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From Jan 01, 1999 To Jul 30, 2010
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Mar 12, 2005; 11:23AM - Guatemala is Hot, Hot, Hot; Others Not
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
NOTE: This report is on Fri. instead of Sat. because of local logistics and communications coming out of Guatemala.
East Cape
We’ve had North wind for the last three days with fishing definitely on the slow side. We did land three baby roosterfish at the lighthouse on a white and olive Clouser. The boats are going south and coming back with some dorado and marlin. The day before the wind started, the marlin fishing was great. All the boats came back with at least one. I was out with a friend and we saw six boats hooked up with marlin at one time. One boat had two on. They were only about three miles out from La Ribera. The same day, we caught small dorado a half mile from the Spa. The wind came up and the fish left. Fly-fishers are finding a few sierra early in the morning at La Ribera. Skipjack bite has been good just a few miles from shore with red the best color. Still no sardines available for chum.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 66-73
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
It’s been very windy afternoons for the past several days. You need to get out early to take advantage of the first few hours before the wind picks up. Several day ago, a few large grouper or maybe a white sea bass were broken off at the entrada, the resident small yellowtail continued to provide fair action on a See Through Deceiver with an olive-colored back. Early as it is we are already receiving some vague reports of yellowfin tuna out to the west near the shark buoys. With only a few anglers fishing the esteros, it is hard to gauge the bite. The corvina have begun to bite and there were several snook landed and – of course – more of them lost. The whale watching season is beginning to wind down with only about 20 whales with their calves still in the harbor to be seen.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 64-71
Humidity 58%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:30 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
A cool water current has moved in, essentially sending the sailfish South. Fishing for all species, except for some very good action on large jack crevelle, has been slow all this last week.
This annual cool water current brings in the big yellowfin tuna and marlin, but it is still a little too early to target them with consistent results. Cheva, on the panga Dos Hermanos II did catch one nice black marlin of about 250 pounds this week, as well as Pepino on the Whisky II with a smaller blue. A few other marlin were hooked, but lost.
Steve Talbot has been targeting the big jacks most of the week with Martin on the panga Isamar and, releasing about 10 fish a day. The big jacks are averaging between 15 and 20 pounds, with an occasional 25 pounder. Their fish have been caught using a red and white surface popper, live bait, and trolled Rapalas.
Baja On The Fly client Matt Herman of Los Angeles fished the inshore one day with Cheva, releasing 5 of the big jacks, several black skipjack tuna, and one chula.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 89
Humidity 78%
Wind: West 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:54 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather has been very pleasant with overall calm seas and bright skies. During the past week on the conventional side there were 847 sails released out of 1268 hooked for an overall average of 16 per boat-day with the high boat going 34 of 44. On the fly side, there were 127 released sails out of 306 hooked for an overall average of four per boat-day with the high boat going 12 for 14. There were also several marlin that showed up and a couple were released on light conventional tackle. Dorado were encountered by every boat, and made a nice addition to many dinner tables. Inshore, there were a couple of roosterfish also released.
Jack Balch, from Fremont, Calif., finished up his trip last Sun. and here is his take on the trip:
“Thank you for a fantastic trip. I don't believe you can find a greater concentration of sailfish then I saw in Guatemala. One day we raised fish 22 different times. Often multiple fish were raised at the same time. I actually had two fish fighting to try and get my fly at the same time. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to catch a sailfish on the fly.”
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: SE 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Feb 26, 2005; 01:53PM - Guatemala Sizzles; Z-What Hot; Others Lukewarm
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Thursday’s (2/24) beach trip went fairly well with two small roosters, one small jack and a couple of ladyfish. Yesterday (2/25) we were out in a panga with little success. The North wind came up and we couldn't find the dead whale. On the bright side, we did get one 55-pound dorado trolling conventional gear. No sardines yet.
