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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 519
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, July 21, 2006 - 5:56 pm: | |
Tuna on the Fly
REPORT #1020. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/22/06
Great weather this week, though the temperatures were in the mid-90s. While it was a long ride, the tuna bite was great if you got there early. Mostly football-sized tuna, but they were sucking up wasabis like they were going out of style. Closer the home, there were a few billfish on the outside allowing the hotel boats to rack up some decent scores. A few mile out in front of La Ribera there were some better quality tuna, but unfortunately, most were caught deep and not on the surface. Also some pargo up to 15 pounds. Along the beach there were a few roosters if you could get past the pelicans, needlefish and ladyfish. There were even a few sight casting ops for the diligent.
Water temperature 74-87
Air temperature 78-97
Humidity 66%
Wind: E 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:05 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 516
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 7:50 am: | |
Slow Start . . . Better Finish
REPORT #1019. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/15/06
Early in the week moderate to strong winds slowed the fishing down somewhat. Inshore action was best early in the morning with plenty of ladyfish and a good pargo bite at Punta Colorada. While there were plenty of roosterfish to look at, getting them to take the fly was a different story. Several tropical storms below us have caused unsettled conditions for the past few days. Yesterday (7/14), in spite some rain and windy conditions in the morning, the fishing turned around with some tuna and dorado flags flying for a change.
Coci our Southeast San Diego ghetto dog that morphed into to one of the best fishing dogs to hit a Baja beach, left us last Wed. after 14 fun-filled years. A star in his own right, he was featured on the cover of several national magazines with many articles about his fish-spotting abilities. He had a remarkable life prowling Baja beaches with me. We will all miss him!
Water temperature 74-86
Air temperature 78-94
Humidity 66%
Wind: ENE 10 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:41 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 514
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 08, 2006 - 8:09 am: | |
Species Galore
REPORT #1018. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/08/06
Fourth of July week at East Cape was memorable for the pleasant weather (though toasty mid-day), little wind and great fishing. Ed Lowery arrived from Las Vegas with his 10-year old son Nick on Sun. (7/2) and from Mon. to Wed. fished outside Cabo Pulmo, (tuna, skipjack, bonito and triggerfish); Punta Colorada, (snapper, pompano, cabrilla and needlefish); and the beach (jack crevalle and ladyfish). Nine species in three days! They also saw billfish and roosters, but couldn’t get them to bite.
With dark clouds of bait strung up and down Bartle Beach, it is not hard to figure out where to be early morning. The diving pelicans are a dead giveaway where the fish are feeding. Just a few yards outside the bait are herds of ladyfish, jacks swimming along the bottom; and roosters grabbing any bait that strays from the school.
The action for dorado was fair a few miles outside of Las Barracas, yielding a few fish from low teens to 40 pounds. We spotted the tell-tale V marking the greasy surface of the sea early morning, tossed a few sardina and the sea exploded – not with the expected dorado – but with a school of 10- to 15-pound pompano which sums up this week: always expect the unexpected at East Cape.
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-94
Humidity 30%
Wind: ENE 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:08 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 511
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 01, 2006 - 9:33 am: | |
Slower Fishing and a Slower Truck
REPORT #1017. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 07/01/06
Sorry for the late report. I began my drive down to East Cape yesterday (6/30) and was delayed a bit by a very large truck that I had to follow for 50 (yes, 50!) miles before they would let me pass. So I am posting the report from La Paz instead of East Cape this morning.
Offshore, the action continued with billfish, dorado and tuna leading the charge. Inshore, the action seems to have slowed down a click or two, but it’s still very productive early; and then it is out to the bluewater to search for the bigger boys.
Beach action consisted mostly of ladyfish, pompano and a few pargo. There is plenty of both sardina and mullet tight to the beach from Scott Glenn's house all the way to Bartle Beach. Still seeing some roosters, but they seemed to have lockjaw this week.
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-99
Humidity 78%
Wind: SSW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:34 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 508
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 8:08 am: | |
East Cape Summer Billfish Trifecta
REPORT #1016. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/24/06
While not quite “You should have been here earlier,” Cabo Pulmo succumbed to heavy pressure last week with early morning catches of YFTs, dorado and bonito sliding back to “good” instead of the WFO conditions enjoyed previously for the persistent fly-rodder.
