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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 16, 2024
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Mar 18, 2006; 12:55PM - Adios Whales . . . Sailfish Records Smashed
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1002. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/18/06
San Jose, Guatemala
This was the week that was and will be remembered for a long time. Sailfish action exploded, reports of sailfish everywhere was the norm for the past week, allowing fleet records, boat records and personal bests to be smashed during the week. Will it continue, Quien Sabe? It is safe to say this week will be remembered for a long time – maybe forever! – and the bar for high boat counts and personal catch records has been raised significantly. Guatemala continues to demonstrate why it is considered the destination to deliver the highest volume of sailfish.
Catch Details>>
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80- 82
Humidity 100%
Wind: SW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Whale watching season has finally wound down and all but a few whales have begun their long journey northward. It has been one of the better whale watching seasons in recent memory.
With the water temperatures beginning to slowly creep up, the locals have high expectations for the fishing inside the bay and are already reporting lots of bait.
Outside, winter conditions persist with rough seas and plenty of wind.
The best action this week was found out at the entrada as the yellowtail could be found chasing bait on the surface. Look for the bird schools, but you have to be quick to get on them before they go back down.
If you are looking for some action a little closer, there have been reports of a decent corvina bite around the pier at Puerto San Carlos.
Up at Lopez Mateos, everyone is recovering from the busy whale watching season and will now begin turning their attention to fishing in the mangroves.
Water temperature 60 - 66
Air temperature 55-70
Humidity 100%
Wind: NW 15 mph
Conditions: Fog
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:37 p.m. MST
East Cape
Currents bringing warmer water are beginning to work their way up into the Sea of Cortez, bringing with it a few YFT and billfish. Another bonus this week is there has been swordfish showing which has been enough to suck out some of the locals on the calm days. North winds continue to hamper the boats in getting out locating the schools. Still enough dorado to keep things interesting for the persistent. Close to shore the water remains off color and it has been difficult to find much worthwhile action.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 65-73
Air temperature 61-79
Humidity 53%
Wind: NNW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:29 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
OOPS! Server down . . . No report received this week. The following is last week’s report:
Blue water has moved back from 40 miles to the 23 mile mark, and the fishing has picked up some this last week. But, it is still a bit on the slow side. The Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures now show 76° water from the beach, out 10 miles to the 100 fathom curve, and an average of 79° water beyond the 100 fathom curve. This is a substantial raise of at least 5° over earlier in the week.
Lots of sailfish are being seen, with a least four or five fish a day being raised to the spread. There are also plenty of yellowfin tuna, and several blue marlin. But, with an incredible supply of mackerel and black skipjack tuna, keeping the fish's attention long enough to eat a trolled bait has been the downfall. We honestly believe they fish are too full to aggressively charge the trolled baits.
The inshore action should also pick up substantially now the water has warmed up a bit.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 86
Humidity 83%
Wind WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:56 p.m. CST
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Mar 11, 2006; 12:00PM - Whales and Yellow Tales Dominate
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1,001. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/11/06
East Cape
[img]http://www.bajafly.com/report/Marchwind.jpg[/img]
[b]Tough conditions for everyone[/b]
North winds prevailed once again this week making it another time of rescheduling as we tap danced around the wind. As you can see by Lance and Josh’s daily reports, it was a tough week at East Cape:
Friday (3/10) . . . While today has been fairly calm, the wave action has persisted and the fishing continues to be brutal. Josh hit the beach today and again found it lifeless.
Thursday (3/9) . . . Josh and I fished the beach today to see what's up. We just got back. Fished all the way to lighthouse. It's tough out there. Less wind today, but big waves. We snorkeled too. Visibility is super limited as the water is extra turbid and churned up. No signs of life. Couldn't even raise a fish on the teasers.
Tuesday (3/7) . . . It's been really dead fishing. Not even the locals have been out there.
