The best action this week was found out at the entrada as the yellowtail could be found chasing bait on the surface. Look for the bird schools, but you have to be quick to get on them before they go back down.

If you are looking for some action a little closer, there have been reports of a decent corvina bite around the pier at Puerto San Carlos.
Up at Lopez Mateos, everyone is recovering from the busy whale watching season and will now begin turning their attention to fishing in the mangroves.

Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 55-70
Humidity 100%
Wind: NW 15 mph
Conditions: Fog
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:37 p.m. MST
East Cape
Currents bringing warmer water are beginning to work their way up into the Sea of Cortez, bringing with it a few YFT and billfish. Another bonus this week is there has been swordfish showing which has been enough to suck out some of the locals on the calm days. North winds continue to hamper the boats in getting out locating the schools. Still enough dorado to keep things interesting for the persistent. Close to shore the water remains off color and it has been difficult to find much worthwhile action.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 65-73
Air temperature 61-79
Humidity 53%
Wind: NNW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:29 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
OOPS! Server down . . . No report received this week. The following is last week’s report:

Blue water has moved back from 40 miles to the 23 mile mark, and the fishing has picked up some this last week. But, it is still a bit on the slow side. The Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures now show 76° water from the beach, out 10 miles to the 100 fathom curve, and an average of 79° water beyond the 100 fathom curve. This is a substantial raise of at least 5° over earlier in the week.

Lots of sailfish are being seen, with a least four or five fish a day being raised to the spread. There are also plenty of yellowfin tuna, and several blue marlin. But, with an incredible supply of mackerel and black skipjack tuna, keeping the fish's attention long enough to eat a trolled bait has been the downfall. We honestly believe they fish are too full to aggressively charge the trolled baits.

The inshore action should also pick up substantially now the water has warmed up a bit.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 86
Humidity 83%
Wind WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:56 p.m. CST

Whales Tales Dominate

REPORT #1,001. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/11/06
East Cape
North winds prevailed once again this week making it another time of rescheduling as we tap danced around the wind. As you can see by Lance and Josh’s daily reports, it was a tough week at East Cape:
Friday (3/10) . . . While today has been fairly calm, the wave action has persisted and the fishing continues to be brutal. Josh hit the beach today and again found it lifeless.
Thursday (3/9) . . . Josh and I fished the beach today to see what's up. We just got back. Fished all the way to lighthouse. It's tough out there. Less wind today, but big waves. We snorkeled too. Visibility is super limited as the water is extra turbid and churned up. No signs of life. Couldn't even raise a fish on the teasers.
Tuesday (3/7) . . . It's been really dead fishing. Not even the locals have been out there.

We keep hearing rumors of a decent yellowtail bite up at Muertos Bay along with some sierra. All we need is the wind to back off long enough to get there. If we do get a calm day, there are enough skipjack and a few dorado to make it interesting.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 65-73
Air temperature 61-79
Humidity 72%
Wind: NNW 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

With all the storm activity in California, the conditions have been what could be best described at unsettled. The big buzz is still the whales that have been putting on a great show since the first of the year. Plenty of up close and personal encounters stories going around.

The best action all week was out at the entrada where the yellowtail snap was about as good as it gets. Mostly smaller fish, but the action was fast and furious.

Locals are reporting that the water is beginning to slowly warm up in the mangroves and expectations are high that the bite will pick up soon.


Water temperature 58 - 62
Air temperature 55-73
Humidity 99%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:33 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Blue water has moved back from 40 miles to the 23 mile mark, and the fishing has picked up some this last week. But, it is still a bit on the slow side. The Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures now show 76° water from the beach, out 10 miles to the 100 fathom curve, and an average of 79° water beyond the 100 fathom curve. This is a substantial raise of at least 5° over earlier in the week.

Lots of sailfish are being seen, with a least four or five fish a day being raised to the spread. There are also plenty of yellowfin tuna, and several blue marlin. But, with an incredible supply of mackerel and black skipjack tuna, keeping the fish's attention long enough to eat a trolled bait has been the downfall. We honestly believe they fish are too full to aggressively charge the trolled baits.

