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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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Feb 19, 2005; 04:14PM - All Signs of Spring Say GO!
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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
Fishing here has turned on. A Spa boat went out two days ago (2/16) and found a dead whale. They landed 26 dorado from under and around it. Skipjack are biting well and some sierra early. The shore fishing has been good. I can catch ladyfish every time I go out. I landed four jacks and one rooster yesterday (2/17). The wind is still blowing out of the north, creating large waves. The afternoon fly-fishing from shore is tough. Most of my fish have come from casting a baitcaster and surface lures a long way out. A white jumping minnow is by far the best lure. The ladyfish are in close early and will hit a variety of flies. White and olive Clousers with lots of flash work best. Pink and purple still the best colors for the skipjack.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 68-71
Humidity 58%
Wind: North 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:17 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Nice weather most of the week brought out the whale-watchers in full force. The entrada produced a few small yellows, sierra and a full-on barracuda bite. Up at Devil’s Curve, the snook still continued their elusive ways with only a few small ones caught. Up at Lopez Mateos, the Whale Festival is history and it is back to business as usual. Not much action on the outside where lumpy conditions persisted. Corvina, sierra and a few leopard grouper were all that could be found in the esteros this week
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-71
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:23 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
We are certainly having one of our best Februarys for the last couple of years. Historically, February is one of the best months of the year, and this year is proving it so.
The 80 degree blue water is still only a couple of miles off the beach and no boat is traveling further than 20 miles to find fish. Most of the sailfish are being taken between the 8 and 12 mile mark.
I was talking with the captains this morning (Saturday) on the municipal pier, and we were recounting the number of fish they have released this week. Everybody was running out of fingers and toes. Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos had the best week. He fished the blue water four days and never released less than eight sails, with two days of 13 releases. Adolpho also fished for roosters three days and tallied numbers of 9, 5, and 4 roosters each day. They averaged about 30 pounds, with a few fish well over 50 pounds. He also averaged between 8 and 10 jack crevalle on those days. The big jacks were about 15- to 20-pounds.
Santiago, on the panga Gitana, released 38 sailfish in the last seven days. And, Cheva, the captain of the Dos Hermanos II, released 30 sailfish for his four days in the blue water.
Scott McKane of New Jersey, fishing with Orlando on the panga Tequila, averaged four sailfish a day, while looking for the yellowfin tuna. They never found the tuna, but with the sails and a few dorado, he was really excited about the quality of fishing he has had.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 89
Humidity 83%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:49 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The conditions this past week have been very nice, with the run to the fishing getting longer during the week. Early in the week, the run was 2-5 miles and it grew to 20 miles later in the week. The early part of the week started off with some lower production and tough times for the anglers, but the later parts of the week came on strong, and for the sails the boats hooked 243 sails and released 149 of them on the conventional side, and hooked 46 and released 21 on the fly side. Dorado again made a consistent showing, and a few boats even got in to some grouper action during slow sailfishing times. Roosters were also present with most of the action occurring on live bait on outgoing tides.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 82
Humidity 100%
Wind: SE 11mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:24 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:09 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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Feb 12, 2005; 01:34PM - That Glimmer of Light Looks Like Spring
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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 wind is out of the east at about 10 knots and cloudy the last few days including scattered rain showers. The surf is large, but not choppy. The water is warming and clearing. Fishing is good for marlin and OK for dorado. Sierra are hard to find. A Buena Vista boat went out on Tues. (2/8) and caught one marlin, two dorado and two tuna. A “tin boat” angler went out yesterday, landed a dorado and hooked a marlin close to shore. Pink and purple seem to be the preferred colors. Shore fishing has been slow, but a few ladyfish were chasing bait yesterday off the beach here. First ladyfish I have seen in awhile.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 66-69
Humidity 88%
Wind: West 4 mph
Conditions: Light Rain
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:52 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:13 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Wind and rain dominated the area this week. Whale watchers needed slickers to stay dry. No one seemed to mind as there are plenty of whales and even a few with calves already. The trip out to the entrada yielded small yellowtail, barracuda and a few leopard grouper. The trick is getting your fly down deep enough in the water column for the grouper. For the first time this year, Devil’s Curve produced a couple of decent snook – one 16-pounds and the other 12. Weather reports call for improving conditions during the week. Anyone want to get snookered? Up at Lopez Mateos the Whale Festival is in full swing and the town is packed with tourists who couldn’t resist the combination of whales and a party.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water is only a mile off the beach and the sailfish fishing has been very good. Historically, Feb. is one of our very best months. But, the last three years has seen a 150 boat kill tournament at the end of Jan., and unseasonable cool water moving in about the second week, essentially shutting everything down. This year, we were able to eliminate the kill tournament (which is another story), and the current has cooperated.
