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

North Wind Follows Paul’s Near Miss

REPORT #1034 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/28/06

East Cape

A near miss by “Paul” brought some rain and early north winds with a few nice days mixed in making for an interesting week. While there is plenty of bait inshore and along the beach, the off-color water persisted throughout Las Palmas Bay. Early in the week, Claus Donath, Buenos Aires, Argentina struggled with the tough conditions. During his two days of fly-fishing he managed to land his first rooster on the fly and had some ladyfish action as well.

While tuna could be found below Los Frailes, if you didn’t get there early you were out of luck and had to face a rough ride back to the hotel. While there were a few dorado for the persistent angler, the action was mostly singles – not the schools that produce non-stop action.

On the marlin front, action continued at a moderate pace on the good weather days and tough on the windy days.


Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-90
Humidity 73%
Wind: NE at 10 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:22 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:43 p.m. MDT


Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Offshore action for dorado and tuna continued to be productive and the marlin bite improved from the previous week. Closer to shore, the grouper action was great within five miles of the boca.

Enrique Soto reported that the entrada continued to produce fair action for firecracker-sized yellowtail on the surface, while further down in the water column they found a few leopard grouper to 20 pounds. West of the entrada five to 20 miles there were plenty of dorado under the shark buoys.

The esteros, while lightly fished this week, still had corvina, grouper and decent pargo action at both Devil’s Curve and up north of Lopez Mateos.

Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 69-82
Humidity 92%
Wind: W 5 kph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:31 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:48 p.m. MDT

Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Currents have the water conditions a bit mixed this week. On a 180° heading, we have 86° blue water at 12 miles. But, on a 220° heading we have 83° blue water at 22 miles.

This lack of a defined pattern has hurt the fishing somewhat. We are only averaging 1 or 2 sailfish per day / per boat. A few 20- to 25-pound class dorado are still showing, but the tuna left the area.

The main action is still inshore, and on the beaches. On the beaches, the roosterfish are averaging at least 4 to 5 fish per day / per boat. Klaus Meyer of Texas fished one day with Santiago on the “Gitana” and caught four roosters to 45 pounds.

Fly-fishermen are doing very well inshore on the black skipjack tuna, a few sierras, and the smaller jack crevalle.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 75 - 91
Humidity 100%
Wind SE 6 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:43 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:15 p.m. CDT

East Cape Transition Time

REPORT #1033 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/21/06

East Cape
Adopt a Billfish
After a long, hot summer, East Cape has begun to cool down. Strong north winds for the past several days chewed up the beach this week, slowing the action down. Inshore, the action continued for pompano, jack crevalle, ladyfish, roosters and sierra that can be found from Buena Vista all the way down to the Lighthouse. While there is some off color water, it has not shut off the bite.

Most of the billfish action was soaking baits down deep which is not good for the fly guys. I understand there are plenty of YFTs down below Los Frailes, all the way to Gordo Bank, almost long-range trip in the opinion of most. Rounding out the week were a few dorado spread throughout Palmas Bay.


Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 69-90
Humidity 74%
Wind: NNW at 9 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:48 p.m. MDT

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico


While offshore was definitely on the upswing this week as the seas began to finally settle down, it was not up to the usual Mag Bay standards. The Riviera Sportfishers Yachts held their 10th Annual Rendezvous, finding most of the action closer to the entrada than the Thetis Bank as the cooler water pushed down from the northwest. Plenty of dorado for everyone and most boats averaging 3-4 marlin per day. Closer to shore at Lopez, the yellowfin and skipjack tuna action remained consistent. In the esteros, the grouper action along with some nice-sized pargo kept the rods bent.

Chugey Sepulveda from the Pflueger Institute just returned from the ridge where they tagged 20 wahoo with archival tags. He wrote, “The tags are externally visible and worth $500 for their return. All of the fish were tagged near the 13.” He reported that there was a consistent morning and late evening bite for the wahoo with Marauders being the most consistent lure “On our last day of fishing, (10/16) we re-captured one of our tags, so we are hopeful some of the boats down that way might get a tag or two.”

Chugey Sepulveda, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research
901-B Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 721-1404

Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 74-86
Humidity 75%
Wind: N 15 kph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 2 miles
Sunrise 7:27 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:54 p.m. MDT





Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The sailfish have been steady at an average of about two to a boat per day. Going into the new moon phase, this average should pick up a bit.