The inshore action should also pick up substantially now the water has warmed up a bit.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind ESW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:54 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
No Report received this week

Jonathan Nicholas owner/operator of “Man of War”

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 63- 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: WSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST

East Cape Tough . . . Guatemala Unusual

REPORT #1,000. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/04/06
When we began the reports back in 1996 – twice a week in the early years – we didn’t dare to dream we would still be doing them 1,000 reports later. They have come a long way since the beginning. We have made every effort to provide the report in the face of hurricanes, flooded roads, loss of e-mail and every other calamity. I think we have only missed a couple deadlines over the years. Today, they cover four destinations with moon phases, weather and photos added.
I hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as we have enjoyed providing them every week year in and year out.
Yvonne, Gary, Vicki, Ben, Lance, Josh, Ed and Coci
East Cape
North winds persisted most of the week. Early mornings (we are talking gray light here) the wind is usually calm, but the water is dirty from the waves pounding the beach all afternoon the preceding day. Lance reported the following yesterday (3/3): “A break in the wind this morning so I hit the beach at gray light. No bites. Didn't see any bait. It's an early, early deal no matter what. Once the sun hits the water the sierra are out of range. Talked to a guy on the beach who fishes San Jose quite a bit and he reported really slow fishing there as well.”

Few boats ventured out this week because of the weather. Those that made it did find some schools of white bonito close to the beach and a few dorado, hard to say if these are early arrivals or leftovers, but dorado the first week of March is worth a comment. Reports call for a respite from the wind by Wednesday . . . We’ll see.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-72
Air temperature 63-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:23 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Diana Hoyt reported cold and sloppy conditions outside. Inside the bay there is some protection from the wind, allowing anglers to get out and find some action including corvina on surface poppers and plenty of small halibut in the shallows near most sandy beaches. A slow retrieved chartreuse Clouser on the bottom will do the trick. Enrique Soto reports that the entrada is still producing a few small yellows. Still plenty of whales at both locations of Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos to oooh and ahhh over for the tourists.

A 28-foot Bertram making its way down the coast and looking for some protection from the sloppy weather came in through the Boca de Soledad at Lopez Mateos last Thursday. While it was sloppy and when they looked back over their shoulder there was plenty of white water, the biggest hazard was the whales in the channel. They continued their trip to San Carlos with a local pilot to guide them through the shallow channels.


Water temperature 58 - 62
Air temperature 55-71
Humidity 79%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:30 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Conditions have been poor. A cold green water current has moved in and pushed the blue water out to the 40 mile mark. And even out there the guys are only accounting for five or six football tuna. It would be safe to say over 80% of the fleet is not catching any bluewater species.

The only bright side is the inshore action for the hard fighting jack crevalle. Six to 10 fish a day has been normal. Most of these 15- to 22-pound fish are being taken on trolled Rapalas, but the fly casters are scoring as well

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 64 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind SSW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:53 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Marlin, not what you would expect to hear from Guatemala, but true. The past few days have shown the fleet raising 8 to 10 marlin a day! These are mostly little blues in the 150- to 200-pound range, though three nice fish have been seen. The sails are here, but are decidedly un-aggressive as huge schools of bait are everywhere.

Jonathan Nicholas owner/operator of “Man of War”

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 75- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: S 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST

Baja Windy...Zihuatanejo Blues

REPORT #999 . “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/22/06
East Cape
We started off with great weather early in the week as the north wind took a few days off allowing a few boats to get in on the unusual winter dorado bite. Nothing huge, still fifteen-pound dorado aren’t to be sneezed at. Beyond that, fishing was pretty sketchy with good catches of white bonita being the lead item.

By mid-week the wind was back in full force causing grumpy seas. Even the early risers in search of some gray light sierra action were greeted with blown out beaches and few if any fish.

According to the extended wind forecast, it may be Tuesday before things settle down, so we are declaring this a Baja kickback weekend which I imagine will include some pool time laced with an occasional margarita or cerveza for East Cape visitors which isn’t a bad way to spend a February weekend.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-72
Air temperature 63-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Outside, the conditions are windy, sloppy and the water temps have dropped like a rock down to the 60 degree range. Inside, the Entrada is still producing fair catches of firecracker yellows and leopard grouper. At Puerto San Carlos, under the bridge at slack tide there are a few corvina to be found.
Whale watching continues to keep the panga fleet busy.

