Roosters Rule, Jacks Follow!

REPORT #1060 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update April 28, 2007

East Cape

Roosterfish action speeded up just in time for Doug Booth’s (Tustin, CA) inshore trip Saturday. The 8 to 20lb class pez gallo put on a real show tearing up bait on a flat calm sea as frigate birds dipped and dived above the frenzy. This classic East Cape action lasted a couple of days until the North wind came roaring back down the Sea of Cortez once again causing lumpy and off color inshore conditions. Back on the beach, the North wind made sight fishing tough as the wave action churned up the shore line. Nevertheless, bright sun allowed for decent fish spotting and if you were in the right spots, the jack crevalle were fairly numerous and were responding to flies with some aggression. A few good sized roosters were in the mix too. Our Guide, Lance Peterson, reported that they were picky as usual but he did manage to get some hard follows. However, getting one to eat the fly was a different story.

Offshore the north winds made for a tough week until Thursday when the wind backed off again. That is all it took for the billfish to begin to bite again. Thirty miles offshore a few boats found some pods of porpoise producing some of the best YFT action in several weeks. Hopefully, the action will continue this week if the north wind stays away.

Water temperature
65-74
Air temperature
62-82
Humidity
77%
Wind:
NNW 5-7 knots
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:47 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:45 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Continued cooler water temps offshore have pushed most of the fish further down the coast. Entrada action continues with sierra, yellows and bonito found feeding on the surface under the bird schools.

Corvina provided the best action inside the esteros along with a few sierra found up above Lopez Mateos. Grouper, pargo and snook seemed to be among the missing this week or maybe it was the anglers that were missing.

Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
60 -82
Humidity
68 %
Wind:
NW 7-9 knots
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
12 miles
Sunrise
6:53 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:55 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The fishing this week has really turned on for the blue water. For the inshore action, the roosters are right on schedule and starting to make their migration back. There are a few showing up on the beaches again.

The biggest news is the blue marlin and sailfish. Each day, one out of every three boats are getting a shot at a blue. This is normal for the month of May, but it is late April, and they are week or so early. We have averaged at least 5 blues a day for the daily 18 to 20 boat fleet. In addition, with the arrival of the blue marlin, the big 200 pound plus yellowfin tuna will not be far behind. Most of the tuna and blue marlin action in May will be at less than the 20 mile mark.

Plus, we are averaging an incredible 5 to 6 released sailfish a day per boat this week. Some boats are posting double digit numbers of releases.

Mike Griffin, of Anchorage, told me he fished with Captain Poli on the Don Gordo II this last Wednesday. With 20 sailfish raised and striking the baits in the spread, they had run out of baits by 11:00. Two elderly couples were very satisfied with the day and their 4 sailfish releases, so their captain gave Poli his remaining baits. They finished the day with 25 strikes, of which they had two triples, two doubles, and three singles. Most of the action was within 12 miles of the lighthouse at Zihuatanejo Bay.

Mike told me there were acres of porpoise, and birds crashing on bait everywhere. There were free jumping sails in every direction, and every boat in the fleet was hooked up at the same time. They could not even get the entire compliment of trolling rods out before they were hooked up. With only two rods out, sometimes they did not make more than 50 yards before they were bit again. Two of the fish they caught were over the 100 pound mark. Mike said it he had never had a better day on the water.

Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, told me he got 5 roosters in 3 days of fishing inshore, and a few jacks are starting to show up also.
Ed Kunze

Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
72-99
Humidity
88%
Wind:
WSW 8 knts
Conditions:
Partly Sunny
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:22 a.m. CDT
Sunset
8:06 p.m. CDT

Jack’s are Back!

REPORT #1059 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996 Endless Season Update April 21, 2007

East Cape

Baja on the Fly Guide Lance Peterson with his best Jack in 2007..so far!

Sporadic north winds influenced the fishing this week! On the less windy days the billfishing was excellent with many boats racking up multiple scores. Dorado, while spread out throughout the bay, were mostly singles and still not grouped up in schools. YFT catches could only be classified as dismal. Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf, Women’s Flyfishing©, Anchorage, AK, finished up on Monday and the group ranging from novice to seasoned anglers all came away from the trip with plenty of bragging rights until they return next year. Baja on the Fly guide, Lance Peterson, took the day off on Friday and sent us the following report. “Had great fun fishing the beach all day. Literally hundreds of jacks with a few chasing the flies were enough to keep it interesting and provided non-stop action. When the scales settled, the score was one big jack landed as they continued to prove how tough they can be to catch from the shore. Also had some great rooster action with some follows but no takers; I'm absolutely spent from running down fish. Great day.”

Water temperature 65-74
Air temperature 59-85
Humidity 59%
Wind: NNE 8-11 knots
Conditions: SunnyVisibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MDTSunset 7:42 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Strong winds and high seas kept the local boats inside this week. Entrada action under the bird schools improved with enough sierra and yellows to bend the rods of the few anglers there. Devil’s Curve produced a few grouper, small pargo and the corvina were suckers for surface plugs or poppers.
Closer to San Carlos at the bridge early morning action also included corvina and small groupers using Chartreuse Clousers retrieved slowly along the rocky bottom.