Client Jim Rainey of Denver fished with Captain Cheva on the Dos Hermanos II earlier in the week, and released eight sailfish on conventional gear. The next day, Cheva went back out to the same spot and released 10. While guiding Tim Martin and Russ Coleman of Houston, with Cheva yesterday (Fri.), we raised one blue marlin and six sails. We were fly-fishing with only two hookless teasers out. Russ hooked two sailfish, and missed one. We backed the missed fish up with live bait, a circle hook, 30-pound gear, and shortly Tim had his first ever sailfish released. With nothing on the boat other than flyrods or 30 pound gear, we did not even try for the marlin.
Captain Santiago, on the panga Gitana, is averaging about five tagged and released sailfish a day, for this last seven days. And, for some interesting competition, his brother Adan, on the new Gitana II, is doing exactly the same.
The blue marlin are finally showing up in decent numbers. The 38-foot cruiser Yellowfin II has raised five marlin in three days and hooked one. The released fish was estimated at about 250-pounds.
(On a special note, I want to thank David Holts, of the NOAA in La Jolla, for sending me another 250 tags for tagging and releasing the billfish. I distribute them to all the captains. Please, when you come down here to Zihuatanejo, bring some of the Billfish Foundation or NOAA tags with you. E-mail me if you need instructions on how to get them.)
I may have to eat a few words I have written in the last couple of weekly fish reports. I thought the roosterfish, in catchable numbers, were out of here, at least for the time being until their appearance again in July. However, Adolpho, on the panga Dos Hermanos, fishing with a client from England, caught 18 jack crevalle and six roosters Thursday (2/10). They got the roosters on poppers and slow-trolled live bait near the antennas location, 26 miles south. Then yesterday, Martin on the panga Isamar, went 15 miles north and hooked four nice roosters on live bait. All the roosters were in the 30- to 40-pound class.
Inshore, several nice sierra to eight pounds have been taken.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 77 - 87
Humidity 83%
Wind: West 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:14 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:46 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
Conditions in Guatemala have been unusual with the fleet putting the teasers out just a few miles from the marina. I only have stats from Thurs. (2/10), where boats on the conventional side released 156 of 217 hooked sails. On the fly-side, 13 of 31 hooked sails were released. There were also some stellar performances with one boat that had a 90% hookup ratio on 40 raised sails. No marlin to report this week, but the dorado made a strong showing. Inshore, there were several roosters released in one afternoon of fishing.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 77 - 82
Humidity 94%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:27 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:07 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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Feb 7, 2005; 09:55AM - Oh, to be in Guatemala for the Sailfish Blitz
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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
There’s no nice way to say it: the fishing is slow. Five days of north winds have cooled the water and made it a cloudy green. There are still some small dorado by Punta Pescadero. Sierra are scattered and only seem to bite early. Best sierra bite is by Rancho Leonero. Boats going 40 miles out have had some luck on dorado and marlin. The possibility of strong winds has kept most of the fleet closer to home. The wind finally died down some yesterday (2/4). Hopefully we will get a break for a few days.
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 64-68
Humidity 43%
Wind: NNW 14 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 6:56 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:09 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Whales dominated the scene at both Puerto San Carlos and Lopez Mateos this week. The few pangas that ventured out to the entrada found scratchy fishing yielding only fair results including a few small yellows, grouper and barracuda. Up at Lopez Mateos, the annual celebration of the whales, “Festival Ballena Gris,” will be held Feb. 12. The event will include the crowning of a Queen of the Festival and the celebration of what many locals are calling the best whale-watching season in several years. The esteros continued the same pattern of slow fishing influenced by poor weather reinforced by strong winds.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 25%
Wind: WNW 15 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:07 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The blue water has moved out to about 12 miles. Most of the fleet is fishing the area between 14 and 22 miles, and not doing very well. They are only averaging about one sailfish a day. The Terrifin Satellite Surface Temperature service clearly shows the cooler water being within the 10 mile mark, mixed water out to about 28 miles, and then good warm water from 30 miles and beyond.