Same deal up at Lopez Mateos, more whales than fish this week. The corvina bite continued to produce the best action with a few mystery bites sprinkled in…….snook maybe?


Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 61-74
Humidity 79%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Blue Marlin are the big story this week. There have been (literally) a ton of them caught. There are about 5 hook-ups a day for the fleet on these 250 pound average fish, with several of them over 400 pounds. One fish boated this week was almost 700 pounds. Yesterday, Mike Griffen of Alaska, wanted a few more hours of fishing with Captain Poli on the Don Gordo before he had to catch a flight home. At only 4 miles outside Zihuatanejo Bay he released a sailfish, and a few minutes later, hooked into a 350 pound marlin.

The fleet is averaging about 2 sailfish a day, but this will definitely improve as we go into the dark of the moon period next week.

One large 75 pound rooster was taken this week at the White rocks. It ate a slow-trolled live mackerel. Not much else has been reported inshore.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 79%
Wind W 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:51 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Like Zihuatanejo, it sounds like the sailfish slowed a click and took a back seat this week while the blue and black marlin went off pretty well. This accentuates the point that you never know what may show up in the pattern. Talk about a thrill, you are staring at the teasers expecting a sailfish to appear and a monster marlin the size of small VW suddenly appears. That could intimidate even the most seasoned fly fisher.


Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 72- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: SS6 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:21 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:10 p.m. CST

East Cape Dorado...Guatemala Sailfish

REPORT #998 . “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/18/06
East Cape
Our guide, Lance Peterson, reports – “The weather has been great the last few days and it offered Dwight Scott, Houston TX, and me a great chance to fish 28 miles offshore on a flat calm sea. There were good numbers of schoolie sized dorado to 10lbs on the prowl. Mostly singles but we did draw in schools to the boat on two occasions and had fun casting to them. They proved a bit picky and wanted their flies ripped across the surface as fast as possible. Blue and white or pink and white tube flies with Sigler popper heads were the ticket. It was really cool to see them around the boat in the clear, flat water. There were plenty of "hit and run" strikes on the teasers, and seeing them hard charge across the wake barely subsurface for a look at the spread was very exciting. We also saw a few free-jumping marlin, but couldn't draw them into the pattern. We even found a few whales out there, including what appeared to be a big sperm whale, lounging on the surface enjoying the unusual spring like weather.

Inshore sierra action continues, but it's a very early morning bite. We cast a bit along the shore early yesterday but the action had subsided by the time we got there. The local hand-liners on shore did well. We saw one guy walking home with 3 sierra in each hand. Those guys really know how to catch 'em!”

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 61-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:16 p.m. MST
San Jose, Guatemala
Early in the week the wind blew all night and Monday morning the fleet was greeted with grumpy seas and the prospect of it getting worse before it got better. However, by late Monday afternoon the seas had subsided and the sun was shining bright.

Chris Pearson, from Boise, Idaho, and Jack Balch, Fremont, California, wrapped up their trip early this week calling it one of the most intense fishing trips of their collective lives. While the action was slower than usual for Guatemala they considered the trip a complete success. In the four days they raised 47 sails, cast to 27 and landed 11. During their entire trip they were never out further than 24 miles and had excellent weather except for Monday. Chris landed his first sailfish and he was thrilled with the results. Jack, a seasoned veteran having fished with us once before, demonstrated what he had learned on his previous trip by out-fishing his buddy Chris by one sail caught in the final few minutes of the trip. Fly selection was pretty basic with pink poppers being the definite winner for the guys on this trip.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 63- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: SSW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:09 p.m. CST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Throughout the bay, there are plenty of sierra and corvina along with good halibut action in the shallows near sandy beaches. Try a slow retrieved, chartreuse Clouser along the bottom for best results. The Entrada continues to produce fair yellowtail action and down deeper a few grouper have been caught. Whale watching is still keeping most of the fleet busy as more and more folks make the trek to either Puerto San Carlos or Lopez Mateos to “ooh’s and ahh’s” over the mothers and babies. Windy conditions most of the week have kept the boats inside the bay up at Lopez Mateos.

Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 60-74
Humidity 86%
Wind: NW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Even with the full moon, which usually causes a bit of a slow down with our sailfish counts, the fishing has been good. We are averaging about 2 to 3 sailfish a day for each boat. The 20 to 35 pound class dorado have also been active, along with the blue and black marlin.

Several dorado were taken this week, with a couple of 50 pound fish boated. The fleet is averaging a couple of large marlin a day, with at least three large marlin this week over 400, 500, and 550 pounds.

A nice surprise has seen the yellowfin tuna finally come within range. Several boats scored on the 50 pound class fish.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 66 - 86
Humidity 79%
Wind WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:48 p.m. CST

Gray Light at East Cape..Guatemala Rocks

REPORT #997 . “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/04/06
East Cape
Our guide Lance Peterson reports – Beach fishing at this time is an early morning deal. And I mean EARLY! Hit the beach at gray light and you'll have a shot at sierra. The bite lasts for 20 minutes or so. Once the sun hits the water, the action moves out of range. The anglers fishing from boats, however, have a longer lasting bite. I fished from my neighbor’s 12-foot Livingston three days ago and we had great action on the troll. Casting however proved more challenging as the sierras would pop up on the surface for a few seconds and then vanish. Fun stuff though.

I've found isolated pockets of beach action in the evening, too. It's a ladyfish show at that time of day. But these ladies are tough! They are feeding on fry that look to be about ¼-inch long and they are very tough to catch. I've been trying to "match the hatch," but don't quite have small enough flies.

Offshore, there has been tuna action for those who make it out. On the flat days I see good numbers of tuna flags. And from what Bob at East Cape Tackle says . . . those who find marlin have been doing very well indeed.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 59-76
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. MST
San Jose, Guatemala
Action was hit or miss this week with more fish beginning to show later in the week. Chris Pearson, from Boise, Idaho and Jack Baltch, Fremont, Calif., after a slow start in the morning with more misses than hits, came up with a strong finish in the afternoon with Chris catching his first sailfish ever. Jack, not to be outdone, added to his total with the first one of the trip late in the day. Lots of high fives and more than a little bit of Guatemalan rum in the bar. With three days to go, it could get interesting tomorrow.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 70- 84
Humidity 62%
Wind: SSE 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:28 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:06 p.m. CST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

The whale action continues to dominate the scene. There are plenty to go around and hence most of the pangas are busy doing whale watching tours. Still plenty of action for corvina, a few pargo and grouper and of course the spotted bay bass. Out at the entrada there are still a few yellows and grouper for the persistent.

Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 51-77
Humidity 100%
Wind: WNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
[img]http://www.bajafly.com/report/pcase.gif[/img]
This week has seen some good fishing. The 82º to 84º water is all along the coast, with the cobalt blue water only a couple of miles off the beach. Most boats are averaging about two sailfish a day, with an additional 25- to 35-pound dorado, but several boats have had days with four to five sailfish a day. Adan, on the “Gitana II” released seven sailfish in four days; Santiago on the panga “Gitana” released 10 sails in five days; and Martin on the panga “Isamar” also held the two fish a day average all week. Adolpho on the “Dos Hermanos,” and Cheva on the “Dos Hermanos II” each had a couple of days with four to five fish a day.

Inshore action is finding a lot of jack crevalle, with Bill Berg of Minnesota fishing with Adan, and releasing enough for Bill to call it an early day. Adolpho found some roosters, which must have been heading South to warmer water from a destination up in the colder Baja regions, because he took seven roosters and several big jacks up near the Pantla beach area.

Other inshore action is seeing a lot of sierras and black skipjacks.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 66 - 86
Humidity 79%
Wind W 9 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:45 p.m. CST

Guatemala Hot. . . East Cape Cold

REPORT #996. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/04/06
San Jose, Guatemala
Plan on something between one-half to 1-½ hours to get to the fishing grounds as the blue water moves in and out between 12 to as far as 30 miles. They’re experiencing calm seas in the morning and wind at your back in the afternoon. The fleet has been reporting fair action early in the week that improved to good action for everyone by week’s end. In addition to the sailfish, there were also a few dorado in the 20 pound class.

