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| Around 10% of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef. |
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| Starfish can re-grow their arms. In fact, a single arm can regenerate a whole body. |
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| Starfish do not have blood. Their blood is actually filtered sea water. |
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| Starfish don't have brains. Special cells on their skin gather information about their surroundings |
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| Not all animals with the word fish in their names count as fish. |
| Though their names may suggest otherwise, cuttlefish, starfish, and jellyfish aren’t actually fish. Generally-speaking, fishes must have skulls, gills, and fins. Surprisingly, though, not all fishes have proper spines. |
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| In three decades, the world's oceans will contain more discarded plastic than fish when measured by weight, researchers say. |
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| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Just how man species of fish are there? |
| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Even Catfish are finicky |
| Taste Buds ? Catfish have a more refined sense of flavor than humans. Our 10,000 taste buds may seem like a lot, but catfish can have as many as 175,000. This helps them find the exact location of their next meal. |
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| A bit of Humor |
| My brother has 2 German Shepherds named Rolex and Timex. You guessed it they are Watch Dogs. |
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From Jan 01, 1999 To Apr 27, 2024
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Jun 23, 2007; 01:49PM - Action Slowed by Cold Water Current!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1068 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update June 23, 2007
East Cape
Chart complements of terrafin.com shows the far-reaching effect of the cold current
A cold water current sweeping around the tip from the Pacific invaded our area the last few days. The 71 degree water and windy conditions turned some of the inshore water off color and made offshore conditions a bit slow. Most boats had to run 12 to 24 miles to find action. The tuna seemed to have moved out farther to escape all the green water; while there seemed to be plenty of marlin showing, they still had a serious case of lockjaw. There were reports of a few large dorado here and there.
Lance reports: “Inshore fishing was been ‘on again, off again’ depending on the day and your luck. There are good numbers of 5lb roosterfish around making for fun light tackle action. That is...if you had sardina for chum and teasing. It has really been tough to come by recently. There are plenty of mullet available for purchase and anglers who put the time into slow trolling these larger baits had some shots at the larger better quality roosterfish. Another fish making appearances in the bait boats have been bonefish. There seems to be lots of them around. Some anglers have reported good results trolling these bonefish though I have yet to have much luck with them as teaser bait.”
Beach fishing cooled off a bit the last few days. Although there are good numbers of jacks near the beach providing most of the shots, roosterfish have been tougher to come by. As usual, if you are in the right place at the right time you will get some great chances. However, the roosters are still the toughest fish to feed a fly to at East Cape. With all the hype last winter there seem to be more anglers than ever chasing them.
Water temperature 71-84
Air temperature 70-96
Humidity 90%
Wind: WSW 7 - 9 knots
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:09 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The best action this week was out at the Entrada with good surface action for yellowtail and bonita under the birdschools. There are also some good sized grouper down deep-just above the bottom. The sandy beaches still continued to produce some halibut action for the fly guys using chartreuse Clousers retrieved very slowly across the bottom.
Estero action was limited to a few pargo and the usual spotted bay bass.
Water temperature 64 - 73
Air temperature 60 -86
Humidity 78 %
Wind: WNW 10 - 14 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 4 miles
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:19 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The water is really warming up, and it may just be a bit too warm for most species. The coolest water we have right now is inshore, and it is right at 84º. The blue water is almost 87º.
There are a few sailfish being caught, yellowfin tuna and blue marlin. Almost all fish are being taken between 16 and 20 miles of the Zihuatanejo Bay entrance.
There are still a lot of jack crevalle up near the Troncones area, and are readily attacking surface poppers. Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, spent 4 days down at Puerto Vicente Gro. fishing for jacks and roosters. They were handicapped a bit because the red tide we had here a few weeks ago has moved south, but they still took a lot of jack crevalle, green jacks, and a few roosters. He told me the best action was on the last day because the red tide had moved on out and further south. All the fish were taken on surface poppers.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 79-96
Humidity 83%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Mostly Sunny
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:24 p.m. CDT
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Jun 16, 2007; 01:38PM - The Closer, the Better!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1067 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update June 16, 2007
East Cape
The week began with some decent tuna action inside of thirty miles that moved out further as the week progressed. Dorado action, while picking up, is still sporadic and tough for the fly rodder to connect. The number of marlin sighted is significant; getting them to bite is another story.
