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From Jan 01, 1999 To Jun 27, 2004
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May 10, 2004; 01:43PM - Cabo Bite Report
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Author E-mail: george@flyhooker.com
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Report Description:
Capt. George Landrum
Fly Hooker Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
CABO SAN LUCAS FISH REPORT MAY 2-8, 2004
WEATHER: Summertime, summertime, summertime! I think we are getting there as the days are getting warmer, as are the nights. Sunny skies with our night time lows ranging from the mid 60’s to the mid 70’s and in the early morning you can smell the humidity. Our days are ranging from the low 80’s to the mid 90’s with plenty of sun, a bit of moisture in the air and mostly light breezes. Perfect weather for fishing!
WATER: Water temperatures this week have been from the high 60’s out near Golden Gate Banks to the high 70’s in the Sea of Cortez. The highest I saw this week was 78.9 degrees out near the 1150 spot. The water on the Pacific near shore and just off the Cape 1 mile has been a bit cooler than the surrounding water, but only by a degree or two, and has been a bit green from the large swells. Surface conditions got a bit choppy during the middle of the week on the Pacific side as the afternoon winds kicked in, but the Cortez side has remained very nice.
BAIT: We have had a good mix of both Caballito and Mackerel this week, with most of the Caballito fairly small but with some nice big Mackerel available. The normal price at $2 per bait.
FISHING:
BILLFISH: Remember the last time you went fishing and were told “You should have been here last week!”? Well, this was “last week” for anglers wanting to catch a Striped Marlin, and we can only hope that it is not the “only week”. Almost every boat returning from a trip was flying at least one Marlin flag this week and the reason was easy to discover when you went out. The fish were close, and there were a lot of them! As was the case last week, the Marlin were close to shore, many of the fish were caught less than a mile from the beach. The hottest action toward the end of the week was right in front of town, at distances ranging from 3 miles to 10 miles out. A lot of boats ran out of live bait during the hot action and had to return to the marina to re-load! On my best day out we spotted over 24 fish, had two releases, lost a couple of others and ran out of bait at 11 AM. The next day my guys took our clients out and returned at 1 PM. They picked up 15 baits in the morning and returned with four Marlin flags flying. The fish were ranging from 50 to 180 pounds and live bait was the key. Few fish came in on the artificials, most of them were sighted tailing and had live bait tossed at them. If that didn’t work, a dead bait was dropped back. If the fish were not interested in that, a dead bait was thrown in front of the fish with no hook or line attached. Most of the time they would go for that one, then light up and eat the next one with a hook in it. Ah, great fishing and no long runs to get to the grounds! Now, if the fish just hold here close for a few more weeks we should have great action as the moon goes to the new phase!
YELLOWFIN TUNA: Tuna fishing has been on the back burner this week as the fish that have been around, and there have not been many of them, have mostly been small football sized fish (literally). Most of the action has been up on the Pacific side in Porpoise and the action has been sketchy. The best catch I heard of was 14 footballs, and the water was not in the best of condition that day. Small feathers in dark colors took honors this week, a change from the red ones that worked best last week.
DORADO: Scattered fish ranging in size from 10 to 35 pounds provided some action this week for anglers lucky enough to get hooked up. Most of the fish were found near shore mixed in with the Striped Marlin, but I understand there was some fair action farther up the Sea of Cortez off of Punta Gorda and Vinorama. The fish were found either in the open under Frigate birds, or under floating debris. Best action was on smaller Marlin lures in “Bleeding Mackerel” or “Dorado” colors, and of course, on live bait dropped back on hooking up with a lure accounted for approximately 20% of the second fish caught.
WAHOO: Again the bite has dropped off a bit, but there are still fish being found out there. While not specifically structure orientated, the best results have been close to shore and off the Banks. Of course, this may be because this is where the Marlin action has been and there have been a lot of boats working these areas! Most of the fish have been between 40 and 60 pounds, with an occasional fish to 90 pounds being caught.
INSHORE: There was no change in the inshore action this week, with the exception that the Sierra bite dropped off as the inshore waters warmed up, and the Roosterfish bite picked up. The Roosterfish are still small, most of them are between 5 and 15 pounds and they were being caught on small Caballito slow trolled just outside the first breaker. The best action was had on the Pacific side between the arches and Cabo Falso. There were some nice Jack Crevalle hooked up as well and for those willing to get in close to the rocks, some great Pargo were found ranging from 15 to 35 pounds, they had a preference for live Caballito.