Water temperature 65 - 72

Air temperature 58 -90

Humidity 43 %

Wind: NNW 15-20 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 12 milesSunrise 6:59 a.m. MDTSunset 7:52 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

Fishing has improved considerably this last week. We are now getting a potpourri of several blue water species, including sailfish, blue marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna. Sailfish are still the predominate catch, with most fish being taken between 18 and 21 miles from Zihuatanejo Bay. The 80º blue water is at about 15 miles. Santiago on the panga, Gitana, has been averaging about 8 sailfish a day raised to the spread. With Santiago, 1st time blue water fly fishing client, Mark Pinski of Cameron Park, CA, managed to tag and release two sails on the fly on Thursday. Adolpho, on the panga, Dos Hermanos, is back to finding decent inshore action on jack crevalle and black skipjack tuna, and with May just around the corner, the outlook is very promising..
Ed Kunze

Water temperature 80 - 84

Air temperature 63-87

Humidity 43%

Wind: Calm

Conditions: Partly Sunny

Visibility 3 miles

Sunrise 7:26 a.m. CDT

Sunset 8:04 p.m. CDT

Bills Come Early!

REPORT #1058 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update April 14, 2007
East Cape

Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf, owner of Women’s Flyfishing©, Anchorage, AK, arrived early in the week with a group of fishing buddies to enjoy some Baja sun and flyfishing. It didn’t take long to get the party started! First day out, with Pudge’s coaching, Jen Hall, Boston, MA, landed her first striped marlin on the fly. Not to be outdone, Maria Knutson, Anchorage AK, landed her first sailfish. Yes, read SAILFISH. They have arrived early this season.

Most of the marlin, sailfish and dorado action was due east anywhere from 14 – 35 miles from the Hotel Buenavista Beach Resort. The action continued to build throughout the week and some of the boats had as many as 9 flags a flying as a north wind chased them back to the dock Friday afternoon. Though most of the dorado were singles, the quality was decent with many of the fish exceeding fifteen pounds. Many of them were caught on bait, but there was enough fly action to keep things interesting.

With a lack of sardina locally, two boats opted to make the run up to Isla Ceralvo thirty miles to the north where sardina was available. These two boats found excellent fly rod action for skipjack lasting most of the day with the aid of the sardina.

Inshore there were a few jacks caught. Long time client, Allison Osinski, San Diego, CA, landed her “personal best” jack crevalle estimated to weigh 22 lbs. While there were a few roosters found cruising close to shore and a few near misses none were caught. Even tossing the leftover sardina in front of them didn’t stir up much action --- only a few ladyfish and one lone rooster. As the water temps continue to climb, the roosterfish action should begin to get better.

Water temperature
65-78
Air temperature
60-84
Humidity
64%
Wind:
N 12 - 16 knots
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:59 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:40 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Another “cookie cutter” week of moderate action both at the Entrada for small yellows and grouper and inside the esteros where there was some surface action for corvina using small poppers. Fishing further down in the water column near the bottom, with slow retrieved chartreuse Clousers, tricked a few small grouper and pargo.

As the waters have cooled offshore the action has slowed as well. None of the local boats headed out this week and we didn’t hear any reports from boats traveling either up or down the coast.
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
64 -85
Humidity
43 %
Wind:
SW 10 knots
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:08 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:48 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing still remains on the slow side, however there are definite signs of improvement. At least things were improving until we were hit by a 6.3 earthquake at mid week. Earthquakes apparently affect the vibration sensitive lateral lines of the game fish, and they absolutely refuse to bite for at least 24 hours after a quake.
Centered only about 60 miles South of Zihuatanejo, the quake did no damage at all.
Santiago, on the panga Gitana, told me he was raising 4 to 5 sailfish a day in an area between 18 and 21 miles from Zihuatanejo Bay. Dan and Alicia Sauder fished with Santiago for three days, releasing 6 sails and had a nice blue marlin come unbuttoned.
Inshore fishing is only showing a few black skipjack tuna and smaller jack crevalle.
May will be here in a few weeks, and May is usually one of our best months of the year for tuna and marlin.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
71-90
Humidity
43%
Wind:
ESE 4 knots
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
7:31 a.m. CDT
Sunset
8:02 p.m. CDT

Easter Week without Wind? Almost!

REPORT #1057 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update April 7, 2007

Yvonne and I recently acquired a Road Trek, a self-contained van, so that we could spend more time exploring Baja. This week I made my first trip to Baja in the rig and it has been great. Internet access is a must for me and I can’t believe that every RV Park I have stayed in on the trip down had wireless access. Baja is a changing!

East Cape

It has been a while since East Cape had an Easter week with no wind! On Monday, the wind just died and the Sea of Cortez was like grease through Thursday. On Good Friday the wind arrived just in time to greet the Locals celebrating "Semana Santa" on East Cape Beaches.

Offshore action has included good marlin counts with even a few early sailfish in the mix. If you were up for a long boat ride, you could have found fair numbers of dorado to the north and a smattering of tuna way south.

The sight fishing conditions were near perfect until Thursday when the clouds came rolling in. While you could find action on small roosters and a few ladyfish in the likely spots, the larger variety of roosterfish were among the missing in the shallows. Schools of big jacks are around but are still locked into their milling/daisy chaining behavior, making them tough to catch. Ever so often they cruise close to shore and on occasion will light up and chase a well placed fly. Although there are few sardina to be found along the beach, there are quite a few ballyhoo and pockets of mullet so far.

Water temperature
65-74
Air temperature
60-90
Humidity
47%
Wind:
SW 13 knots
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
20 miles
Sunrise
7:05 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:37 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Didn’t hear of much action outside this week. In the Esteros, there was another big tide and fast current. This week yielded so-so action for corvina, spotted bay bass and a few grouper.

