Dorado keep hitting at windy East Cape

Mexico Fishing News, January 31, 2005

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Winter nortes made some fishing days tough last week, but East Cape's dorado bite refused to die. Russ Fritz of La Ribera returned from a trip to Magdalena Bay and found fishable weather conditions, so he and Fred Demuth of Texas went fishing for five days and a catch of 41 dorado to 34 pounds, about half of them released, three sierra, and "bonito and barrilete by the millions."

Fritz said they released about five bonito or barrilete for every dorado landed, all on 17-pound line, and also involuntarily "released" a marlin that broke off. East Cape water temperatures were 68 to 70 degrees. LA RIBERA WINTER DORADO FISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 14 boats from combined fleets including the Van Wormer resorts of Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, and Punta Colorada, with a catch including released fish of: eight striped marlin, 123 dorado, and 12 yellowfin tuna. "Anglers were limiting out on dorado all week," Moyers said, as most fish were caught north off Punta Pescadero and El Cardonal. EAST CAPE FISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Leeper, staying at Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, said steady small dorado and a few striped marlin were caught north at Punta Pescadero. La Ribera commercial pangas were fishing for red snapper at night, and some tin boats also caught snapper at Punta Pescadero. East Cape weather was sometimes windy, in the low-80s, with water temperatures of 70 to 71 degrees.

RANCHO LEONERO, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero said East Cape had four days of north wind during the week, and with few anglers in the area, no hotel boats fished. East Cape water temperatures were 68 to 70 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported a few sierra inshore and on the beaches at gray light, but, "Wind, rain, and more wind seemed to be the name of the tune most of the week," Graham said. "Hopefully, next week will be better." East Cape weather was in the high-60s, with water temperatures of 70 to 74 degrees.

LA RIBERA, MEXICO: Jorge Bergin of La Ribera reported very little fishing activity around the bay: "All the gringos have gone north to do their taxes. Not much action right now. Windy and lumpy. I'm sure the hotel boats are getting more tiny dorado than they want."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport dive service said despite the wind he did manage to get a dive trip off to Punta Pescadero on Thursday, and he found conditions good there, with decent visibility and a water temperature at depth of 71 degrees.

LA RIBERA, MEXICO: Baja Beach Captain Mike Reichner of La Ribera said he's been getting good results on jacks, roosterfish, and sierra from the beach. Reichner added that the local ban reported for ATVs on the beach does not seem to be in effect: "Ban? What ban? There are lots of quads on the beach all the time."