We keep hearing rumors of a decent yellowtail bite up at Muertos Bay along with some sierra. All we need is the wind to back off long enough to get there. If we do get a calm day, there are enough skipjack and a few dorado to make it interesting.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 65-73
Air temperature 61-79
Humidity 72%
Wind: NNW 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
[img]http://www.bajafly.com/report/yellow.jpg[/img]
[b]Small but plenty at the Entrada?[/b]
With all the storm activity in California, the conditions have been what could be best described at unsettled. The big buzz is still the whales that have been putting on a great show since the first of the year. Plenty of up close and personal encounters stories going around.
The best action all week was out at the entrada where the yellowtail snap was about as good as it gets. Mostly smaller fish, but the action was fast and furious.
Locals are reporting that the water is beginning to slowly warm up in the mangroves and expectations are high that the bite will pick up soon.
Water temperature 58 - 62
Air temperature 55-73
Humidity 99%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:33 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Blue water has moved back from 40 miles to the 23 mile mark, and the fishing has picked up some this last week. But, it is still a bit on the slow side. The Terrafin Satellite Surface Temperatures now show 76° water from the beach, out 10 miles to the 100 fathom curve, and an average of 79° water beyond the 100 fathom curve. This is a substantial raise of at least 5° over earlier in the week.
Lots of sailfish are being seen, with a least four or five fish a day being raised to the spread. There are also plenty of yellowfin tuna, and several blue marlin. But, with an incredible supply of mackerel and black skipjack tuna, keeping the fish's attention long enough to eat a trolled bait has been the downfall. We honestly believe they fish are too full to aggressively charge the trolled baits.
The inshore action should also pick up substantially now the water has warmed up a bit.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 84
Humidity 83%
Wind ESW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:54 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
No Report received this week
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 63- 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: WSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST
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Mar 4, 2006; 01:09PM - East Cape Tough . . . Guatemala Unusual
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #1,000. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/04/06
When we began the reports back in 1996 – twice a week in the early years – we didn’t dare to dream we would still be doing them 1,000 reports later. They have come a long way since the beginning. We have made every effort to provide the report in the face of hurricanes, flooded roads, loss of e-mail and every other calamity. I think we have only missed a couple deadlines over the years. Today, they cover four destinations with moon phases, weather and photos added.
I hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as we have enjoyed providing them every week year in and year out.
Yvonne, Gary, Vicki, Ben, Lance, Josh, Ed and Coci
East Cape
North winds persisted most of the week. Early mornings (we are talking gray light here) the wind is usually calm, but the water is dirty from the waves pounding the beach all afternoon the preceding day. Lance reported the following yesterday (3/3): “A break in the wind this morning so I hit the beach at gray light. No bites. Didn't see any bait. It's an early, early deal no matter what. Once the sun hits the water the sierra are out of range. Talked to a guy on the beach who fishes San Jose quite a bit and he reported really slow fishing there as well.”
Few boats ventured out this week because of the weather. Those that made it did find some schools of white bonito close to the beach and a few dorado, hard to say if these are early arrivals or leftovers, but dorado the first week of March is worth a comment. Reports call for a respite from the wind by Wednesday . . . We’ll see.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-72
Air temperature 63-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:23 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Diana Hoyt reported cold and sloppy conditions outside. Inside the bay there is some protection from the wind, allowing anglers to get out and find some action including corvina on surface poppers and plenty of small halibut in the shallows near most sandy beaches. A slow retrieved chartreuse Clouser on the bottom will do the trick. Enrique Soto reports that the entrada is still producing a few small yellows. Still plenty of whales at both locations of Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos to oooh and ahhh over for the tourists.
A 28-foot Bertram making its way down the coast and looking for some protection from the sloppy weather came in through the Boca de Soledad at Lopez Mateos last Thursday. While it was sloppy and when they looked back over their shoulder there was plenty of white water, the biggest hazard was the whales in the channel. They continued their trip to San Carlos with a local pilot to guide them through the shallow channels.
Water temperature 58 - 62
Air temperature 55-71
Humidity 79%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:30 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Conditions have been poor. A cold green water current has moved in and pushed the blue water out to the 40 mile mark. And even out there the guys are only accounting for five or six football tuna. It would be safe to say over 80% of the fleet is not catching any bluewater species.