I will be heading down mid-week and can’t wait to be back on the water. If you want to see what kind of action I am looking for, here’s a video to get you in the mood.

Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 70- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: SE 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:30 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:04 p.m. CST
East Cape
Good day . . . more bad days and the North Winds strut their stuff. With most hotels hosting only a few guests, the pools have been more popular than the white capped Sea of Cortez. Our guide Lance Peterson put it this way regarding the beach: “I fished gray light today. It was so cold. I had all of my Patagonia gear on, a wool cap, a jacket. My bare feet were so cold they hurt! I finally did catch one sierra . . . but boy, have I put in some time to catch him!” Wednesday was more of the same. Wrote Lance, “I fished the evening last night. The wind came up and made it tough. And cold!! There are some mullet milling about and schools of very small fry. I saw some ladyfish feeding on them just as it was getting dark. But they were so keyed in on the little stuff they wouldn't bite. The ladyfish look a lot smaller than they are in spring; they are about 12-inches or so it seems. Maybe there are some big roosters about too . . . but have yet to see any sign of them.” The boats that do make it out on the calm days are finding a few tuna, fewer dorado and billfish.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 59-76
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. MST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Most of the visitors are looking for an up-close and personal experience with one of the visiting whales and if they are real lucky they may get to see one of the newly born. The entrada is still producing a few yellowtail; and after returning, a few of the whale watchers have found fair action for corvina and grouper under the bridge at the entrance to Puerto San Carlos. Up at Lopez Mateos, it is pretty much the same story with more whale watching than fishing. For something different some of our clients explored Magdalena Island and couldn't resist a trip to one of the Fish Camps for all you can eat lobster lunch

Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 51-73
Humidity 100%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We did not receive a report this week. Ed must be experiencing server problems again. Here is a repeat of last week’s report.

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 three sailfish 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 66 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind SW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:42 p.m. CST

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

Football Season Comes to East Cape

REPORT #994. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/21/06
East Cape

Football . . . no I am not talking about the playoffs, but pigskin-size tuna. While the wind blew most of the week, (actually 6 out of 7 days) Lucky Thursday (1/19) was flat calm and the fleet hammered the yellowfin tuna close to shore under the porpoise. It was the perfect opportunity for the flyrodder if there had been any around to take advantage of the action. Amazingly, when the boats get out there are still a few dorado to be found. On the beach, the wind waves left the water looking like a bad cup of cappuccino. How windy was it? The report was that “one day it was too windy for the windsurfers!” Now that’s windy! Mark Rayor of Vista Sea Sport reported great diving conditions on Thursday with good visibility, though the water was a chilly 66 degrees.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
66-73
Air temperature
52-75
Humidity
52%
Wind:
NNW 13 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:58 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Even though the 80º blue water is only four miles off the beach, most boats averaged only one or two sailfish a day. Fly-fishers had it even rougher, with only about one decent shot a day. But, the fish are here, and I fully expect things to change 100% next week.

A very notable couple of days were posted by Santiago on the panga “Gitana.” Bill Gray and his wife, from South Carolina, fished two days with Santiago and released 10 sailfish.

Four of our better inshore pangas made the 40 mile run south to Papanoa. Staying down there, they hammered the water for three days and only had two roosterfish for their efforts. It is safe to say the roosters have left the area, and probably will not be back until May.

Adolpho, on the panga Dos “Hermanos” fished about 12 miles north of Zihuatanejo, catching 27 large jack crevalle and five sierra for two days of fishing. Adolpho told me it is an ideal situation for the fly-fisher. The jacks are slamming the popper teaser all the way back to the boat. His blue water effort for three days produced five sailfish and one dorado.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
77 - 87
Humidity
66%
Wind
S 4 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:34 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
With the fleet spreading out and a few boats traveling out 40 miles – most pulling the throttles back at 10 miles or less – the fishing has not been terrific this week. Single digits were the norm with very few exceptions. When the sails did appear in the pattern, they were pretty lethargic and tough to get to take a fly. A few boats did locate a school of porpoise and did well on yellowfin tuna. While the fishing was not up to the usual Guatemala standards, the weather was calm seas and clear skies.