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet said Ensenada had fog and light rains most of the week, plus some wind and a high surf advisory, but Jay Johnson of Fontana did get out on the panga, Vonny I, on Tuesday, for limits of bottom fish, with Capt. Beto, in 59-degree water, light breezes, and 3 to 4-foot swells at the tip of Punta Banda. Ensenada weather on Saturday was in the high-50s, and rainy in the morning.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Capt. Mark Gillette of the Knotty Buoys at Cruiseport Village reported on a run south of Isla San Martin, where his anglers caught a white seabass on their first drop, but then no more. The Knotty Buoys then metered high spots around the island and scored on four yellowtail of 12 to 25 pounds, all on jigs. Returning to the island, Gillette said they got into a good bite on 2 to 5-pound calico bass that hit swim baits. The Knotty Buoys left San Martin Island at 2 a.m. in rising winds, and pounded back to Ensenada in 11 hours. "We took a beating, but made it safely to Ensenada...," Gillette said. "...I would like to remind all boaters to take precautions when heading to distant destinations." ENSENADA TO SAN QUINTIN FISHING TRIP REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Gerardo Sanchez of KCHTS Sportfishing said he found fairly slow bottom fishing action in the bay, some bonita at Punta Soledad, and more large squid. On Saturday, Sanchez said a commercial panga came in full of squid averaging about 30 pounds. Earlier, Sanchez had good catches of sheephead, 60 feet deep off the north side of Isla Todos Santos, and red rockcod and whitefish 300 feet deep off Punta Soledad, but with lots of seals. ISLA TODOS SANTOS AND PUNTA SOLEDAD FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Memo Gomez of El Dorado Sportfishing said he had a slow week with not enough fishing activity to get a handle on local conditions. For surf trips to Isla Todos Santos, Gomez said he's been taking surfers from the downtown malecon out to the north side of the island, where there were waves of 18 to 22 feet in recent weeks. "This is what the extreme surfers are looking for," Gomez said. ENSENADA SURF TRIP REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Earlier, Sergio Susarrey of Sergio's Sportfishing Center reported on 24 anglers fishing aboard the Quest and Clipper II for a catch of: 106 bonito, 51 rockcod, and 79 whitefish.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the boat Bad Dog out of Marina Coral went bottom fishing on the Melody with owners Judy and Mel Ostberg and Capt. Andre, at the Punta Banda bank, in 60-degree blue water, for a catch including red rockcod to 3.9 pounds, an 8-pound cow cod, a mako shark chewed off, and an unusual 3-pound kelp rockfish. Ross said, "The kelp rockfish was a light brown or tan. It's shape matched the book exactly. We were fishing off Ensenada in 300 feet of water." ENSENADA FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sammy Susarrey of Lily Fleet said the Tamara found slow bottom fishing at the San Jose Reef, but did score on a 20-pound white seabass and lots of bonito inside. Other boats in the area limited on mixed bottom fish. At the Punta Banda bank, the Amigo caught more Humboldt squid, in 61-degree water, and local commercial fishermen reported one or two albacore per day at the 238 and 295 banks, with the tuna averaging 8 to 10 pounds. ENSENADA FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Rodney Parker of Michigan fished on Lily Fleet's Amigo at Punta Banda bank and photographed a nice squid caught by Sammy Susarrey on a sardine, in about 280 feet of water. "That was the only squid we caught that day," Parker said, "but we had all the whitefish, salmon grouper, lingcod, and other assorted rockfish that we wanted to keep. I had specifically told Sammy that I would like to get some whitefish for fish tacos, and he delivered." ENSENADA SQUID AND BOTTOM FISHING REPORT.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's camp said seven boats fished during the week for many lingcod, red rockcod, whitefish, barracuda, and a few bonita. Erendira weather was good through Thursday, but with some rain on Friday, and 15-knot winds with 7-foot seas on Saturday. The water was clear blue in the fishing area 6 miles from the coast.

ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Alfredo Paullada of San Diego and his group fished with Capt. Conrrado at Erendira, in good sea conditions and 60-degree water, for an ice chest full of red rockcod, plus some barracuda and bonito on the way down, fishing with bait and jigs about 7 miles out. Paullada said they fished on the 24-foot cuddy cabin boat, Uno Mas, in about 200 feet of water. ERENDIRA BOTTOM FISHING TRIP REPORT.

ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Bill Stout and two fishing buddies from Aliso Viejo fished with Capt. Mauricio of Castro's Camp and caught about 15 red rockcod, 20 lingcod, and one mako shark, while fishing mainly with blue-white jigs, or leadheads tipped with octopus, about 1.5 hours north of Castro's Camp. "The sea out of Castro's Camp had 4-foot rollers that seemed to stir the bottom and hurt the fishing," Stout said. "Otherwise, it was a beautiful day." CASTRO'S CAMP FISHING TRIP REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said he had seven boats fishing during the week, and the yellowtail action was still very good at the 15 and 240 spots, as all anglers caught limits. "The yellowtail are still hitting a fast moving jig better than live bait," Hillis said. Capt. Hector of Rommy fished one day to the south and returned with three white seabass to 45 pounds and limits of sandbass and calico bass. San Quintin weather was calm during the week, and completely flat on Sunday morning. SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Capt. Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing reported on several trips to the 15 fathom spot for good action on yellowtail of 15 to 18 pounds, plus a 27 pounder caught by Amy Yu with K&M's Capt. Oscar. Other anglers scoring on yellowtail included first-timer Susana Valdez, with Jimmy Chi's group, Monte Kotur and Chris Pierce, and Marshall Fleck and George Lowell of Elsinore. San Quintin water temperatures were 59 to 61 degrees, in flat, warm conditions. SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Catian also commented on the dangers of running over the sandbar that lies across the entrance to San Quintin Bay. "...There have been a lot of accidents and a few deaths due to the hazards of navigating the area around the sandbar," Catian said. "If you are not absolutely sure or can't see because of fog, don't cross the San Quintin sandbar...! SAN QUINTIN SANDBAR DANGERS REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Don Dickson of Fallbrook fished at mid-month on Ray Williams' boat out of Campo Lorenzo and reported big numbers of whitefish at the 15 and 240 spots, on squid-tipped iron: "Never saw so many whitefish caught." Dickson also commented on the dangers of crossing the waves breaking over the San Quintin sandbar during a minus tide: "The problem is you may get to go out in the morning, with a high tide, but when you're ready to come back, you may have waves breaking across the entire mouth of the bay....I had no idea what happens during a minus tide." SAN QUINTIN FISHING AND SANDBAR DANGERS REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin fished on Paco Pinones' boat Mariandrea for white seabass south of the boca at Arroyo Hondo, but the bonita and barracuda did not give them a chance at the croakers. Meza said they also got into a very hot bite on calico bass, in 85 feet of water, about a mile from shore, using Fish Traps: "The calico bass began biting on the bottom but they came almost to the surface following the hooked fish...For almost one hour they bit. It was excellent." San Quintin water temperatures averaged 61 degrees. SAN QUINTIN CALICO BASS FISHING REPORT.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Russ Fritz of La Ribera reported on a good mangrove channel fishing trip to Puerto Lopez Mateos and the boca Santo Domingo area, with good catches of "spotted bay bass constantly," on fish of 3 to 4 pounds, plus some nice corvina, and other fish assumed to be grouper that broke him off. "We were using light tackle, obviously too light for several Magdalena Bay bruisers feeding there," Fritz said. The Sea Bird cruise ship was in the bay, and there were no problems in fishing around the estimated 12 whale watching pangas going out per day. Magdalena Bay water temperatures were 64 to 68 degrees. MAGDALENA BAY FISHING A WHALE WATCHING REPORT.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported few boats fishing, due to variable weather including some rain last week. Fair action was reported for small yellowtail and some grouper at the San Carlos entrada, and the mangrove channels at Puerto Lopez Mateos produced some small sierra and grouper. Magdalena Bay weather was in the low-70s, with water temperatures of 69 to 75 degrees. MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORT.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Leeper of East Cape went whale watching at San Carlos with Manuel Simental and reported the whales still not at peak season: "Most whales have not calved yet and were a bit stand-offish. According to Manuel, the whales did not have a good feeding year in Alaska, and are spending an unusual amount of time at the bocas at Mag Bay making up for it."

