SOUTHERN SEA OF CORTEZ, MEXICO FLY FISHING
BACK TO NORMAL AFTER PASSAGE OF TROPICAL STORM

July 17, 2004, Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico Fly Fishing:

EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO IN GENERAL: This week brought the first tropical depression Blas to East Cape which resulted in a few unsettled days. By this morning (7/17), cloudless skies and flat seas greeted the boats as they headed out. Blue marlin have begun to arrive for a big East Cape fishing tournament scheduled for early Aug. Tuna are at 20 miles, dorado close to shore, roosters and jacks cruising the beaches provided lots of choices for the flyrodder.

AIR & SEA - East Cape water temperature 74-88 Air temperature 77-97 Humidity about 76% Wind: Calm Conditions: Clear Visibility 5 miles.

OFFSHORE: As the storm moved out toward the west, East Cape fishing steadily regained its momentum. Not wide open, but improving every day.

INSHORE: Small dorado in close (less than 3 miles from shore), a few roosters and jacks also found feeding on small schools of sardina.

BEACH: Wave action mid week stirred thing up a tad. As of yesterday (7/16) afternoon, wind waves had subsided, East Cape water had cleaned up and a few roosters and jacks could be see feeding as the sun went down.

BILLFISH – Typical East Cape summer action with enough blues to keep you on your toes.

YELLOWFIN TUNA – Seem to be holding near the 20 mile mark, mostly football-sized with a few fatties now and then.

DORADO – Good numbers of smaller fish close to shore, perfect for the flyrod. Further outside, some larger ones can be found under anything floating.

ROOSTERFISH\JACK CREVALLE – Just like clockwork in front of the East Cape hotels every afternoon as the boats discard the left over sardina. First the ladyfish and then the jacks and roosters come a slashing.

BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – From the lighthouse to La Ribera just a few miles offshore.

PARGO AND CABRILLA – A few smaller ones on the rocky points.

SIERRA – Not enough to change to wire.