HEAVY RAIN COMES TO THE EAST CAPE FISHING VACATION AREA

East Cape, Mexico Fishing, Chris Moyers, East Cape Smoke House, Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2004:

East Cape Fishing Charters 159. Anglers 482.

SPECIES INCLUDING RELEASES: Blue Marlin 2. Striped Marlin 19. Sailfish 56. Dorado 169. Yellowfin Tuna 367. Wahoo 10.

East Cape Water Temperature 82-89. Air Temperature HIGH 95 LOW 70

We've been having a bit of stormy weather down here on the East Cape which has affected the fishing somewhat, as indicated by the all-important fish-per numbers. The drop-off in numbers at East Cape can also be attributed to the full moon we had midweek.

East Cape had a heavy rain last Friday, as well as on Tuesday night. As expected, the wind also picked up on those days too. Speaking of wind, we're currently keeping a close eye on Hurricane Howard. It looks like Howie may just pass us on by down here in southern Baja. As of 8:00 a.m. today (Friday), Howie was located at 20.3 N and 115.6 W with sustained winds of about 73 m.p.h. Cabo San Lucas, on the other hand is located at about 23.5 N and 110 W, so Howie is located to the SW of the southern tip of Baja as of this morning, and predicted to just mosey on up N-NW in a manner parallel to the Baja.

Other environmental factors include East Cape air temps ranging between 70-95. The cooler temps can be attributed to a bunch of cloud cover this past week. Terrafin indicated a water temp range of 82-89. The moon is currently waning from full so look for East Cape fish-per numbers to climb over the next week, weather permitting. bait-wise, East Cape has mackerel and sardines for the fish to snack on.

The East Cape billfish bite was pretty dismal this past week. Most success was enjoyed catching Sailfish. Even the Sails overall catch rate was down to about 11%, which ain't all to great. Anyhow, East Cape anglers reported their Sailfish landings either straight off Los Barriles (13-30 miles), and down south off Punta Arena (10-18 miles).

As far as Striped Marlin are concerned, East Cape anglers reported limited action to the south between the waters of La Ribera (17-20 miles), Las Barracas (8-12 miles), and Los Meganos Blancos (2 miles).

Only a couple East Cape Blue Marlin were reportedly landed off La Ribera (4-6 miles). The billfish are still biting on mackerel and various lures.

The East Cape Dorado bite was quite a bit better than that of the billfish, although even that fell off a bit. The overall catch rate was down to about 35%, but remember, we always expect a bit of a drop during the full moon. Personally, I think the weather played a bigger part in the drop-off. Anyway, as has been the trend lately, the Dorado are not hanging out too far from shore. Anglers reported some Dodo fun to the south off Rancho Leonero (2-3 miles), Punta Colorada (1-3 miles), Los Cerritos (10-12 miles), Las Barracas (10-12 miles), and Destiladeras (2 miles). Mackerel, sardines and hoochies did the trick regarding Dorado this past week.

The East Cape Yellowfin bite remained pretty consistent and there are some real nice fish being caught. The overall catch rate was about 76%. Not too bad! Many tuna are in the 30-40 lb. class so guys are having some fun, that's for sure. The fish are a bit farther out than they were the previous week however. East Cape anglers are reporting success mostly to the south between La Ribera (13-36 miles), Punta Arena (15-20 miles), and Los Frailes (28-49 miles). Anglers also had some fun to the north off Punta Pescadero (40-44 miles). Mackerel, sardines, hoochies and cedar plugs continued to be the drugs of choice among the pelagic species known as Yellowfinus Tunacomidas.

Rounding out the report were 10 Wahoo, landed between the East Cape fishing waters of La Ribera (10-19 miles), and Destiladeras (2-8 miles), and 1 big ol' Grouper.