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 95 boats, with a catch including released fish of: one blue marlin of 400 pounds, 71 striped marlin, 73 dorado, 26 yellowfin tuna, two wahoo, two mako shark, 75 sierra, and eight boats skunked. The out-of-season blue marlin was caught Jan. 28, 2005, by the Dona Pas. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Benjamin Ortega of Solmar Fleet reported on 50 boats, with a catch including released fish of: 62 striped marlin, 54 yellowfin tuna, 33 dorado, and 49 sierra. Solmar's top skipper of the week was Capt. Fernando Chan, with a four-outing catch including released fish of: 11 striped marlin, all caught on live mackerel. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 37 Gaviota Fleet boats, with a catch including released fish of: 22 striped marlin, one sailfish, eight dorado, and 35 yellowfin tuna. The Fish Cabo and Juanita VII reported on seven outings, with a catch including released fish of: five striped marlin, 14 dorado, and one wahoo. Fishing action was good on some days, and poor on others, Edwards said, as water temperatures ranged from 69 to 70 degrees near shore, and to 72 degrees on the Cortez side around the Gordo Banks. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Rod Albright of Buena Vista fished out of Cabo San Lucas on Don Giottionini's boat Blackwatch for a catch including a 120-pound yellowfin tuna, blue shark, and hammerhead shark, in good sea conditions and water temperatures of 71 to 72 degrees, while fishing about 50 miles north of Cabo on the Pacific Side. "We made bait at the Golden Gate Bank on our way out to the Finger Bank," Albright said. "Within five minutes of our arrival on the bank we were hooked up." CABO SAN LUCAS YELLOWFIN TUNA CATCH REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Capt. George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said fishing for marlin, dorado, and tuna was scattered, but most boats got a shot at billfish, mostly on the Cortez side around the 95 and 1150 spots. "There has been plenty of food out there, so the marlin have been slow to take live bait," Landrum said. "The mix was about half on live bait and half on lures." Cooler near-shore water temperatures on the Pacific side of about 67 to 68 degrees bought a sierra bite to the Migrino area, as boats and beach anglers scored on 4 to 5-pound fish with small hoochies and Rapalas. Water temperatures on the Cortez side ranged from 70 to 74 degrees. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: T.J. Depietro of Valencia relayed a report from Todd Hochstedler of the Got Caught Fishing saying the boat has had several multiple marlin days in the last few weeks, and one day with about 25 yellowfin tuna of 10 to 50 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet said 57 percent of her boats released striped marlin last week, and 90 percent landed all species combined. Included in the marlin count were excellent results for some boats, including a quintuple release for La Brisa, and quadruples for Valerie and Rebecca. Fifty-nine percent of boats caught dorado averaging 20 to 40 pounds, but including some fish to 60 pounds. Only five percent caught yellowfin tuna. Cabo San Lucas weather was partly cloudy, with water temperatures averaging 72 degrees, and the best fishing was close in, from Faro Viejo to Chileno. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week's fishing period, Ehrenberg reported a total of 106 striped marlin landed by Pisces Fleet boats, with an outstanding 105 of them released. "We also released a solitary sailfish," Ehrenberg said. Overall, 79 percent of Pisces boats caught marlin, and 92 percent caught all species combined. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 68 combined fleet sportfishing pangas launching at La Playita, with a catch of about: 15 roosterfish, 135 dorado 170 yellowfin tuna, 45 sierra, 120 pargo, 14 triggerfish, 40 bonito, and 60 black skipjack. Tuna and dorado fishing, for school-sized fish, was best from Punta Gorda to La Fortuna, and was hampered by abundant needlefish in the water and sea lions working in packs to steal anglers' fish. Dorado into the 30-pound class were caught in the surf zone as they fed on large halfbeaks. San Jose del Cabo weather was mostly sunny in the high-70s, with water temperatures of 70 to 72 degrees. LA PLAYITA, SAN JOSE DEL CABO FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Species fishing specialist John Snow of San Diego reported generally slow action during three surf fishing sessions and four panga trips out of La Playita with Capt. Pata on the Salome. Snow's overall catch included 21 species, and one new one, the rose threadfin bass. "I would rate this week as below average from a sportfishing perspective and poor from a species perspective," Snow said. "The ocean water temperature was a frigid 70 degrees." SAN JOSE DEL CABO SPECIES FISHING REPORT AND FISH CATCH LIST.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Luis Duhart of Palmilla Bay Sportfishing reported on four super panga outings, with a combined catch of: 17 yellowfin tuna of 15 to 20 pounds; 10 dorado to 23 pounds; seven pargo to 18 pounds; one roosterfish; and 44 sierra. San Jose del Cabo sea conditions were sometimes windy, and whales were present in the fishing area. SAN JOSE DEL CABO FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Al Rodrigues of Massachusetts fished on the La Playita panga Nancy with Capt. Ignacio of the Tomas Cantor fleet and reported "the most fish I've ever seen." Rodrigues' panga caught 18 yellowfin tuna, two 40-pound dorado, seven red snapper, and one pompano. Four other pangas that morning caught a total of: 28 yellowfin tuna, including one of 50 pounds; five dorado; and 12 red snapper. Rodrigues said they fished about an hour east of La Playita and around the Gordo Banks area.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Ed Kammer of Gold Beach, Ore., reported the unusual catch of a gulf weakfish or corvina, Cynoscion othonopterum, caught on the bottom at Chileno Bay. The fish hit cut squid about 75 to 100 feet deep and was caught by Tom Klos, Kammer said. The fish identification was made from a photo by San Jose del Cabo species fishing specialist John Snow.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Grimes of San Jose del Cabo relayed news of local commercial fishing activities in the area, including a 30-foot whale reported wrapped in a gill net, and divers working the inshore waters east of San Jose del Cabo. Grimes also relayed local rumors that the port captain at San Jose del Cabo will be replaced, and described continued violations of the sportfishing two-fish dorado limit, as some anglers took as many as 20 small fish each. SAN JOSE DEL CABO FISHERIES REPORT.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said pangas on the Las Arenas side stayed closed to Ensenada de los Muertos, and found good catches of pargo of 15 to 20 pounds, and dorado including some of 25 to 30 pounds, plus numerous sierra. Las Arenas weather was 70 to 76 degrees, with the water temperature in the low-70s. Tortuga boats found the best dorado fishing close to Boca de los Alamos. Few anglers were in the area, and only about five combined sport and commercial pangas launched per day. LAS ARENAS, LA PAZ FISHING REPORT.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International said La Paz weather was pleasant for fishing at about 75 degrees, and the biggest surprise of the week was a nice catch of dorado by Mike Madlock on the Black Magic off the southeast side of Isla Espiritu Santo. On the Las Arenas side, pangas worked on sierra and cabrilla mixed with red snapper. LA PAZ FISHING REPORT.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Pam Bolles of Baja Big Fish Company said on Sunday afternoon that the norte wind was blowing hard, and fishing had been slow for the second half of the week, although Capt. Francisco did get a sailfish Wednesday at Punta Lobos. Yellowtail were reported on the surface at Punta Pulpito, but slow in other areas.