NOTES: My apologies to everyone for last weeks report being either late or not getting out at all. And there were a few of you who received multiple copies! I just hope that this weeks report does not suffer the same problem. We had our computer crash and could not get on line; hopefully by the time Mary gets this for posting, the problem will have been resolved. Thanks so very much to all of you who e-mailed and were concerned about the reason; both of us are just fine! This weeks report was written to the country music of Vince Gill on his 1991 MCA release “Pocket Full Of Gold”. I felt a little bit country this week! Until next week, Tight Lines!
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May 8, 2004; 01:47PM - “Where have all the anglers gone?”
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Category: Guatemala Sport Fishing
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: This past week the burning question has been, “Where have all the anglers gone?” The fish are still here in great numbers, the conditions are nice, but the boats are not going out. The few that did get out averaged 17 releases of 22 hooked for sails on conventional gear, and 8 releases of 22 hooked on fly tackle. The dorado have shown up in huge numbers with 3 boats reporting a total of 170 hooked, which makes the sailfishing a little tough. Marlin also continue to show up with a steady frequency of a couple per week. Be sure to check out the current story on ESPN Outdoors about Guatemala on the Fly:
http://espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/s/f_fea_AA_Guatemala_sailfish_fly_Mintz.html
Water Temperature 79-85
Air Temperature 82-86
Humidity 70 %
Wind SSE 11 mph.
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:38 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. CST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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May 8, 2004; 01:46PM - Slow but steady
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 78º blue water has moved out beyond the 20 mile mark and the fishing has slowed considerably.
Gary and Yvonne Graham were here to make the final arrangements for their upcoming two tournaments. The October 6-10 Jacks or Better Roosterfish fly-fishing tournament is the first of its type in the world. The December 3-8 Sails and Tales is fly-fishing for sailfish.
Even the yellowfin tuna, which were looking promising last week, disappeared. Santiago, on the panga 'Gitana' took his Southern California client, Mike Resnick out twice. The first day they got a couple of sails, went 50 miles, and never saw a tuna. The second day, chasing a radio report they went 35 miles, found out the action was over by the time they got there, and did not get anything.
Arturo, on the panga 'Janeth,' hooked 3 sailfish for his clients at the 25 mile mark.
Most of the other boats are averaging between 1 and 2 sailfish a day each.
Water Temperature 72-78
Air Temperature 78-93
Humidity 65%
Wind Calm
Conditions Scattered Clouds (SCT) : 25,000 ft
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:08 p.m. CST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
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May 8, 2004; 01:44PM - Roosters Invade East Cape; Dorado Begin to Show
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com; USA toll-free (800)
919-2252; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Fri., May 07, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (5/1-5/6)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: There is a tremendous amount of bait on the beach and as one might expect, the game fish have been on the prowl. We’ve been getting a good number of shots at roosters in the high teens and beyond, however they are not easy to deceive. There is often so much bait that one’s fly gets lost in the crowd. Nevertheless, my fellow guide Josh Dickenson and I fished hard for many hours yesterday (testing the waters, so to speak) and must have run and walked miles chasing fish. I hooked a rooster in the teens and had a repeat of my last hook up . . . tight line followed by solid strip strikes followed by the hook coming free! Moments later, Josh had the same thing happen. We sharpened our hooks big time and went back at it. I had some heart stopping follows, but no more hook ups. But Josh hooked a gorgeous rooster of 18 pounds. Photos taken, of course.
The weather is becoming warmer by the day and chasing roosters is definitely becoming a pursuit for the physically and mentally fit. They certainly make you work for every bite!
Not too many boats going out of the hotels, but those returning are flying some flags: a few dorado, and a good number of marlin flags. The marlin bite has been quite close to La Ribera. We could easily see the fleet offshore as we beach fished. Inshore, there has been a mixed bag of fish out there early a.m.: roosters, sierra, and a few skipjack. (Report by Baja on the Fly guide Lance Peterson.)
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 69-77
Air temperature 71-80
Humidity about 46%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:41 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:49 p.m. MST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
• OFFSHORE: In a short 10 minutes you can be in the heart of the billfish action in front of La Ribera.
• INSHORE: Keeps getting better as the water warms up.
• BEACH: Word’s out – even the Cabo guys are showing up to try their luck.
BILLFISH – Close yes, but lots of boats
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Still waiting for the big bite.