Fortunately, billfish action is heating up – adding to the excitement are the blue marlin and sailfish that have begun arriving for the summer. You better be on your toes when the guide hollers “FOLLOW!” One never knows what may come up behind the teasers. Sailfish are perfect for the newbie flyrodder. Striped marlin offer a bit more challenge; and then there is the ultimate: a shot at a blue marlin. Land one of these babies on a flyrod and you will be a member of a very exclusive club.
Dorado action continued at a slightly slower pace this week, but still enough good shots to be had on the fly to make the day interesting.
.
Back on the beach, rooster fishing continues to be tough. If one is at the right place, right time, and right tide you may have some good shots at roosters. Our guide Lance fished the beach yesterday (6/23) morning with Larry McGrath and had a number of pez gallo charging the teaser. Sometimes it was a single fish, other times as many as 5 or 6 at a time. As usual, it took a well-placed and perfectly timed cast to be in the game with those teased roosterfish. In between rooster shots there was ample opportunity to practice the bait and switch on the schools of ravenous ladyfish that came up on the teaser.
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-99
Humidity 78%
Wind: SSW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:34 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:07 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 505
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 8:04 am: | |
Pulling at Pulmo
REPORT #1015. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/170/06
The Cabo Pulmo tuna bite was the first stop on everyone's East Cape fishing day this week. There were plenty of yellowfin and dorado to satisfy the huge number of boats that stacked up there every morning. With fish busting bait on the surface and biting flies down deep, there were few complaints about the "combat fishing" conditions. John Spevacek and family made the trip from Connecticut to sample the East Cape fishery. He and his sons stacked up numerous double headers with John nailing fish on flies while his boys slammed them on live sardina. Back on the beach, ample quantities of bait continue provide good fly-fishing opportunities for dedicated beach anglers. Ladyfish, jack crevalle, and mid-sized roosters are the likely targets from the beach. The big roosters are definitely around, but they are paired up in spawning mode and not so interested in eating flies. Carey Kimura and five buddies came up from Cabo to have a beach fishing bachelor party before Carey's wedding. The roosters were tough as usual, but a good time was had by all.
Scott York, Gardnerville, Nev., and his wife fished Thursday (6/15) catching several dorado, a nice yellowfin, two bonito, and a bunch of ladies on the fly; they had some good roosterfish shots and farmed one.
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-99
Humidity 78%
Wind: SW 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:06 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 502
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 8:17 am: | |
Sardina Make the Difference
REPORT #1014. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/10/06
After an unbelievable 10 day period, the inshore fishing action has settled down a click or two. Plenty of large roosters can be found cruising well within casting range. Pairing off, they seem to be more interested in making whoopee than chasing the many bait schools along the shore.
Down toward Cabo Pulmo, a few miles offshore, the YFT bite has been consistently good all week as well some dorado, billfish and, for the very fortunate, a wahoo or two.
Different from last year is the availability of sardina for chum, which can make the difference between a good day and an incredible day. The sardina allow the guides to keep the tuna school in casting range; an occasional dorado, skipjack, needlefish or mystery bite keeps everybody happy. Take Mike Little, Calgary, Alberta, fishing the day before his wedding day (now that’s a Bachelor Party I could get into) whacked the tuna on the fly all morning with fish to 20 pounds. Then a large dorado – teased up on the way back to the hotel – capped off his last day of singledom.
Water temperature 74-85
Air temperature 71-96
Humidity 78%
Wind: WNW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 499
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 7:34 am: | |
No Gloom this June
REPORT #1013. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 06/03/06
East Cape
Large schools of small roosters have been everywhere, attracted by bait schools that are hanging just outside of casting range from the beach. Using hookless teasers, our guide Josh Dickinson convinced Mark Saba, from Maryland, how effective the technique can be. Josh consistently enticed fish from a couple hundred feet away close enough for Mark to get plenty of shots; and by the end of the day he landed three and hooked a few more.