The only bright side is the inshore action for the hard fighting jack crevalle. Six to 10 fish a day has been normal. Most of these 15- to 22-pound fish are being taken on trolled Rapalas, but the fly casters are scoring as well
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 78 - 84
Air temperature 64 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind SSW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:53 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Marlin, not what you would expect to hear from Guatemala, but true. The past few days have shown the fleet raising 8 to 10 marlin a day! These are mostly little blues in the 150- to 200-pound range, though three nice fish have been seen. The sails are here, but are decidedly un-aggressive as huge schools of bait are everywhere.
Jonathan Nicholas owner/operator of “Man of War”
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 75- 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: S 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST
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Feb 25, 2006; 02:02PM - Baja Windy...Zihuatanejo Blues
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #999 . “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/22/06
East Cape
We started off with great weather early in the week as the north wind took a few days off allowing a few boats to get in on the unusual winter dorado bite. Nothing huge, still fifteen-pound dorado aren’t to be sneezed at. Beyond that, fishing was pretty sketchy with good catches of white bonita being the lead item.
By mid-week the wind was back in full force causing grumpy seas. Even the early risers in search of some gray light sierra action were greeted with blown out beaches and few if any fish.
According to the extended wind forecast, it may be Tuesday before things settle down, so we are declaring this a Baja kickback weekend which I imagine will include some pool time laced with an occasional margarita or cerveza for East Cape visitors which isn’t a bad way to spend a February weekend.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-72
Air temperature 63-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Outside, the conditions are windy, sloppy and the water temps have dropped like a rock down to the 60 degree range. Inside, the Entrada is still producing fair catches of firecracker yellows and leopard grouper. At Puerto San Carlos, under the bridge at slack tide there are a few corvina to be found.
Whale watching continues to keep the panga fleet busy.
Same deal up at Lopez Mateos, more whales than fish this week. The corvina bite continued to produce the best action with a few mystery bites sprinkled in…….snook maybe?
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 61-74
Humidity 79%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Blue Marlin are the big story this week. There have been (literally) a ton of them caught. There are about 5 hook-ups a day for the fleet on these 250 pound average fish, with several of them over 400 pounds. One fish boated this week was almost 700 pounds. Yesterday, Mike Griffen of Alaska, wanted a few more hours of fishing with Captain Poli on the Don Gordo before he had to catch a flight home. At only 4 miles outside Zihuatanejo Bay he released a sailfish, and a few minutes later, hooked into a 350 pound marlin.
The fleet is averaging about 2 sailfish a day, but this will definitely improve as we go into the dark of the moon period next week.
One large 75 pound rooster was taken this week at the White rocks. It ate a slow-trolled live mackerel. Not much else has been reported inshore.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 79%
Wind W 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:51 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Like Zihuatanejo, it sounds like the sailfish slowed a click and took a back seat this week while the blue and black marlin went off pretty well. This accentuates the point that you never know what may show up in the pattern. Talk about a thrill, you are staring at the teasers expecting a sailfish to appear and a monster marlin the size of small VW suddenly appears. That could intimidate even the most seasoned fly fisher.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 72- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: SS6 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:21 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:10 p.m. CST
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Jan 28, 2006; 12:50PM - Weather . . . Whales and Sails
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #995. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/28/06
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We are coming out of the full moon phase, and those clients who fished for three or more days ended up with some very good numbers. Those who gave it a one day try may have done well . . . or maybe not.
The 82º blue water is a very short run, and we are averaging about two to threesailfish a day per boat. Plus, the blue marlin are showing up in the catches for an average of about one blue for every six boats.
Both the panga “Gitana” with Santiago, and his brother Adan, on the “Gitana II” had some respectable numbers this week. Minnesotan Bill Berg – down for a break from winter’s ice and snow – released 11 sailfish and two yellowfin tuna for four days of fishing with Santiago. Mel Walberg and Troy Courneya each fished three days with Adan, releasing a total of 12 sailfish and one dorado.