DORADO – Here and there, but still waiting for the bite to begin in earnest.
ROOSTERFISH\\ JACK CREVALLE – Plenty of bait and action to go with it.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Still around.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Try the rocky points or the arroyos
SIERRA – Hmm, winter fish? Don’t think so.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
Puerto San Carlos:
IN GENERAL: Slow but steady would describe both the mangroves and the entrada, with few exotics biting. Everything seems to be filling up on red crabs, so a red fly might be in order.
Lopez Mateos: Capt. Ruben Duran on the “Wendy” took Bob Hoyt and Regio out for inshore fishing. They had one grouper and limits of sand bass with many releases of sand bass.
Water Temperature 64-70
Air Temperature 68-77
Humidity 59%
Wind Calm
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 8:00 p.m. MST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
YELLOWTAIL – Couldn’t even find them down deep this week
CORVINA – Definitely the go-to fish this week.
SNOOK – None to be found this week
HALIBUT – A few throughout the bay on the sandy beaches.
SIERRA – Look under the bird schools near Belcher’s.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 78º blue water has moved out beyond the 20 mile mark and the fishing has slowed considerably.
Gary and Yvonne Graham were here to make the final arrangements for their upcoming two tournaments. The October 6-10 Jacks or Better Roosterfish fly-fishing tournament is the first of its type in the world. The December 3-8 Sails and Tales is fly-fishing for sailfish.
Even the yellowfin tuna, which were looking promising last week, disappeared. Santiago, on the panga 'Gitana' took his Southern California client, Mike Resnick out twice. The first day they got a couple of sails, went 50 miles, and never saw a tuna. The second day, chasing a radio report they went 35 miles, found out the action was over by the time they got there, and did not get anything.
Arturo, on the panga 'Janeth,' hooked 3 sailfish for his clients at the 25 mile mark.
Most of the other boats are averaging between 1 and 2 sailfish a day each.
Water Temperature 72-78
Air Temperature 78-93
Humidity 65%
Wind Calm
Conditions Scattered Clouds (SCT) : 25,000 ft
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:08 p.m. CST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: This past week the burning question has been, “Where have all the anglers gone?” The fish are still here in great numbers, the conditions are nice, but the boats are not going out. The few that did get out averaged 17 releases of 22 hooked for sails on conventional gear, and 8 releases of 22 hooked on fly tackle. The dorado have shown up in huge numbers with 3 boats reporting a total of 170 hooked, which makes the sailfishing a little tough. Marlin also continue to show up with a steady frequency of a couple per week. Be sure to check out the current story on ESPN Outdoors about Guatemala on the Fly:
http://espn.go.com/outdoors/fishing/s/f_fea_AA_Guatemala_sailfish_fly_Mintz.html
Water Temperature 79-85
Air Temperature 82-86
Humidity 70 %
Wind SSE 11 mph.
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:38 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. CST
May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter, June 2, Full,
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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May 7, 2004; 03:10PM - Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Sportfishing Report 4-30-04 to 5-6-04
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Stan Lushinsky Susan Richards
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Author E-mail: ixtsptf@epix.net
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Report Description:
The annual Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Billfish Classic tournament dominated the fishing report for last week. In all, a total of about 100 boats fished this year's event and combined reported landing just over 300 BILLFISH in the three day event. The Catch was predominately SAILFISH with a few nice Marlin and DORADO in the mix. Captain Adolofo Espinosa on the Dos Hermanos 1 reported 10 SAILFISH, 2 STRIPED MARLIN and 1 BLUE MARLIN in the 3 days and Partner Cheva on the Dos Hermanos 2 reported 8 SAILFISH. Captain Chiro on the Vamonos 3 reported 4 SAILFISH. None of these fish were big enough to place in the prize category. Captain Artuo landed along with angler Frank Miller had a 3 SAILFISH day. Cabelas Outdoor Adventure's client Mr. Durente reported loosing a small marlin on his first day offshore aboard the Vamonos 3. A very rare catch for the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area, an 120 Lb SWORDFISH was also reported caught during the tournament. The best fishing area was between 22 and 27 miles offshore. With the passing of the full moon and calmer seas the historical turnover to warmer waters temp this month should signal more consistent offshore and inshore activity. The next few months have been our very best for Big Roosterfish and we still have a few prime dates available. Interested angler are encourage to contact our office.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo weather: Cool mornings followed by beautiful days
Sea Conditions: High tide generated by the full moon along with Calm to moderate seas.