Fishing from a panga, most of the fish are being taken from a drifting boat as the roosters follow the chum into casting range. Wed. (5/31), Matt Weaver, Bozeman, Mont., had a mixed school of sierra and roosters long enough to land seven roosters on a small sardina patterns and 20+ sierra, up to eight pounds. Josh and Matt will be talking about that day for some time to come.
Yesterday, Lance Peterson and Don Murnane, visiting from Chatham, NJ, also had a good beach day. He spent most of the day running up and down the sand casting to some grande pez gallo, with plenty of lookers but no takers until late in the day when the schoolies came after the teaser in packs. The day’s action also included jack crevalle, ladyfish, and look down.
Offshore, tuna, dorado and marlin are all on the chew if you are willing to take the boat ride. Most of the dorado and tuna are in the "reasonable" size category for the average fly angler – from the single digit to 20 or more pounds. Josh, using sardina for chum, kept the dorado and tuna around the boat so Homer Tollenaere and his wife, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, could cast small sardina patterns with great success. With all the bait and large schools of fish we are seeing, June 2006 should be a great one.
Water temperature 74-83
Air temperature 73-96
Humidity 78%
Wind: W 2 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:02 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:01 p.m. MDT |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 496
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2006 - 8:40 am: | |
Homer Tollenaere and his wife, from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, spent a day inshore and had good action for both dorado and tuna in spite of the windy conditions this week. Beach action slowed somewhat as the wind waves took their toll causing off-colored water along the shore. Offshore, the billfish continued to provide the best action along with tuna and even some dorado. According to the recent SST reports, the water temperatures are continuing to creep up which should attract more bait which in turn should bring in more fish as we slide into the summer.
Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 75-94
Humidity 78%
Wind: SSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:33 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:58 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 493
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 8:32 am: | |
Rooster Season at East Cape
REPORT #1011. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/20/06
There’s no doubt that the 2006 season has begun here at East Cape – and what a big difference from last year’s shortage of bait. This year is back to normal with large schools of both sardina and mullet gathering along the shore attracting a smorgasbord of species to shoot for. Jacks, sierra, pompano, ladyfish and of course “Pez Gallo” – or @##%%^& roosterfish to the uninitiated – are close to shore and along the 30 miles of East Cape beaches providing for quality fly-fishing opportunities.
Our guides, using hookless live bait for teasing from pangas, have been raising good numbers of roosterfish allowing our clients plenty of opportunity to hone their saltwater skills as the hungry fish charge the teasers in search of an easy meal.
Back on the beach, sight fishing opportunities are on the increase and it is not uncommon to encounter some big “cruisers” swimming tight to the shore. A little luck, determination and a well-placed cast could have you tight to the fish of a life time.
Offshore action is every bit as hot. Lots of hotel boats are going out each day and many are returning with good catches of marlin, sailfish, and an occasional dorado. Captain Ramon of the Hotel Buenavista cruiser “Tres Hermanos” flew six billfish flags as he pulled up to the pier yesterday . . . a great day indeed. All-in-all a great beginning for the East Cape as the 2006 season gets underway.
Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 72-93
Humidity 58%
Wind: SSW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:35 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:55 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 490
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 9:12 am: | |
Here we are at mid-May and we’ve already seen some of the best action in several years. There are plenty of large schools of bait, predominately flatiron herring and striped mullet, which can be found up and down the coast making inshore fishing from pangas exciting.
Having a tank full of mullet allows the guides to tease up some great roosters and jacks. Phil Barker of California and Randy Gibbs of Martha's Vineyards, Mass., recently connected with nice roosters which were teased to within fly range from pangas out of Hotel Buena Vista. Phil and Randy both had multiple hook-ups on teased roosters. Needless to say, the guides are in their element. There's nothing in the world of guiding that's more fun for them than teasing roosters! The bait has spread out instead of the tight schools we were finding several weeks ago, allowing beach anglers to encounter good numbers of cruisers in all the usual spots. Try large brown flies like our Chivo Lisa http://www.bajafly.com/chivo_lisa.htm to imitate the striped mullet and deep bodied, olive and white flies for the sardina (flatiron herring) like our See-Through Deceiver http://www.bajafly.com/see_through_deceiver.htm .
