PRE-TOURNAMENT EAST CAPE FISHING WEEK
PRODUCED BLUE MARLIN OF 400 TO 614 POUNDS

July 30, 2005, Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly, East Cape fly fishing report, Baja Caifornia Sur, Mexico:

The tuna just keep biting in the East Cape fishing area, but every day is different.

On Wednesday (7/27), Michael Hibbard, Southbury, Conn., headed out to find grumpy seas pushed by a 20 knot south wind. It was almost two hours before the porpoise school could be located. Once found, it was only a few minutes before the distinctive thwack-thwack of the reel handle hitting Michael’s thumb could be heard. From then until quitting time it was almost constant action for tuna and white bonito.

Yesterday (7/29), Michael chose to try the beach and had almost perfect weather for the morning. While he added several new species to his list, we didn’t see Bubba all day.

Next week brings the Bisbee Tournament to East Cape focusing on blue marlin. While that is probably not real important to the fly angler, the fact that last week produced a 400-plus, 500-plus, and a whopping 614-pound blue marlin has the town is abuzz with anticipation for what the participants may find during the event.

Dr. Manuel Doria, Peoria, Ill., fishing out of Cabo and braving "Victory at Sea" conditions, was looking for a striped marlin on the fly. The shots he had were few and far between and didn’t work out. Accompanied by his friend Helena who was a first-timer to the salt, she had better luck and managed to catch and release her first striped marlin ever.

Water temperature 73-88. Air temperature. Partly Cloudy.