Bait Supply: Good
Sincerely,
Stan Lushinsky
Susan Richards
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May 1, 2004; 01:42PM - Squirrelly weather
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Category: Guatemala Sport Fishing
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: Squirrelly weather contributed to tough conditions this week. The fly guys could only manage catches in the high single digits. While there were several blue marlin hooked up none were landed.
Water Temperature 79-85
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 94 %
Wind NNE 6 mph.
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:41 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:19 p.m. CST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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May 1, 2004; 01:41PM - May Billfish Tournament.
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: We are in the second of the three day annual International May Billfish Tournament. As of this writing, the boats just left the dock, and yesterday’s numbers are not yet posted. However, reports from all the captains indicate a lot of fish have been caught.
It appears the 100 boats entered are averaging a little less than three sailfish a day. This should hold up for the two upcoming days of the tournament, with a total of about 800 to 900 sailfish hooked.
Even though this a kill tournament, it is fortunate most of the captains have been practicing catch and release on a regular basis, and only a small number of the larger sized fish will make it to the dock.
Among some of yesterday's notable catches were three blue marlin weighed, with the largest over 300 pounds. Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” had an incredible day with 6 sailfish caught, one small striped marlin, and two very small blue marlin. All but one sailfish was released.
Other action during the week was rated fair, as some of the captains located yellowfin tuna out beyond the 1,000 fathom curve line. Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” took one fished that weighed exactly 100 pounds, and on a second day, took four more tuna of about 50 pounds each.
Water Temperature 72-78
Air Temperature 77-91
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Scattered Clouds (SCT) : 25,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:06 p.m. CST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
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May 1, 2004; 01:39PM - Just Shy of 'WOW' Conditions
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Author E-mail: bajafly@bajafly.com
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Report Description:
REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com; USA toll-free (800)
919-2252; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Sat., May 01, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (4/24-4/30)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Beach fishing continues to heat up with lots of shots for quality roosters up to 35 pounds. Several fish in the 20 pound class were landed by clients as well as the guides on their days off. Panga action has been good with numerous roosterfish, jacks, and sierra. Sierra action was very hot yesterday (4/30) morning. Craig Barrette, Chicago, caught the largest sierra we have seen this spring, a wahoo-like monster of 10 pounds! Joe Turano, Houston, produced stellar action for both huge sierra and lots of roosters. He hooked over a dozen during the action-packed morning. The marlin also showed only a few miles off La Ribera late this week. We tried to get one close enough to cast a fly by trolling hookless teasers, but nothing got interested. But they’re out there . . .
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 66-57
Air temperature 69-77
Humidity about 50%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 12 miles
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:46 p.m. MST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
• OFFSHORE: Hard to tell where offshore begins and inshore ends with striped marlin found only 3 to 5 miles off of La Ribera.
• INSHORE: Continues to be the better choice for the fly-rodder.
• BEACH: Hard to ignore, with more bubbas appearing every day.
BILLFISH – Close enough, just need more volume to make it interesting.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Up north producing a few, but it is a long time in between.
DORADO – Still waiting for the herds to show up.
ROOSTERFISH\\ JACK CREVALLE – Here we go. By later this month it could be really good.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Almost the go-to species if nothing else is going on.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Take your pick, the sticks, La Ribera or Punta Colorado rocks.
SIERRA – Hmm, winter fish? Don’t think so.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
Puerto San Carlos:
IN GENERAL: Pretty much a mixed bag this week. Out at the entrada, the yellowtail played more hide than seek. There were plenty of barracuda, cabrilla and even a few halibut to make the ride out worthwhile. Up in the esteros, a few grouper, corvina and pompano rounded out the catch.
Water Temperature 64-70
Air Temperature 66-77
Humidity 97%
Wind West 15 mph
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:50 a.m. MST
Sunset 7:57 p.m. MST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
YELLOWTAIL – Among the missing this week.
CORVINA – Poppers will do the trick for pompano as well.
SNOOK – Few and far between
HALIBUT – A few throughout the bay on the sandy beaches.
SIERRA – Couldn’t even find them this week.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: We are in the second of the three day annual International May Billfish Tournament. As of this writing, the boats just left the dock, and yesterday’s numbers are not yet posted. However, reports from all the captains indicate a lot of fish have been caught.
It appears the 100 boats entered are averaging a little less than three sailfish a day. This should hold up for the two upcoming days of the tournament, with a total of about 800 to 900 sailfish hooked.
