LOTS OF MARLIN BITING IN EAST CAPE WATERS THIS WEEK, JULY 15, 2005

July 15, 2005, Russ Fritz, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico Fishing:

The fishing is wide open on the East Cape right now. After my son and Sonya's wedding on Saturday, I have been fishing every day with someone who came from the USA for the event. It was a wonderful service, and extremely memorable fiesta, complete with the wedding cake delivered by the Police from San Jose.

The "First Marlin" catch list includes: My son-in-law, Juan Rosales, from Edna, Texas, Grandpa Dave Casper, Mike Casper, Dalton Casper, & Dillon Casper, all from Eureka, Calif., my nephew Gene Fritz, from Fresno, Calif., and Dave Jeffers from Eureka, Calif.

Multiple sailfish have also been caught and released, most notably, 2 by Dalton Casper, age 10, both in the same day. Most on the list also caught & released their 2nd marlin or a sailfish.

Yesterday was another day of strong wind from the east after 10 a.m. or so. My nephew Gene Fritz and I got a double, with both marlin hitting at the same moment on "Mardigras" pattern lures. We had a Party with Mardi, as we bounced around in my little panga with 5 to 6 foot seas. The seas picked up some during the double struggle, and we took several breaking waves over the side of my almost submarine. Both striped marlin were eventually released, but Gene's fish found a burst of energy as I grabbed the bill, almost pulling me in the water. Luckily the frantic gyrations threw the hook, and I stayed in the boat. I did manage to get the best photo of a jumping marlin that I have ever taken. I'm fishing again today.