Baja Conditions Falling into Place

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Ed Kunze

Whew! Hurricane “Lane” Heads East

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

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

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

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

East Cape…Damaged but Rebounding!

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

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

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

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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


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

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

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

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

And Along Came John!

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

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

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

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

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



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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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


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

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

Ed Kunze

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

East Cape…Something for Everyone!

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

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

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Turtle Releases and Marlin Refusals

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

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

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Baja Surprises……

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

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

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

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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

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


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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Few Blues…Stripey’s Thick…East Cape

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

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

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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


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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Emilla Comes A Calling….

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


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

Offshore the remnants of Emilla have caused unsettled conditions.

The esteros remained slow yielding with few fish this week.

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

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


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

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

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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Tuna on the Fly

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

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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


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

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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Slow Start . . . Better Finish

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

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

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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Species Galore

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

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

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

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





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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


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

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

Ed Kunze

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

Slower Fishing and a Slower Truck

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

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

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

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





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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


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

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

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

Ed Kunze

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

East Cape Summer Billfish Trifecta

REPORT #1016. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/24/06
East Cape
While not quite “You should have been here earlier,” Cabo Pulmo succumbed to heavy pressure last week with early morning catches of YFTs, dorado and bonito sliding back to “good” instead of the WFO conditions enjoyed previously for the persistent fly-rodder.

Fortunately, billfish action is heating up – adding to the excitement are the blue marlin and sailfish that have begun arriving for the summer. You better be on your toes when the guide hollers “FOLLOW!” One never knows what may come up behind the teasers. Sailfish are perfect for the newbie flyrodder. Striped marlin offer a bit more challenge; and then there is the ultimate: a shot at a blue marlin. Land one of these babies on a flyrod and you will be a member of a very exclusive club.

Dorado action continued at a slightly slower pace this week, but still enough good shots to be had on the fly to make the day interesting.
.
Back on the beach, rooster fishing continues to be tough. If one is at the right place, right time, and right tide you may have some good shots at roosters. Our guide Lance fished the beach yesterday (6/23) morning with Larry McGrath, Grass Valley CA and had a number of pez gallo charging the teaser. Sometimes it was a single fish, other times as many as 5 or 6 at a time. As usual, it took a well-placed and perfectly timed cast to be in the game with those teased roosterfish. In between rooster shots there was ample opportunity to practice the bait and switch on the schools of ravenous ladyfish that came up on the teaser.


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

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Reports of plenty of small grouper, spotted bay bass and pompano continue from both San Carlos and up at Lopez Mateos.
The entrada continues to offer spotty surface action for both bonito and a few firecracker yellows.

Offshore, unseasonable cool water temperatures are still preventing the action to swing in for the summer. There are only a few scattered reports of marlin, dorado or tuna.


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


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
From the inshore, to way offshore, the water is averaging about 84 to 85º, and the blue water is only three miles off the beach. But, due to the moon phase, the sailfish and marlin were slow this week. With the new moon occurring tomorrow (6/25), the offshore fishing should make a substantial improvement.

One bright spot is the inshore fishing for the roosters. The roosterfish action is just outstanding, with every boat fishing them getting at least three or four. Even Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” who came back inshore late because the sailfish action was slow offshore, ended up getting a 45 pound rooster off Playa Blanca.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” told me he only caught three roosters yesterday, but because each 70 pound class fish took an hour and a half to get to the boat, it was all the time they had before they had to head back to the dock.