Even though this a kill tournament, it is fortunate most of the captains have been practicing catch and release on a regular basis, and only a small number of the larger sized fish will make it to the dock.
Among some of yesterday's notable catches were three blue marlin weighed, with the largest over 300 pounds. Adolpho, on the panga “Dos Hermanos,” had an incredible day with 6 sailfish caught, one small striped marlin, and two very small blue marlin. All but one sailfish was released.
Other action during the week was rated fair, as some of the captains located yellowfin tuna out beyond the 1,000 fathom curve line. Santiago, on the panga “Gitana,” took one fished that weighed exactly 100 pounds, and on a second day, took four more tuna of about 50 pounds each.
Water Temperature 72-78
Air Temperature 77-91
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Scattered Clouds (SCT) : 25,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 8:06 p.m. CST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: Squirrelly weather contributed to tough conditions this week. The fly guys could only manage catches in the high single digits. While there were several blue marlin hooked up none were landed.
Water Temperature 79-85
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 94 %
Wind NNE 6 mph.
Conditions Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:41 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:19 p.m. CST
May 4, Full, May 11 Last Quarter, May 18 New, May 27 First Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Apr 27, 2004; 12:14PM - April offshore fishing in Venice Louisiana
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Category: Louisiana
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Author Name: Capt. Scott Avanzino
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Author E-mail: avanzino@yahoo.com
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Report Description:
Records fell in April, some state and others purely personal..after much effort we were finally able to convert a decent yellowfin tuna on fly on April 10th..the fish were boiling around the boat in groups of 5-12 at a time..first to hook up was Chip Metz and from the looks of the it 10 feet from the boat, I am guessing an 80 pound fish..fish on fish off..if they survive the first run things usually look up, then you get to look forward to gaffing it if it doesn't break of pull the hook..funny thing is, Chip's fish came back for more with the fly and leader streaming from his mouth...next to hook up was David Coinget who lasted a little longer than Chip before the all too familiar break off on the 1st run..Roger Del Rio was next in the rotation surviving the first run and some quick manuevering until a 45 pound yellowfin came to the gaff in 75 minutes..Gary Parish was able to pick up 2 blackfin although Mr. Big never came cruising for him today..lost the school not long after fighting Rogers fish then we went looking for a world record aj didn't take long..while the rest of the gang toyed with kings and bonita Frank Genusa got ahold of a nice jack..after a 45 minute fight the fish came to gaff at nearly 26 pounds beating Roger Del Rio's state record by 3 pounds..got back on the slick and David Coignet hooked a larger fish only to loose him as he dug 280 feet into the hardbottom..the fish never even knew it was hooked until about 5 minutes into the fight after which he made his 3 minute run to freedom...lost them shortly thereafter and decided to go look for mangroves never did get the big ones chummed up as there was a supply boat at the G-spot with his engines in gear..decided to get home early to weigh the fish..and here's where God shows up again, delivering the coastal flyfisherman's heaven on Earth..4 mies from Tiger Pass we came across 2 acres of frenzied bull redfish feeding a mass of rain minnows..when I say they were thick, they were running into the boat, litterally..sounded like someone dropping 10 dozen bean bags on the deck of the boat..wait until you see the pictures..talk about a screensaver..red and yellow on green, you could have walked on them...there had to be hundreds..seen that 3 times in ten years..once off Horn Island with Tarpon mixed in and in Breton Soundafew years back...only problem is everyone had put there gear away..Roger was the only one with a fly stil on a rod and before he could make a cast a 31 pound bull grabbed the bait as it dangled off the transom..I ran to the bow with a spinning rod and slung it into the pile and immediately hooked a jack..while we fought our two respective fish while the school scattered into groups of 10-20 and we were never really able to set up again...Roger released his fish 20 minutes later..There just aren't enough hours in the day but no one was complaining...later that night Darryl and I ran the boat up to the