This brings us to “where the action is”! Inshore action for larger jacks and roosters with an occasional dorado is enough to keep the flies a flying with plenty of surface action.
Lance reports: “On the 9th, I landed another grande but had a mishap in the surf on his final run. I caught a loop around the rod tip somehow and broke the fish off. I managed to finish the day with a barely ‘teener’. Back on the beach on the 11th: Terrible conditions, overcast with very strong south wind; however the fish went nuts again in the afternoon. I landed 2 grandes in the 40lb class. Wide open action as large rooster surfed the wind waves right to the beach. On the 12th, I landed another quality fish...30lb. I guess. Plus I fed 2 other grandes that didn't stick.” So far this year has proven to be one of the best in recent memory for large roosters.
Back in April, Lance showed me a new “Bubba” fly that he was designing. Judging from his success on the grandes so far this year, I would say he has come up with a good one. There are even reports of others trying to copy it. Lance tells me the fly is still evolving and he hasn’t quite perfected the design. We’ll let you know when he has it ready and where you can get one!
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 72-97
Humidity 84%
Wind: ESE 7 - 9 knots
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 2 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Windy outside. Up in the esteros, the action remains consistent for corvina on the surface. Deeper in the water column the grouper and pargo are the best bet. There was also a decent halibut bite along almost any sandy beach in shallow water. Early morning under the bridge at Puerto San Carlos yielded cabrilla, grouper and a few small pargo.
Water temperature 62 - 72
Air temperature 62 -88
Humidity 97 %
Wind: WNW 13 - 18 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 4 miles
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:18 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
THE INTERNET GOBLINS MUST HAVE EATEN THIS WEEK’S REPORT
This is last week’s report. The 82º blue water is still holding at the 20 mile mark, but the inshore red tide has all but dissipated. And, the fishing has improved dramatically.
Offshore, the main topic is the blue marlin and the yellowfin tuna. At least one boat in three is getting a shot at a blue marlin each day. They are hanging out in a strip all along the coast between 12 and 14 miles. The tuna are at the 20 mile mark, and the edge of the blue water.
Mike Griffin of Anchorage, AK got a nice blue while fishing with Luis on the panga, Gringo Loco. Santiago, of the panga, Gitana, went with a friend on a private boat out of Marina Ixtapa. The idea was to test the yacht out for possible purchase. They found out it raised fish well, as they caught and released 3 blues. All the fish were taken on trolled lures.
The sailfish action is holding steady at about two fish per boat average.
Inshore, I spotted Adolpho fishing the surf line up at Troncones. I called him on the cell phone, gave him a wave, and asked how he was doing. He replied they had 19 jack crevalle, 3 pompano, and about 15 green jacks. All were taken on spin gear and surface poppers
Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 79-100
Humidity 78%
Wind: NNE 4 Knots
Conditions: Partly Sunny
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:22 p.m. CDT
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Jun 9, 2007; 01:21PM - “Bubba” Takes the Stage!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1066 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update June 9, 2007
[b]East Cape[/b]
[img]http://www.bajafly.com/report/Grande2.05web.gif[/img]
[b]Lance Peterson Stage Left with 'Bubba'[/b]
Offshore action this week included striped marlin and some decent tuna action if you found the right pod of porpoise. The sardine arrived in big numbers and inshore and beach fishing action immediately increased.
Our week was largely devoted to beach fishing. Great sight casting conditions allowed for some fantastic rooster hunting. However, being in the right place at the right time was the key as the fish were not evenly distributed along the shore. A few days ago it was mostly a jack show. Crevalle from 8 to 20lbs. swept into the shallows and tore up the bait both early and late in the day. In the melee, it was wide open fishing for these tough customers. Those jacks are as strong as they come and wear you out! Two big jacks on back to back casts were enough and after two, it was time to move on in search of roosterfish.