LORETO, MEXICO: Earlier, the fishing was very good for yellowtail, as Bolles said, "The yellowtail fishing has gone off." Bolles fished about 2 miles north of Isla Coronado late the previous week for a boat count of three yellowtail in the 30-pound class landed, plus two broken off on 60-pound leader. Punta Pulpito, 38 miles north, was reported to have slightly smaller fish, and Bolles relayed an inshore report from Jose Torres at Juncalito for slow inshore fishing to the south. Bait was easily caught 250 to 300 feet deep off Isla Coronado. Loreto sea surface temperatures were 64 to 72 degrees. LORETO FISHING REPORTS.

LORETO, MEXICO: Arturo Susarrey of Arturo's Sportfishing said Loreto weather was good during much of the week, with air temperatures to 70 degrees, and water temperatures of 60 to 62 degrees. Fishing for yellowtail continued steady at Punta Pulpito, and Susarrey said most yellowtail were being caught with jigs on the surface as they fed on sardina bait. "About 80 percent of the catches are being made with cast jigs...," Susarrey said. "Sometimes the yellowtail don't want to bite because they are too full of sardina, and we need to work a little longer to capture them." Cabrilla were located in the same areas, and mackerel bait was available on the south side of Isla Coronado. LORETO YELLOWTAIL FISHING REPORT.

LORETO, MEXICO: Tom Bird of Loreto reported landing a large yellowtail that he estimated at about 52 pounds, while fishing about 150 feet deep in 200 feet of water, 2 miles north of Isla Coronado. After the bite stopped in that area, Bird said he moved north to San Bruno and found more yellowtail in the 25-pound class, located with the fish finder about 50 feet off the bottom. "The bottom showed lots of bait," Bird said. "This season's Loreto yellowtail fishing has one of the best starts ever...The yellowtail bellies have contained, of all things, anchovies, yes, Pacific type anchovies, and lots of small fry, and 8-inch squid." LORETO FISHING REPORT.

LORETO, MEXICO: At Villas de Loreto, Wendy Wilchynski reported no anglers at the hotel last week.

MULEGE FISHING REPORTS

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MULEGE, MEXICO: Rick Barber of Mulege reported very good yellowtail fishing after winds calmed down at midweek, as many boats scored at Isla San Marcos, Punta Chivato, Islas Santa Inez, and Punta Concepción, on fish ranging to well over 30 pounds, and including a 42 pounder for Tom and Patti Higgenbotham. Marty Robinson fished six days in a row, and did especially well one day at Punta Chivato, with seven yellowtail, from 30 pounds to a high of 36 pounds. Barber said bait was plentiful at the north end of the cliff line between Mulege and Santa Rosalia: "Look in about 160 feet of water and drop to the bottom." Mulege water temperatures averaged 61 to 63 degrees. MULEGE GOOD YELLOWTAIL FISHING REPORT.

