EAST CAPE FISHING AREA ENJOYS PERFECT SUMMER SEA CONDITIONS

Aug. 13, 2005, Russ Fritz, La Ribera, East Cape, Baja fishing, Mexico:

Post-Bisbee's fishing at East Cape, remains very good for striped marlin, both close to La Ribera, and 5 to 9 miles off the lighthouse.

Fishing water temperatures at East Cape are up to 84 to 87 degrees, and the mackerel have come back, so we have great live bait.

Sea conditions are perfect, with glassy flat mornings, and light afternoon breezes. Air temperatures are pleasant in the a.m. with hot afternoons, but the breezes help.

While fishing on Tuesday, we released a small striper, and lost a monster blue, that took over 550 yards of line off a 30 International. The reel was still smoking, when my buddy Scott Wilson, modified that famous line from "Jaws." "Were gonna need bigger gear", was how he said it.

Tuesday, there was also a hot tuna bite at Las Barracas, and everyone got bit. We missed it, as we were fishing marlin.

Fishing on Wednesday was almost the same at the tuna hole, but it broke up early. With any luck, once the dorado hear we have mackerel again, they will make a much needed appearance.

The La Ribera annual fishing tournament is on Aug. 15th, with over 20 pangas anticipated and a separate category this year for cruisers.