Even the Entrada’s yellow action slowed this week and about the only thing biting consistently was the small halibut in the shallows near the sandy beaches at Belchers.
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
64 -81
Humidity
47 %
Wind:
SW 10 knots
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:14 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:45 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

Under the full moon period, the fishing has been a bit on the slow side, with most of the action beyond the 20 mile mark.
Sea temperatures have held at 80 degrees plus which is unusual. for this time of the year. Normally early April current, brings a current of cold green water pushing the blue water out beyond the 40 mile areas.
Inshore was lightly fished this week with so-so results. Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
76-86
Humidity
65%
Wind:
SW 8 knots
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
11 miles
Sunrise
7:46 a.m. CDT
Sunset
8:01 p.m. CDT

Spring Forward…..Wind Back

REPORT #1056 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/31/07
East Cape

Mexico switched to daylight savings time this week, just as the north wind cranked back up shutting down what had been some good early season beach fishing. Water conditions quickly went from clean and fairly warm, to off color and cooler as the relentless wind waves pounded the beach. Earlier in the week the first pods of larger roosterfish in the 10 to 15 lb range could be seen cruising the beach in groups of a half dozen or so. The smaller juveniles roosters (1 or 2 lbs) are still numerous as well. While not exactly spring-style beach action, it was great to have a few cruisers to cast to. The jack crevalle have been seen schooling near-shore in larger groups. They are still in their milling/spawning behavior and they continue to be tough on the fly. That being said, they will indeed eat a fly if you are persistent and lucky enough to get a few chances. Sea lions have them spooked as well, which doesn't help the bite.
Offshore fishing action prior to the return of the wind included a good showing of striped marlin for those willing to run south...way south. Tuna action was found under the porpoise throughout Las Palmas Bay before the wind stirred things up.
Water temperature
65-78
Air temperature
55-82
Humidity
70%
Wind:
NNW 11-15 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:12 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:34 p.m. MDT










Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Little action reported by the steady stream of yachts pounding up the coast toward California in less than ideal traveling weather. The best action found was on the finger bank below Tasco.

Whale watching season is over and attention has turned back to fishing by the locals. So far the action has been spotty; the Entrada produced a few small yellows along with a few bonito. With big tides creating ripping currents, the Esteros also performed poorly this week only yielding a few grouper, corvina and spotted bay bass.
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
55 -86
Humidity
64 %
Wind:
WNW 6-9 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:20 a.m. MDT
Sunset
7:42 p.m. MDT




Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing has been a bit slow this week. The blue water moved out to the 15 mile mark, and then back in to 10 miles.

According to the Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures, the water within the normal fishing zone of 30 miles is a blustery 84º, with the preferable 80º water about 40 miles. This explains why most sailfish are being taken between 18 and 20 miles, with the tuna and blue marlin coming from the 40 to 45 mile mark.

Adolpho on the panga, Dos Hermanos, told me he did have one decent day on sails, releasing four. He also said the inshore action is very slow. Adolpho is one of our absolute best roosterfish and jack crevalle captains, and if he says it is slow, then do not waste your time trying for them.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
74-86
Humidity
83%
Wind:
NNW 4 knots
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:42 a.m. CDT
Sunset
7:59 p.m. CDT

Transition Time in Baja

REPORT #1055 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/24/07

East Cape
Water temperature
65-78
Air temperature
62-75
Humidity
57 %
Wind:
NNW 7 to 9 knts
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:27 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:39 p.m. MST

The transition from winter to spring is in full swing and hopefully it won’t be long before the north winds will only be a fading memory. Most of the action offshore was down to the south and included some football tuna that have begun to arrive along with the continuing striped marlin bite. Unfortunately, dorado action slowed down a click or two this week.

Inshore the small roosters and sierra led the way along with a few ladyfish and pompano. We’re still seeing the larger variety jacks but they seem to be afflicted with a serious case of lockjaw.

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
55 -82
Humidity
82 %
Wind:
WNW 13 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:26 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:39 p.m. MST
The few boats heading offshore found slim pickings from the Entrada all the way out to the Thetis Bank. The preponderance of bait in the water, mostly squid, may have had a lot to do with it. Back at the Entrada the bite also had slowed for the firecracker yellows for the same reason.

Action was a bit better in the Esteros with corvina providing the best action. There were also a few grouper, pargo and plenty of spotted bay bass to be found at slack tide up above Lopez Mateos.

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Even though the incredible blue marlin bite of last week has not continued at its torrid pace, we have not exactly had a "should have been here last week" situation either.

A full half of the 15 boat fleet is still getting at least a shot at a blue marlin, with an average of about three blues a day being hooked. Cheva, on the panga, Dos Hermanos II, told me how he had a double on two marlin going a respectable 230 and 300 pounds. They got them both to the boat, and with what is probably the understatement of the year, he said, “it was a "bit confusing at times”.

The sailfish action is still only averaging about 1 fish per boat per day. A few yellowfin tuna are being taken at the 40 mile mark by the commercial pangeros.

We had some high surf this week, and the jack crevalle action slowed down a bit, but there are tons of black skipjack tuna. (This is one of the reasons the marlin are plentiful - the small tuna is a favorite food of a marlin.) The hard-fighting small tuna are providing very good action for fly rodders.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
66-86
Humidity
83%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
2 miles
Sunrise
6:46 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:57 p.m. CST

Wind Gone? This Week Anyway…

REPORT #1054 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/17/07

East Cape
Water temperature
65-72
Air temperature
61-91
Humidity
90 %
Wind:
W 5 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:26 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:29 p.m. MST

The excellent weather all the way down the Sea of Cortez this week allowed the East Cape beaches to continue to produce good action for the small roosters (can’t wait until they grow up!). The jacks and pompano that were spotted had a case of lockjaw but there were some good sized croaker that were hot for small Clouser retrieved slowly over the bottom.

Offshore, the local Captains were all smiles as the marlin and dorado action heated up along with the weather. The locals are saying that it is an early spring but I suspect there is still a bit more north wind to come.