The North wind is back. Fishing has dropped off. I'm still able to catch some ladyfish and small jacks from shore early and I mean early – the bite is over by 7:30. The whale is gone and so are the dorado. There are a few dorado around but no concentrations. Red, and black is what worked a few days ago. As has been the case all winter, there are more marlin than usual for this time of year. Some yellowfin were caught a few days ago, but that was before the wind came back. The roosters have disappeared, but I'm sure they will be back on the beach when the wind quits. I landed two one day on a gray and white deceiver. The fish are scattered, but most boats are going south. Sierra have been hard to find. Local people say it’s because of the fleet of shrimp boats that have been fishing every night for the last week. I don't know how much truth there is to that. It is cloudy and cool. I hope the water doesn't cool off too much.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 60-68
Humidity 58%
Wind: NNE 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
It’s been a little cooler this week, but all-in-all nice weather. The few that ventured out to the entrada (entrance) were not disappointed. A few small yellows and leopard groupers couldn’t resist a slow retrieved Baja Deep Diver. Up at Devil’s Curve, the snook did their snipe impression and were among the missing this week. As usual for this time of year, more time was spent whale watching than fishing.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 60-68
Humidity 93%
Wind: WNW 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:27 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water has moved out a bit to the 6 mile mark, and I thought the full moon was going to affect our fishing. The pattern was holding true for most of the boats fishing the normal 8 to 14 mile areas. But, early yesterday morning (Friday) I logged onto the Terrafin Surface Temperature Satellite Service and noted decent water from 19- to 30-miles out. Martin, on the panga Isamar, fly-fishing client Kirk Strawn of Chicago, and I then fished the areas from 19 to 28 miles on a 180 degree heading.
It was Kirk's first fly-fishing experience for sailfish, but he managed 3 tagged and released sails by 10 o'clock. As we got back to pier, Santiago, on the panga Gitana, was right behind us and flying 6 tag and release flags for conventional gear fisherman Russ Kirtchner of Indiana. They had gone 20 miles on a 200 degree heading. This bite is not off, it has only moved out a few miles.
A couple of days ago, I saw a lot of bait and birds working the shoreline at Barra Pototsi. Kirk and I are taking the 9-weight there this morning, for some jack crevalle and black skipjack tuna action from the beach.
Roosterfish action was very slow this week however, and there are still no signs of the tuna.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:51 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The conditions this past week were really nice with calm seas and fishing action from 5- to 15-miles out. There have been some days with tougher conditions, and others where the sails were just jumping in the boats. There are a lot of anglers down, and most of the boats are venturing out. During the week on the conventional side there were 2,314 hooked sails and 1,542 released sails for an average of 24 releases per boat day. On the fly side there were 691 hooked sails and 340 released sails for an average of 10 releases per boat day. The high boat on the conventional side for the week had 72 releases in a day and on the fly side had 27 releases. Truly spectacular results for a week! In the mix of all the sails were also some monsters with quite a few sails being reported in the 100-140 pound class. One of our clients on our feedback form said, 'The thrill of these huge sails is going to be hard to describe.” There were dorado in the mix as well, and inshore there were several roosterfish released in one afternoon of fishing.
We also ventured over to Huatulco, Mexico last week, and will begin offering trips in March. This location looks really fabulous from a fishing standpoint with excellent billfish action from March through August. It also offers great activities for non-anglers in the group including stunning beaches and scenery. During our stay there was great action reported on yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin. Look for our upcoming reports in the next couple of weeks.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:21 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:11 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Feb 19, 2005; 04:14PM - All Signs of Spring Say GO!
