EAST CAPE FISHING BOAT FAT CAT STORED FOR MEXICO'S CHUBASCO SEASON

July 24-Aug. 7, 2005, Bill Burkett, Fat Cat, East Cape, Mexico Fishing Report:

I was simply too busy pre-fishing my friend Dan Steimle's boat VIVIENDO BIEN for the East Cape Bisbee Tournament to get a report written last week. This will also be my last report for awhile, as I'm going to keep FAT CAT safely stored in the garage for "Chubasco" season.

In 4 days of East Cape fishing before the tournament VIVIENDO BIEN (Living Well) raised 7 billfish and released 1 blue marlin (est. 275 lbs.), 1 striped marlin and 3 sailfish.

Although the team, consisting of myself, Dan Steimle, Dave Stephens and Darin Fitzgerald, didn't win or place in the tournament, we didn't embarrass ourselves either.

Over the three days of the East Cape tournament we released 4 striped marlin, 2 sailfish and boated one 25 pound dorado.

One of the stripers was the largest I'd seen all season and was over 200 pounds. Unfortunately, size didn't matter in regards to points earned.

We also missed two blue marlin on day one. One of which looked to be about 400 pounds. We lost that fish twice! After ripping off 75 yards of line on the strike and coming off, she came back for a second hit as the lure was being reeled back into position. Although she was hooked for a longer run, she came unbuttoned a second time. Oh well, maybe next year.