The inshore action for fly-rodders has been best for the black skipjack tuna and green jacks.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 86
Humidity 683%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:38 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The trick this week was to find the blue water, which seemed to moving around. The calm seas made it easier for the fleet to spread out and search for the action anywhere from eight to 35 miles. Early in the week, there was more seeking than catching! By mid-week the captains had narrowed down the area and everyone’s results improved and double digit scores were not uncommon. With an occasional blue marlin and some fat dorado for variety, everyone had plenty to talk about over fresh dorado hors d'oeuvres at happy hour.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 68- 80
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:01 p.m. CST
East Cape
Weather continues to thwart even the most dedicated angler. Sure, hit it on the right day and you may find some dorado, tuna or maybe even a billfish to brighten your day. Inshore, wind waves continue to thrash the beach keeping the sierra out of casting range. Our guide Lance Peterson arrived Fri. night and reported that he was greeted with rain, which is was what he left his home in Washington to get away from. Not a great way to begin his month-long trip to East Cape.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-71
Air temperature 59-81
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:00 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:03 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Whale Ho! This is the time of year that both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos go bonkers as tourists come flocking to the area to get up close and personal with the whales that arrive for a little hanky panky and family building. If you can find a panga that isn’t in the hunt for the whales you will find fair action for yellowtail and grouper out at the entrada. One yellow caught last week was in the 40 pound class with others in the mid-20s.
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 99%
Wind: WNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. MST
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Jan 21, 2006; 02:08PM - Football Season Comes to East Cape
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #994. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/21/06
East Cape
Football . . . no I am not talking about the playoffs, but pigskin-size tuna. While the wind blew most of the week, (actually 6 out of 7 days) Lucky Thursday (1/19) was flat calm and the fleet hammered the yellowfin tuna close to shore under the porpoise. It was the perfect opportunity for the flyrodder if there had been any around to take advantage of the action. Amazingly, when the boats get out there are still a few dorado to be found. On the beach, the wind waves left the water looking like a bad cup of cappuccino. How windy was it? The report was that “one day it was too windy for the windsurfers!” Now that’s windy! Mark Rayor of Vista Sea Sport reported great diving conditions on Thursday with good visibility, though the water was a chilly 66 degrees.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 66-73
Air temperature 52-75
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:58 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Even though the 80º blue water is only four miles off the beach, most boats averaged only one or two sailfish a day. Fly-fishers had it even rougher, with only about one decent shot a day. But, the fish are here, and I fully expect things to change 100% next week.
A very notable couple of days were posted by Santiago on the panga “Gitana.” Bill Gray and his wife, from South Carolina, fished two days with Santiago and released 10 sailfish.
Four of our better inshore pangas made the 40 mile run south to Papanoa. Staying down there, they hammered the water for three days and only had two roosterfish for their efforts. It is safe to say the roosters have left the area, and probably will not be back until May.
Adolpho, on the panga Dos “Hermanos” fished about 12 miles north of Zihuatanejo, catching 27 large jack crevalle and five sierra for two days of fishing. Adolpho told me it is an ideal situation for the fly-fisher. The jacks are slamming the popper teaser all the way back to the boat. His blue water effort for three days produced five sailfish and one dorado.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 66%
Wind S 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:34 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
With the fleet spreading out and a few boats traveling out 40 miles – most pulling the throttles back at 10 miles or less – the fishing has not been terrific this week. Single digits were the norm with very few exceptions. When the sails did appear in the pattern, they were pretty lethargic and tough to get to take a fly. A few boats did locate a school of porpoise and did well on yellowfin tuna. While the fishing was not up to the usual Guatemala standards, the weather was calm seas and clear skies.
Les Kagel
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 66- 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:57 p.m. CST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
More and more whales are arriving each week and both San Carlos and Lopez Mateos are more focused on whale watching than fishing. There was some action for corvina at the pier in San Carlos as well as under the bridge at the entrance to San Carlos. The boats at Lopez Mateos have stayed close to home and reported fair action for corvina, grouper and the ever-present spotted bay bass. Also, there’s a decent halibut bite in shallow near sandy beaches.
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 20%
Wind: WNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:03 p.m. MST
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Jan 15, 2006; 09:09AM - East Cape Teases…Z-What and Guatemala Deliver
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #993. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/14/06
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We have really enjoyed an outstanding week. The 80º blue water is almost on the beach, and the sailfish action has been great. Almost every boat in the fleet was averaging 8 to 10 sailfish raised a day. This gives a lot of shots to the fly fisherman, producing at least two to three hooked fish a day.