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Fishing here has turned on. A Spa boat went out two days ago (2/16) and found a dead whale. They landed 26 dorado from under and around it. Skipjack are biting well and some sierra early. The shore fishing has been good. I can catch ladyfish every time I go out. I landed four jacks and one rooster yesterday (2/17). The wind is still blowing out of the north, creating large waves. The afternoon fly-fishing from shore is tough. Most of my fish have come from casting a baitcaster and surface lures a long way out. A white jumping minnow is by far the best lure. The ladyfish are in close early and will hit a variety of flies. White and olive Clousers with lots of flash work best. Pink and purple still the best colors for the skipjack.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 68-71
Humidity 58%
Wind: North 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Nice weather most of the week brought out the whale-watchers in full force. The entrada produced a few small yellows, sierra and a full-on barracuda bite. Up at Devil’s Curve, the snook still continued their elusive ways with only a few small ones caught. Up at Lopez Mateos, the Whale Festival is history and it is back to business as usual. Not much action on the outside where lumpy conditions persisted. Corvina, sierra and a few leopard grouper were all that could be found in the esteros this week
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-71
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:23 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We are certainly having one of our best Februarys for the last couple of years. Historically, February is one of the best months of the year, and this year is proving it so.
The 80 degree blue water is still only a couple of miles off the beach and no boat is traveling further than 20 miles to find fish. Most of the sailfish are being taken between the 8 and 12 mile mark.
I was talking with the captains this morning (Saturday) on the municipal pier, and we were recounting the number of fish they have released this week. Everybody was running out of fingers and toes. Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos had the best week. He fished the blue water four days and never released less than eight sails, with two days of 13 releases. Adolpho also fished for roosters three days and tallied numbers of 9, 5, and 4 roosters each day. They averaged about 30 pounds, with a few fish well over 50 pounds. He also averaged between 8 and 10 jack crevalle on those days. The big jacks were about 15- to 20-pounds.
Santiago, on the panga Gitana, released 38 sailfish in the last seven days. And, Cheva, the captain of the Dos Hermanos II, released 30 sailfish for his four days in the blue water.
Scott McKane of New Jersey, fishing with Orlando on the panga Tequila, averaged four sailfish a day, while looking for the yellowfin tuna. They never found the tuna, but with the sails and a few dorado, he was really excited about the quality of fishing he has had.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 89
Humidity 83%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:49 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The conditions this past week have been very nice, with the run to the fishing getting longer during the week. Early in the week, the run was 2-5 miles and it grew to 20 miles later in the week. The early part of the week started off with some lower production and tough times for the anglers, but the later parts of the week came on strong, and for the sails the boats hooked 243 sails and released 149 of them on the conventional side, and hooked 46 and released 21 on the fly side. Dorado again made a consistent showing, and a few boats even got in to some grouper action during slow sailfishing times. Roosters were also present with most of the action occurring on live bait on outgoing tides.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 82
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 11mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:09 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Feb 12, 2005; 01:34PM - That Glimmer of Light Looks Like Spring
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
The wind is out of the east at about 10 knots and cloudy the last few days including scattered rain showers. The surf is large, but not choppy. The water is warming and clearing. Fishing is good for marlin and OK for dorado. Sierra are hard to find. A Buena Vista boat went out on Tues. (2/8) and caught one marlin, two dorado and two tuna. A “tin boat” angler went out yesterday, landed a dorado and hooked a marlin close to shore. Pink and purple seem to be the preferred colors. Shore fishing has been slow, but a few ladyfish were chasing bait yesterday off the beach here. First ladyfish I have seen in awhile.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 66-69
Humidity 88%
Wind: West 4 mph
Conditions: Light Rain
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Wind and rain dominated the area this week. Whale watchers needed slickers to stay dry. No one seemed to mind as there are plenty of whales and even a few with calves already. The trip out to the entrada yielded small yellowtail, barracuda and a few leopard grouper. The trick is getting your fly down deep enough in the water column for the grouper. For the first time this year, Devil’s Curve produced a couple of decent snook – one 16-pounds and the other 12. Weather reports call for improving conditions during the week. Anyone want to get snookered? Up at Lopez Mateos the Whale Festival is in full swing and the town is packed with tourists who couldn’t resist the combination of whales and a party.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water is only a mile off the beach and the sailfish fishing has been very good. Historically, Feb. is one of our very best months. But, the last three years has seen a 150 boat kill tournament at the end of Jan., and unseasonable cool water moving in about the second week, essentially shutting everything down. This year, we were able to eliminate the kill tournament (which is another story), and the current has cooperated.
