TUNA STEADY BUT DORADO SCARCE FOR EAST CAPE FLY FISHERS

Aug. 20, 2005, Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico Fly Fishing:

Hilary is the name of the latest Tropical Storm making its way up the Mexican Coast. With few dorado at East Cape, the Tuna Tussle is almost the mandatory way to begin the day. The yellowfin tuna footballs seem to be growing up, causing some of our fly guys to cringe when a fatty comes charging up from the depths and inhales their Baja Wasabi. Usually after some “pump and grunt” time everyone is ready to move on to billfish or roosters.

There are plenty of sailfish to fling a fly at, but you better pay attention or a striper may catch you napping.

Of course, there is always the possibility of a blue dog, Blue Marlin, showing up in the pattern, inhaling the fly and punching it for the horizon leaving you with a broken line and a silly grin on your face as you realize that you have just been dusted by the best.

Then there is the Lighthouse, dubbed by some as the "Freak Show." This is the time when "Bubba" class East Cape roosterfish cruise up and down the beach looking for a bait school to beat to a pulp. Timing is everything and if you and the fish get there at the same time, you may get the trophy of a lifetime. Talk about choices. East Cape fishing in the summer is like trying to guess what is behind door 1...2...3.

East Cape water temperature 79-89. Air temperature 60-98. Wind calm.