shipyard for it's annul check-up..First trip back with the Ambling Group..here is the report in Ricky Mestayer's words...'Scott, We had two days (April 15/16, 2004) of fantastic fishing. I did not believe that we could top last year's (April 2003)experience but we did. Sorry that you had to miss this trip. Captain Sonny did an outstanding job for us. He is a great asset to your company. Yellowfin Tuna action was hot. Everybody caught a large tuna. Mine went about 45 pounds. What a fight! We also caught eight Rainbow Runners. On our way in we stopped to try for Amberjack. We all caught huge Amberjack. My wife Becky caught one that weighed 60 pounds. She's still talking about that fight. The fish almost pulled her overboard. We had great action all day. The next day we went back after those big Jacks. Caught four big Amberjacks and Kings and Baracuda and Sharks. What a smorgasboard. We had decided earlier that we wanted to go tangle with the Big Bull Reds at Southwest Pass. The Bulls were there and the action was hot. 20-30 pound Redfish on every cast. Sonny gave me a spinning rod with 12 pound test line to fight the Reds. It took me 25 minutes to bring my fish in. Everyone (Ricky and Becky Mestayer, Kelsey Varnado, Jeremy Moore, Josh Summers and Mr. Moore) had a wonderful experience. Will be back next year for our annual fishing trip with Captain Scott and Captain Sonny. Sincerely, Ricky Mestayer' Always nice to receive emails like that..Been catching a few bottom fish and wahoo this week on the few days we braved the 4-6 footers..I have yet to make a snapper trip since the opening. I have taken the last 10 days off for a variety of reasons..can't wait to get after them.. Paradise Outfitters - 985-845-8006 |
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Apr 26, 2004; 01:02PM - Fly Hooker Daily Fishing Reports
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Author E-mail: gmlandrum@hotmail.com
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Report Description:
Capt. George Landrum
'Fly Hooker' Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
WEEKLY FISH COUNT
STRIPED MARLIN: TWO FISH TAGGED AND RELEASED (#120 EACH)
YELLOWFIN TUNA: 15 FISH KEPT (#8-#25) LOTS OF SMALL ONES RELEASED
BONITA: 10 FISH KEPT (#15-#20) LOTS RELEASED
DORADO: ONE FISH KEPT (#20+)
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 18 APRIL, 2004
Brad Meigs, his father-in-law Fred Tedtow (former charter captain on the east coast
for 20 years, now a young 82 years of age) and Brads friends Brian and John fished
aboard the “Fly Hooker” with Juan and myself today. It was Sunday and Manuels day
off. The relief deckhand we normally use, Phillipe, never showed up and did not
answer his phone, so I was the designated Deckhand! Not a bad deal since I seem to
rarely get a chance to get out and fish now days. We headed south for 16 miles before
we put lines in the water and we never saw a Porpoise the whole day out! Now I was
worried, since almost all the fish the guys had been catching had been with the
porpoise, but we seemed to do all right without them around, although we did not get as
many Yellowfin as we would have liked to. In all, we only came up with three Yellowfin
Tuna, the first fish of the day was one of them, and the smallest as well. That fish
would have been lucky to push the scales to 8 pounds, but we kept him, the first fish of
the day after all! As the trip went along we kept getting blind strikes, in the middle of
nowhere and for no apparent reason we could figure out. Two more Yellowfin were
hooked up and kept, both fish around 15 pounds. The bite on Bonita was steady as
well and most of them were larger, stronger fish. A 20 pound Bonita puts up a heck of
a fight, and if bled right away they are good eating as well! We kept about six of the
Bonita and released about 10 or 12 more. Not a bad day on the water and I ran the
Penn 12T as well, and the light tackle was a blast on the football fish! Thanks guys!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 19 APRIL, 2004
Fred Tedtow and Bob Gaede (Bob fished with us on Saturday, Fred fished with us
yesterday) went out today with Juan and Manuel and were able to get into some
Yellowfin. Early in the trip Bob hooked up with a Dorado that was around 20+ pounds
and had a good time with that. Later they found the Porpoise and were able to get a
few fish that were actually large enough to supply some decent fillets. I believe that
they kept about six of the Yellowfin with the largest one being around 20 pounds, and
they released a bunch more. Not a bad day on the water and two strangers got to
know each other!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 20 APRIL, 2004
Alan McVey and his fiancée Laurie Kellogg were our anglers for the day, and Alan
brought along a couple of his own rods and reels to use on football Tuna or Dorado.