Client Jim Rainey of Denver fished with Captain Cheva on the Dos Hermanos II earlier in the week, and released eight sailfish on conventional gear. The next day, Cheva went back out to the same spot and released 10. While guiding Tim Martin and Russ Coleman of Houston, with Cheva yesterday (Fri.), we raised one blue marlin and six sails. We were fly-fishing with only two hookless teasers out. Russ hooked two sailfish, and missed one. We backed the missed fish up with live bait, a circle hook, 30-pound gear, and shortly Tim had his first ever sailfish released. With nothing on the boat other than flyrods or 30 pound gear, we did not even try for the marlin.
Captain Santiago, on the panga Gitana, is averaging about five tagged and released sailfish a day, for this last seven days. And, for some interesting competition, his brother Adan, on the new Gitana II, is doing exactly the same.
The blue marlin are finally showing up in decent numbers. The 38-foot cruiser Yellowfin II has raised five marlin in three days and hooked one. The released fish was estimated at about 250-pounds.
(On a special note, I want to thank David Holts, of the NOAA in La Jolla, for sending me another 250 tags for tagging and releasing the billfish. I distribute them to all the captains. Please, when you come down here to Zihuatanejo, bring some of the Billfish Foundation or NOAA tags with you. E-mail me if you need instructions on how to get them.)
I may have to eat a few words I have written in the last couple of weekly fish reports. I thought the roosterfish, in catchable numbers, were out of here, at least for the time being until their appearance again in July. However, Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, fishing with a client from England, caught 18 jack crevalle and six roosters Thursday (2/10). They got the roosters on poppers and slow-trolled live bait near the antennas location, 26 miles south. Then yesterday, Martin on the panga Isamar, went 15 miles north and hooked four nice roosters on live bait. All the roosters were in the 30- to 40-pound class.
Inshore, several nice sierra to eight pounds have been taken.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind: West 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:14 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:46 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Conditions in Guatemala have been unusual with the fleet putting the teasers out just a few miles from the marina. I only have stats from Thurs. (2/10), where boats on the conventional side released 156 of 217 hooked sails. On the fly-side, 13 of 31 hooked sails were released. There were also some stellar performances with one boat that had a 90% hookup ratio on 40 raised sails. No marlin to report this week, but the dorado made a strong showing. Inshore, there were several roosters released in one afternoon of fishing.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 77 - 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:27 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:07 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Feb 7, 2005; 09:55AM - Oh, to be in Guatemala for the Sailfish Blitz
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
There’s no nice way to say it: the fishing is slow. Five days of north winds have cooled the water and made it a cloudy green. There are still some small dorado by Punta Pescadero. Sierra are scattered and only seem to bite early. Best sierra bite is by Rancho Leonero. Boats going 40 miles out have had some luck on dorado and marlin. The possibility of strong winds has kept most of the fleet closer to home. The wind finally died down some yesterday (2/4). Hopefully we will get a break for a few days.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 64-68
Humidity 43%
Wind: NNW 14 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:09 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Whales dominated the scene at both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos this week. The few pangas that ventured out to the entrada found scratchy fishing yielding only fair results including a few small yellows, grouper and barracuda. Up at Lopez Mateos, the annual celebration of the whales, “Festival Ballena Gris,” will be held Feb. 12. The event will include the crowning of a Queen of the Festival and the celebration of what many locals are calling the best whale-watching season in several years. The esteros continued the same pattern of slow fishing influenced by poor weather reinforced by strong winds.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water has moved out to about 12 miles. Most of the fleet is fishing the area between 14 and 22 miles, and not doing very well. They are only averaging about one sailfish a day. The Terrifin Satellite Surface Temperature service clearly shows the cooler water being within the 10 mile mark, mixed water out to about 28 miles, and then good warm water from 30 miles and beyond.
It also stands to reason the few boats fishing beyond the 30 mile mark are doing very well, averaging five and six sailfish released a day.