Les Kagel

Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
66- 84
Humidity
100%
Wind:
SE 8 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:57 p.m. CST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

More and more whales are arriving each week and both San Carlos and Lopez Mateos are more focused on whale watching than fishing. There was some action for corvina at the pier in San Carlos as well as under the bridge at the entrance to San Carlos. The boats at Lopez Mateos have stayed close to home and reported fair action for corvina, grouper and the ever-present spotted bay bass. Also, there’s a decent halibut bite in shallow near sandy beaches.

Water temperature
68-73
Air temperature
68-73
Humidity
20%
Wind:
WNW 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:12 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:03 p.m. MST

East Cape Teases…Z-What and Guatemala Deliver

REPORT #993. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/14/06
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We have really enjoyed an outstanding week. The 80º blue water is almost on the beach, and the sailfish action has been great. Almost every boat in the fleet was averaging 8 to 10 sailfish raised a day. This gives a lot of shots to the fly fisherman, producing at least two to three hooked fish a day.

Conventional gear fishermen are getting a per boat average of 3 to 4 sailfish a day, with some boats getting 7 or 8. The blue marlin are still coming in at about 3 a day for the 25 boat fleet. Dorado have been sporadic. Some days they are here in abundance, with some boats getting 4 or 5 of the fish averaging about 25 to 30 pounds, and then they are gone for a day or two.

The Yellowfin tuna are breezing in and out now. But, they are very skittish. With the fish crashing the surface, and the birds diving on the baits, we slowly move in on the school, only to have them sink into the depths. The tuna action should pick up considerably this next week or two.

Some notable catches:
Arturo on the panga Janeth made the 45 mile run to Papanoa to fish virgin waters, and found 2 roosterfish of almost 45 pounds, and 6 large jack Crevalle to 25 pounds. He then fished with fly fishing client Clay Danenhower of Bellingham WA and got several jacks on the fly at the white rocks.

Randy Lueth of Indiana got two sailfish on the fly, which we tagged and released. Plus, I also guided Natale Chiaudani of Italy for two days. On the fly, he hooked 5 sails and a striped marlin.

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
73 - 87
Humidity
66%
Wind
WSW 8 mph
Conditions:
Scattered Clouds
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:30 p.m. CST

San Jose, Guatemala
While the seas were pretty grumpy early in the week, by mid-week they had calmed downed
and the action moved much closer this week with the fleet reporting fish at ten miles. Most of the anglers hardly had a chance for their breakfast to settle before the teasers were let out behind the boats. In no time at all cries of “Cast! Cast! Cast!”, could be heard as the sailfish charged the teasers right up to the transom in search of food. Steady action continued most of the day with most boats reporting double digit shots. Still some dorado in the 20 – 30 lb. class showed up in the pattern occasionally.


Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
75- 82
Humidity
89%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
6:30 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:53 p.m. CST
East Cape
Sporadic North winds this week made it necessary to decide each morning between a kick back day or fishing. Early morning action for sierra has been good; locals are complaining that the 60 degree temps are cool enough to require a jacket. The best spots are at the mouths of the arroyos. If the wind doesn’t crank up too early, the ladyfish action has been great. Still a few dorado if you are in the right place at the right time, same with the tuna. Some of the hotel boats found schools of Yellowfin to 80 lbs. that were willing to bite. The billfish action has slowed in the past few weeks.
Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
69-73
Air temperature
60-79
Humidity
52%
Wind:
NNW 12 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:53 p.m. MST


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Still big waves at the Boca’s prevent any of the boats from venturing outside. Already a few early arriving whales have everyone scrambling to finish up the preparations for the upcoming 12th Annual Whale Festival which will be held on January 28th, with a village wide Fiesta that is sure to result in a few bad headaches for some the following morning. In the Esteros the corvina and cabrilla are providing the bulk of the action.

