LOTS OF FOOTBALL TUNA CAUGHT THIS WEEK
BY THE EAST CAPE FISHING BOAT FAT CAT

Aug. 21, 2003, Bill Burkett, Fat Cat, East Cape fishing, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

We had lots of fun on Fat Cat this week. Although there were no big blue marlin in our catches, we had a ball catching football tuna on light tackle, near La Ribera, each morning we fished. We caught limits, or near limits of tuna each day and then trolled further out for billfish after the morning bite ended (typically about 10AM).

Our trolling efforts resulted in the release of one or two sailfish each day, a nice 25lb. dorado and a missed chance with a nice striped marlin. So, we've been happy!

It appears that the larger offshore dorado are starting to return to our East Cape fishing waters. Besides the one we caught a number of other fish in the 25-45 lb. range were landed this week by other local gringos and the hotel boats are also bringing in some larger fish.

The blue marlin bite has slowed considerably at East Cape. One Mexican Captain I know believes it's because the water is too warm right now. With water temps running 85 to 90 degrees, he may be right.

The warm water is a reminder that "Chubasco" season is here and it's about time to take Fat Cat out of the water and put her in the garage where she'll be safe for a few weeks. So, this may be the last East Cape fishing report for a month or so. However, if the weather holds and the fish are biting we may keep her out there for a little while longer. We'll see.