MULEGE, MEXICO: Paul Rista of Mulege fished locally in water temperatures of 63 to 64.5 degrees for "not much fishing action" on some triggerfish and pinto bass. Rista commented on launching and navigating out of the river mouth: "Barely made it on high tide. The silt in the Mulege river has risen tremendously in the last year since the last big flood."

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: At Isla San Marcos, Mike Kanzler reported a whole week of flat sea conditions, and continued good to excellent yellowtail action on the bajos north of the island for himself and San Lucas Cove resident Alan Lewis. Kanzler said both he and Lewis kept a record of their yellowtail catches during January and Lewis caught over 100. "Very nice job!" Kanzler said. "It's not easy to do. I've done it about nine times in 13 years." Kanzler said this year he scored on 93 yellowtail in 11 days fished during the month. Santa Rosalia weather was excellent in the mid-70s, with water temperatures of 64 to 65 degrees. Heavy plankton concentrations brought finback whales, sperm whales, and killer whales to feed in the area. ISLA SAN MARCOS, SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORT.

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Syd Lindsay of San Lucas Cove said the malecon renovation project at Santa Rosalia was progressing well and would be completed in a few weeks: "They are putting in new sidewalks along the malecon, from immigration, south to the top where the Matador restaurant is. It already is a great improvement."

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: In a dramatic, midnight flight across the border, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter picked up 78-year-old Carol Schall, who had fallen and broken a hip at Gonzaga Bay, and returned her to Sharps Hospital in San Diego for treatment and surgery. Schall's daughter, Mindy Selinger of Ramona, said the rescue was coordinated during the night by San Diego's Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee (BEMCC) and through the personal efforts of its director, Celia Diaz.

"Celia Diaz had arranged clearance for the...helicopter," Selinger said. "They got there about two in the morning, and my mother was in Sharps Hospital in San Diego by 7 a.m."

In San Diego, Diaz said, "It was so lucky to have a person on site at Gonzaga Bay who had a satellite phone. He was a U.S. fireman and paramedic. His name is Steve Bacon...I advise anyone that is going to be traveling or staying in a remote area to obtain a satellite phone."

Gonzaga Bay resident Doug Magee, and his wife Peggy also assisted in the rescue, and Magee commented about the nonprofit BEMCC, which assists in emergency evacuations throughout Mexico on a 7/24 basis for a tax deductible, $30 annual membership fee: "The evacuation of Mrs. Schall went off without a hitch. Ms. Diaz' ability to get a Coast Guard helicopter to our remote location in Baja was without a doubt the best, timely executed use of contacts and resources to facilitate an extraction of an injured person that I have seen in my 20 years of Search and Rescue exposure...Her ability to work with authorities on both sides of the border is amazing." GONZAGA BAY MEDICAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION REPORT.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: John Tillander of Punta Bufeo said the sea was perfectly flat on Friday, with the water temperature at 62 degrees, and he ran his tin boat out to the sea mount northwest of Isla San LUis for a catch of good-sized goldspotted bass, or goldeneye, in about 90 feet of water, plus spotted bay bass and barracuda, and an unusual fish identified as a mackerel. "It's the first one we have caught and even the Mexicans were surprised," Tillander said. PUNTA BUFEO FISHING REPORT.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Dana Kerby of Baja Sportfishing, Inc., said the San Felipe panga mothership Erik is being refurbished with two new generators, new carpeting, and upgrades to its plumbing and galley, in additional to seasonal maintenance. Kerby said the Erik's Midriff islands and Magdalena Bay trips for the 2005 season were already about two-thirds booked as the fishing show season began.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Jim Wills of Chico had more details on the recovery of his 15-foot aluminum boat, which came loose in wind, drifted from Papa Fernandez to Punta Final, and was later recovered together with its motor, with the help of Doug Magee of Papa Fernandez. Wills said he lost his fishing tackle, but was grateful to have the boat and motor back. PAPA FERNANDEZ BOAT RECOVERY DETAILS.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: At San Felipe, Catalina Meders of the Title Company Bookstore said the weather felt warm at 60 degrees in the sun, and the water temperature in the bay was 62 degrees. The annual Carnaval celebration was under way, and motorcyclists were already practicing for the Baja 250 on Feb. 25-27, 2005. SAN FELIPE TOWN REPORT.