Lance reports: “Thursday, the roosters joined the beach party. Lots of Pez Gallo were working the beach in schools of up to a dozen. Ranging in size from 5 to 50 pounds, they were anxious to chase a well presented fly right up the rod tip without hesitation. There were a number of fish over 30lbs., fully “comb-up” and chasing the fly. What a thrill to see one of them devour the fly just feet from shore. After about 10 minutes, the hook just popped out! Brand new fly, brand new hook wasn’t enough to close the deal. Those big roosters are super tough to get a good hook set into. By the end of the day the score was two 'small' roosters to the beach and countless close encounters. To say those fish make you work hard is an understatement. Running down fish until your lungs burn....good times in June at the East Cape!
Friday: Landed three grandes today! Fed a couple of others that didn't stick, had countless of the craziest “comb-up” follows I've ever experienced. What an amazing day.”
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 70-94
Humidity 77%
Wind: SSE 6 knots
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. MDT
[b]Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico[/b]
Action this week was once again limited to the Esteros with few anglers venturing offshore and as water temperatures continue to be cool.
A few nice sized grouper were taken near Boca Santo Domingo and small corvina with a few sierra mixed in were biting on the surface throughout the Bay.
Enrique Soto reported that he had found a few smaller-variety yellows out at the Entrada and plenty of small halibut at Belchers
Water temperature 62 - 72
Air temperature 68 -79
Humidity 81 %
Wind: WNW 10 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 4 miles
Sunrise 6:36 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:15 p.m. MDT
[b]Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico[/b]
The 82º blue water is still holding at the 20 mile mark, but the inshore red tide has all but dissipated. And, the fishing has improved dramatically.
Offshore, the main topic is the blue marlin and the yellowfin tuna. At least one boat in three is getting a shot at a blue marlin each day. They are hanging out in a strip all along the coast between 12 and 14 miles. The tuna are at the 20 mile mark, and the edge of the blue water.
Mike Griffin of Anchorage, AK got a nice blue while fishing with Luis on the panga, Gringo Loco. Santiago, of the panga, Gitana, went with a friend on a private boat out of Marina Ixtapa. The idea was to test the yacht out for possible purchase. They found out it raised fish well, as they caught and released 3 blues. All the fish were taken on trolled lures.
The sailfish action is holding steady at about two fish per boat average.
Inshore, I spotted Adolpho fishing the surf line up at Troncones. I called him on the cell phone, gave him a wave, and asked how he was doing. He replied they had 19 jack crevalle, 3 pompano, and about 15 green jacks. All were taken on spin gear and surface poppers
Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 74-95
Humidity 83%
Wind: NNE 4 Knots
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:20 p.m. CDT
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May 26, 2007; 08:02PM - Inshore Shines for “Feathers and Fur”
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1064 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update May 26, 2007
East Cape
Plenty of fish were seen this week ranging from striped marlin to YFT’s hiding under the porpoise schools beyond thirty miles. Seems like there is bait everywhere - from squid to sardina - and that has made it tough to entice them with feather and fur! Dorado action continued to be a tease with the lucky boats finding something floating to provide cover for these critters.
Inshore the fly fishers shined this week! Ed Randall, Houston, TX, headed out with BOF Guide, Lance Peterson, looking for his first rooster on the fly. Fishing with Captain Victor, Jr.
on 'Mosca I”, they scoured the coastline for roosters on the bite. When they found a bait receiver full of sardina (flat iron herring) near La Ribera, their luck improved. Roosters had gathered around it and using a hookless live bait, Lance teased several into casting range. Ed had some great shots and when the scales settled, he had landed two nice roosters and a good number of really big ladyfish that made his 10wt creak in protest. Most of the roosterfish were in the 5 to 10lb class with a few much larger fish mixed in.
Watching Ed have all the rooster action fired up Lance and he headed down to the beach to find one of his own at the end of the day.
Water temperature 70-81
Air temperature 73-90
Humidity 24%
Wind: SSW 9-12 knots
Conditions: Mostly Clear
Visibility 10miles
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:58 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Estero action continued to be the best bet this week as the Pacific continued to be whipped into a froth by strong winds from the WNW keeping everyone close to shore. Inside, nice sized grouper and a corvina bite on the surface kept fly flickers happy. Those that braved the strong breezes in the open water were rewarded with only a few firecracker sized yellows for their effort. The local shark fishermen have reported seeing an occasional dorado under their buoys, but definitely not a bonanza.