Conventional gear fishermen are getting a per boat average of 3 to 4 sailfish a day, with some boats getting 7 or 8. The blue marlin are still coming in at about 3 a day for the 25 boat fleet. Dorado have been sporadic. Some days they are here in abundance, with some boats getting 4 or 5 of the fish averaging about 25 to 30 pounds, and then they are gone for a day or two.
The Yellowfin tuna are breezing in and out now. But, they are very skittish. With the fish crashing the surface, and the birds diving on the baits, we slowly move in on the school, only to have them sink into the depths. The tuna action should pick up considerably this next week or two.
Some notable catches:
Arturo on the panga Janeth made the 45 mile run to Papanoa to fish virgin waters, and found 2 roosterfish of almost 45 pounds, and 6 large jack Crevalle to 25 pounds. He then fished with fly fishing client Clay Danenhower of Bellingham WA and got several jacks on the fly at the white rocks.
Randy Lueth of Indiana got two sailfish on the fly, which we tagged and released. Plus, I also guided Natale Chiaudani of Italy for two days. On the fly, he hooked 5 sails and a striped marlin.
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 87
Humidity 66%
Wind WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:30 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
While the seas were pretty grumpy early in the week, by mid-week they had calmed downed
and the action moved much closer this week with the fleet reporting fish at ten miles. Most of the anglers hardly had a chance for their breakfast to settle before the teasers were let out behind the boats. In no time at all cries of “Cast! Cast! Cast!”, could be heard as the sailfish charged the teasers right up to the transom in search of food. Steady action continued most of the day with most boats reporting double digit shots. Still some dorado in the 20 – 30 lb. class showed up in the pattern occasionally.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 75- 82
Humidity 89%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:30 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. CST
East Cape
Sporadic North winds this week made it necessary to decide each morning between a kick back day or fishing. Early morning action for sierra has been good; locals are complaining that the 60 degree temps are cool enough to require a jacket. The best spots are at the mouths of the arroyos. If the wind doesn’t crank up too early, the ladyfish action has been great. Still a few dorado if you are in the right place at the right time, same with the tuna. Some of the hotel boats found schools of Yellowfin to 80 lbs. that were willing to bite. The billfish action has slowed in the past few weeks.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 69-73
Air temperature 60-79
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 12 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Still big waves at the Boca’s prevent any of the boats from venturing outside. Already a few early arriving whales have everyone scrambling to finish up the preparations for the upcoming 12th Annual Whale Festival which will be held on January 28th, with a village wide Fiesta that is sure to result in a few bad headaches for some the following morning. In the Esteros the corvina and cabrilla are providing the bulk of the action.
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 68-75
Humidity 20%
Wind: NW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:57 p.m. MST
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Jan 7, 2006; 01:06PM - 2006 Out the Gate . . . No Wind . . . Swordfish
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #992. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 01/7/06
Yvonne and Gary will be at the International Sportsmen’s Expo in San Mateo, Calif., January 13 to 15. Gary has a new PowerPoint program he will be presenting in the California Theater all three days: Friday, 4:30; Saturday, 1:30; and Sunday, 11:30. Show Schedule
East Cape
2006 got off to an unusual start. Jennifer Rayor, Vista Sea Sports, described the weather on New Year’s day as absolutely stunning. Then, on Jan. 2, Felipe Valdez, the youngest brother of Valdez family that owns and operates the Hotel Buena Vista, went out to catch sierra for the kitchen and stumbled across a swordfish sunning itself on the surface. The swordy must have made a New Year’s resolution to inhale the first mackerel thrown at it. Yep, you got it – one cast, one bite and Felipe’s first swordfish 25 minutes later. What does this have to do with fly-fishing? Nothing. With the north wind blowing the rest of the week, it was downhill from there. This morning (1/7) it looks like we may get another break from the wind.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 69-73
Air temperature 69-73
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80º blue water is just outside Zihuatanejo Bay and the fishing has been excellent. Most of the action is coming from the 12- to 15-mile mark on a 210º heading. We are getting lots of sailfish, dorado, blue marlin, and striped marlin. Actually, the striped marlin are somewhat unique for this area, but this last week has seen a bunch of them taken.