The physical task of modern beach fishing without an ATV can be daunting. If you can't run and cast like a champ, you are out of the game. Our guides are teasing up some ladies for the clients, but the shots at jacks and rooster were not numerous and it is tough to cash in on the chances. Beach fishing without the ATVs is some of the toughest there is. Not only do you have to be a great fly-caster, you have to have plenty of stamina and be in good shape as well.
Offshore action remains consistent for marlin. Fish became a little more cooperative in the spread over the last two weeks, but the bulk of the take is coming from the boats lucky enough to get live mackerel. Without the “liveys,” the guides have been reduced to pitching hookless, dead ballyhoo to feeders and sleepers with mixed results. Often, the fish will turn and follow, but not light up enough to provide the type of aggression needed to feed them flies. It's sure fun trying though and, "It only takes one!" Dorado, and tuna flags are also flying on the luckier boats, but not in the kinds of numbers that make them an easy target for fly anglers.
Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: NNW 7 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:38 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:52 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 487
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 06, 2006 - 9:17 am: | |
Cinco de Mayo Ushers in the Season
REPORT #1009. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 05/06/06
East Cape fishing conditions have been great over the last week. Warm water and ample supplies of bait have lead to good action both inshore and offshore. Early in the week, the offshore bite turned on big time with marlin, sailfish, and dorado on the feed in the vicinity of Ocho-Ocho (88). Gordon P. Henriksen made the trip across the planet from Denmark to sample the East Cape fishery. He and his buddy/camera man, Morten Svendsen, had plenty of action inshore with good catches of black skipjack and pargo. They moved offshore the next day and found wide open action on pelagic species including marlin, sails and huge skipjack. The fish had schools of squid balled up tight on the surface where they fed at will on the helpless cephalopods.
Inshore fishing has been good thanks to large schools of flat iron herring (sardina). Roosterfish, jack crevalle, black skipjack, pargo, and the occasional sierra have been on the prowl along the beach making for some outstanding action. Jim Schmitz of Tacoma, Wash. had an amazing day, hooking three large roosterfish from a dead stopped panga as the predators exploded in a feeding frenzy around the boat. It was Classic East Cape action!
Yesterday, JD and I went to the lighthouse for snorkeling and some casual fly-fishing. Got to cast to a few good fish. Turned a couple but no eats. Fun stuff. Great way to spend Cinco de Mayo. As we were leaving, a mega school of jacks appeared off the beach. Hundreds and hundreds packed in a tight ball.
By Lance Peterson and Josh Dickenson
Baja on the Fly Guides
Water temperature 68-79
Air temperature 62-89
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 2 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:48 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 483
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 9:19 am: | |
East Cape Inshore Heats Up
REPORT #1008. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/29/06
Late April on the East Cape saw continuing improvement for inshore fishermen. Brett Phillips of Oregon in particular saw the Sea of Cortez at its finest. Brett fished from a panga, never getting more than a few hundred yards from shore and for two days hooked good numbers of fish, including pargo, grouper, jack crevalle, needlefish, black skipjack, roosterfish, and the largest gaff topsail pompano any of us has ever seen. He is submitting it to IGFA for a possible new All-Tackle World Record. Decent amounts of bait including mullet and sardina are beginning to show, making for some exciting inshore days.
The bait seems somewhat condensed in the Punta Pescadero and Punta Colorada areas however, keeping many of the predatory schools condensed as well. These concentrations are making locating roosters and jacks from the beach a little more difficult. Hopefully, in the coming days these fish will disperse and beach sightings of big roosters will improve.
Offshore action remains good for striped marlin, but they're feeding aggressively on small squid and not coming into the lures very often, despite being present in great numbers. Ray Rickard of Grand Junction, Colo. recently enjoyed a classic mixed bag of East Cape fishing, hitting the inshore for good snapper and grouper action with small chartreuse Clousers. Then, in the p.m., we headed out about 2 miles where we found a good school of bait, and Ray battled a nice 180-pound striper. As reported, the stripers haven't been suckers for the tease, so we caught some “liveys” with a Lucky Joe and pitched to a feeder. It's that time of year again here on the Cape. The inshore and offshore bite can be only a few minutes boat ride apart.