Ed Kunze

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

Pulling at Pulmo

REPORT #1015. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/17/06
East Cape
The Cabo Pulmo tuna bite was the first stop on everyone's East Cape fishing day this week. There were plenty of yellowfin and dorado to satisfy the huge number of boats that stacked up there every morning. With fish busting bait on the surface and biting flies down deep, there were few complaints about the "combat fishing" conditions. John Spevacek and family made the trip from Connecticut to sample the East Cape fishery. He and his sons stacked up numerous double headers with John nailing fish on flies while his boys slammed them on live sardina. Back on the beach, ample quantities of bait continue provide good fly-fishing opportunities for dedicated beach anglers. Ladyfish, jack crevalle, and mid-sized roosters are the likely targets from the beach. The big roosters are definitely around, but they are paired up in spawning mode and not so interested in eating flies. Carey Kimura and five buddies came up from Cabo to have a beach fishing bachelor party before Carey's wedding. The roosters were tough as usual, but there was enough action for ladyfish to keep them busy between shots.

Scott York, Gardnerville, Nev., and his wife fished Thursday (6/15) catching several dorado, a nice yellowfin, two bonito, and a bunch of ladies on the fly; they had some good roosterfish shots and farmed one.


Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-99
Humidity 78%
Wind: SW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:06 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Offshore conditions have begun to improve with a few dorado beginning to show around the shark buoys west of the entrada. Also, there are a few firecracker yellowtails under the bird schools at the entrada. Several better quality snook reported at Devil’s Curve along with several grouper and all the spotted bay bass you want.


Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 68-78
Humidity 22%
Wind: SW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:18 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80º blue water is only two miles off the beach. Not many sailfish have been around, but the blue marlin fishing has still been holding up. At least one boat in three is getting a shot at a blue; this is primarily because of the abundance of the black skipjack tuna here. These 3- to 5-pound fish are about as hard a fighting fish as you will encounter.

Because of their huge numbers, they are great for kids – as Paul Gomez from Dana Point, Calif., discovered when he fished with his three kids on the “Vamonos III” with Cali and Ruben. There was no time for the 14-, 12-, and 7-year old to get bored. They were hooked up all the time. Plus, the skipjacks are fantastic action for the fly-rodder.

Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” had two good days with a client from Colorado. On the first day they got a small blue marlin of about 135 pounds. The second day they fished inshore for four roosters and 8 or 10 jack crevalle.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” fished two days inshore, catching 14 roosters from 20- to 65-pounds, and numerous jacks. Arturo on the panga “Janeth,” also took four nice roosters for one day inshore.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 88
Humidity 63%
Wind SSW 9 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:22 p.m. CDT

Sardina Make the Difference

REPORT #1014. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/10/06
East Cape
After an unbelievable 10 day period, the inshore fishing action has settled down a click or two. Plenty of large roosters can be found cruising well within casting range. Pairing off, they seem to be more interested in making whoopee than chasing the many bait schools along the shore.

Down toward Cabo Pulmo, a few miles offshore, the YFT bite has been consistently good all week as well some dorado, billfish and, for the very fortunate, a wahoo or two.

Different from last year is the availability of sardina for chum, which can make the difference between a good day and an incredible day. The sardina allow the guides to keep the tuna school in casting range; an occasional dorado, skipjack, needlefish or mystery bite keeps everybody happy. Take Mike Little, Calgary, Alberta, fishing the day before his wedding day (now that’s a Bachelor Party I could get into) whacked the tuna on the fly all morning with fish to 20 pounds. Then a large dorado – teased up on the way back to the hotel – capped off his last day of singledom.

Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-96
Humidity 78%
Wind: WNW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Tim Linsky owner of the charter boat “Aristokat” visited Lopez Mateos to explore the area before bringing the boat down later this season. Fishing inside the bay he found halibut, grouper and spotted bay bass. The next day, he headed out to Isla Magdalena. Surf action was great as a variety of fish had driven a school of sardines into the surf and a feeding frenzy ensued. Locals were trapping halibut, corvina, and small snook by hand. Tim managed to catch a 20 pound halibut.

The windy conditions offshore continue to prevent much exploration. Water temps are steadily creeping up and once the wind lightens up and the boats can spend some time outside, the action should begin to pick up.

Down at San Carlos, they are also experiencing good action inside the bay with both Los Barriles and Devil’s Curve being the hot spot for small snook, corvina and a few leopard grouper.


Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 65-77
Humidity 86%
Wind: WNW 20 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:16 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
This week has had a lot of disruptions from the weather, causing slow fishing. We had one morning where I recorded 5.25 inches of rain between 3:30 and 8:00. For the week, at 12 inches of rain, we have had an almost average year for Southern California.

The large influx of fresh water from the rivers has pushed the blue water out to the 8 mile mark, and cooled the inshore areas substantially. Plus, the inshore waters have very low visibility.

The bright side is the weather map shows this unsettled pattern leaving us alone this next week, and we should be able to get back to some decent fishing.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind NE 2 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:17 p.m. CDT

No Gloom this June

REPORT #1013. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/03/06
East Cape
Large schools of small roosters have been everywhere, attracted by bait schools that are hanging just outside of casting range from the beach. Using hookless teasers, our guide Josh Dickinson convinced Mark Saba, from Maryland, how effective the technique can be. Josh consistently enticed fish from a couple hundred feet away close enough for Mark to get plenty of shots; and by the end of the day he landed three and hooked a few more.

Fishing from a panga, most of the fish are being taken from a drifting boat as the roosters follow the chum into casting range. Wed. (5/31), Matt Weaver, Bozeman, Mont., had a mixed school of sierra and roosters long enough to land seven roosters on a small sardina patterns and 20+ sierra, up to eight pounds. Josh and Matt will be talking about that day for some time to come.

Yesterday, Lance Peterson and Don Murnane, visiting from Chatham, NJ, also had a good beach day. He spent most of the day running up and down the sand casting to some grande pez gallo, with plenty of lookers but no takers until late in the day when the schoolies came after the teaser in packs. The day’s action also included jack crevalle, ladyfish, and look down.

Offshore, tuna, dorado and marlin are all on the chew if you are willing to take the boat ride. Most of the dorado and tuna are in the "reasonable" size category for the average fly angler – from the single digit to 20 or more pounds. Josh, using sardina for chum, kept the dorado and tuna around the boat so Homer Tollenaere and his wife, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, could cast small sardina patterns with great success. With all the bait and large schools of fish we are seeing, June 2006 should be a great one.


Water temperature 74-83
Air temperature 73-96
Humidity 78%
Wind: W 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:01 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Water temperatures continue to creep up slowly on the outside. Windy conditions continued to hamper the boats from doing much exploring offshore. Inside the esteros, corvina, leopard grouper, a few small snook and enough mystery bites to keep things interesting. Down at Devil’s Curve, tight to the west side of the channel there were a few palometa to be found.

In San Carlos, several angers reported fair fishing near the bridge at the entrance to town. Catches included small grouper, spotted bay bass and a few smaller corvina at slack tide.
Enrique Soto reported a few yellows out at the entrada first thing in the morning and as the day wore on some corvina and bonito under the bird schools. The shallows off the sandy beaches at Belchers produced plenty of the smaller variety halibut.



Water temperature 61 - 66
Air temperature 65-77
Humidity 86%
Wind: WNW 17 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:13 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80º blue water is only two miles off the beach. Fishing has been good. Sailfish are being taken at a rate of about two or three fish a day per boat. A few smaller 20 pound class yellowfin tuna are showing up, enough to keep things from getting boring.

Plus, the blue marlin are still coming to baits, on an average of one boat out of three.

The only drawback is we just got our first rains of the year this week, and even though 95% of our rain is always at night, the wind has made for two or three uncomfortable days on the water.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” told me he had a great week inshore on roosters and jack crevalle. Most of his fish were taken near the close-by White Rocks, or just a couple of miles below.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 80
Humidity 83%
Wind ESE 15 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:17 p.m. CDT

Tuna and Dorado . . . Ignore the Wind

REPORT #1012. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/27/06
East Cape
Homer Tollenaere and his wife, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, spent a day inshore and had good action for both dorado and tuna in spite of the windy conditions this week. Beach action slowed somewhat as the wind waves took their toll causing off-colored water along the shore. Offshore, the billfish continued to provide the best action along with tuna and even some dorado. According to the recent SST reports, the water temperatures are continuing to creep up which should attract more bait which in turn should bring in more fish as we slide into the summer.

Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 75-94
Humidity 78%
Wind: SSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:58 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

There was some improvement in the weather this week and a decent grouper and pargo bite just outside Boca Soledad close to shore. Outside, the sea temps are still cool and seas are stirred up by the wind. A few boats went out as far as the Thetis for nothing this week. The local shark fishermen also are reporting seeing very little on the way out to their buoys west of the entrada. The entrada itself is still producing fair action under the bird schools for small yellows, bonito and an occasional sierra if they don’t bite through the leader. Devil’s Curve produced a few smaller snook, corvina and a couple of leopard groupers.



Water temperature 60 - 69
Air temperature 60-77
Humidity 88%
Wind: NW 7 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:37 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:10 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
As I predicted, the warm water current moved in from the south and the fishing improved. The big story is the blue marlin. The fleet is averaging about five blue marlin a day. This is about average for us in the month of May, making Z one of the best locations in the world (for May and June anyway) to get a shot at a big blue marlin.

Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” had a great week on sailfish. Early in the week he fished with John Wilkinson of Michigan. They released seven sails on Tuesday. Fishing with John and Ben Fuller of Boston on Wed, Thurs., and Fri., he released six, five, and five sailfish each day.

The 82º water inshore has also improved the roosterfish fishing. The best action is still 30 miles south near Papanoa, but in the next couple of weeks all the traditional roosterfish areas should have good populations of fish.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 82
Humidity 83%
Wind N 4 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:15 p.m. CDT

Rooster Season Begins at East Cape

REPORT #1011. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/20/06
East Cape
There’s no doubt that the 2006 season has begun here at East Cape – and what a big difference from last year’s shortage of bait. This year is back to normal with large schools of both sardina and mullet gathering along the shore attracting a smorgasbord of species to shoot for. Jacks, sierra, pompano, ladyfish and of course “Pez Gallo” – or @##%%^& roosterfish to the uninitiated – are close to shore and along the 30 miles of East Cape beaches providing for quality fly-fishing opportunities.
Our guides, using hookless live bait for teasing from pangas, have been raising good numbers of roosterfish allowing our clients plenty of opportunity to hone their saltwater skills as the hungry fish charge the teasers in search of an easy meal.
Back on the beach, sight fishing opportunities are on the increase and it is not uncommon to encounter some big “cruisers” swimming tight to the shore. A little luck, determination and a well-placed cast could have you tight to the fish of a life time.
Offshore action is every bit as hot. Lots of hotel boats are going out each day and many are returning with good catches of marlin, sailfish, and an occasional dorado. Captain Ramon of the Hotel Buenavista cruiser “Tres Hermanos” flew six billfish flags as he pulled up to the pier yesterday . . . a great day indeed. All-in-all a great beginning for the East Cape as the 2006 season gets underway.

Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 72-93
Humidity 58%
Wind: SSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:35 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:55 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

There are still unsettled conditions on the outside, while inside it is business as usual. The entrada continues to offer decent yellowtail (small, but hungry) under the bird schools. A little further down in the water column there are a few small grouper to be found. There were a few smaller snook up at Devil’s Curve as well as up above Lopez Mateos. Still plenty of corvina through out the bay and lots of halibut in shallows near any sandy beach. Also, several palometa were caught near the boca above Lopez Mateos.

Water temperatures on the outside are slowly climbing upward and if the wind quits, fishing for the exotics should begin to improve.



Water temperature 60 - 69
Air temperature 60-78
Humidity 82%
Wind: W 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:06 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80º blue water is at 18 miles, but the fishing is still not up to our normal May standards. Sailfish have been slow, with only about a one fish average per day, per boat. A few blue marlin have been hooked, but not nearly in the numbers of the last several years for May.