It also stands to reason the few boats fishing beyond the 30 mile mark are doing very well, averaging five and six sailfish released a day.
A few mature dorado, between 20 and 35 pounds, are being taken at a rate of one dorado for every five boats on the water.
Butch Cooley, fishing with Capt. Martin on the panga “Isamar,” made a 35 mile run yesterday for roosters. They only had one strike on a surface popper.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 63%
Wind: South 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:43 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The overall conditions have been very nice in the San Jose area this past week. There were more boats out for a women’s light tackle tournament that is going on. For sailfish there were 447 releases on 668 bites. On the fly-fishing side, there were 34 releases for 60 bites. The action has been at 10 miles on quite a few of the days, with still a few boats ranging out as far as 20 miles. There are good reports of dorado being caught by the boats, but no action on tuna. Inshore, once again there were no clients out, but there were several roosters caught by a couple of the captains who were testing the waters.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 78 - 84
Humidity 100%
Wind: ESE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:01 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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Jan 23, 2005; 08:27AM - Winds, Winds, Winds . . . Phooey!
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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
Yvonne and Gary will be attending the Fly Show in Somerset, NJ January 27-29. If you are attending the show don’t miss Gary’s presentations on –
Friday 4:30 Guatemala on the Fly
Saturday 3:30 Baja on the Fly
Calm today. Early sierra bite good at Rancho Leonero. Lots of skipjack all over. Anything
purple seems to work. Water is clear. Everyone hopes the wind stays calm for a few days.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 64-69
Humidity 43%
Wind: North 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:59 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Nice weather greeted the large number of folks arriving to get up close and personal with the whales this week. Best action continued to be out at the entrada. A few yellows, small grouper and the barracuda were thick. I am not aware of anyone who ventured up into the esteros this week, so there is little to report on that front. Up at Lopez Mateos the focus is primarily on the whales and the upcoming annual celebration of the Whales, “Festival Ballena Gris” will be held Feb. 12.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-69
Humidity 33%
Wind: West 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. MST
Sunset 6:04 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water is less than a mile off the beach, and the gamefish have come in with the water. Most captains are working an area from 5 to 8 miles from the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay, with none going any further than 13 miles. The boats are averaging about 8 raised fish a day. The conventional gear anglers are releasing an average of 4 sailfish a day, with the fly fishermen getting at least one and sometimes two a day.
Several boats this week have released 7 fish a day. Santiago on the panga “Gitana” released 7 fish two days running with client Bill Grey of South Carolina. Santiago has, over this last 6 days, released 30 sailfish total.
Baja on the Fly client Derek Fasio hooked and released his first sailfish on the fly, as well as Tom Burns of Boston.
Dorado are still scarce, and only being taken while trolling sailfish gear. The tuna have moved out to the 35 mile mark.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 82
Humidity 83%
Wind: SW 6 mph
Conditions: T-Storms
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:35 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather this past week was downright ugly, with very windy conditions. A few boats ventured out, but the fishing was difficult to put it best. As the week went on, the conditions have improved, and the numbers on sailfish improved. There was a blue marlin also released. Inshore, where the wind slowly sandblasted you, there was some good action on roosterfish, and strangely enough, several dorado and a sail were caught. The water color varied between blue and bluish green in the productive areas.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 94%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:58 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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Jan 15, 2005; 01:19PM - It's Winter Almost Everywhere
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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 right now is poor. The wind is blowing and the waves are up to 10 feet high. Biggest surf I have ever seen here. Water is brown and cooling off. The fishing was OK before the wind started. Bob at the tackle shop caught a 25 pound rooster at La Rivera on a top water plug. The Sierra that were south of the light house left. A Spa boat went there 4 days ago and didn't get any. Locals have been catching good numbers of Sierra north of town on silver homemade lures and hand lines. The bite stops at first light. Some small Dorado and a few skip
Jacks at Punta Pescadero, blue and white still the favored color.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
OFFSHORE: More winter weather kept boats close to shore
INSHORE: Punta Pescadero for small dorado early morning
BEACH: Still some sierra and small roosters if you can beat the wind
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 68-73
Humidity 43%
Wind: North 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:54 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
The Entrada produced a few yellows as well as leopard grouper if the fly below all of the barracuda on the surface. Up in the esteros the Corvina shut off leaving only the cabrilla for the few fishing this week. The whale count continued to climb with more than 15 spotted near the Entrada.