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
61 -90
Humidity
60 %
Wind:
WNW 8 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:34 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:36 p.m. MST
The Lopez Mateo’s estero fishing was great for our clients, Charles Kittrell and his nephew, from Carmel, CA, with double digit catches of grouper, corvina and spotted bay bass every day they fished. The panga fleet from Puerto San Carlos flocked to the Entrada where there are still plenty of whales to be seen. Enrique Soto reported a few firecracker yellowtail could be found under the bird schools as well as bonito.

Offshore the marlin and dorado are still hanging around but there are few boats heading out to chase them and there are only a small number of yachts traveling up and down the line from So. Cal to Cabo.
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
In two words: Blue Marlin! It is that good. Every boat in the fleet is getting at least a shot at a blue. The twenty boat fleet is averaging at least 8 caught blue marlin a day, with as many as 11 caught blues this last Tuesday.

The sailfish count is down, but everybody is slow trolling a large black skipjack tuna, which is way too big an offering for a sail to consider.

Margarito, on the Gaby caught two blues in one day for client, Sandy Week. They went 230 and 300 pounds. Adan, on the panga Gitana II took three marlin this week. They went about 120 pounds, 280 pounds, and 480 pounds.

Santiago, on the Gitana told me he only fished the blue water one day, releasing one sailfish, and catching a 40 pound class dorado.

Santiago has been fishing mostly inshore this week, and said the jack crevalle action is outstanding.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
74-96
Humidity
83%
Wind:
ENE at 5 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
2 miles
Sunrise
6:53 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:56 p.m. CST

Roosters a Plenty

REPORT #1053 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/10/07

East Cape
Water temperature
65-72
Air temperature
54-87
Humidity
28 %
Wind:
N 4 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:33 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:22 p.m. MST


The Baja winter pattern continued this week with a few great days and more wind on the others. The jacks that had been frequently spotted along the beach seemed to have disappeared, being replaced by small groups of “young and dumb” juvenile roosters quite willing to bite almost anything in front of them. Give them a couple of months and they will become much more selective. The winds continue to scatter the small baitfish along the shore. There were also a few schools of pompano spotted flashing and grubbing in the sand but they seemed to have lockjaw and weren’t interested in anything offered. The local panga fishermen have been scoring on pargo a short distance off the beach.

Offshore much of same action as the past few weeks - fair billfish action with an occasional dorado up to the north.
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
56 -83
Humidity
65 %
Wind:
WNW 11 to 15 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:41 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:43 p.m. MST
The local panga fishermen claim that they have been spotting a number of marlin chasing bait balls with the birds not far behind near the Thetis bank. Closer to shore there are still a few dorado to be found, though not the bonanza experienced a couple of months ago.

Most of the locals are taking advantage of one of the best whale watching seasons in recent memory. Both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos have had a steady steam of tourists from all parts of the globe seeking a photo op with a whale.

With light pressure, the Esteros have yielded good catches of pompano, corvina, with a few snook and grouper caught near Devil’s Curve.


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80° blue water is just off the beach. However, most of the action appears to be a long boat ride off shore. For blue water action within 20 miles of the beach, the counts have been way down this last week. We have been averaging about one sailfish per boat per day. There have been very few dorado, but the blue marlin count is still respectable, with about 4 or 5 blue marlin a day being reported.

While fishing with Adan on the Gitana II this week, John Erickson of Wisconsin got a 180 pound blue on Tuesday, with John Torres catching a 220 pound blue on Friday.
At 40 miles, the commercial pangeros are getting yellowfin tuna in the 60 to 90 pound range. Plus, they are reporting a lot of sailfish and marlin in the same area. Apparently, there is a large concentration of bait along a current line at 40 miles, and this has been holding the game fish.

The inshore action for jack crevalle is still red hot. Now is the time for the light line and fly rod enthusiast to hit the water. You will be exhausted before noon.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
71-87
Humidity
83%
Wind:
SE at 4 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
2 miles
Sunrise
6:59 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:55 p.m. CST

Wind the Trend

REPORT #1052 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/03/07

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
69-86
Humidity
65%
Wind:
WSW 9 MPH
Conditions:
Mostly Sunny
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:03 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:52 p.m. CST
The water is starting a cooling trend, which is normal for this time of the year. At 30 miles, we have only 79° water, and not the 84° of weeks past. The blue water has moved out a bit also, and is about 18 miles from Zihuatanejo Bay.

The fleet is averaging between 1 and 3 sailfish a day, per boat. A few dorado are still being taken, but only about 1 for every 6 boats on the water. The blue marlin are still doing very well, but not quite as hot as last week. There are still at least 3 to 4 blues a day being recorded by the 30 boat fleet.

There is still no sign of the tuna, but with the cooling water, it will not be long.

Inshore, the jack crevalle action is hot. There are a lot of them, but not too many in the 20 pound range yet. Most of the jacks are in the low teens.
Ed Kunze

East Cape

Water temperature
65-72
Air temperature
62-78
Humidity
28%
Wind:
N 13 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
17 miles
Sunrise
6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:22 p.m. MST
This week was back to normal with strong winds beginning mid- to late morning each day. Those who made it out early enough had fair action for small roosters, sierra and ladyfish. Big jacks were still a tease as they continued their spooky behavior while milling well within casting range. Once the wind cranked up, it was Bloody Mary time at the pool.
The few boats that ventured out hightailed it back when the north wind came blasting down the Sea of Cortez. The lucky ones found a few marlin and dorado outside of Punta Pescadero.

