EAST CAPE FISHING BOATS AT PUNTA PESCADERO AND LA RIBERA

Nov. 26, 2005, Russ Fritz, La Ribera, East Cape Fishing, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

On Turkey Day, I took the ladies fishing. We had a light west wind early in the morning, but complete calm by 9 a.m. Some of the East Cape charter fishing fleet gathered for a dorado bite off Punta Pescadero, and the rest congregated 3 miles off La Ribera for a hot marlin and sailfish bite.

We tried fishing awhile close to the beach for some sierras, then joined the group catching marlin off La Ribera.

Kim McChristian, from Granbury, Texas, tied into a heavyweight striper, which led us for a merry chase through the fleet. After 40 minutes, and multiple jumps, Kim had her first marlin. This marlin outweighed Kim by at least 80 pounds. She had decided to release her first marlin, which the fish conveniently did for us, right at the boat.

Sonya Fritz was up next, and hooked the largest sailfish I've seen on the East Cape in 10 years. The fish fought a valiant fight, as did Sonya. This was truly a huge sailfish. I cut the leader for her, while the fish tried to pull my arm out of the socket.

Today, Kim and I fished unsuccessfully for sierra again, then repeated the Thanksgiving day success with marlin and sailfish, releasing both. The strikes came as a double, and in the first moments, both fish were crossing airborne like dolphin at Sea World. Luckily my marlin came unbuttoned at a distance, and I was able to drive the boat while Kim fought her fish to a release. We were able to release her fish without harm.

East Cape fishing area water temperatures are close to, and slightly over 80 degrees, as is the air. Tomorrow we will try the sierras again, as some of the locals are finding success near Scott Glenn's beach house.