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

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ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Mike Auditore of Phoenix and Lloyd Robinette of Casa Grande, Ariz., fished out of Rocky Point on Auditore's boat El Gato Blanco, and they had an outstanding day on black sea bass to over 100 pounds, broomtail grouper to over 40 pounds, and white seabass over 20 pounds, plus one fish that was cleated off and straightened a 14/0 circle hook to make its escape. Auditore said they made bait 5 miles out of Rocky Point and fished in good sea conditions, with the water temperature at about 61 degrees. HOT ROCKY POINT BOTTOM FISHING REPORT.

ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Arthur Pina of Tucson fished three days out of Rocky Point, finding slow going the first two days, but then running out 41 miles with Capt. John Kay on the Si Senor for a good catch of goldspotted bass or estranjeros, while fishing with live and cut mullet, 275 to 300 feet deep. "On the return trip, the ocean was like glass," Pina said, "and we saw some aerial acrobatics that the local dolphin put on." Water temperatures averaged 61 degrees. ROCKY POINT DEEP BOTTOM FISHING REPORT.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Bill Molden of San Carlos said about 20 boats per day were fishing around Isla San Pedro Nolasco, and another 20 boats near shore. "The marinas are as full as I've seen them," Molden said. "Moorage is at a premium right now and if the free vehicle permit starts as they predict in the next month, Katie bar the door."

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MAZATLAN

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 29 offshore fishing boats, with a catch including released fish of: 20 sailfish, 24 striped marlin, four dorado, and 27 yellowfin tuna. Inshore boats did well on African pompano, jack crevalle, pargo, mojarra, and triggerfish. Mazatlan weather was mostly clear in the high 80s, with water temperatures stable at 75 to 76 degrees, and the best fishing was 25 miles southwest of Marina el Cid. MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: At Marina el Cid, Geronimo Cevallos noted that the species of fish often reported locally as "yellowtail," is actually the jack crevalle, and "nothing to do with the yellowtail in Baja."

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR PUERTO VALLARTA

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Capt. Josh Temple of Prime Time Adventures said the Prime Time got skunked on its first fishing day of the week, but every day after that was epic on big yellowfin tuna, fishing 15 to 40 miles out of Puerto Vallarta, in purple water, 500 to 2,500 feet deep, at about 80 degrees. "It's hard to keep everything together as 100 to 200-plus pound fish are cartwheeling 12 feet through the air around you, 360 degrees around the boat," Temple said. One fish exploded on the kite five times before it calmed enough to eat the bait, Temple said. Other fish available included dorado, wahoo, and 500-pound class black marlin. Puerto Vallarta weather was generally good, with some wind, and few boats were fishing outside, Temple said. PUERTO VALLARTA OFFSHORE FISHING REPORT.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Kim Moore of Charter Dreams said fishing was spotty last week, but some dorado were caught on floating palm leaves set out by local fishermen at Punta Mita: "...We had fairly good luck on 'the palapas' or floating palm leaves...If you can get there before all the other boats arrive there can be some nice action casting live goggle eyes." Other reports included wahoo, sailfish, blue marlin, and good-sized tuna at El Banco. PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORT.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze of Zihuatanejo said offshore sailfish action slowed and then picked back up last week, as boats averaged about two per day landed, plus some 20 to 35-pound dorado. The panga Isamar with Capt. Martin went 40 miles out looking for tuna and did not find any, but it did run into sailfish at the 30-mile mark, returning there the following day for 12 releases on 30 shots. Roosterfish action remained very slow, but Kunze said local catches included some uncommon chula, or kawakawa, a small species of tuna. IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT.

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Mike Anderson of San Diego fished with John and Alex Carter of Detroit, and they released 17 sailfish in three days, on 29 shots, while fishing on the Vamanos III with Capt. Chiro and mate Rafael. Anderson said that after deducting running time to and from the fishing grounds, they averaged about one sailfish per hour, and the Vamanos III led the local sportfishing fleet on two of their fishing days. IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO SAILFISH REPORT.

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Stan Lushinsky of Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters said hot sailfish action continued last week, and other species caught included yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, yellowtail jack, Spanish mackerel, and some unusual baby tarpon reported by the Dos Hermanos I. IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT.