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

There were strong winds on the Pacific side as well, but with most of the attention devoted to whales cavorting in the bay it didn’t seem to matter. The few that chose fish over mammals were not disappointed fishing in the Esteros. There were enough corvina and grouper, and all the spotted bay bass they wanted to keep the rods bent for most of the day until the winds picked up in the afternoon.
Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
58 -80
Humidity
9%
Wind:
NNW 13 mph
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:48 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:29 p.m. MST

Love is in the Air

REPORT #1051 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/25/07
East Cape

A little nice weather and suddenly there are more flags flying from the riggers. The gold ones account for the sprinkling of dorado found scattered around Las Palmas Bay. And then there’s the blue and white marlin flags also beginning to fly: Good billfish action was 15 -18 miles to the north with a report of one boat hooking seven marlin earlier in the week. This combination has the locals predicting an action-packed April for billfish as they begin to spawn.
Inshore, grande class jack Crevalle put on a show out in front of Punta Colorada, driving the sardina bait balls all the way up onto the sand. It seemed to be “love in the air” as they went into their milling\mating mode, but they ignored all offerings made by frustrated anglers taking advantage of the mild winds flinging this and that at them.
Water temperature
65-72
Air temperature
55-80
Humidity
86%
Wind:
NNW 17 to 24 knots
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:45 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:19 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The word must have gotten out about the excellent whale watching this year! Every hotel in Magdalena Bay is sporting a “No Vacancy” sign.

Offshore there are still reports of marlin being spotted but few boats are available to take advantage of the late/early show (take your pick). Most of the dorado have disappeared as the water temps continue to cool down.

The only action of any significance in the Esteros this week seemed to be a decent corvina bite with a few larger ones in the ten pound class.


Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
50 -80
Humidity
78%
Wind:
NE 8 to 11 knots
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
6:54 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:26 p.m. MST


Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
This has been a very mixed week. Our bread and butter fish, the sailfish, has been fairly slow. We are only averaging one or two fish per day per boat, with many boats not seeing a thing. But, the blue marlin action has been incredible.

On one day this week, we reported 14 large blue marlin with the tourist sport fishing fleet out of the municipal pier in Zihuatanejo, plus another 6 from the private boats in Marina Ixtapa. And, this does not count the other 10 blue marlin caught by the commercial pangeros. For the entire fleet, including the commercial pangeros, we put about 40 boats on the water and caught 30 blue marlin in one day!

The other days in this week have not been quite so plentiful, but we are still seeing a minimum of 10 blue marlin a day being hooked and landed.

One notable catch was made by Bill Hermann from Washington, while fishing on the Gaby with Captain Margarito. Margarito called me on my cell phone at 9:00 and they were almost back to the pier already. His clients had enough excitement for the day. The 426 pound blue marlin had wiped them out.

Another notable catch was made by Onno Van Veen of Holland. He fished 6 days with Santiago on the panga Gitana, releasing 2 sailfish, 1 striped marlin, and a blue marlin of about 100 pounds. All fish were taken on the fly.

The party of four in the Bob Stevens group out of Seattle, WA, fished on two pangas at Vicente Gro. for one day. I was on one panga, with Cali on the other. Between us, we tagged and released 3 sailfish for the 4 fly fishermen. Of course, the guy paying the tab, Bob Stevens, never even had a shot.
There has been very little action inshore.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
76-88
Humidity
82%
Wind:
SE 15 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Sunny
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:08 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:51 p.m. CST

Sierra Snap

REPORT #1050 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/17/07

East Cape

Beach and inshore action this week was dominated by a better-than-normal sierra bite that went on from gray light until well after sunrise. Our guide reported that between releasing fish and retying flies on, he barely had time to take any photos. If you were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, the small roosters and ladyfish could be found chasing small schools of sardina right to the beach. Offshore there was still consistent billfish and dorado action to the north outside of Punta Pescadero, as well as to the outside of the color break near the Punta Arena.


Water temperature
65-70
Air temperature
58-77
Humidity
62%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions:
Partly Cludy
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
6:51 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:15 p.m. MST

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Remarkably, the whale count continues to climb. Enrique Soto, Puerto San Carlos, reported seeing over fifty whales on a three hour trip on Friday. Huge schools of large squid have mysteriously appeared during the week and have been washing up on the sandy beaches. Inside the Esteros, the corvina fishing exploded this week for the few anglers fishing there. There were also a few snook caught at Devil’s Curve.

Offshore, in spite of the windy conditions earlier in the week, local shark fishermen found both marlin and dorado west of the Entrada, 10 – 22 miles.


Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
64 -79
Humidity
41%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:00 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:22 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

This week's trend is still staying true to the improving fishing from last week. The sailfish average is holding at between two and three sails per boat per day, but the blue marlin have showed up to join the party. Early in the week, foretelling what was to come, several huge blues were taken. A couple came in around 750 pounds, and a few more between 450 and 650 pounds. But, on Thursday, six big blues hit the dock, and then yesterday (Friday), another eight. Plus, several more were taken by the private boats based out of Marina Ixtapa.

Keep in mind, more of these marlin are lost than are actually hooked. Almost every boat in the blue water is getting a shot at one. Almost all the blues are being taken on a slow trolled live black skipjack tuna.

The inshore action is kind of unknown at this time, as most captains are telling their clients to try for the marlin.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
75-89
Humidity
82%
Wind:
SE 15 mph
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:12 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:48 p.m. CST

Drat They’re Rats!

REPORT #1049 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/10/07
TELL THE PACIFIC COUNCIL --NO LONGLINES http://www.savethefish.org/action_items_Pacific_LL.htm
East Cape
Wow - a week of more better days than bad! This week provided some of the best winter conditions so far in 2007.

