KAWAKAWA CAUGHT IN WINTER FISHING OFF LA RIBERA

Jan. 14, 2006, Russ Fritz, La Ribera, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico Sportfishing:

Chuck Potter and I fished out of La Ribera on Monday, with success in the morning. East Cape winds were calm, seas less than 1 foot, with air temperature at 58 and sea temperature 71 degrees.

We boated 2 nice sierras, and 3 kawakawa, trolling hoochies, between La Ribera and Rancho Leonero. The sierras were hanging in the flats, and the kawakawa at the drop-offs.

On the kawakawa I have noticed however, that the lines above the lateral line are slightly more longitudinal than the ones shown in The Baja Catch. Below the lateral line, there are no lines, and the fish is silvery with a slight blue-white tint. They make absolutely excellent table fare, and superb sushi.

By 10 a.m. the wind picked up and a nasty chop developed by noon.

The dorado have made a showing off Punta Colorado, with several making passes at our lures. "Beat up wind," is not just a nautical term; We did get beat-up, going up wind to La Ribera.

Tuesday through Thursday were windy days at East Cape, and the surf made beach launching impractical. Friday was wind free early, but again, a nasty chop developed by 10 a.m.