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| Around 10% of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef. |
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| Starfish can re-grow their arms. In fact, a single arm can regenerate a whole body. |
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| Starfish do not have blood. Their blood is actually filtered sea water. |
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| Starfish don't have brains. Special cells on their skin gather information about their surroundings |
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| Not all animals with the word fish in their names count as fish. |
| Though their names may suggest otherwise, cuttlefish, starfish, and jellyfish aren’t actually fish. Generally-speaking, fishes must have skulls, gills, and fins. Surprisingly, though, not all fishes have proper spines. |
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| In three decades, the world's oceans will contain more discarded plastic than fish when measured by weight, researchers say. |
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| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Just how man species of fish are there? |
| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Even Catfish are finicky |
| Taste Buds ? Catfish have a more refined sense of flavor than humans. Our 10,000 taste buds may seem like a lot, but catfish can have as many as 175,000. This helps them find the exact location of their next meal. |
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| A bit of Humor |
| My brother has 2 German Shepherds named Rolex and Timex. You guessed it they are Watch Dogs. |
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From Jan 01, 1999 To Sep 21, 2025
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May 7, 2005; 12:43PM - East Cape Billfish Show Up Early
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Cinco de Mayo and better weather always seem to go hand in hand. While the weather has improved, the fishing has been slow to catch up. Offshore the big news was a blue marlin being caught that was just shy of 500 lbs. Added to that factoid, there have been more than a few sails show up in the patterns already this year and striped marlin remained consistent again this week as well. This has some of the locals thinking early…early….early season for the pointy nosed guys. Not enough action for the fly rodders looking for a billfish on the fly but looks promising for the future. Still iffy as far as the dorado go, though the ones that are found are good sized. Mostly football sized tuna and they are pretty much spread out from La Ribera out to 40 miles. The beach produced a few small roosters with Cory Hawryluk, Houston, TX coming up from Cabo to land his first rooster on the fly. He found the beach experience to be a hoot and is planning a return trip soon.
Al Tigert, Anchorage AK emailed us this report about his trip in late April. 'The quality of the experience was excellent, and everything we could wish for. It would be difficult to match the quantity of fish that we enjoy at home in Alaska, but the chance to pursue exotic species in a beautiful (warm) locale w/people who are knowledgeable, friendly and have a good sense of humor was perfect. Every fish was a brand new species for us to marvel at.'
On the chum side, there were some mackerel to be found but still few, if any sardina available.
Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 71-78
Air temperature 60-89
Humidity 45%
Wind: NE 2 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:41 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:49 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay , Baja Mexico
Still plenty of wind to deal with. Outside, weather permitting there as some quality sized tuna 210 degrees 15 – 20 miles out and that seems to be the best action for the entire area. Still the be squid around outside the Entrada as well. The reports for the Esteros have been very few fish, even the cabrilla have a severe case of lock jaw. One interesting report was a fifteen lb. snook that was caught near the base of the commercial pier. One more thing, closer to town, under the bridge at the entrance to town produced some decent early morning action for corvina, pargo and even a few leopard grouper. Sounds like the guys are overrunning the fish.
Water temperature 62-71
Air temperature 66-75
Humidity 96%
Wind: WNW 20 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MDT
Sunset 8:00 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The clean water is just off the beach, with the blue water only 6 to 8 miles out. The Terrifin Satellite Surface Temperatures show 80 to 85 degree water everywhere. In other words, the conditions are perfect, but still there are very few fish.
Earlier this week we had a great showing of large Yellowfin tuna, but they have also disappeared. However, a few nice fish were taken while they were here. Luis, on the panga “Gringo Loco” fished with Gary Tagahuci from Laguna Beach, CA and got a nice 270 pound fish. Santiago , on the panga “Gitana”, also got a 190 pound tuna. Another member of Gary's group got a nice black marlin while fishing with Luis.
The 22nd annual Sailfish Tournament is currently underway, making a statement about the lack of fish in the area this week. Yesterday (Friday), the first day of the tournament, only 28 sailfish, 2 blue marlin, and 1 dorado were caught from a field of 110 boats. That is less than 1 sailfish for every 4 boats average.
Cheva on the “Dos Hermanos II” found a few small roosterfish earlier in the week, but we are still a little early in the season to expect much action from the roosters. This will pick up over the next three weeks.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 78 - 91
Humidity 83%
Wind: WSW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:06 p.m. CDT
San Jose, Guatemala
This past week, we hosted the Rick Swetish party of 4 from Texas. During their stay, they experienced great weather and consistent action which enabled them to experience double digit releases each day on sails. The fishing was still pretty far between 30-40 miles. The action in Guatemala continues on through August, with the potential for double digit days on sails with marlin mixed in.
We have open dates throughout this period of time. This is a great time for your spur of the moment trip with us. Just give our office a call for a trip of a lifetime.
We are also currently booking for the peak periods between November and April of next season, available slots are filling quickly.
Fishing guide and newspaper columnist Paul Bruun , Jackson Hole, Wyo., visited us in early March. Here is a link to his entertaining story of the trip and a good example of why hunters and anglers from all over the world subscribe to the little Jackson Hole paper:
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/PaulBruun.html
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 86
Humidity 94%
Wind: SSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:38 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Apr 30, 2005; 02:19PM - Persistence Pays Off at East Cape
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
The weather over the last couple of days has been great. The wind and waves subsided for the most part and the inshore water is looking as good as it has for quite some time. Baja on the Fly Lance Peterson reported enthusiastically:
“I fished the beach hard yesterday (4/29), starting to the south and working my way back to La Capilla. I walked a few miles of beach and found few if any gamefish and very little bait for the most part, only small scattered schools of mullet and some decent gatherings of ballyhoo. I eventually spotted a pair of small jack crevalle on the prowl near La Salina. While I did not get them to eat, I was stoked to take a couple of casts at cruising fish. Hopefully, the gamefish will soon be on beach patrol and the spring season can finally kick in!”
[BotF Guide] Josh and Captain Juan on the panga “Mosca” have been working the inshore water with clients Phil Bryna and Al Tiggert, visiting from Anchorage. They have had a few roosters come up to the teasers and put on a good show. While the fish have not been numerous, they were enough fire up these hard fishing Alaskans. Both guys have hit the beach until sundown after their boat trips every day this week. Phil was even rewarded with his first rooster on the fly not far from the hotel . . . yes, persistence pays off when it comes to roosterfish. They are already talking about a return trip in June to continue their quest for the elusive pez gallo.
Offshore there continues to be striped marlin on the bite. Captain Ramon of the cruiser “Tres Hermanos” even reported a few sailfish in the spread yesterday along with the marlin. Sounds like a great time to try for billfish on the fly. A few of the Palmas boats could be seen flying tuna flags yesterday. A sign of things to come? The timing is right for the offshore fishing to really take off, let's hope it goes wide open!
However, on a sour note, by yesterday afternoon the wind had ramped up once again causing plenty of white caps and wind waves along the shore. Here’s hoping it flattens out this morning.
Report by Lance Peterson, Baja on the Fly Guide
Water temperature 69-78
Air temperature 62-89
Humidity 45%
Wind: NW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:46 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay , Baja Mexico
Plenty of sun and wind is the story for Mag Bay. The giant squid continue to be the best thing going on the fishing front. Several boats spent a couple days pounding the Devil’s Curve zone with dismal results. I did hear some rumors of tuna 20 miles offshore, but with the wind and high seas, no one has been out to confirm the report.
Water temperature 62-71
Air temperature 66-75
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:56 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water remains only five to six miles off the beach and the sea temperatures are in the 80s. All the conditions are in place for a great May, but the full moon hurt us a bit this last week.
The blue marlin bite is still is still strong, with three be taken in the best day this last week. At least one has been taken each day.
Roosterfish are showing again, with May be the traditional start of action for the hard fighting members of the jack family.
About two sailfish a day average, per boat, are being caught.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 89
Humidity 83%
Wind: WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:06 p.m. CDT
San Jose, Guatemala
This past week we had the pleasure of hosting a couple of experienced anglers. The Lumadue party of three from Pennsylvania all took a turn using both conventional and fly-fishing gear to great success during their four days of fishing. The weather was nice. The run to the fish was about 40 miles, but once there they enjoyed periods of non-stop action.
Fishing guide and newspaper columnist Paul Bruun, Jackson Hole, Wyo., visited us in early March. Here is a link to his entertaining story of the trip and a good example of why hunters and anglers from all over the world subscribe to the little Jackson Hole paper:
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/PaulBruun.html
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 86
Humidity 94%
Wind: SSE 11 mph
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 5:41 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:19 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Apr 24, 2005; 08:13AM - We Need Those Stinking Sardina
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Wind continues to be a factor in the overall fishing, however, the marlin show has been extraordinary for this early in the year. It is unusual to have enough fish at this time to actually get enough shots to merit attempting the flyrod. The yellowfin tuna have appeared and the catch numbers are climbing every week. What is missing is the sardina and mullet usually found along the beaches. Of course, that not only makes the beach fishing tough, with no bait for chum on the boats, it changes the strategy dramatically for the fly-rodder.
Here is Lance's latest report of a beach day that he and co-Baja on the Fly guide Josh had this week:
“We fished the beach hard today. We came in from the backside using my truck. We walked miles and blind cast diligently. There was not one fish to cast to in all the water we fished. There was very little if any bait. We only saw a few scattered ballyhoo, no mullet and no sardina. The beach was about as lifeless as we have yet seen it.”
So, for now we, play a waiting game. Waiting for the wind to quit . . . sardina and mullet to arrive . . . I am sure in a few weeks (if we can wait that long) we will all be saying 'It was worth the wait.'
Report by Baja on the Fly
Water temperature 69-76
Air temperature 62-88
Humidity 45%
Wind: NNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:43 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Finally, a few yellows showed under the bird schools at the entrada; there were also a few sierra mixed in. If you ventured outside the entrada, the bird schools showed the way to some decent bonito and skipjack action. Water temperature is beginning to slowly creep up, which should bring in some of the exotics. Los Barriles produced non-stop action for cabrilla with an occasional snook grabbing the fly catching the unsuspecting angler off guard. Also a few corvina and grouper could be found up at Devil’s Curve.
Same action for skipjack and bonito could be found outside the boca up at Lopez Mateos. The esteros up there also produced a few decent shook and enough corvina to keep the anglers interested.
Water temperature 62-71
Air temperature 68-75
Humidity 64%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:53 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80-degree blue water is only about 6 to 7 miles off the beach and fishing is definitely showing an improvement over the last couple of weeks. The blue marlin bite is continuing on a strong note, sailfish are steady, and the yellowfin tuna are finally making a strong showing.
This week, Ruben on the 31-foot Bertram Vamonos caught two marlin of about 250 pounds each. He had several other opportunities, but was not able to get a decent hook set.
Adolpho on the panga Dos Hermanos, fishing with clients from France, had a great day yesterday (Fri.) On conventional gear, they lost a large marlin, but caught a 100 pound yellowfin tuna. They also picked up several other 30- to 40-pound yellowfin and a couple of sailfish. On the pier early this morning, Adolpho told me the overall fishing is very good, especially with several schools of tuna out around the 16 to 20 mile mark.
The inshore action on the big jack crevalle and roosters has pretty much been blown out all this last week with a very high surf. The jacks are feeding about a mile off the beach however, and action on these hard fighting fish has been very good when trolling a live bait, Rapala, or casting a surface popper. Teasing them in with a hookless popper has been the ticket for the flyrod anglers.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 89
Humidity 78%
Wind: WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:24 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:04 p.m. CDT
San Jose , Guatemala
The action has picked up, and the weather was great for the first part of the week. We had the pleasure of hosting return client Burt Turner and first-timer Matt Johnson for three days of fly-fishing. Burt is an experienced fly angler who has made at least one trip to Guatemala each year for the past several years, and Matt was there to experience the action for the first time after hearing Burt recount the great action over the years. Over the three days, the fishing action increased each day along with the duo's skills and they quickly built up to double digit releases and even enjoyed some dorado and tuna action. On the final day, Mother Nature kicked the seas up, but at the same time exponentially increased the sailfish action. They enjoyed a morning of non-stop action on the fly that surpassed the prior two days. As they headed out to Antigua, Matt indicated that his time in Guatemala was the best trip he had taken in 15 years, and would definitely be back.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 86
Humidity 94%
Wind: West 8 mph
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 5:45 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Apr 16, 2005; 01:07PM - East Cape Winds.....Guatemala Sails
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Early in the week again saw more wind that the kept most of our clients hunkered around the pool until Thurs. (4/14), when we welcomed our first flat calm morning in some time. Of course, there had to be a catch . . . there was little if any bait to be found for purchase. Both [Baja on the Fly guide] Josh and I had to search far and wide for some, but came up empty. I opted to go out and try and troll up a bonito or two. We hooked only one and I headed inshore to tease roosters. The bonito was a good teasing bait, very lively and durable, but we found no roosters to tease in the early morning. We eventually found a few ladyfish for our casts. There were even a few pompano early, but they proved difficult to hook. Large schools of jacks were seen, but they were once again milling in circles and very boat-shy. The sea lions were attacking them – which did not help their mood. Josh found some feeding jacks Wed. for his clients and brought some big ones to the boat.
Report by Baja on the Fly Guide Lance Peterson.
Water temperature
66-74
Air temperature 69-82
Humidity 39%
Wind: 5 mph from the WNW
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 25000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:40 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Not much to report this week as most of the attention was directed toward the unusual run of Humboldt squid outside the entrada. Reports of squid to 30 pounds were the talk of San Carlos. With perfect weather, the action both inside and outside should begin to pick up in the next few weeks. There are still a couple of whales hanging around, delaying their long migration North until the very last minute.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-71
Humidity 6%
Wind:
West 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:03 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:49 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
Conditions are getting more favorable every day. The blue water is moving back in to just a few miles off the beach and the water temperature is edging into the 80-degree mark. The best results have been the blue marlin this last week. We have now had 11 days in a row where at least 1 nice blue has been boated.
Plus, the inshore fishing for jack crevalle is still holding up and has provided us a lot of action for both the anglers using light line conventional gear or the flyrod enthusiasts. Jim Kelsey of the San Francisco Bay area fished with Felipe and me on the panga Yellowfin and took 6 jacks to 25 pounds near the Valentine area.
Chase Smith of New Braunfels, Tex., fished with Ruben on the Vamonos I and got a very nice blue marlin. But, they missed a much larger one.
Santiago got another blue this week for his clients on the panga Gitana, plus 4 sailfish the next day. However, most of the boats are only getting between 1 and 2 sails a day.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 91
Humidity 78%
Wind:
Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:28 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:02 p.m. CDT
San Jose, Guatemala
Sat. night (4/9) brought a tropical thunderstorm leaving a soggy San Jose that greeted Lori-Ann Murphy, Reel-Women Angling and her group of five women flyfishers who had come in search sailfish action on the fly. While long boat rides were the norm, the women weren’t disappointed; flat seas and sunny skies made the traveling easy as they searched for their first opportunity to face a sailfish with only a fly-fishing outfit between them and the fish. The entire group with the exception of one met their goal during the four exciting days of Guatemala bluewater fishing.
Those who achieved their goal of a sail-on-the-fly for the trip were Lori-Ann Murphy, Victor, Idaho; Bobbie Armor, Fremont, Calif.; Diana Rudolph, Islamorada, Fla.; Nancy Keilty, Cedar Mich.; and Jodie Reece, Florida, releasing their first sailfish on the fly and in some cases more than one. In addition to the sailfish, JoAnn “Bo” Ribaudo, Destin, Fla., found enough tuna and dorado for dinner several days to earn the title “Provider” from the group. As they toasted each other’s accomplishments with 23 year old Guatemalan rum at their awards ceremony on the final night at Villas Pacifico Hotel, they all agreed that it had been as fantastic an adventure as they had hoped for and would continue next year.
Water temperature
78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 89
Humidity 94%
Wind: NE 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 5:49 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:16 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Apr 9, 2005; 02:00PM - Transition Time in Baja
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Mon. (4/4) the weather was picture perfect and hopes were high that fishing would improve with the weather. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous North wind returned on Tues. afternoon and persisted through the night. Thurs., we found good numbers of big roosterfish, jacks, and big sierra (finally!) tearing the bait up in a big way. I teased with hookless mackerel all day and had guests Hegge Wilson and Jon Hickerson, from LeGrande, Ore., casting until they were worn out. Jon boated a really nice sierra and had no less than five great bites on roosterfish . . . but he did not get a good hook set and couldn’t get tight to a fish. Such is rooster fishing!
There were numerous schools of jacks on the move, but they were as spooky as I've ever seen them. Any cast would send them scattering in a panic . . . odd. Yesterday (4/8) a thick fog clung to the water for most of the morning. Josh [another Baja on the Fly guide] and I both fished inshore all day trolling hookless live bait. Wilson boated another nice sierra, but the others were not able to get a hook into a fish. We did not see the action we had the previous day. Only a couple of roosters came to the bait, as well as only a few sierra. Offshore, the marlin bite slowed down also. Only five fish on the board tonight: four marlin and one sierra.
The sardina have yet to show, so the only bait available for chum is mackerel.
Report by Baja on the Fly Guide Lance Peterson.
Water temperature 66-74
Air temperature 66-82
Humidity 65%
Wind: NNE 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:03 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:37 p.m. MDT
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
There was little surface action to talk about at the entrada, however a few grouper that were deeper in the water column were found near Santa Margarita Island. We’ve been hearing rumors of tuna 40 miles south of the entrada. Corvina and a few quality snook were found up near Devil’s Curve. The halibut bite was pretty consistent on most of the sandy beaches with the south side of Belchers being one of the better spots. A slowly retrieved olive Baja Deep Diver was doing the trick for the snook.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-79
Humidity 6%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:09 a.m. MDT
Sunset 7:46 p.m. MDT
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The water has been warming up, and sending the cold water current we have had for this last month out of the area. In summary, the sailfish action is picking up, the blue marlin are moving into the area, and we even got into the roosters yesterday (4/8). The yellowfin tuna are still a no-show.
I fished with Baja on the Fly clients The Barrow Family of Mountain Home, Ark., trying for a sailfish on the fly on Wed. (4/6). It was just too early in the week as the sailfish did not become active until yesterday. We did raise one sail and a marlin however, but were not able to get any action on the fly when they came to the boat. As of today, the fleet is averaging about one sailfish per boat on conventional gear.
This last Sun., Mon., Wed., and yesterday Felipe, on the panga Yellowfin and I fished with various clients with the flyrod, or Felipe fished alone with conventional gear, targeting the inshore jack crevalle bite. On Sun., Tom Ohlson of Colorado got a few on the fly and surface popper. Mon., Dave Powell ended up with 12 of the hard-fighting jacks on surface poppers and slow trolled live bait. Fly fisherman Chuck Smith had 4, and Greg Benfit, of Portland, Ore, and his wife got 4 jacks and 2 very nice roosterfish. Chuck found out just how hard the 6- to 20-pound jacks fight when he snapped his 10-weight in three places. He tried to lift, but the big jack wanted to go down.
Felipe told me roosters were crashing the bait on the beach, and mixed in with the jacks. 'There must have been 50 or 60 roosters among the 150 or so jacks. All the roosters were in the 30- to 40-pound class. Their combs were standing straight up and you could easily see them. This is the earliest I have heard of the roosters being here in quantity, so things may really be looking up,” he said.
Several blue marlin were caught this week with the panga Oceana with one. The private boat Aleta Negra, owned by Karl Peters of Nashville released one, and the cruiser Rosa Nautica got one. The largest was caught on the panga Gitana, with Captain Santiago. The huge blue was estimated at about 575 pounds.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 89
Humidity 77%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:34 a.m. CDT
Sunset 8:00 p.m. CDT
San Jose, Guatemala
Forty mile runs were the norm for the week. Once the fish were located, the action heated up allowing most of the fleet to maintain a decent 70% hook-to-release rate. To add to the excitement, a few marlin showed up in the pattern along with an occasional dorado. Internationally known fly-fishing guide Lori Ann Murphy and her Reel Women group will be arriving tomorrow (4/10) looking to get into the billfish-on-a-fly action. Hopefully, we will be able to deliver the same kind of trip Lori Ann’s friend Paul Bruun and Terry Shade had a few weeks ago. Sailfish, marlin, dorado and maybe a roosterfish or two inshore should be enough to keep them smiling. We know the women will be ready, so it should be a fun party if the fish cooperate!
And finally, inshore there were several roosterfish released in one afternoon of fishing.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 84
Humidity 74%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 5:53 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:16 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Apr 2, 2005; 01:28PM - Last Gasps of Winter, We Hope!
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
The first three days of the week were punctuated by a strong North wind. Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf’s Baja Spring Co-Ed Special began Mon. (3/28) with mixed results. Tues. and Wed. produced fair action early in the morning for skipjack in front of La Ribera. Later in the day, moving offshore, the group found plenty to look at as the marlin put on a show feeding on the surface. Steve Tomilson, New York, NY had excellent action on roosterfish inshore, landing his first-ever on the fly. He rounded off the day with a few skipjack and ladyfish. He is already talking about coming back in May to hunt for Bubba. By the end of the week, the North wind was back, keeping all but the most dedicated close to the pool with a book in one hand and a cold drink with an umbrella in the other. Ron Radwin, Pittstown, NJ drove up from Cabo San Lucas to check out the beach and liked what he saw. A frequent visitor to Baja, he plans to hang out on a Baja beach more often.
Report by Baja on the Fly.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 68-82
Humidity 37%
Wind: 12 mph N
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:10 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:34 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
After several weeks of windy conditions, it finally settled down with welcome sunny skies and no wind. Up at Devil’s Curve, the snook began to bite and I heard of at least one that was in the 25-pound class. Out at the entrada, there were a few small firecracker yellowtail as well as sierra under the bird schools. Outside, there were plenty of skipjack to keep the rods bent.
Diana Hoyt, Mag Bay Outfitters, Lopez Mateos, reported some large snook at Boca de Soledad along with plenty of pompano. Still nothing of note to report offshore.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-82
Humidity 6%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:43 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
No Report This Week
Here are excerpts from last week: About the only thing that can be said about the fishing here in Zihuatanejo is slow. There was still some excellent jack crevalle action in the beginning of the week. But, the cooler water, which has shut down the sailfish bite, turned dirty inshore and even had several areas of red tide.
On Thurs. (3/24), I went out with Captain Martin on the panga Isamar with fly-fishing client John Avery of Napa, Calif., to try for a sailfish. We knew the odds were against us, but John wanted to give it a try. From 12- to-20 miles out, we encountered large areas of red tide and we never even raised a sailfish.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 87
Humidity 74%
Wind: 5 mph from the WSW
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:59 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Cloudy skies persisted most of the week and took its toll, producing lower averages than normal for this time of year. 30-40 miles were not uncommon as the fleet spread out in search of the hot bite. Plenty of sailfish showed up in the pattern, but less aggressive. The trick was to entice them to take the fly. Dorado were thick and almost a nuisance but real crowd pleasers at the dinner table.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 84
Humidity 74%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 5:58 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:15 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Mar 26, 2005; 01:15PM - East Cape, Mag Bay and Z-What Slow; Guatemala Continues Hot Show
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Persistent winds from the north and cool water made fishing tough today (3/25). Nevertheless, my clients cast diligently and relentlessly and managed to land a few trumpets and some small cabrilla. We’ve heard reports of roosters at Cardonal, but I did not see any though we did troll hookless live bait there for about an hour. Offshore was slowish (is there such a word?) also judging by what I heard on the radio. However, there have been some marlin caught in the last few days. The only bait is mackerel. No sardina to found anywhere yet. Waiting for the bite to kick in . . .
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Lance Peterson.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 64-71
Humidity 59%
Wind: 7 mph WNW
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:32 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Easter celebrations brought recreational fishing to a standstill this week. Outside, it was Victory at Sea conditions. Even up in the esteros, the wind ripped most of the week keeping the few fisherman there close to home base. While there were a few halibut and corvina caught, it was pretty slim pickings.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-71
Humidity 95%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:40 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
About the only thing that can be said about the fishing here in Zihuatanejo is slow. There was still some excellent jack crevalle action in the beginning of the week. But, the cooler water, which has shut down the sailfish bite, turned dirty inshore and even had several areas of red tide.
On Thurs. (324), I went out with captain Martin on the panga Isamar with fly-fishing client John Avery of Napa, Calif., to try for a sailfish. We knew the odds were against us, but John wanted to give it a try. From 12- to-20 miles out, we encountered large areas of red tide and we never even raised a sailfish.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 71 - 86
Humidity 78%
Wind: West 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:44 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:58 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The overall conditions have been great, the run to the fish has been variable. This past week, due to Easter, there were a lot more boats spending more time focusing on dorado; with many brought to the docks by the local anglers. For sailfish on the conventional side, there was a 65% success rate with an average in the high single digits caught per day. The fly side had a 38% catch rate with a mid-range single digit success rate per boat day.
Terry Shade, Pescadero, Calif., and Paul Bruun, Jackson Hole, Wyo., finished up a successful trip last week. Terry, a long time Baja on the Fly client, couldn’t stop talking about the almost non-stop action, “This is more sailfish than I have seen in my entire life.” Surprisingly, Paul, who has fly-fished all over the world, had never had the opportunity to go mano a mano with the mighty pez vela. “If a person doesn’t get excited doing this, maybe golf would be a better sport for them,” said Bruun.
Terry and I had the opportunity to visit Antigua and Lake Atitlan on travel days and it was a wonderful opportunity to see the tropical country side. Sights included volcanoes and a 16-mile long lake nestled in the mountains at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Colorful costumes, old churches, festivals, shops crammed full of unusual art, jewelry, carvings, etc., convinced both of us that Guatemala was a special treat.
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:03 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Mar 21, 2005; 09:27AM - Guatemala Action Dominates the Scene Below the Border
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
The fishing here is definitely slow. We had South wind for three days, but it didn't seem to help. There are lots of boats coming back with nothing. A few big dorado were caught, but no concentrations of any fish. The sierra bite has been good at La Ribera, but is over by 7 a.m. I went out a few days ago and landed one small dorado and a few skipjack; all on red and white. The shore fishing has slowed down a lot. I have been catching a few ladyfish, but not near the numbers I was. Haven't caught a rooster or jack in days. The North wind picked up yesterday (3/17). Everyone here hopes it is the last blow of the season.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 64-71
Humidity 58%
Wind: NW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:29 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Conventional fishermen were at the entrada three days ago and got one good-size halibut, a big grouper, yellowtail and lots of barracuda.
Shark fishermen have run into lots of squid a couple of miles outside the entrance. There is also loads of squid inside the bay and lots of whales – but definitely not good fishing inside.
Weather is absolutely beautiful. Very calm in the mornings with a slight wind after 12 noon.
Inside the estero (estuary) they have been catching corbina.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-71
Humidity 95%
Wind: West 15 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:47 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The cold water current still has the sailfish bite turned off. The blue water is beyond the 30 mile mark. The few boats venturing out that far are only raising one or two fish a day, and not seeing any signs of the tuna or marlin either.
Inshore, the birds are crashing on bait on the beach at Buena Vista and Barra Pototsi. There is still a very good jack crevalle bite going on. Today, (Friday) Martin on the panga Isamar, with client Andrew Vigil of Albuquerque, caught 12 of the big jacks averaging between 14 and 22 pounds. The jacks were taken on light line outfits using live bait and slowed trolled Rapalas.
Yesterday, Felipe on the panga Yellowfin, caught 6 pompano from 12 to 15 pounds for his client. They also got 2 amberjack of 8 and 10 pounds, and 6 chulas. All the fish came from drifting a live bait at the white rocks.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 86
Humidity 78%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:56 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The conditions have been nice and consistent, but the run to the fish has varied this week with some fishing in as close as 25 miles and out as far as 40 miles. On the conventional side, there were 967 released sailfish out of 1347 hooked for an average of 21 per boat day. On the fly side there were 45 released sailfish out of 108 hooked for an average of 6 per boat day. Marlin made a strong showing this week with 5 released. Inshore, there was no one out.
Kim Kutsch, Jefferson, Ore., spent several days touring the countryside along with a group of his friends from all across the U.S. before going toe-to-toe with the notorious Guatemala sailfish.
This is what he had to say about the trip: “The fishing was spectacular and everything you made it out to be. I'll be looking at these pictures for a very long time. I think that was the most fun I've ever had with a flyrod. Thank you very much. After seeing the pictures and hearing the stories, Ryan is pretty certain I am bringing him to Guatemala next year in March during his spring break. The rest of the boys will feel the same way I am sure. I will get those dates from him and we will plan a trip.”
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82- 86
Humidity 100%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Mar 12, 2005; 11:23AM - Guatemala is Hot, Hot, Hot; Others Not
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
NOTE: This report is on Fri. instead of Sat. because of local logistics and communications coming out of Guatemala.
East Cape
We’ve had North wind for the last three days with fishing definitely on the slow side. We did land three baby roosterfish at the lighthouse on a white and olive Clouser. The boats are going south and coming back with some dorado and marlin. The day before the wind started, the marlin fishing was great. All the boats came back with at least one. I was out with a friend and we saw six boats hooked up with marlin at one time. One boat had two on. They were only about three miles out from La Ribera. The same day, we caught small dorado a half mile from the Spa. The wind came up and the fish left. Fly-fishers are finding a few sierra early in the morning at La Ribera. Skipjack bite has been good just a few miles from shore with red the best color. Still no sardines available for chum.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 66-73
Humidity 58%
Wind: WNW 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
It’s been very windy afternoons for the past several days. You need to get out early to take advantage of the first few hours before the wind picks up. Several day ago, a few large grouper or maybe a white sea bass were broken off at the entrada, the resident small yellowtail continued to provide fair action on a See Through Deceiver with an olive-colored back. Early as it is we are already receiving some vague reports of yellowfin tuna out to the west near the shark buoys. With only a few anglers fishing the esteros, it is hard to gauge the bite. The corvina have begun to bite and there were several snook landed and – of course – more of them lost. The whale watching season is beginning to wind down with only about 20 whales with their calves still in the harbor to be seen.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 64-71
Humidity 58%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:46 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:30 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
A cool water current has moved in, essentially sending the sailfish South. Fishing for all species, except for some very good action on large jack crevelle, has been slow all this last week.
This annual cool water current brings in the big yellowfin tuna and marlin, but it is still a little too early to target them with consistent results. Cheva, on the panga Dos Hermanos II did catch one nice black marlin of about 250 pounds this week, as well as Pepino on the Whisky II with a smaller blue. A few other marlin were hooked, but lost.
Steve Talbot has been targeting the big jacks most of the week with Martin on the panga Isamar and, releasing about 10 fish a day. The big jacks are averaging between 15 and 20 pounds, with an occasional 25 pounder. Their fish have been caught using a red and white surface popper, live bait, and trolled Rapalas.
Baja On The Fly client Matt Herman of Los Angeles fished the inshore one day with Cheva, releasing 5 of the big jacks, several black skipjack tuna, and one chula.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 73 - 89
Humidity 78%
Wind: West 11 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:54 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather has been very pleasant with overall calm seas and bright skies. During the past week on the conventional side there were 847 sails released out of 1268 hooked for an overall average of 16 per boat-day with the high boat going 34 of 44. On the fly side, there were 127 released sails out of 306 hooked for an overall average of four per boat-day with the high boat going 12 for 14. There were also several marlin that showed up and a couple were released on light conventional tackle. Dorado were encountered by every boat, and made a nice addition to many dinner tables. Inshore, there were a couple of roosterfish also released.