A nice bonus is the dorado have finally started to show, with some of the boats getting a couple of the nice 25 pound fish. One commercial pangero, working a floating tree limb, managed to get 10. This same pangero also told me the yellowfin tuna are now showing at the 25 mile mark.

The rains this last week had some dirty water flows out of the rivers, creating a turbid inshore situation. This did hurt the rooster fishing this last week. But, talking to Adopho on the panga Dos Hermanos, he feels in three days we are back into the great action.

Cali and I, driving along the dirt road at Playa Blanca today, spotted some birds and lots of small jack crevalle crashing the backside of the surf line. The water was a bit green, but the bait and the fish are definitely here.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 77 - 84
Humidity 100%
Wind SE 6 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:18 p.m. CDT

Magdalena Bay Delivers

REPORT #1032 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 10/14/06

Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico

Toward the end of the week offshore reports were that the dorado were as thick as tortilla chips at the guacamole bowl, but few marlin. Earlier in the week however, there was a good show of marlin at 45/35 about 45 miles from Lopez Mateos. Unfortunately they seemed pretty lethargic.

Earlier this past week, Lance Peterson guided Sam and Janet Farish, Atlanta, GA, at Loreto and this is excerpts of his Loreto report: “Off to a good start. Founds lots of roosters today...almost all cookie cutter copies of about 5lbs. Good action. Had several teased up which ate the fly big time so the Farishes are happy.

It went really well again today… dorado and lots of skipjack. Sam caught the big bull he wanted...about 30lb.”

Lance Peterson and the Farishes moved to Lopez Mateos the last few days. Lance’s report:
“Fishing here at Lopez Mateos has been very productive. Heavy winds prevented us from fishing offshore today. Thursday, we made it out some 28 miles and were immediately rewarded with yellowfin tuna and doubles on dorado. While it wasn't WFO, we had no trouble finding enough fish to keep the anticipation level high. Friday, we stayed in the bay and found excellent action on pargo, corvina, white sea bass, and the odd long jaw leatherjack. Top water action was at points unbelievable with violent takes and almost unstopable runs into the mangroves. Lots of gear lost but lots of great fish landed. Another amazing day!

The wind was rippin today and it's still blowing a little even now. I really hope it lays down so we can exit the entrada tomorrow (Saturday) and go for it.
We saw a pair of bald eagles today...a sight not often seen in Baja!
Sergio is the best captain I've fished with in Mexico bar none. We have really clicked and have been a great team.”


Water temperature 74 - 84
Air temperature 74-83
Humidity 88%
Wind: S 6 kph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:00 p.m. MDT


East Cape
Unsettled conditions persisted into the week and fishing slowed down a few clicks from the previous weeks. Most of the marlin action was on drifting baits down deep. Dorado action was spread out with mostly singles and no schools. If you wanted Yellowfin tuna, it was a long boat ride either way - up toward Cerralvo Island or the other direction - from outside of Cabo Pulmo all the way down to Destiladeras.

Inshore the roosterfish action improved close to shore with lots of smaller fish chasing the hookless teasers right to the boat transom.

From the beach, ladyfish and pompano were to be found and if you could locate the sardina, the roosters and jacks weren’t far behind.


Water temperature 74-89
Air temperature 68-93
Humidity 84%
Wind: NNE at 7 kph
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. MDT
Sunset 6:53 p.m. MDT



Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 86° blue water is still just a short boat ride. And, as we get out of the full moon phase, the fishing has picked up. There has yet to be any dorado or tuna in the counts, but we have so few boats going out, we are not getting much on the water coverage.

Most boats are getting 2 to 3 sailfish a day average.

The inshore action has been outstanding. Captain Cheva on the Dos Hermanos fished with fly fishing guide Brent Darby of Idaho for one day. Using the fly rod, he caught 6 sierra, 8 black skipjack tuna, and several small jack crevalle.

Plus, the rooster fish action on the back side of the waves is still fantastic. Each boat is averaging 4 to 6 fish a day.

Ed Kunze
Water temperature 78 - 87
Air temperature 72 - 92
Humidity 100%
Wind E 5 kph
Conditions: Cloudy\rain
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:38 a.m. CDT
Sunset 7:24 p.m. CDT