Some notable catches were made by Adolpho on the panga “Dos Hermanos” this week. Offshore, he had a one day total of eight sailfish releases. He then took the 45 mile run south to Papanoa and got four roosterfish and 15 large jack crevalle. Yesterday (1/6) he went 35 miles north and got four roosters and 31 of the large jacks.
Rick Erdman and his wife, annual clients of Santiago on the panga “Gitana,” fished three days. They released 10 sailfish and caught an additional three striped marlin. Plus, another 70 year old client from Chicago fished yesterday (Friday) with Santiago. They were back at the dock before noon. The client was worn out with four sailfish and a striped marlin.
John Ring of Lodi, Calif., fished with me one day, tagging and releasing his first sailfish on the fly. And his 11 year old son David also released his first sailfish when we did a bait and switch drop back using a 20-pound spin outfit with a circle hook. David fought the fish alone the entire 30 minutes it took to get the sail to the boat for a photo and release.
The dorado are averaging one or two to a boat per day, and about 25- to 30-pounds. The fleet is averaging two to three blue marlin a day
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 84
Humidity 66%
Wind SSW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The first week of 2006 really fizzled the first few days, maybe both the anglers and fish partied too hard welcoming in the New Year. Mid-week, the fishing began to get its groove back providing enough action to keep bars buzzing at Happy Hour. In addition to the customary sailfish bite, there were just enough blue marlin to make the angler think about which rod to grab. There were even a few fat dorado streaking into the pattern with a gold and turquoise flash to confuse the game plan further.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 66- 80
Humidity 68%
Wind: NE 17 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:50 p.m. CST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The same big surf that has been pounding the California coastline for the past several weeks found its way down here. Between the wind and big surf it has been impossible to even get out Boca de Soledad, so most of the boats are staying closer to home. Even the fishing inside in the esteros has been less than wonderful. With whale-watching season just around the corner, the locals spent most of the week in preparation. For the few diehards, there were plenty of spotted bay bass, corvina and small halibut to mess with.
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 69-75
Humidity 31%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. MST
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Dec 31, 2005; 01:36PM - 2005 Toast . . . Here’s to More Fish in 2006!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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2005 Endless Season Recap
REPORT #991. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/31/05
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Fishing has been very good this last week. The 82º blue water is at the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay. I actually observed two free-swimming sailfish, and a hooked and leaping dorado of about 40 pounds, less than 200 yards from the bay's mouth.
Each boat has been averaging two to three sailfish a day, plus two 25- to 30-pound dorado. Plus, the fleet is averaging between two and three blue marlin a day. However, due to the fact the fleet is geared up for the sailfish and dorado, there have numerous other marlin lost. The average marlin strike is about one fish per three boats.
Some notable catches this week were with Martin on the panga “Isamar.” Phil and Wendy Sollecito fished for two days, releasing six sailfish, a large dorado, and a small blue marlin of about 125 pounds. Bob Nelson from San Clemente, Calif., is an annual client of Martin's and also fished two days. Bob released five sailfish and took two nice dorado.
Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” had a great day catching the large dorado with 10.