Water temperature
68-73
Air temperature
68-75
Humidity
20%
Wind:
NW 11 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:57 p.m. MST

2006 Out the Gate . . . No Wind . . . Swordfish

REPORT #992. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/7/06
Yvonne and Gary will be at the International Sportsmen’s Expo in San Mateo, Calif., January 13 to 15. Gary has a new PowerPoint program he will be presenting in the California Theater all three days: Friday, 4:30; Saturday, 1:30; and Sunday, 11:30. Show Schedule
East Cape
2006 got off to an unusual start. Jennifer Rayor, Vista Sea Sports, described the weather on New Year’s day as absolutely stunning. Then, on Jan. 2, Felipe Valdez, the youngest brother of Valdez family that owns and operates the Hotel Buena Vista, went out to catch sierra for the kitchen and stumbled across a swordfish sunning itself on the surface. The swordy must have made a New Year’s resolution to inhale the first mackerel thrown at it. Yep, you got it – one cast, one bite and Felipe’s first swordfish 25 minutes later. What does this have to do with fly-fishing? Nothing. With the north wind blowing the rest of the week, it was downhill from there. This morning (1/7) it looks like we may get another break from the wind.

Baja on the Fly

Water temperature
69-73
Air temperature
69-73
Humidity
52%
Wind:
NNW 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:59 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:44 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80º blue water is just outside Zihuatanejo Bay and the fishing has been excellent. Most of the action is coming from the 12- to 15-mile mark on a 210º heading. We are getting lots of sailfish, dorado, blue marlin, and striped marlin. Actually, the striped marlin are somewhat unique for this area, but this last week has seen a bunch of them taken.

Some notable catches were made by Adolpho on the panga “Dos Hermanos” this week. Offshore, he had a one day total of eight sailfish releases. He then took the 45 mile run south to Papanoa and got four roosterfish and 15 large jack crevalle. Yesterday (1/6) he went 35 miles north and got four roosters and 31 of the large jacks.

Rick Erdman and his wife, annual clients of Santiago on the panga “Gitana,” fished three days. They released 10 sailfish and caught an additional three striped marlin. Plus, another 70 year old client from Chicago fished yesterday (Friday) with Santiago. They were back at the dock before noon. The client was worn out with four sailfish and a striped marlin.

John Ring of Lodi, Calif., fished with me one day, tagging and releasing his first sailfish on the fly. And his 11 year old son David also released his first sailfish when we did a bait and switch drop back using a 20-pound spin outfit with a circle hook. David fought the fish alone the entire 30 minutes it took to get the sail to the boat for a photo and release.

The dorado are averaging one or two to a boat per day, and about 25- to 30-pounds. The fleet is averaging two to three blue marlin a day

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
73 - 84
Humidity
66%
Wind
SSW 6 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:26 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The first week of 2006 really fizzled the first few days, maybe both the anglers and fish partied too hard welcoming in the New Year. Mid-week, the fishing began to get its groove back providing enough action to keep bars buzzing at Happy Hour. In addition to the customary sailfish bite, there were just enough blue marlin to make the angler think about which rod to grab. There were even a few fat dorado streaking into the pattern with a gold and turquoise flash to confuse the game plan further.


Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature
66- 80
Humidity
68%
Wind:
NE 17 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset
5:50 p.m. CST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

The same big surf that has been pounding the California coastline for the past several weeks found its way down here. Between the wind and big surf it has been impossible to even get out Boca de Soledad, so most of the boats are staying closer to home. Even the fishing inside in the esteros has been less than wonderful. With whale-watching season just around the corner, the locals spent most of the week in preparation. For the few diehards, there were plenty of spotted bay bass, corvina and small halibut to mess with.


Water temperature
68-73
Air temperature
69-75
Humidity
31%
Wind:
WNW 11 mph
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:53 p.m. MST

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

2005 Endless Season Recap

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

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

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

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

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

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

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

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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


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

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

Baja on the Fly

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

The Endless Season Continues . . .Guatemala Next!

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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


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

Snook to Sails in Santa’s Bag

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

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

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




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

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

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

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

Baja on the Fly

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

Sails and Tales Winners

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

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

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

Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo

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


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



Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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


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

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

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

Baja Slows . . . Z-What Goes

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

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