Tim Harris, Redmond, Wash. followed up a slow offshore day on Monday with a good inshore trip on Wednesday with an action packed day catching sierra and black skipjack near Punta Arena.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 68-77
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:45 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
New member
Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 479
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 8:58 am: | |
East Cape Spring . . . Mixed Bag
REPORT #1007. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/22/06
Warmer air and warmer water resulted in improved inshore fishing conditions this week. The presence of long-lost sardina in the bait tank only helped matters. Early in the week, large roosterfish put on a great show tearing up bait at El Cardonal north of Pescadero.
The offshore anglers found reduced catches of yellowfin tuna, but a few white flags were still flying. Striped marlin consistently took pitched bait but refused to appear in the pattern making fly-fishing difficult.
Perfect weather, calm seas greeted participants that traveled from all over the US to participate in Pudge Kleinkauf’s, Women’s Flyfishing® annual “Baja Spring Special” this week.
While the quantity was less than hoped for, there was plenty of variety. The group’s species list was impressive. Catches including marlin, yellowfin tuna, dorado, amberjack, bonito, white bonito, sierra, jack crevalle, needlefish, roosterfish, gaff topsail pompano, pargo, and cabrilla.
The beach fishing in front of the hotel late in the afternoon produced a few small roosters, pompano and a few mystery bites for the group.
Western Outdoor News, holding their East Cape Fiesta de Pesca April 8-30, awarded two of the group with the largest fish-of-the-day prizes. Dan Jansen, Anchorage for the largest YFT on Easter Sunday and Jim Hunter, Albuquerque managed to land the largest dorado on Wednesday. They both received enough goodies to fill their already stuffed suitcases.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 68-77
Air temperature 62-91
Humidity 58%
Wind: NW 4 mph
Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:42 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 475
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 08, 2006 - 9:11 am: | |
Dorado Early Arrivals During Transition
REPORT #1005. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/08/06
Too bad there were only a few visitors to enjoy the great fishing early this week. "Shooting fish in a barrel," was how one client described the fishing when I arrived here in East Cape last Friday afternoon. But then the north wind roared back in on Wednesday (4/5) leaving white caps and lumps in its wake.
Yesterday (4/6) the Matt Smith party of three from Indiana had a pretty decent beach trip despite the breezes. They nailed some croakers and a jack. Meanwhile, inshore fishing turned on nicely, with pargo, grouper and ladyfish hitting the decks.
Skippers are finding quality dorado under the shark buoys, striped marlin and sails outside, and, if you go far enough and are lucky, you might even find a few tuna to bend your stick. Inshore, skipjack and white bonito provided the best action. On the good days the beach yielded a few ladyfish, pompano and if you pay attention you might find few decent-sized jacks to sight cast to. If that is not enough, rumors of grande yellowtail in shallow water up towards Muertos Bay have some of the locals chomping at the bit. As the winter-to-spring transition continues, it appears to be shaping up to be an exciting springtime at East Cape.
As of last Sunday, all flights have been cancelled by Aero California and that has thrown Baja travel into a tailspin. Word is that the Mexican government yanked their license. Competition for the remaining flights on other carriers has driven the cost of tickets through the roof. Hopefully, there will be some resolution during the next few weeks.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 68-82
Humidity 60%
Wind: NW 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:37 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 471
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 01, 2006 - 9:10 am: | |
Wind Shifts . . . Conditions Improve
REPORT #1004. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 04/01/06
The news this week revolved mainly around the lack of wind. When the slight breeze picked up, it was from the southeast. This trend will bring warmer weather and water. The inshore fishing hasn't quite caught up yet though. We're running into intermittent ladyfish, pompano and jack schools. This time of year it's not unusual to see large Pacific jack crevalle in tight schools, moving slowly and not responding aggressively. Calmer days have permitted some snorkeling which reveals very tight schools of gafftop-sail pompano also. As water temps rise and more bait appears (striped mullet and flatiron herring), these schools will loosen up, providing more shots to the beach angler. The roosterfish catch picks up with the arrival of bait also. Thus far, it's the very lucky boat to run into roosters, but this week's weather is only helping matters.