Lopez Mateos…Last week local fishermen caught a 80lb grouper. Outside the channel it was slow do to weather.3 to 4 whales spotted and one mom and her calf in the bay. Lopez Mateo will be having the Whale Festival soon. Diana Hoyt, Magbay Outfitters.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 66-73
Humidity 33%
Wind: NE 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:59 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
The 80 degree blue water is just off the beach a couple of miles, and the inshore water is clear and clean. The fishing for sailfish has slowed down a bit over the last week. Most boats going out are raising 3 to 4 a day, but only hooking one or two.
However, a lot of boats are taking some 30 to 45 pound dorado. All the dorado are being caught as an 'incidental catch' while trolling for sailfish. Plus the yellowfin tuna have been making a strong showing this week. It is good to see the dorado and tuna back. I have had fresh fish for dinner 4 nights this week. The tuna have been located at the 16 mile mark, and some of them are huge. The majority of the tuna are going about 60 pounds, but the panga Paola did boat a 250 pond fish.
The strong roosterfish and jack crevalle bite has finally slowed down to a normal winter time pace. Only one or two fish per day are being taken per boat.
Ed Kunze
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 87
Humidity 66%
Wind: WSW 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:31 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather continues to be great with fairly calm seas, and the fishing action has been steady all week long. There were no local boats out, but some visiting boats experienced some excellent action on sails and Dorado. One boat averaged 17 releases per day on the fly over 3 days, and one averaged 20 per day on conventional tackle. The boats have mainly been fishing 20-27 miles offshore, but are seeing fish in as close as 10 miles.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
Water temperature 72 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 55%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:54 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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Jan 10, 2005; 06:42PM - It's Definitely Winter
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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
Fishing is slow. Winter has definitely returned. We experienced strong north winds both yesterday and today. Sierra – the best ceviche – are by the pyramids north of town, accessible from shore early; and still lots of sierra from the lighthouse south to Cabo Pulmo. Natural color flies, white and green, and white grey seem to work best. We can no longer get sardina at Cabo Pulmo. There were some roosterfish at the lighthouse before the wind came, but five-foot surf and dirty cold water has shut off the shore fishing. Offshore fishing was good for small dorado until the wind came. No boats have gone out the last two days.
Report by Baja on the Fly guide Tim Selzer
OFFSHORE: North winds made for a tough week
INSHORE: Last week’s dorado took a hike when the winds came
BEACH: Still some sierra and small roosters if you can beat the wind
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 66-71
Humidity 39%
Wind: 16 mph from the SSE
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:41 p.m. MST
Magdalena Bay, Baja Mexico
Marginal weather persisted most of the week causing an uncomfortable ride for yachts traveling through the area. By the end of the week it was clear skies and no wind prevailed. I think the crews were spending more time hanging on than fishing. Water temps definitely cooled down this week. The entrada produced fair-to-good fishing for small yellowtail, leopard grouper and barracuda. The whale count continues to grow each week and both Lopez Mateos and San Carlos are beginning to fill up with eager tourists in search of an up-close and personal experience with a unsuspecting whale. Still little action to report in the esteros from both San Carlos and Lopez Mateos.
Water temperature 69-75
Air temperature 62-71
Humidity 18%
Wind: NW 4 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. MST
Zihuatanejo, Mainland Mexico
I have been reflecting on how we have very calm seas here in Mexico from October through June, compared to what’s happening off the coasts of the U.S. the last few weeks. Plus the fishing is good. Calm seas and good fishing is a hard combination to beat.
The blue water is close and a lot of sailfish are being caught. There are not too many dorado or tuna, but a few blue marlin are starting to show. Client Bob Nelson released his first fly-caught sailfish while fishing with Capt. Martin on the panga “Isamar.” It was the first time he had ever had a flyrod in his hands, and was a little more than impressed about the experience. Also fly-fishing with Capt. Martin for one day was Tom Marshal of Idaho and John Wilkinson of Ohio. They hooked three sails and had raised 8.
Conventional gear fishermen Rick Erdman and his son fished three days on the “Gitana II” with Capt. Adan. They released a total of 12 sailfish.