Molly Semenik, a guide on the Yellowstone River from Livingston, MT, hit the beach early mid-week. The weather was calm and offered perfect beach fishing conditions. Molly had more “firsts” than on a high school prom night! Rat roosters showed up for the beach party determined to snatch every fly that came close and of course, no Baja beach party would be complete without a ladyfish or two! All in all, Molly enjoyed a memorable Baja fishing day.

Offshore it was the same story with good if not great winter dorado action and there were even striped marlin bites in the mix for variety. While there was some tuna action report below Las Frailes, there were not many takers for the long ride. Chances are the dreaded north wind will soon return and it will be the old, “you should have been here last week”.


Water temperature
65-70
Air temperature
54-79
Humidity
67%
Wind:
NW at 4 knts.
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
6:55 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:11 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Finally, decent weather for the yachts traveling up and down the coast of Baja. Out front they are reporting a few marlin and dorado bites strung all the way from the Thetis Bank to below Tasco. No bonanza - just a steady pick. Good conditions for checking out some of the local high spots for grouper and some “home guard” yellows.

Just outside the Entrada was a busy place with birds crashing on schools of sardine pushed to the surface by small yellows, bonito and skipjack.

Snook action slowed at Devils Curve with corvina, small grouper and pargo providing the best action.

For the locals the good news is the continued increase in the number of whales showing up inside the bay, attracting a steady stream of “ooohs and aaahers” with digital cameras in hand.


Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
57 -78
Humidity
80%
Wind:
W 5 kts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:05 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:17 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We have had a very pleasant surprise this week. The fishing has actually been better during the full moon phase, than it was the week before.

A current of cooler, 81° water, moved in, with clean blue water only a half mile out in front of Zihuatanejo Bay, and the cobalt blue water is only 5 miles out. The game fish came with the blue water. Each boat is averaging between two and three sailfish a day. And, several nice blue marlin were caught this week.

Plus, at 12 miles, there is a large area of 10 to 30 pound yellowfin tuna. The tuna have been hard to stay on, because they pop up and down, and when they are up, they are moving fast. This is when you wish you had a San Diego long range boat, with hundreds of scoops of chum bait available.

Inshore we are seeing a lot of jack crevalle cruising the beaches, plus we are now having a very good all day long bite on the large jacks inside the bay.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
68-87
Humidity
82%
Wind:
Calm.
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
6 miles
Sunrise
7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:45 p.m. CST

Now, That’s a WSB!

REPORT #1048 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/03/07
TELL THE PACIFIC COUNCIL --NO LONGLINES http://www.savethefish.org/action_items_Pacific_LL.htm
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Whale watching continues to dominate the activity at both Lopez Mateo and San Carlos. Enrique reported sighting over 40 whales near the Entrada. Between whales he also managed to find the firecracker yellows under the bird schools. Here’s proof that they eventually grow up! This is a second hand report I received this week:
”Thank you for your info on white sea bass in Mag bay last week. We didn’t fish the location you sent, but found another one outside the bay after looking for an anchor spot after running from bad weather off shore.”

“The spot produced white seabass and yellow tail in the 45-52 lb range. They bit all night the evening of January 23/24, it was absolutely freezing cold with 40 knot winds. These were particularly aggressive fish that required 80-100 lb test to successfully land them. Even with International 50s and 100 lb test, we still only managed to land 8 out of 20 hook ups. The preferred technique was 16oz dropper loops and a live mackerel. Several yellowtail that were brought within site were estimated to be over 60 lbs before breaking off on 100 lb and in one case, 130 lb test.”

“The catch include personal best fish for the Captain (Mike Pritchard – 52 lb yellow tail), the deckhand/cook Dusty (45lb WSB and 50lb YT), and myself (42LB WSB).”Mike Reader

Lance Peterson while on a recent whale watching trip at Lopez also found some time to fish (go figure) and reported that the Spotted Bay Bass bite was all you wanted.

Water temperature
65 - 72
Air temperature
46 -80
Humidity
81%
Wind:
NE 6 - 8 kts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:09 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:13 p.m. MST

East Cape
Some of that cold snap to the north seems to have found its way all the way down the Baja Peninsula. In “shorts only” country, that is big news as everyone is digging out their one pair of long pants and jackets.

Before breakfast and before the wind gets going, sierra are the best bet. For a few lucky anglers, a small rooster now and then along with an occasional ladyfish can be added to the catch.
Not far offshore, some small dorado are still hanging around along with a sprinkling of billfish that should be wearing fur coats.

Water temperature
65-70
Air temperature
47-75
Humidity
86%
Wind:
NNW at 13 - 18 knts.
Conditions:
Sunny
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
6:59 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:09 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The fishing has been very poor this last week. And, with the full moon phase coming up, I do not see an improvement. This certainly is a dilemma. For sailfish, we should have been having one of the best weeks of the year. It is possible the El Niño affect has delayed the main body of fish getting here, or maybe they are going to by-pass us completely on their way down to Guatemala and Costa Rica.

This last week saw almost as many dorado taken as sailfish, and that was less than a one per boat average. Yesterday (Friday), Efra on the panga Tequila, was high boat in the fleet with three sailfish raised, and they hooked all three. He fished an area at 14 miles on a 180° heading out of Zihuatanejo Bay.

Mike O'Keefe of England, fished with Martin on the panga “Isamar” for 4 days. To find the fish, and to cover more water, they fast trolled marlin lures. They did manage to hook three sails on the fly.

Cali made the 35 mile run down to Vicente Gro. on the panga “Zapatito Gordo”. Three days in the blue water only yielded 1 sailfish, a dorado, and a nice blue marlin. Two days inshore yielded 2 small roosters (5 to 7 pounds), and about 20 small jacks (2 to 5 pounds).