Most of the boats seeing consistent success are cruisers willing to make fairly long runs to blue water. Some reported being among large schools of sleeping striped marlin with mixed hook-up results. Dorado and yellowfin tuna contributed to some success stories as well.
Josh Dickinson
Baja on the Fly Guide
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 67-82
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:11 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:34 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Username: Bajafly
Post Number: 467
Registered: 8-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 9:22 am: | |
Baja Transcends . . . Guatemala Peaks
REPORT #1003. “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 03/25/06
As March fades into April, East Cape slips into that transitional mode when the winds begin to lose strength and start to shift from north to east. Then there begins to be more good days than bad. Early this week, it was calm but by mid-week the north winds were churning up the Sea of Cortez leaving murky water and white caps. Then, as quickly as it started, it slacked off.
As expected, locals along with the few visitors staying at the hotels, headed out. With the unsettled conditions it is always like starting at square one after the wind backs off and with few boats looking it is tough to locate any concentrations of any usual suspects.
Oddly enough, striped marlin – along with a few sailfish – seemed to be the most dominate species with a few found scattered throughout Las Palmas Bay. There were also a few dorado (on the smallish side) found outside of Punta Pescadero a few miles as well as further offshore mixed in with the billfish. Several boats gambled that the north wind wouldn't kick up and headed down south. They were rewarded with a few tuna. Inshore, skipjack, white bonito and sierra provided the best action. The beach walkers needed to be out at zero dark hundred and were rewarded with fair sierra action until the sun climbed high enough to shut the bite off. By then, the ladyfish took over and did their baby tarpon-like leaping after being fooled by an array of very small baitfish patterns such as bonefish-sized Clousers.
As reported last week, rumors of swordfish fining attracted some interest including Mark Rayor, of Vista Sea Sports, who spent two full days searching for the illusive swordy before the wind came up and conditions deteriorated. With picture perfect weather, he would have been back out this morning, but his boat was chartered for the day.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 61-82
Humidity 52%
Wind: NW 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:31 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:11 pm: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 2:44 pm: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 04, 2006 - 8:45 am: | |
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
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 11:11 am: | |
Plenty of sierra and corvina throughout the bay along with good halibut action in the shallows near sandy beaches. Try a slow retrieved chartreuse Clouser along the bottom for best results. The Entrada continues to produce fair yellowtail action and down deeper a few grouper have been caught. Whale watching is still keeping most of the fleet busy as more and more folks make the trek to either Puerto San Carlos or Lopez Mateos to ooh’s and ahh’s over the mothers and babies. Windy conditions most of the week have kept the boats inside the bay up at Lopez Mateos.
Water temperature 68-73
Air temperature 60-74
Humidity 86%
Wind: NW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 11:09 am: | |
Our guide Lance Peterson reports – The weather has been great the last few days and it offered Dwight Scott, Houston TX and I a great chance to fish offshore 28 miles on a flat calm sea. There were good numbers of schoolie sized dorado to 10lbs on the prowl. Mostly singles but we did draw in schools to the boat on two occasions and had fun casting to them. They proved a bit picky and wanted their flies ripped across the surface as fast as possible. Blue and white or pink and white tube flies with Sigler popper heads were the ticket. It was really cool to see them around the boat in the clear, flat water. There were plenty of "hit and run" strikes on the teasers, seeing them hard charge across the wake barely subsurface for a look at the spread was very exciting. We also saw a few free jumping marlin, but couldn't draw them into the pattern. We even found a few whales out there including what appeared to be a big sperm whale lounging on the surface enjoying the unusual spring like weather.
Inshore sierra action continues, but it's a very early morning bite. We cast a bit along the shore early yesterday but the action had subsided by the time we got there. The local handliners on shore did well. We saw one guy walking home with 3 sierra in each hand. Those guys really know how to catch 'em!
