FALL FISHING CONDITIONS ARRIVE FOR BAJA ANGLERS AT EAST CAPE

Oct. 15, 2005, Roy Baldwin, Rancho Leonero, East Cape fishing, Baja Sur, Mexico:

Fall has arrived at the East Cape sportfishing vacation area, with cooler mornings in the low 70s and afternoon highs to the low 90s, calm blue seas, some afternoon breezes, and cooling water temperatures of 82-85 degrees.

The last few days have seen a surge in the East Cape tuna bite, our best week this year for wahoo, and a continuation of the sailfish and striped marlin bite marked the week. Giant squid off La Ribera and Los Barriles continue to provide great tuna and dorado bait.

The billfish bite moved north this week, with a 50/50 mix of striped marlin and sailfish, concentrated about 5 miles off Punta Pescadero. It is a steady bite, with most fish taken on lures.

Tuna fishing at East Cape saw a strong bite, with some schooling fish under porpoise, as well as small pods of free swimmers, about 10 miles out from La Ribera to Cabo Pulmo. There are lots of nice fish 30-60 pounds, the largest 108 pounds, taking chunk squid and live mackerel.

More wahoo were caught this week, with fish to 60 pounds taking dark colored lures, mostly south, from the lighthouse to Cabo Pulmo.

Fewer dorado were caught this week, averaging 10-20 pounds, mostly south, from the lighthouse to Cabo Pulmo, about 5 miles out, taking live mackerel and chunk squid.

Inside, some roosterfish were caught off the beaches from La Ribera to Las Barracas, taking live mullet. A few amberjack and pargo are on the reefs off La Ribera taking chunk squid, but there is no pressure for them, as most East Cape sportfishing boats are chasing tuna.