About the only decent bite going on right now are the large jack crevalle (10 to 15 pounds) hitting in the early morning inside Zihuatanejo Bay.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
80 - 84
Air temperature
70-93
Humidity
82%
Wind:
Calm.
Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:42 p.m. CST

Whale Ho!

REPORT #1047 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/27/07
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The whale and tourist migration seemed to have peaked simultaneously this week. More visitors continue to flock into both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos to take advantage of the opportunity to pet, kiss or just get up close and personal with some of the largest sea creatures in the world’s oceans.
The few boats that fished outside this week found the same kind of action that Captain Peter Groesbeck on the Stealing Time reported last week. However, better weather allowed the Southern Comfort and the other few boats around to cash in on the consistent marlin action under the bird schools - mostly multiples strung along the 100 fathom curve from Santa Maria to the Entrada. The action seems to be slowly sliding south following the warm water currents that compress down toward the tip of Baja. Though there were fewer than last week, the dorado bite remained decent.

Back inside, the best inshore action is the firecracker yellows mixed in with the bonito under the bird schools at the Entrada. With most of the boats whale watching this week, the Estero had little if any fishing pressure this week.

Water temperature
69 - 72
Air temperature
57 -75
Humidity
74%
Wind:
WNW 7 - 9 kts
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:11 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:08 p.m. MST











East Cape
Winter reports on fishing at East Cape can differ, depending on who you ask; if you ask a local, the answer this week would be, “We had a few nice days.” Most hotel visitors would answer, “It blew most of the week with only a few decent days.” So there you have it!
Here at East Cape this time of the year (winter), the good days are the exception, not the normal. But during spring, summer and fall, you’ll find that almost every day is a great day. This week, on the good days, there were a few marlin to be found, as well as some dorado and some football sized tuna under the porpoise. Inshore, the early morning sierra action was enough to get a few of the locals out early.

Water temperature
69-73
Air temperature
42-75
Humidity
84%
Wind:
NNW at 8 - 11 knts.
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
4 miles
Sunrise
7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:02 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The fishing and water conditions have changed a bit this week. Late last week we had a low pressure move in on us, creating a strong afternoon wind which moved the blue water out to the 20 mile mark. Fishing was very slow.

But since Wednesday, conditions have stabilized and we are getting decent fishing again. Each boat is averaging two to three sailfish a day. Plus, Santiago, on the panga, Gitana, took a nice 230 pound blue marlin.

Adolpho, on the panga, Dos Hermanos, told me the inshore waters are so slow he is not even trying to fish for the jacks or roosters. The only thing going on with the inshore is a very abundant black skipjack tuna bite.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
73-94
Humidity
82%
Wind:
ESE 3 knt.
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:20 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:38 p.m. CST

Yellow Slickers and Marlin

REPORT #1046 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/20/07
East Cape
Ever fished for marlin wearing a raincoat? Now is your chance! In spite of the cold and rainy conditions this week, there was a decent striped marlin bite and even a few dorado. With only a few brave enough to don long pants and raincoats, it’s not clear just how good a bite it is.

Locals could only bring themselves to chase the sierra that seemed to be strung out from the lighthouse to Punta Pescadero.

Once again this week the Humboldt squid could be found in front of Palmas de Cortez Hotel within a few miles of shore.


Water temperature
69-73
Air temperature
51-71
Humidity
81%
Wind:
NNW at 10 - 14 knts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:03 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:57 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The unusually cold temperatures that have plagued Southern California have also affected the Baja Peninsula, including Magdalena Bay.
With the number of whales increasing every day, whale watching season is dominating the interest.
Captain Peter Groesbeck, fishing out front on the Stealing Time, reported good fishing when the weather permitted. He found consistent marlin action under the bird schools with mostly multiples strung all along the 100 fathom curve from Santa Maria to the Entrada. Still plenty of dorado were around as well. Back at the Entrada there were firecracker yellows under the birds.

Water temperature
69 - 73
Air temperature
57 -73
Humidity
77%
Wind:
NNE 7 - 9 kts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset
6:02 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

There has been very little change in the fishing this last couple of weeks, which is a disappointment. In times past, the dark of the moon period in January has been the absolute best week of the year for sailfish. This week, instead of the boats returning to the dock with 8 to 10 released sailfish flags flying, they are only averaging 2 or 3 sails a day.

However, this has happened in years past with an El Niño, or fluctuations in the current. The main body of fish just has not yet arrived. As has happened under these conditions, February may be an excellent month.

No tuna are being reported, but several boats have been scoring on a nice dorado or two. Plus, a few blue marlin are starting to show up in the trolling spreads. The marlin often get hooked, but usually win the battle against the smaller sailfish outfits.

Inshore still has great action, on the fly rod or light tackle, with the black skipjack tuna. Adolpho, on the panga, Dos Hermanos, found a few roosters again, after making a 30 mile run up North to Union. But, when I fished 35 miles south, we did not raise any.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
71-91
Humidity
80%
Wind:
ESE 7 knt.
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:20 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:34 p.m. CST

White Sea Bass Go OFF at Magdalena

REPORT #1045 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/13/07
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The few boats working outside are reporting the dorado bite is still over the top and there are still some marlin to be found under the bird schools scattered from Thetis to the Entrada.

Inside the Esteros, Ken and Adam Knight of San Marcos and Linda Miller of Long Beach found themselves in the middle of a WFO white sea bass bite, chalking up a score of 6 before the tide changed. Other action included the seemingly ever present bay bass that were biting almost anything that drifted by them.