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 61-78
Humidity 34%
Wind: NNW 13 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:16 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 448
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 9:11 am: | |
REPORT #997G . “Below the Border” Saltwater Fly-Fishing reports since 1996
Endless Season Update 02/11/06
Our guide Lance Peterson reports – Beach fishing at this time is an early morning deal. And I mean EARLY! Hit the beach at gray light and you'll have a shot at sierra. The bite lasts for 20 minutes or so. Once the sun hits the water, the action moves out of range. The anglers fishing from boats, however, have a longer lasting bite. I fished from my neighbor’s 12-foot Livingston three days ago and we had great action on the troll. Casting however proved more challenging as the sierras would pop up on the surface for a few seconds and then vanish. Fun stuff though.
I've found isolated pockets of beach action in the evening, too. It's a ladyfish show at that time of day. But these ladies are tough! They are feeding on fry that look to be about ¼-inch long and they are very tough to catch. I've been trying to "match the hatch," but don't quite have small enough flies.
Offshore, there has been tuna action for those who make it out. On the flat days I see good numbers of tuna flags. And from what Bob at East Cape Tackle says . . . those who find marlin have been doing very well indeed.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 59-76
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 9:16 am: | |
Good day . . . more bad days and the North Winds strut their stuff. With most hotels hosting only a few guests, the pools have been more popular than the white capped Sea of Cortez. Our guide Lance Peterson put it this way regarding the beach: “I fished gray light today. It was so cold. I had all of my Patagonia gear on, a wool cap, a jacket. My bare feet were so cold they hurt! I finally did catch one sierra . . . but boy, have I put in some time to catch him!” Wednesday was more of the same. Wrote Lance, “I fished the evening last night. The wind came up and made it tough. And cold!! There are some mullet milling about and schools of very small fry. I saw some ladyfish feeding on them just as it was getting dark. But they were so keyed in on the little stuff they wouldn't bite. The ladyfish look a lot smaller than they are in spring; they are about 12-inches or so it seems. Maybe there are some big roosters about too . . . but have yet to see any sign of them.” The boats that do make it out on the calm days are finding a few tuna, fewer dorado and billfish.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 62-70
Air temperature 59-76
Humidity 52%
Wind: NNW 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:08 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 442
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 8:57 am: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 21, 2006 - 10:05 am: | |
Football Season Comes to 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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 432
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 8:38 am: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 431
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 425
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 7:45 am: | |
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 |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 11:15 am: | |
It was windy and cool all week with not many boats fishing, but the few that ventured out were rewarded with good action for both dorado and stripers.
Lane Garett reported on his trip yesterday: The day began with rough seas and 15kts of wind out of the northwest, but by 8:30 the seas started to settle down and it turned out to be a beautiful day – no wind and light cloud cover.
Because of all the wind earlier in the week, no one had any live bait to sell. We found fair dorado action in the teasers producing moderate action most of the day. There were also a few striped marlin being spotted up toward Punta Pescadero.
While the wind persisted most of the week thrashing the beach, the determined were rewarded with decent action early in the morning for ladyfish, sierra, pompano , lookdowns, jack crevalle and even a few smaller roosterfish. The best action was from Bartle Beach out to the Punta Arena.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84
Air temperature 69-77
Humidity 57%
Wind: NNW 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 419
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 10:01 am: | |
If you have the time to wait out the wind, the fishing is still good on the calm days. Still plenty of billfish, as well as a few dorado and tuna. Sierra are dominating the inshore, so a bit of wire might be in order. The tin boaters try to get out at gray light fish for an hour or two and high tail it back to the beach before the winds kick up.
Lane Garret sent us the following report:
The weather has been cool and windy most days. I have seen a few cruisers returning with what appear to be at least limits of 10- to the occasional 40-pound dorado. There are quite a few stripers still around and a friend of mine had a 250-pound class blue up to leader on Tuesday. The beaches have been hammered by surf and wind.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84
Air temperature 70-77
Humidity 42%
Wind: NNW 14 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:34 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 411
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 7:23 am: | |
North winds have begun their winter routine of on-again, off-again. There’s still a decent offshore bite on the good (read windless days) and tough on the others. Still a few dorado to be found if your are lucky and the sierra bite has been good for the tin boat fleet.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 79-84
Air temperature 70-8o
Humidity 72%
Wind: W 10 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:32 p.m. MST |
Gary Graham (Bajafly)
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Post Number: 408
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 - 3:03 pm: < |
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