REPORT FROM EL FUERTE SPORTFISHING

July 8, 2004, Ty Miller, El Fuerte Sportfishing, Puerto Escondido, Loreto, Mexico Fishing Report:

From server problems to the disaster here in Puerto Escondido we have been swamped with getting caught up. For those of you that have not heard the news about Tripui resort burning to the ground please take a look at Juanita's "What's Happening" on our website for the story and photo's. Our hearts go out to all of our amigos in Tripui who have lost everything to the fire that leveled the resort. It is a miracle that no one was injured or killed.

The Loreto dorado bite continues. The main body of fish are holding off the backside of Isla Coronado about 15 miles out and on up towards San Juanico. It's a strange one again this year, guys, with the southerly winds kicking up here and there keeping us from venturing out off the backside of Isla Carmen or Monserate to see what's going on.

The lack of Sargasso grass has been making it a little tough on Loreto fishing but the bait is so thick here that most times we have been finding the schools of dorado in open water. They have been hanging out in the temperature and current breaks where the bait also seems to be at the moment.

The majority of the dorados are in the 8 to 15 pound class with some 20 to 30's mixing in and an occasional 40 to 50 pounder cruising around. Most of our big fish have been on the troll hitting the flying fish colored plastics.

Loreto billfish have moved north towards San Juanico also and at the moment are in a slump when it comes to taking the live bait or coming into the pattern on the troll. Wahoo have been sneaking in when the dorado school comes to the boat, so be prepared. We have yet to bring one to the gaf this season though many have been hooked then lost at color.

Bait has been available in Playa Juncalito for a buck a piece for perfect size macks. We have also been stopping off in front of the Loreto marina in town and making a few squid for supplement.

Before I forget, I want to congratulate my friends Robert Garavello and Delmer Venturella for catching the winning fish of 52.5 pounds on the last day of the annual Vagabundos Dorado Tournament aboard the El Fuerte Dos, what an incredible finish! Way to go guys!

It sure seems different down here without all my amigos from Tripui on the water fishing. Channel 78, which we all monitor down here, is silent. I hope this turns around soon and we start to see the rebuilding of Tripui. To all my friends in Tripui: I miss you guys!

Temp 90. Water 85. Winds Light Southerly. Seastate Calm.

(See "Mexico Fishing News" online for current fishing reports, photos, weather, and water temperatures from Loreto and other major Mexican sportfishing areas. Vacation travel articles, fishing maps and seasonal calendars, and fishing related information for Loreto may be found at Mexfish.com's main Loreto page.