Water temperature
72 - 74
Air temperature
55 -75
Humidity
56%
Wind:
NNW 10 - 14 kts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:15 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:57 p.m. MST

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The 80° blue water is still only 5 to 6 miles off the beach. With the full moon period this last week, the fishing was better than normally expected. Each boat is averaging 2 to 3 sailfish a day. Those numbers will increase this next week, continuing for the rest of the month.

A lot of small dorado are in counts also, with an occasional 30 to 35 pounder. There still has been no sign of the tuna. Most boats are averaging a dorado a day.

Inshore, the black skipjack tuna abound, and have been great fall back option for light line enthusiasts and fly rodders.

Even though no roosters were caught locally, apparently a migration is under way, as they head South to warmer waters. I say migration, because when the concentrations are located, there are lots of them confined in certain areas, but not spread out along the coast. Adolpho, on the Dos Hermanos took several roosters and several jacks about 30 miles up north near Saladita. And, Santiago on the Gitana, fished one day with his client from Sweden, catching 7 roosters 30 miles down south.Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
69-87
Humidity
94%
Wind:
Light
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
7 miles
Sunrise
7:1 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:29 p.m. CST

East Cape
With a few exceptions, the North wind kept most of the fleet on their moorings most of the days this week. The mornings the wind wasn’t ripping, the few boats headed out found a mixed bag including a few billfish, an occasional dorado and if they were lucky enough to find a porpoise school, a tuna or two.

Wind thus far has failed to discourage the big squid that still can be found in shallow water in front of Palmas de Cortez.

Beach action has been hampered by almost constant wind waves pounding the East Cape Beaches most of the week.


Water temperature
70-76
Air temperature
61-83
Humidity
72%
Wind:
NNW at 10 - 13 knts
Conditions:
Cloudy
Visibility
5 miles
Sunrise
7:03 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:52 p.m. MDT

Whale of a Snook Snap

REPORT #1044 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/06/07

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Still a pretty good lump on the outside as the moderate to strong winds continued most of the week. There was an excellent tuna bite earlier in the week for some brutes up to 300 lbs. - not exactly the kind we are looking for on the flyrod. The phenomenal dorado bite didn't let the new year slow it down at all. I suspect the billfish are still around but few if any boats have been out looking for them this week.

Last week produced the best snook action in several years at Devil’s Curve. Unfortunately, with nary a fly rodder in site, the action was all on live shrimp for those lucky enough to be in neighborhood. Enrique Soto, Puerto San Carlos, reported some as large as twenty-five pounds. He also found decent action for yellowtail on the surface and down deeper enough leopard grouper to keep things interesting.

All of this as most of the focus of the locals turns to the beginning of whale watching season which attracts visitors from around the world. Getting up close and personal with a gray whale in Baja is high on many folks’ personal “to do” list.

Water temperature
72 - 74
Air temperature
55 -75
Humidity
62%
Wind:
WNW 11 - 14 kts
Conditions:
Clear
Visibility
10 miles
Sunrise
7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:52 p.m. MST

East Cape
Winter and 2007 have both arrived. This means that the good days will be the exception for the next few months with north winds always a threat and just a few puffs away. This time of year, early mornings can be the best opportunity as they sometime offer flat, calm conditions. However, more often than not, early morning anglers are greeted with some wind waves and the ominous telltale wind line on the horizon.

On the good days, the sierra, jacks, ladyfish and even a few small roosters can be found feeding along the beaches. Offshore, small dorado, skipjack, yellowfin tuna and even a few marlin can be found within twenty miles and the giant squid are still within a few miles of Palmas de Cortez .

Another option for the angler is to travel down to Cabo San Lucas to take advantage of the better inshore\offshore action that can be found off the tip of Baja. Sam Adams, from Weston, CT, was thrilled with the results, landing a forty pound dorado on the fly. Other action during the Cabo trips included billfish, sierra and even a few hefty pargo.


Water temperature
70-76
Air temperature
64-80
Humidity
82%
Wind:
N at 16 knts
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
8 miles
Sunrise
7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset
5:47 p.m. MDT






Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

The 82° blue water is still only 5 miles off the beach. At 10 miles, and on out, the water is 84°. The fishing for sailfish, including during this full moon period, is very good. Most boats in the fleet are averaging about 4 sailfish a day, with counts as high as 7 and 8 fish a day for some.

Steve King and a friend from Maryland fished with Santiago on the panga Gitana for three days. They tagged and released 15 sails. Santiago also told me the yellowfin tuna were at 25-30 miles, but moving fast, and difficult to catch.

A few 20 to 30 pound dorado are still around, but not showing up in the counts as well as last week.

Inshore, the jack crevalle action is picking up, and the roosterfish has just about wound down. We now have to wait for May for any decent roosterfish action.Ed Kunze
Water temperature
82 - 84
Air temperature
60-91
Humidity
82%
Wind:
N 3 knt.
Conditions:
Partly Cloudy
Visibility
3 miles
Sunrise
7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset
6:26 p.m. CST

Bowl Games . . . Plus a Fish or Two

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

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

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

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

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

Big Sierra Accompanied by North Wind

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

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

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


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


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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Early Bird Gets the Sierra

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

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


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


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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

Late, But Great . . . Baja Action

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

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

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

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


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


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico



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

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



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

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


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


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

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

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

Mixed Bag in December? Sunday Magdalena Bay Update!

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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



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



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

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

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

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

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

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

East Cape Squid … Mag Bay Dorado

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

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

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

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


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


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


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



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico

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

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

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

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

We Give Thanks for Magdalena Bay!

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

East Cape

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

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


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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


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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Dorado Thick….Magdalena Bay

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

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


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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


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





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

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

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

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

Time Falls Back…Magdalena Lights Up

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

East Cape

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

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


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

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

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

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



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





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

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

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

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