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported moderate seas, water temperatures of 82 to 83 degrees, and some scattered rain showers, clearing in the late mornings.

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said Ixtapa Zihuatanejo was weather partly cloudy in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 80 to 84 degrees.

IXTAPA—ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Paul Phillips of the Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament said the high sailfish tagging rate of the past several weeks is causing a local shortage of tags, and anglers should bring plenty with them, with plans to leave extras with their captains. Tags are available from the Billfish Foundation, 800-438-8247, Phillips said, and a set of 10 tags and cards costs $19.95.

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NICE WINTER DORADO--Fred Demuth (left) and Scott Wilson with dorado of 34 and 17 pounds caught on Russ Fritz' East Cape boat. These were two of 41 dorado caught in five days, with about half of them released. Photo courtesy Russ Fritz.

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ENSENADA SQUID--Lily Fleet's Sammy Susarrey caught this Humboldt squid at the Punta Banda Bank on the Amigo. Photo courtesy Rodney Parker.

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AMID THE RAINS--Jay Johnson of Fontana fooled the rainy weather last week. He snuck out to the tip of Ensenada's Punta Banda on a Vonny's Fleet panga and got his limit of bottom fish. Photo courtesy Ivan Villarino.

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QUINTIN CALICO BASS--Paco Pinones fished on his boat with Julio Meza at Arroyo Hondo south of San Quintin, where they got into a hot bite of calico bass in 85 feet of water. Photo courtesy Julio Meza.

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NICE CABO TUNA--Don Giottionini ran his boat Blackwatch 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side and scored on this nice 120-pound yellowfin tuna while fishing with Rod and Barb Albright of East Cape. Photo by Barb Albright.

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SAN JOSE CATCH--Robert Noll (left) and James Bleecker fished out of San Jose del Cabo with Palmilla Bay Sportfishing for a three day catch of dorado, pargo, sierra, roosterfish, and yellowfin tuna. Photo courtesy Luis Duhart.

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LA PAZ DORADO--Mike Madlock of Seal Beach fished with Tailhunter International skipper Manny and caught this dorado off Espiritu Santo Island. Photo courtesy Jonathan Roldan.

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BIG LORETO FORKIE--Tom Bird of Loreto with a real nice yellowtail caught on his boat, while fishing about 150 feet deep, 2 miles north of Loreto's Isla Coronado. Photo courtesy Tom Bird.

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STEADY ON YELLOWTAIL--Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos at Santa Rosalia with a nice yellowtail from the very reliable bajos north of the island. Photo courtesy Mike Kanzler.

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PUNTA BUFEO CATCH--Looking south at John Tillander of Punta Bufeo, with part of his catch last week, including a goldspotted bass and a fish identified as a mackerel that surprised the locals. Photo courtesy John Tillander.

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ROCKY POINT SEABASS--Mike Auditore hefts a big black sea bass caught out of Rocky Point on his boat El Gato Blanco with Lloyd Robinette. Photo courtesy Mike Auditore.

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PUERTO VALLARTA CATCH--The Mallery family from Minnesota with their catch out of Puerto Vallarta aboard the A Hooker. From left are: Chris Gavron, Jim Mallery, Lynda Mallery, boat Capt. Ed Moore, Bruce Larson, Marlas Larson, and mates Luis Gutierrez, and Jorge Rodriguez. Photo courtesy Kim Moore.

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ZIHUAT RAINS--Alex Carter with a sailfish caught in a driving wind and rain at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo while fishing with Capt. Chiro on the Vamanos III. He said it was well worth the drenching. Photo courtesy Mike Anderson.

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CORTEZ WINTER NORTES--A panga points straight into the north wind, with Loreto's Isla Carmen on the winter horizon. Photo courtesy Mitchell Rose.

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BAJA SUR WEAKFISH--An unusual fish for San Jose del Cabo, this gulf weakfish, Cynoscion othonopterum, was caught by Tom Klos off Chileno Bay. Photo courtesy Ed Kammer.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES

Dorado keep hitting at windy East Cape

Mexico Fishing News, January 31, 2005

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

MULEGE FISHING REPORTS

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS