MOTHERSHIP ASSISTS A SAILBOAT IN DISTRESS AT REFUGIO

Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2004, Panga Mothership Fishing Report, Capt. Tony Reyes Jr., B/M Tony Reyes, Tony Reyes Fishing Tours, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico:

San Felipe fishing Chartermasters Dennis and Pat Reigle reported the fishing started slow, but wide-open yellowtail action was seen on Wednesday with the majority of the yellowtail in the 20 to 25-pound range. Juan Rojas of Anaheim caught a 130-pound grouper while fishing with his brother Santiago. They fished with their guide Ramon, and were fortunate to bring the fish in, as they were using 40-pound mono.

In a daring rescue at El Refugio, Isla Angel de la Guarda, Capt. Reyes assisted a disabled two-masted sailing vessel, which was being used by government officials for research and marine ecological studies, and was manned by college students. As the vessel dragged its anchor during a mini-chubasco of winds over 30 m.p.h., was drifting dangerously toward the rocky shore. Pangas from the Tony Reyes were used to pull the vessel far enough from the rocks, so that the Tony Reyes itself could tie up to it, and Capt. Reyes then steered both vessels together to a safe location. The disabled sailing vessel was then able to get a secure grip with its anchor and the ship, staff, and students were saved.

The Tony Reyes returned to San Felipe with a good catch of yellowtail, cabrilla, and some dorado were also caught, in addition to giant Humboldt squid which appeared in great numbers, adding to the entertainment of several teenagers who were joining their fathers on a family San Felipe fishing trip.

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