Water temperature 65 - 72
Air temperature 67 -85
Humidity 45 %
Wind: WNW 14 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:09 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing has been below par for this time of the year. A lot of it can be attributed to the red tide that hit the coast this last week. It has decimated the inshore fishing. The red tide has affected the coastline for at least 40 miles in each direction from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. But, there are signs of it breaking up now, and should clear out by next week.
The 82º blue water is now at the 25 mark, with dirty, almost red tide conditions, water out at least 12 miles. The only bright spot is that the blue marlin are here and the yellowfin tuna are here also. But, the anglers looking for sailfish are averaging only about 1 fish per day per boat.
John Wilkinson of Michigan has fished with Santiago on the Gitana a couple of times this week. On the first day, because the 30 to 40 pound yellowfin tuna were traveling fast and were line shy, they dropped down to 30 pound test. Of course that is when the 100 pound beast came up from the depths and ate the bait. They fought the tuna for almost 2 hours, got a good look at it, and the line parted.
On the next trip they lost an estimated 400 pound blue after only a 15 minute fight. A 100 pound plus yellowfin tuna and a 400 pound marlin would make a decent week, however John ended up with only one sailfish released for the two days on the water.
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 76-98
Humidity 26%
Wind: ENE 9 knots
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:15 p.m. CDT
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May 19, 2007; 01:52PM - Billfish Threatened by Mexico’s New Regulations!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1063 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update May 19, 2007
East Cape
Once again the Mexican Government has made an end run approving some really rotten legislation regarding long liners that will only yield further declines for the offshore fishery in Baja. For more info click on the link: http://www.billfish.org/new/NewsArticle.asp?ArticleID=60
Our week was largely devoted to beach fishing. Matt Jones, Dallas, TX, and his buddies Ian Crabtree, and Lee Field came down for some Baja fishing before they head up to Alaska for their guide season. On Tuesday, they hit the beach hard and prowled mile after mile of hot sand. They had their share of chances, though fishing was not wide open. Action on smaller roosters was fair but the “big boys” proved as difficult as usual. Their second day, Friday provided better action. Matt had the shot of the day when a 35lb rooster lit up on his fly...only to turn away at the last heart pounding second. Ian had the jacks dialed in on Friday. He hooked two fine jack crevalle sight casting, the largest about 12lb.
Offshore, Billfish action consisted completely of striped marlin this week and they seemed to be spread all over the map. The dorado action seemed to follow the same pattern with little or no concentration to be found. The few lucky anglers were the ones who stumbled into some floating debris providing some cover. For the rest, it was a single here and there. White flags were the most predominant this week as the fleet found tuna from a few miles offshore out as far as forty miles, with the best catches awarded to the boats that traveled the further distances.
Water temperature 70-81
Air temperature 75-87
Humidity 85%
Wind: SW 8 - 10 knots
Conditions: Mostly Clear
Visibility 4 miles
Sunrise 7:35 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:55 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Overcast and windy conditions for most of the week didn’t shut down the cabrilla and grouper bite in the Esteros. The only boats venturing outside were the commercial shark fisherman that had to go. Even the Entrada action slowed down this week.
The new legislation passed by the Mexican Government will only yield declines for this offshore fishery. For more info click on the link: http://www.billfish.org/new/NewsArticle.asp?ArticleID=60
Water temperature 65 - 72
Air temperature 62 -84
Humidity 86 %
Wind: WNW 11 - 15 knots
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:05 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Earlier this week the fishing had slowed down considerably when compared to the great action we had this last couple of weeks. However, it is on the rise again. Even though the boats are only averaging about 1 sailfish a day average per boat, the blue water has moved into the 12 mile mark. This will definitely bring the fish closer.
The yellowfin tuna have showed up at the 19 mile mark and are giving us a lot of action. Even though they are only averaging between 22 and 25 pounds, there are a lot of them. Plus, a few of the boats are also picking up a couple of sailfish each when working the perimeter of the tuna schools.
The inshore action, with dirty water all up and down the coast, has turned off. A few chulas (a white meat tuna with teeth) are showing up about a half mile off the beach, and are hitting trolled Rapalas.
Ed Kunze
The Mexican Government’s new legislation on long liners that will affect the Zihuatanejo fishery as well. For more info click on the link: http://www.billfish.org/new/NewsArticle.asp?ArticleID=60
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78-86
Humidity 77%
Wind: N 3 knots
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:13 p.m. CDT
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May 12, 2007; 02:28PM - “Grande” Rooster Thrills…Disappoints
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1062 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update May 12, 2007
East Cape
While the roosters were not exactly numerous close to the beach there were a few quality shots and patience on the hunt finally paid off Friday when a true 'Grande' roosterfish came in from the deep water. After chasing a fly in classic fashion, the rooster with its comb fully extended, tracked the fly for a short distance and then devoured it. A brand new fly on a razor sharp hook wasn't enough to keep the fish hooked up and the fish came unbuttoned after a short fight. Those big ones are really tough to get a good hook set into. After all the hard work, it was brutally tough to see a 'Grande' swim away. But that's roosterfishing...the high's are high and the lows are low. Next time!
At least the jack crevalle were kind enough to eat flies with some frequency and take some of the sting out of big rooster loss. Early in the week, Lance battled with one of his best jacks ever. When those fish get over 20lb they are a force to be reckoned with.
The panga fleet had some great days on roosters to 10lb's just off the beach. Lance, fishing with Brad Ellis on his panga, “Macaira”, had some great action teasing roosterfish with live bait. In just a couple of hours they had lots of chances and Brad hooked 3 nice Pez Gallo on the new fly.
Dorado action was great for the few lucky ones who stumbled on the right school. For others, it was a single here and there. Yellowfin action disappeared when the Mexican seiners, led by a helicopter overhead, wiped out the school. However, by the end of the week the Seiners had been run off by the government and the YFT action picked back up.
While there are plenty of billfish to look at, getting them to bite is the tough part.
Water temperature 65-74
Air temperature 75-87
Humidity 77%
Wind: ENE 2-3 knots
Conditions: Partly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:19 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The weather and Estero fishing both improved late in the week. The spotted bay bass, halibut and grouper finally decided to bite along with a few corvina. Out at the entrada the small yellows, along with schools of bonito, continued to put on a show, chasing bait on the surface. Down lower in the water column a few decent sized grouper were also willing to bite a slow-retrieved chartreuse Baja Deepdiver.
Out at the Entrada, the big swells, pushed by the wind, made it difficult to get under the bird schools feeding on the sardines that were chased to the surface by firecracker yellows and small bonito.
Offshore, strong winds and big swells prevented many boats from getting outside the Entrada.
Water temperature 65 - 72
Air temperature 67 -89
Humidity 61 %
Wind: NW 12 - 20 knots
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 13 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:02 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
After this last week's short down-turn from the effect of the full moon, the fishing for all species has been turning on again. Last week's 114 boat annual sailfish tournament (the 40th) also hurt the fishing early in the week. There were just too many boats out there pounding the water. But, sailfish averages are again close to 6 to 8 strikes a day, one boat in three is getting a shot at a blue marlin, a few dorado are being taken, and the yellowfin tuna are at the thirty mile mark.
Plus, the roosterfish are starting to show on the beaches. In fact, this last Wednesday they really put on a great show down at Puerto Vicente Gro. Fly fishing client, Jim (Doc) Coulthurst of Portland, OR, fished with Cali and me in one of the three pangas set up for sport fishing in the Port (meaning it has a shade cover).
Doc is an experienced guide in the Northwest states, but this was his first time for roosters.
By 11:00, we had raised 20 roosters on a hookless popper, giving Doc five legitimate shots with the fly. He hooked two, but was only able to get one to the boat for photos. The roosters were all on the small side, averaging between 12 and 25 pounds. The big boys should follow in a couple of weeks.
Doc finished up the day catching several black skipjack tuna. At times there were so many tuna breaking the water, it sounded like a rainstorm. With acres of fish on the surface, it was almost a fish a cast.
Even Cali got into the action. With his first time ever at casting a fly rod, he managed to land several skipjack from the bow. He even talked about it with the other captains at the municipal pier in Zihuatanejo. He is hooked!
Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78-99
Humidity 77%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Mostly Sunny
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:15 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:10 p.m. CDT
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May 5, 2007; 07:17PM - Jacks Are No Joke
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1061 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update May 5, 2007
East Cape
This week started out with a great day on the water with Mike Vogel, Thornton, CO. We fished inshore on the panga “Victoria” with Capt. Victor Garciglia, Jr. Early in the day, we found great action on smaller roosters at Punta Colorada.
Working our way north, we noticed a large number of frigate birds swirling and diving near La Ribera. It didn't take long for the teaser baits to be attacked by large black skipjack and bruiser jack crevalle in the 14 to 20lb. class.
An all out feeding frenzy ensued and when the day came to a close, Mike had boated 2 big jacks and 2 hefty black skipjack along with a number of other close encounters and 'long line releases'. The hard pulling jacks took their toll on Mike’s equipment. His new Sage 10wt gave in under the pressure and broke right above the cork! Just goes to show you...those jacks are no joke!
Offshore fishing has been good this week as well. The yellowfin tuna have made an appearance in the porpoise schools and there have been plenty of white flags flyin'.
The marlin action has continued to be great as well. The bite is close, too...just 8 to 15 miles off of La Ribera produced some great billfish action. The marlin have been chasing lures in a big way making for excellent opportunities for those willing to tackle them with a fly rod.
The spring season is in full swing here at East Cape and with the water warming up every day, it can only get better.
Water temperature 65-74
Air temperature 64-90
Humidity 44%
Wind: ENE 2-3 knots
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 20 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:49 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Wind and grumpy seas kept most of the fleet close to home this week.
In the bay up above Lopez Mateos the grouper action was excellent along with the ever present spotted bay bass. On the surface the corvina put on a show chasing almost any popper that hit the water. Once the wind settles down and it warms up a tad, the action should improve.
Out at the Entrada, the big swell pushed by the wind made it difficult to get under the bird schools feeding on the sardines being chased to the surface by firecracker yellows and small bonito.
Water temperature 65 - 72
Air temperature 62 -87
Humidity 44 %
Wind: WNW 14-19 knots
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:58 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The fishing has been fantastic this last week, and thank goodness for the full moon, which should slow the action down a bit. It has already moved the blue water to out beyond the 25 mile mark.
Today (Friday) was the first day of the annual sailfish tournament. The winners are determined by the largest three sailfish, the largest single marlin, and largest single dorado. They are all killed to determine the weights. Some day the Mexican fisherman must wake up to reality.
There are 127 boats this year, and they averaged about two sailfish a day....killed.
Plus, there are two more days of the tournament left.
The largest sail weighed today (dead of course) was only 81 pounds. The largest blue marlin was only 264 pounds (and again it was dead).
Santiago told me his brother on the Gitana II caught 5 sailfish in this first day of the tournament, but were all small, and were tagged and released.
Adolpho, on the panga, Dos Hermanos, told me he did not get any roosters this week, but did manage several jack crevalle.
Cali and I fished with fly fishing client, P.J. D' Amico of the Denver area in Puerto Vicente Gro. He had great luck on the fly with several black skip jack tuna and jack crevalle to about 6 pounds.
Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 76-100
Humidity 65%
Wind: S 10 knts
Conditions: Sunny
Visibility 11 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. CDT
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Apr 28, 2007; 04:37PM - Roosters Rule, Jacks Follow!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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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
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Apr 21, 2007; 02:00PM - Jack’s are Back!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1059 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update April 21, 2007
East Cape
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: Sunny
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MDT
Sunset 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 miles
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:52 p.m. MDT
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Apr 14, 2007; 12:30PM - Bills Come Early!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1058 “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update April 14, 2007
East Cape
[img]http://www.bajafly.com/report/jen..jpg[/img]
[i][b]Jen Hall, Boston, MA connected with a stripey on the fly her first day![/b][/i]
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
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