Fly-fishers are getting a lot of shots at the sailfish, and even a couple of dorado. Fishing with me guiding and Captain Felipe on the panga “Yellowfin,” Fred Miller of Denver had three sailfish on the fly. I also did a drop back with a live bait for his son-in-law, and he tagged and released his first sailfish. The bait and switch was done using a spinning rod, 5-feet of 100# test leader, a circle hook, and the spinning reel filled with 20 pound line.Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 86
Humidity 66%
Wind W 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:22 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
2005 finished up with a bang with most boats finding fast-paced action. The blue water for this week has been averaging between 17 to 30 miles with calm days and flat seas. Many boats reporting double digit releases. A blue marlin pop this week had the crews scrambling to figure out which gear to use. There also plenty of dorado in the 20 to 40 pound class and one boomer that tipped the scales at 50 pounds.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 73- 82
Humidity 100%
Wind: SW 6 mph
Conditions: T Storms
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:26 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:46 p.m. CST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
While there is still decent action down towards the Finger Bank, out in front of Magdalena has cooled down. There are a few dorado and tuna closer to the beach. The esteros (estuaries) are still producing good catches of sierra, pompano, as well as a few grouper and, for the lucky ones, a snook or two
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 66-7
Humidity 31%
Wind: W 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:11 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:48 p.m. MST
East Cape
The north wind played hide and seek most of the week. First you see it then you don’t. This morning (12/31) is one of the “don’t” days. It is a classically beautiful Baja day to add the finishing touches to 2005. There are still a few larger tuna being caught on the outside along with enough billfish and dorado to keep things interesting. Along the shore, the sierra and white bonito dominated the catch for the Tin Boat gang. On the non-windy days at gray light a few sierra, ladyfish and even a few smaller roosters were the crowd pleasers for fly-flingers prowling the beach. Here’s to less wind, more sardina and lots of fish in 2006.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 69-73
Air temperature 68-76
Humidity 52%
Wind: N 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:59 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST
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Dec 24, 2005; 02:37PM - The Endless Season Continues . . .Guatemala Next!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT #990. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 12/24/05
San Jose, Guatemala
As 2005 season winds down, the chatter on the dock is about another great season that once again confirms the fact Guatemala offers some of the finest sail fishing in the world. With most of the action within an hour or so of the dock – and calm seas – it looks like the season will go out with a bang; and, there could even be a few new season-totals records set. The local fleet, along with a few yachts that arrived recently, have reported good to excellent fishing most of the week. With fishing like this, it’s hard to take time to get ready for another great Christmas in Guatemala.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 68- 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: SW 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:23 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:42 p.m. CST
East Cape
Summer-like weather last weekend pleased the few visitors looking for a fish fix before Santa showed up. There are billfish up off of Punta Pescadero, and now that the visitors have dwindled down to a trickle, the dorado decide to bite. Closer to shore, the Tin Boat guys were catching plenty of sierra, some of which will probably end up in ceviche be served on Christmas Day. Sporadic north winds during the week helped remind the locals that it is December after all and Santa’s arrival is just around the corner. Merry Christmas!
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84
Air temperature 68-77
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:40 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
With just a short seven mile ride to the blue water, the action for sailfish is steadily picking up as we come out of the full moon cycle. Most of the action is straight out of Zihuatanejo Bay on a 200º heading, and at 15 miles.
The fleet is averaging about 3 sailfish a day per boat on conventional gear, and about two very nice dorado. The dorado have been a great late addition to the action this week, and are averaging a respectable 25- to 35-pounds.
Some boats are getting a bit luckier than the average however. Captain Maragarito, on the small cruiser “Gaby,” fished two days and released 10 sailfish. He also got five nice dorado.
Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” released five sailfish with Philippe of Denmark and averaged three released fish a day the rest of the week.
I guided fly-fishing client Terrence Tucker of New Jersey for some inshore action. The 14- to 18-pound jacks were really slamming the hookless popper teaser, but he was “snake bit” and couldn’t get one on the fly. He ended up hooking two very nice dorado of about 25 pounds, and just 150 yards off the beach. We fished with Arturo on the panga “Janeth.”
On another guided fly-fishing day with Baja on the Fly client John Oberton of Dana Point, Calif., he ended up with one sailfish and one 30 pound dorado. We fished with Captain Cali on the cruiser “Vamonos.”
Ed Kunze, Zihuatanejo
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 86
Humidity 66%
Wind WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:18 p.m. CST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Yachts traveling up and down the coast outside have reported cooler temps and spotty action offshore with just an occasional billfish, dorado and tuna to break up the travel routine after they get above the Finger Bank. Inside the esteros, the bite continues; unfortunately there were very few anglers to capitalize on the action. The few here found the snook tough as usual. However, there were enough sierra and pompano action to keep everyone smiling.
Water temperature 68-75
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 31%
Wind: W 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:08 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST
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