Jack Balch, from Fremont, Calif., finished up his trip last Sun. and here is his take on the trip:
“Thank you for a fantastic trip. I don't believe you can find a greater concentration of sailfish then I saw in Guatemala. One day we raised fish 22 different times. Often multiple fish were raised at the same time. I actually had two fish fighting to try and get my fly at the same time. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to catch a sailfish on the fly.”
Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 82 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: SE 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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Feb 26, 2005; 01:53PM - Guatemala Sizzles; Z-What Hot; Others Lukewarm
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
East Cape
Thursday’s (2/24) beach trip went fairly well with two small roosters, one small jack and a couple of ladyfish. Yesterday (2/25) we were out in a panga with little success. The North wind came up and we couldn't find the dead whale. On the bright side, we did get one 55-pound dorado trolling conventional gear. No sardines yet.
The North wind is back. Fishing has dropped off. I'm still able to catch some ladyfish and small jacks from shore early and I mean early – the bite is over by 7:30. The whale is gone and so are the dorado. There are a few dorado around but no concentrations. Red, and black is what worked a few days ago. As has been the case all winter, there are more marlin than usual for this time of year. Some yellowfin were caught a few days ago, but that was before the wind came back. The roosters have disappeared, but I'm sure they will be back on the beach when the wind quits. I landed two one day on a gray and white deceiver. The fish are scattered, but most boats are going south. Sierra have been hard to find. Local people say it’s because of the fleet of shrimp boats that have been fishing every night for the last week. I don't know how much truth there is to that. It is cloudy and cool. I hope the water doesn't cool off too much.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 67-74
Air temperature 60-68
Humidity 58%
Wind: NNE 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:42 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:20 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
It’s been a little cooler this week, but all-in-all nice weather. The few that ventured out to the entrada (entrance) were not disappointed. A few small yellows and leopard groupers couldn’t resist a slow retrieved Baja Deep Diver. Up at Devil’s Curve, the snook did their snipe impression and were among the missing this week. As usual for this time of year, more time was spent whale watching than fishing.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 60-68
Humidity 93%
Wind: WNW 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:27 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water has moved out a bit to the 6 mile mark, and I thought the full moon was going to affect our fishing. The pattern was holding true for most of the boats fishing the normal 8 to 14 mile areas. But, early yesterday morning (Friday) I logged onto the Terrafin Surface Temperature Satellite Service and noted decent water from 19- to 30-miles out. Martin, on the panga Isamar, fly-fishing client Kirk Strawn of Chicago, and I then fished the areas from 19 to 28 miles on a 180 degree heading.
It was Kirk's first fly-fishing experience for sailfish, but he managed 3 tagged and released sails by 10 o'clock. As we got back to pier, Santiago, on the panga Gitana, was right behind us and flying 6 tag and release flags for conventional gear fisherman Russ Kirtchner of Indiana. They had gone 20 miles on a 200 degree heading. This bite is not off, it has only moved out a few miles.
A couple of days ago, I saw a lot of bait and birds working the shoreline at Barra Pototsi. Kirk and I are taking the 9-weight there this morning, for some jack crevalle and black skipjack tuna action from the beach.
Roosterfish action was very slow this week however, and there are still no signs of the tuna.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:51 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The conditions this past week were really nice with calm seas and fishing action from 5- to 15-miles out. There have been some days with tougher conditions, and others where the sails were just jumping in the boats. There are a lot of anglers down, and most of the boats are venturing out. During the week on the conventional side there were 2,314 hooked sails and 1,542 released sails for an average of 24 releases per boat day. On the fly side there were 691 hooked sails and 340 released sails for an average of 10 releases per boat day. The high boat on the conventional side for the week had 72 releases in a day and on the fly side had 27 releases. Truly spectacular results for a week! In the mix of all the sails were also some monsters with quite a few sails being reported in the 100-140 pound class. One of our clients on our feedback form said, 'The thrill of these huge sails is going to be hard to describe.” There were dorado in the mix as well, and inshore there were several roosterfish released in one afternoon of fishing.
We also ventured over to Huatulco, Mexico last week, and will begin offering trips in March. This location looks really fabulous from a fishing standpoint with excellent billfish action from March through August. It also offers great activities for non-anglers in the group including stunning beaches and scenery. During our stay there was great action reported on yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin. Look for our upcoming reports in the next couple of weeks.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:21 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:11 p.m. CST
For additional information: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
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