Karl Peters from Nashville, on his private boat the Aleta Negra, told me how he lost two huge marlin on consecutive days. They both hit a lure set on the first wake off the starboard corner. One snapped the 130-pound line from too tight of a drag setting; and the other wrapped the line on the rod tip.

Inshore action is picking up, but the only roosters reported this week was from 40 miles down South at Papanoa. There is a huge area of 84º water down there, and moving up to us. The fishing should have a big turn around next week.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind N 4 mph
Conditions: Thunderstorms
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:12 p.m. CDT

They’re Biting at East Cape

REPORT #1010. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/13/06
East Cape
Here we are at mid-May and we’ve already seen some of the best action in several years. There are plenty of large schools of bait, predominately flatiron herring and striped mullet, which can be found up and down the coast making inshore fishing from pangas exciting.

Having a tank full of mullet allows the guides to tease up some great roosters and jacks. Phil Barker of California and Randy Gibbs of Martha's Vineyards, Mass., recently connected with nice roosters which were teased to within fly range from pangas out of Hotel Buena Vista. Phil and Randy both had multiple hook-ups on teased roosters. Needless to say, the guides are in their element. There's nothing in the world of guiding that's more fun for them than teasing roosters! The bait has spread out instead of the tight schools we were finding several weeks ago, allowing beach anglers to encounter good numbers of cruisers in all the usual spots. Try large brown flies like our Chivo Lisa http://www.bajafly.com/chivo_lisa.htm to imitate the striped mullet and deep bodied, olive and white flies for the sardina (flatiron herring) like our See-Through Deceiver http://www.bajafly.com/see_through_deceiver.htm .

The physical task of modern beach fishing without an ATV can be daunting. If you can't run and cast like a champ, you are out of the game. Our guides are teasing up some ladies for the clients, but the shots at jacks and rooster were not numerous and it is tough to cash in on the chances. Beach fishing without the ATVs is some of the toughest there is. Not only do you have to be a great fly-caster, you have to have plenty of stamina and be in good shape as well.

Offshore action remains consistent for marlin. Fish became a little more cooperative in the spread over the last two weeks, but the bulk of the take is coming from the boats lucky enough to get live mackerel. Without the “liveys,” the guides have been reduced to pitching hookless, dead ballyhoo to feeders and sleepers with mixed results. Often, the fish will turn and follow, but not light up enough to provide the type of aggression needed to feed them flies. It's sure fun trying though and, "It only takes one!" Dorado, and tuna flags are also flying on the luckier boats, but not in the kinds of numbers that make them an easy target for fly anglers.


Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: NNW 7 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:52 p.m. MST





Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Still cool and windy conditions as local weather has been slow to catch up with the rest of Baja. Offshore, there have been a few dorado and tuna sightings in the neighborhood of the shark buoys west of the entrada. At the entrada fair action can be found chasing the bird schools. Small yellowtail, bonito and even a few sierra. Up in the esteros, corvina, spotted bay bass and a few grouper seemed to be all that could be found. Another option this week was small halibut in shallow water near almost all the sandy beaches. Water temperatures are slowly creeping up and summer conditions should be soon coming.



Water temperature 60 - 67
Air temperature 59-78
Humidity 94%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:02 p.m. MDT


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The water has turned on us again, with the blue water being pushed out to 20 miles. The fleet is averaging about one or two sailfish a day per boat. Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” fished with John Wilkinson of Indiana yesterday (Friday), releasing a sail and keeping two yellowfin tuna in the 30 pound class. The tuna were at 38 miles on a 230º heading.

Santiago also fished two days with Harry Schuler of California, releasing three sailfish and losing a nice blue marlin.

Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” reported by cell phone this morning he was fishing inshore in green dirty water. The inshore action has been very slow.

Ed Kunze

Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 86
Humidity 88%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:14 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:10 p.m. CDT

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