Manuel had a death in the family and had to leave last night for Ensenada so we
needed a relief deckhand for the day, and possibly for the week, depending on how
long he was going to be needed up there. Juan was able to get Bernardo on short
notice, but since Bernardo has never worked our boat before and I don’t know him or
how he is with people, I went along as well. We headed straight south for 4 miles
before we put lines in the water, and not until we reached 4.5 miles did we have the
first strike. The fish were close to the Cape for a change and there were Porpoise
everywhere! None of the fish were really large, most of them footballs and only a few
in the 15-20 pound class, but on Alan’s lighter rod and reel and on my Penn 12T
everyone had a blast. On occasion we had five fish on at once! We ended up keeping
6 of the biggest Yellowfin and released at least nine more, as well as quite a few
Bonita. A great time was had, and we saw lots of Porpoise, a couple of Turtles and a
few seals! Laurie spotted a Striped Marlin before we did but the fish went down when
we got close and did not take a bait. Thanks guys, we are glad you had a great time!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 21 APRIL, 2004
Warren Leisi, his wife, son and two daughters are return clients and they are all
fishermen. They booked today and they have also reserved Monday for another trip
out on the “Fly Hooker”. Juan and Bernardo decide that they should try and make it out
to the San Jaime banks this morning since Juan’s brother had done very well on
Yellowfin Tuna out there yesterday. Well, the wind blew all night long and really
pushed up the swells and the chop, and it was still blowing this morning when they left.
After about an hour they gave it up when people started to fall down in the cockpit due
to the rough water. Juan turned downswell and came toward the 95 spot area and then
after several hours had a report on the radio of a kelp paddy found about 5 miles past
the 95 spot that had Wahoo and Dorado on it. Of course, everyone else heard the
information on the radio as well so the “Fly Hooker” was about the 15th boat there!
Even so, they were able to get bit by a Wahoo on live bait, but the ‘Hoo took the hook
with him! A little later they also had a Dorado bite, but it did not hook up well and they
lost the chance. That was it for the day, but Monday is another chance! Let’s keep our
fingers crossed that the warm water stays close and the winds die down!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 22 APRIL, 2004
Paul Watts, his close friend from England named Steve and a buddy named Tom
were our anglers on the “Fly Hooker” today. It was supposed to be a trip for Steve,
since he had never caught a Marlin before, or any large saltwater fish for that matter.
Paul was a little worried about getting into rough water since he is recovering from a
broken rib, but the water was fairly calm. He did say that after the trip he felt as if he
had spent 8 hours working out since every little movement of the boat brought him
some pain. Juan and Bernardo Started out just outside of Punta Ballena and then
worked their way offshore about 12 miles, then down around the Palmilla area and then
back. There was a very brief fight with a Dorado estimated at 30 pounds, and Tom was
the angler on that fish. That was early in the trip. As the day wore on they spotted
more fish but were not able to get into any of them. Not until the last few hours were
they able to find a fish that was hungry, and that fish bit on a dead Caballito rigged and
run way back on the bridge rod. Again, Tom was the first angler to the rod and it took
him around 15 minutes to bring the fish to the side of the boat for pictures and a
release. That was all for the day for them, but it was a good day all in all, except for
Paul and his ribs. Thanks guys, and Steve, perhaps you will have a chance to return to
our area for another shot at a Striped Marlin one of these days.
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 24 APRIL, 2004
Kirt, Larry and their wives were our anglers aboard the “Fly Hooker” today for a half
day trip. This was their first time to do any of this style of deep sea fishing, their
previous experiences had been on the Oregon Coast out of Depoe Bay for rockfish and
they were not really sure what to expect. Mary warned them to be sure and get plenty
of sleep and stay away from excess consumption of Tequila the night before and they
followed those instructions very well. When we met them at the dock this morning (they
were there ahead of us!) we took them down to the boat and introduced them to Juan
and his nephew. After the introductions and a quick explanation of what to expect they
were on their way. Kirt and Larry had told us that they did not want to get into any
rough water as they were not sure if the ladies would be able to handle it, and that was
just fine as the fishing just off the coast on the Sea of Cortez has been going off for the
last several days, and the water has been calm. Juan started off just outside of Cabo
bay as there was a large pod of porpoise there. Let me make a long story short here.
They ended up having seven Striped Marlin come up into the pattern. One they caught
and released on a dead bait rigged behind a blue and white Islander lure, run wayyyyy
back, another one they lost at the side of the boat when the line broke just before they
were able to grab the leader, another one ate a live bait but came off after about a 5
minute fight. The other four fish just were window shopping and did not strike anything.
The dead bait fish and the lure fish were a double header! They also caught and
released a Skipjack Tuna. Not bad at all for a half day of fishing, huh? Congratulations
all the way around, and we were happy to be able to get another boat for you to fish on
for Monday since we are already booked. Have fun!
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