A few mature dorado, between 20 and 35 pounds, are being taken at a rate of one dorado for every five boats on the water.
Butch Cooley, fishing with Capt. Martin on the panga “Isamar,” made a 35 mile run yesterday for roosters. They only had one strike on a surface popper.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 63%
Wind: South 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:43 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The overall conditions have been very nice in the San Jose area this past week. There were more boats out for a women’s light tackle tournament that is going on. For sailfish there were 447 releases on 668 bites. On the fly-fishing side, there were 34 releases for 60 bites. The action has been at 10 miles on quite a few of the days, with still a few boats ranging out as far as 20 miles. There are good reports of dorado being caught by the boats, but no action on tuna. Inshore, once again there were no clients out, but there were several roosters caught by a couple of the captains who were testing the waters.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: ESE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:01 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Jan 23, 2005; 08:27AM - Winds, Winds, Winds . . . Phooey!
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Yvonne and Gary will be attending the Fly Show in Somerset, NJ January 27-29. If you are attending the show don’t miss Gary’s presentations on –
Friday 4:30 Guatemala on the Fly
Saturday 3:30 Baja on the Fly
Calm today. Early sierra bite good at Rancho Leonero. Lots of skipjack all over. Anything
purple seems to work. Water is clear. Everyone hopes the wind stays calm for a few days.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 64-69
Humidity 43%
Wind: North 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:59 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Nice weather greeted the large number of folks arriving to get up close and personal with the whales this week. Best action continued to be out at the entrada. A few yellows, small grouper and the barracuda were thick. I am not aware of anyone who ventured up into the esteros this week, so there is little to report on that front. Up at Lopez Mateos the focus is primarily on the whales and the upcoming annual celebration of the Whales, “Festival Ballena Gris” will be held Feb. 12.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 33%
Wind: West 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:04 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water is less than a mile off the beach, and the gamefish have come in with the water. Most captains are working an area from 5 to 8 miles from the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay, with none going any further than 13 miles. The boats are averaging about 8 raised fish a day. The conventional gear anglers are releasing an average of 4 sailfish a day, with the fly fishermen getting at least one and sometimes two a day.
Several boats this week have released 7 fish a day. Santiago on the panga “Gitana” released 7 fish two days running with client Bill Grey of South Carolina. Santiago has, over this last 6 days, released 30 sailfish total.
Baja on the Fly client Derek Fasio hooked and released his first sailfish on the fly, as well as Tom Burns of Boston.
Dorado are still scarce, and only being taken while trolling sailfish gear. The tuna have moved out to the 35 mile mark.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 82
Humidity 83%
Wind: SW 6 mph
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:35 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather this past week was downright ugly, with very windy conditions. A few boats ventured out, but the fishing was difficult to put it best. As the week went on, the conditions have improved, and the numbers on sailfish improved. There was a blue marlin also released. Inshore, where the wind slowly sandblasted you, there was some good action on roosterfish, and strangely enough, several dorado and a sail were caught. The water color varied between blue and bluish green in the productive areas.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:58 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Jan 15, 2005; 01:19PM - It's Winter Almost Everywhere
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
The fishing right now is poor. The wind is blowing and the waves are up to 10 feet high. Biggest surf I have ever seen here. Water is brown and cooling off. The fishing was OK before the wind started. Bob at the tackle shop caught a 25 pound rooster at La Rivera on a top water plug. The Sierra that were south of the light house left. A Spa boat went there 4 days ago and didn't get any. Locals have been catching good numbers of Sierra north of town on silver homemade lures and hand lines. The bite stops at first light. Some small Dorado and a few skip
Jacks at Punta Pescadero, blue and white still the favored color.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
OFFSHORE: More winter weather kept boats close to shore
INSHORE: Punta Pescadero for small dorado early morning
BEACH: Still some sierra and small roosters if you can beat the wind
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 43%
Wind: North 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:54 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The Entrada produced a few yellows as well as leopard grouper if the fly below all of the barracuda on the surface. Up in the esteros the Corvina shut off leaving only the cabrilla for the few fishing this week. The whale count continued to climb with more than 15 spotted near the Entrada.