Capt. Adolpho of the panga “Dos Hermanos,” and his compadre Arturo of the panga “Janneth,” made the 30 mile run to Papanoa for roosters. Normally at this time of the year the roosters start to thin out a bit, but they each hooked at least 8 and 8 jack crevalle. The roosters were averaging about 35 pounds, and the hard-fighting jacks were about 15 pounds. The fish were taken on slow trolled live bait or surface poppers.
Baja on the Fly report by Ed Kunze
Water temperature 80 - 84
Air temperature 75 - 86
Humidity 66%
Wind: 9 mph from the WSW
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:26 p.m. CST
San Jose, Guatemala
The weather has been great, and the fishing action has been picking up all week long. There were very few boats out, but those that did venture out experienced some excellent action on sails. Dorado and Tuna are around, and there have been a lot more tuna on the docks than we have seen in a long time. Inshore no one was out.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarlin
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Water temperature 78 - 82
Air temperature 80 - 84
Humidity 55%
Wind: Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:50 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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Dec 25, 2004; 08:59AM - Plenty of Dorado, Sails and North Winds
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Plenty of Dorado, Sails and North Winds
REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE
BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Dec. 24, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (12/18-12/23)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: While fishing continues to be good for this late in the
year, the winds have made it difficult to enjoy. On Wed. (12/22) there
was some decent dorado action around the shark buoys near Punta
Pescadero. We counted several marlin and one sailfish on one the few
boats that ventured out. If you prefer to stay a bit closer to home,
the early morning sierra bite at the lighthouse has been great. Any
flies with a little blue in them seem to be the hot ticket right now.
Everyone is hoping that Santa brings lots of goodies and, as a special
gift to East Cape, takes the North wind with him.
This is Tim Stelzer’s first report since returning last week from his
summer guiding in Alaska. He will be guiding for Baja on the Fly both at
East Cape and Magdalena Bay until late April, we are excited to have him
back again this year.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 55-73
Humidity about 60%
Wind: North 13 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:42 p.m. MST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
OFFSHORE: If you feel lucky, there are still a few billfish around
INSHORE: We expect the Sierra this time of year, so bring some wire.
The dorado are a nice Christmas present.
BEACH: Windy conditions have made it tough. I did hear of several
quality roosters landed near the lighthouse earlier in the week.
BILLFISH – Even a sail or two this week.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Action still down toward Cabo Pulmo and beyond. It’s an
ugly ride home if the dreaded North wind cranks up.
DORADO – Shark buoys in front of Punta Pescadero still holding a few.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – The word “challenging” describes it best.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Still some schools down toward Cabo Pulmo.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Only a few on the rocky points.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of blue flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Good traveling weather on the outside as several yachts head
up the line for Christmas. Still a few billfish, dorado, tuna and wahoo
to break up the monotony. Inside, with few clients interested in
fishing, there was more attention paid to Christmas preparations. With
whale-watching season just around the corner, everyone is hoping Santa
will bring some of the friendly giants with him on his visit tonight.
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 60- 69
Humidity 91%
Wind North 11 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:08 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:44 p.m. MST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
YELLOWTAIL – A few smaller firecrackers under the birds at the entrada.
CORVINA – A few small ones at the pier and bridge.
SNOOK – North end of the bay is the best bet.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slowly retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – Under the bird schools is the best.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Clean water is just off the beach and the majority of the
boats are releasing 3 to 5 sailfish a day. I guided Scott Kelly from
Juneau, Alaska for fly-fishing with Captain Martin on the panga Isamar.
Before heading out that morning, from the Terrifin Satellite Surface
Temperatures chart, I had noticed a well-defined area holding 80.5
degree water, with the rest of the areas all in a scrambled egg pattern
of 83 to 85 degree water. The body of cooler water paid off with a huge
sailfish tagged and released, and a couple of fly-caught yellowfin tuna.
The sailfish was estimated at 120-pounds and the tuna were football sized.
There are lots of yellowfin here, with the majority of them in the 12-
to 20-pound size. We did notice schools of 50- to 60-pound fish crashing
on bait, but they proved to be elusive.
Water Temperature 80-84
Air Temperature 75-86
Humidity 94%
Wind WSW 4 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 8,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:18 p.m. CST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: The anglers who were down Guatemala-way this week
experienced some tough conditions, but all went away happy. The overall
release numbers were down to what other areas experience, at about 3-7
per day, but dorado action in-close made up for the tough sailfishing.