Lopez Mateos…Last week local fishermen caught a 80lb grouper. Outside the channel it was slow do to weather.3 to 4 whales spotted and one mom and her calf in the bay. Lopez Mateo will be having the Whale Festival soon. Diana Hoyt, Magbay Outfitters.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-73
Humidity 33%
Wind: NE 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:59 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water is just off the beach a couple of miles, and the inshore water is clear and clean. The fishing for sailfish has slowed down a bit over the last week. Most boats going out are raising 3 to 4 a day, but only hooking one or two.
However, a lot of boats are taking some 30 to 45 pound dorado. All the dorado are being caught as an 'incidental catch' while trolling for sailfish. Plus the yellowfin tuna have been making a strong showing this week. It is good to see the dorado and tuna back. I have had fresh fish for dinner 4 nights this week. The tuna have been located at the 16 mile mark, and some of them are huge. The majority of the tuna are going about 60 pounds, but the panga Paola did boat a 250 pond fish.
The strong roosterfish and jack crevalle bite has finally slowed down to a normal winter time pace. Only one or two fish per day are being taken per boat.
Ed Kunze
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 87
Humidity 66%
Wind: WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:31 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather continues to be great with fairly calm seas, and the fishing action has been steady all week long. There were no local boats out, but some visiting boats experienced some excellent action on sails and Dorado. One boat averaged 17 releases per day on the fly over 3 days, and one averaged 20 per day on conventional tackle. The boats have mainly been fishing 20-27 miles offshore, but are seeing fish in as close as 10 miles.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 55%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:54 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Jan 10, 2005; 06:42PM - It's Definitely Winter
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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:
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Fishing is slow. Winter has definitely returned. We experienced strong north winds both yesterday and today. Sierra – the best ceviche – are by the pyramids north of town, accessible from shore early; and still lots of sierra from the lighthouse south to Cabo Pulmo. Natural color flies, white and green, and white grey seem to work best. We can no longer get sardina at Cabo Pulmo. There were some roosterfish at the lighthouse before the wind came, but five-foot surf and dirty cold water has shut off the shore fishing. Offshore fishing was good for small dorado until the wind came. No boats have gone out the last two days.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
OFFSHORE: North winds made for a tough week
INSHORE: Last week’s dorado took a hike when the winds came
BEACH: Still some sierra and small roosters if you can beat the wind
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 66-71
Humidity 39%
Wind: 16 mph from the SSE
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:41 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Marginal weather persisted most of the week causing an uncomfortable ride for yachts traveling through the area. By the end of the week it was clear skies and no wind prevailed. I think the crews were spending more time hanging on than fishing. Water temps definitely cooled down this week. The entrada produced fair-to-good fishing for small yellowtail, leopard grouper and barracuda. The whale count continues to grow each week and both Lopez Mateos and San Carlos are beginning to fill up with eager tourists in search of an up-close and personal experience with a unsuspecting whale. Still little action to report in the esteros from both San Carlos and Lopez Mateos.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-71
Humidity 18%
Wind: NW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
I have been reflecting on how we have very calm seas here in Mexico from October through June, compared to what’s happening off the coasts of the U.S. the last few weeks. Plus the fishing is good. Calm seas and good fishing is a hard combination to beat.
The blue water is close and a lot of sailfish are being caught. There are not too many dorado or tuna, but a few blue marlin are starting to show. Client Bob Nelson released his first fly-caught sailfish while fishing with Capt. Martin on the panga “Isamar.” It was the first time he had ever had a flyrod in his hands, and was a little more than impressed about the experience. Also fly-fishing with Capt. Martin for one day was Tom Marshal of Idaho and John Wilkinson of Ohio. They hooked three sails and had raised 8.
Conventional gear fishermen Rick Erdman and his son fished three days on the “Gitana II” with Capt. Adan. They released a total of 12 sailfish.
Capt. Adolpho of the panga “Dos Hermanos,” and his compadre Arturo of the panga “Janneth,” made the 30 mile run to Papanoa for roosters. Normally at this time of the year the roosters start to thin out a bit, but they each hooked at least 8 and 8 jack crevalle. The roosters were averaging about 35 pounds, and the hard-fighting jacks were about 15 pounds. The fish were taken on slow trolled live bait or surface poppers.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 66%
Wind: 9 mph from the WSW
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather has been great, and the fishing action has been picking up all week long. There were very few boats out, but those that did venture out experienced some excellent action on sails. Dorado and Tuna are around, and there have been a lot more tuna on the docks than we have seen in a long time. Inshore no one was out.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
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Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 55%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:50 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Dec 25, 2004; 08:59AM - Plenty of Dorado, Sails and North Winds
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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:
Plenty of Dorado, Sails and North Winds
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 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Dec. 24, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (12/18-12/23)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: While fishing continues to be good for this late in the
year, the winds have made it difficult to enjoy. On Wed. (12/22) there
was some decent dorado action around the shark buoys near Punta
Pescadero. We counted several marlin and one sailfish on one the few
boats that ventured out. If you prefer to stay a bit closer to home,
the early morning sierra bite at the lighthouse has been great. Any
flies with a little blue in them seem to be the hot ticket right now.
Everyone is hoping that Santa brings lots of goodies and, as a special
gift to East Cape, takes the North wind with him.
This is Tim Stelzer’s first report since returning last week from his
summer guiding in Alaska. He will be guiding for Baja on the Fly both at
East Cape and Magdalena Bay until late April, we are excited to have him
back again this year.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 55-73
Humidity about 60%
Wind: North 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:42 p.m. MST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
+ OFFSHORE: If you feel lucky, there are still a few billfish around
+ INSHORE: We expect the Sierra this time of year, so bring some wire.
The dorado are a nice Christmas present.
+ BEACH: Windy conditions have made it tough. I did hear of several
quality roosters landed near the lighthouse earlier in the week.
BILLFISH – Even a sail or two this week.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Action still down toward Cabo Pulmo and beyond. It’s an
ugly ride home if the dreaded North wind cranks up.
DORADO – Shark buoys in front of Punta Pescadero still holding a few.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – The word “challenging” describes it best.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Still some schools down toward Cabo Pulmo.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Only a few on the rocky points.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of blue flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Good traveling weather on the outside as several yachts head
up the line for Christmas. Still a few billfish, dorado, tuna and wahoo
to break up the monotony. Inside, with few clients interested in
fishing, there was more attention paid to Christmas preparations. With
whale-watching season just around the corner, everyone is hoping Santa
will bring some of the friendly giants with him on his visit tonight.
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 60- 69
Humidity 91%
Wind North 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:08 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
YELLOWTAIL – A few smaller firecrackers under the birds at the entrada.
CORVINA – A few small ones at the pier and bridge.
SNOOK – North end of the bay is the best bet.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slowly retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – Under the bird schools is the best.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Clean water is just off the beach and the majority of the
boats are releasing 3 to 5 sailfish a day. I guided Scott Kelly from
Juneau, Alaska for fly-fishing with Captain Martin on the panga Isamar.
Before heading out that morning, from the Terrifin Satellite Surface
Temperatures chart, I had noticed a well-defined area holding 80.5
degree water, with the rest of the areas all in a scrambled egg pattern
of 83 to 85 degree water. The body of cooler water paid off with a huge
sailfish tagged and released, and a couple of fly-caught yellowfin tuna.
The sailfish was estimated at 120-pounds and the tuna were football sized.
There are lots of yellowfin here, with the majority of them in the 12-
to 20-pound size. We did notice schools of 50- to 60-pound fish crashing
on bait, but they proved to be elusive.
Water Temperature 80-84
Air Temperature 75-86
Humidity 94%
Wind WSW 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 8,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:18 p.m. CST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: The anglers who were down Guatemala-way this week
experienced some tough conditions, but all went away happy. The overall
release numbers were down to what other areas experience, at about 3-7
per day, but dorado action in-close made up for the tough sailfishing.
All of the boats were able to experience great action with dorado. Once
again we had no one fishing inshore.
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 100 %
Wind South 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:23 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:42 p.m. CST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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Dec 18, 2004; 01:06PM - East Cape Winds, Zihuatanejo Sails Highlight Week
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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 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Dec. 18, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (12/11-12/17)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: Wind . . . wind . . . wind: another cookie cutter week. This is the time of year that drives the locals’ nuts. Much more time is spent decorating than fishing! There are still some fish around; the trick is to find them before the wind finds you.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 59-78
Humidity about 60%
Wind: North 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:37 p.m. MST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
+ OFFSHORE: Few billfish and tuna for the lucky.
+ INSHORE: Sierra have begun their annual snap, so bring some wire.
+ BEACH: The earlier the better.
BILLFISH – Still a few resident fish hanging around.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Everything seems to be in the southern sector, which means a bumpy ride home.
DORADO – Look closer to shore between La Ribera and the lighthouse.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – Slow this week.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Not much this week.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Only a few on the rocky points.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Big news this week was that several yachts traveling though the area found a wad of wahoo on the Thetis. Still a few billfish reported in the southern sector below Punta Tasca from the pinnacle on down 10-15 miles. Not many fishing in the esteros at San Carlos and just a few up at Lopez Mateos. Both areas reported decent action for corvina and sierra with a few grouper, pargo and even an occasional snook for the persistent.
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 66-71
Humidity 91%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:41 p.m. MST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
YELLOWTAIL – No one made it out to the entrada this week, so it’s a “maybe.”
CORVINA – Much smaller than earlier in the year.
SNOOK – Ruben’s secret spot still producing a few.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slowly retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – Under the bird schools is the best.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The November/December issue of the IGFA’s “International Angler” newsletter features recently appointed IGFA Representative Ed Kunze. Congratulations. That brings the total to three IGFA Representatives from Baja on the Fly including Yvonne and I.
The blue water is only a couple of miles off the beach and the fishing is close. The fishing for sailfish has been very good. Paul Phillips of Westbank, British Columbia fished 3 short days with Adan on the panga “Gitana II” this week. They never fished more than three hours each day with Paul tagging and releasing 10 sailfish.
Richard Boselly of Mission Viejo, Calif., fished four miles out of Zihuatanejo Bay with Captain Cali on the panga “Zapitito Gordo.” They were back at the dock before noon with 4 sailfish releases.
There were two great days on the water on the “Vamonos II” for Doug Murphy of New Jersey. The first day his group of three released 6 sailfish. The second day they fished for two hours and then went to Ixtapa Island. They were back after only 5 hours including spending time snorkeling at Ixtapa Island. While they waited, one of the two 45-pound dorado was being prepared for lunch.
The best inshore fishing is for roosterfish and jack crevalle down at Puerto Vicente Gro. They are hitting poppers and flies. Richard Boselly was there for a couple of days early in the week with Cali. They had a blast on big roosters and jacks with poppers and spin gear.
Water Temperature 80-84
Air Temperature 75-86
Humidity 83%
Wind WSW 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 8,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: We didn’t receive a report this week and have to assume that they are all out whacking ’em.
LAST WEEK: This past week the fishing has blown wide open in Guatemala and is as hot as it gets! Many boats are experiencing more than 50 releases per day, and several are having personal best days. One boat also had 27 releases on the fly. A few marlin have made showings, but have been difficult, and dorado are around. The weather has been great overall, and those guys that have come down fishing are all smiles after they recover from the non-stop action. If the action holds, this should be one incredible season that you won’t want to miss!
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 100 %
Wind South 2 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. CST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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