All of the boats were able to experience great action with dorado. Once
again we had no one fishing inshore.
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 100 %
Wind South 8 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:23 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:42 p.m. CST
Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New; Jan. 16, First Quarter.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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Dec 18, 2004; 01:06PM - East Cape Winds, Zihuatanejo Sails Highlight Week
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Dec. 18, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (12/11-12/17)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: Wind . . . wind . . . wind: another cookie cutter week. This is the time of year that drives the locals’ nuts. Much more time is spent decorating than fishing! There are still some fish around; the trick is to find them before the wind finds you.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 70-74
Air temperature 59-78
Humidity about 60%
Wind: North 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:54 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:37 p.m. MST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
OFFSHORE: Few billfish and tuna for the lucky.
INSHORE: Sierra have begun their annual snap, so bring some wire.
BEACH: The earlier the better.
BILLFISH – Still a few resident fish hanging around.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Everything seems to be in the southern sector, which means a bumpy ride home.
DORADO – Look closer to shore between La Ribera and the lighthouse.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – Slow this week.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Not much this week.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Only a few on the rocky points.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Big news this week was that several yachts traveling though the area found a wad of wahoo on the Thetis. Still a few billfish reported in the southern sector below Punta Tasca from the pinnacle on down 10-15 miles. Not many fishing in the esteros at San Carlos and just a few up at Lopez Mateos. Both areas reported decent action for corvina and sierra with a few grouper, pargo and even an occasional snook for the persistent.
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 66-71
Humidity 91%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:41 p.m. MST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
YELLOWTAIL – No one made it out to the entrada this week, so it’s a “maybe.”
CORVINA – Much smaller than earlier in the year.
SNOOK – Ruben’s secret spot still producing a few.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slowly retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – Under the bird schools is the best.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The November/December issue of the IGFA’s “International Angler” newsletter features recently appointed IGFA Representative Ed Kunze. Congratulations. That brings the total to three IGFA Representatives from Baja on the Fly including Yvonne and I.
The blue water is only a couple of miles off the beach and the fishing is close. The fishing for sailfish has been very good. Paul Phillips of Westbank, British Columbia fished 3 short days with Adan on the panga “Gitana II” this week. They never fished more than three hours each day with Paul tagging and releasing 10 sailfish.
Richard Boselly of Mission Viejo, Calif., fished four miles out of Zihuatanejo Bay with Captain Cali on the panga “Zapitito Gordo.” They were back at the dock before noon with 4 sailfish releases.
There were two great days on the water on the “Vamonos II” for Doug Murphy of New Jersey. The first day his group of three released 6 sailfish. The second day they fished for two hours and then went to Ixtapa Island. They were back after only 5 hours including spending time snorkeling at Ixtapa Island. While they waited, one of the two 45-pound dorado was being prepared for lunch.
The best inshore fishing is for roosterfish and jack crevalle down at Puerto Vicente Gro. They are hitting poppers and flies. Richard Boselly was there for a couple of days early in the week with Cali. They had a blast on big roosters and jacks with poppers and spin gear.
Water Temperature 80-84
Air Temperature 75-86
Humidity 83%
Wind WSW 6 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 8,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: We didn’t receive a report this week and have to assume that they are all out whacking ’em.
LAST WEEK: This past week the fishing has blown wide open in Guatemala and is as hot as it gets! Many boats are experiencing more than 50 releases per day, and several are having personal best days. One boat also had 27 releases on the fly. A few marlin have made showings, but have been difficult, and dorado are around. The weather has been great overall, and those guys that have come down fishing are all smiles after they recover from the non-stop action. If the action holds, this should be one incredible season that you won’t want to miss!
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 80-84
Humidity 100 %
Wind South 2 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. CST
Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter; Jan. 10, New.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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Dec 11, 2004; 02:06PM - If You've Never Caught a Sail, Try Guatemala Now
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Dec. 11, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (12/03-12/10)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: Winter has definitely arrived and fishing has begun its annual slow down. Still a few fish to be had on the good days; (“good days” are defined on those with No Wind). Billfish and tuna on the outside and inshore still a few dorado for the persistent ones. Sierra have surfaced again, so wire is in order.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 71-75
Air temperature 62-81
Humidity about 64%
Wind: NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:55 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. MST
Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter.
OFFSHORE: Few billfish and tuna for the lucky.
INSHORE: Sierra have begun their annual snap, so bring some wire.
BEACH: Get there early. There are till a few roosters, jacks and plenty of ladyfish to keep things interesting.
BILLFISH – Best down to the south.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Still a few with the porpoise.
DORADO – Look closer to shore between La Ribera and the lighthouse.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – Challenging.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Breezing schools in front of La Ribera if the wind is backed off.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Only a few on the rocky points.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Offshore has produced consistently good action with the few boats in the area reporting 3-5 billfish a day along with a few dorado, tuna and fewer wahoo. The best action being found is in the southern sector below Punta Tosca. Inshore, the San Carlos area reported spotty fishing including corvina, cabrilla and a few leopard grouper. Mag Bay Outfitters reported fair-to-good fishing in the mangroves for a few snook, grouper, pargo and sierra near Boca Santo Domingo.
For a comprehensive update on the conservation issues at Magdalena Bay
http://www.seawatch.org/newsroom/mag_bay/Magdalena_Bay_en.pdf
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 68-74
Humidity 76%
Wind West 6 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:38 p.m. MST
Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter.
YELLOWTAIL – A few firecrackers at the entrada with a few larger fish hanging closer to the bottom.
CORVINA – Still around, but the size class is much smaller than earlier in the year.
SNOOK – Northern end of the bay seems to be the most productive.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slowly retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – Only small ones.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The blue water remains close, but it has been influenced by a cooler current. The water temperatures have dropped at least 4 degrees and slowed the sailfish bite.
At the beginning of the week, we wound up the Baja on the Fly Sails and Tales fly-fishing tournament. On the last day (12/6), every boat had hookups, but most fish were lost. Several boats were raising between 6 and 8 fish each, but getting the hook set proved to be another situation. For the complete results, go to
http://www.bajafly.com/sailsandtales/2004SATresults.htm
Towards the end of the week, due to the cooler water, the conventional gear fishermen are now only averaging about 1 or 2 fish per boat per day.
The action will definitely pick up later this week as conditions stabilize and new fish come into the area.
The cooler water has brought in the tuna however, with the big blue marlin never far behind. Some large tuna to 180 pounds have been taken at the 22 mile mark, with a lot of smaller yellowfin in as close as 4-miles off the beach.
The hot roosterfish bite has also been affected by the cooler current. Things have slowed considerably for Adolpho on the “Dos Hermanos” with only 4 roosters caught yesterday (Fri.) That is a considerable reduction when you consider he had one day last week with 18 roosters.
However, Adolpho did tell me this morning the huge jacks have moved in, and he is getting several a day from 18- to 25-pounds.
Water Temperature 80-84
Air Temperature 77-89
Humidity 94%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Scattered Clouds 8,000 ft
Visibility 6 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST
Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: This past week the fishing has blown wide open in Guatemala and is as hot as it gets! Many boats are experiencing more than 50 releases per day, and several are having personal best days. One boat also had 27 releases on the fly. A few marlin have made showings, but have been difficult, and dorado are around. The weather has been great overall, and those guys that have come down fishing are all smiles after they recover from the non-stop action. If the action holds, this should be one incredible season that you won’t want to miss!
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 82-86
Humidity 100 %
Wind NE 8 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. CST
Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full; Jan. 3, Last Quarter.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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Dec 6, 2004; 12:40PM - Winds Whip Cape; Sails & Tails Off and Running
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@bajafly.com
USA toll-free (800) 919-2252 or 760/746-7260; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Sat., Dec. 04, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Fri. (11/27-12/3)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE
IN GENERAL: Another week of the dreaded North winds kept even the most gung ho fisherman close to the pool most of the week. Finally, this morning (12/4) the wind seemed to back off . . . we shall see what we shall see.
AIR & SEA –
Water temperature 75-80
Air temperature 68-75
Humidity about 58%
Wind: NNW 12 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 15 miles
Sunrise 6:45 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:32 p.m. MST
Dec. 4, Last Quarter; Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full.
OFFSHORE: On the good days a few fish can be found
INSHORE: Any action to be found will be at gray light if you are lucky.
BEACH: Tough, tough, tough.
BILLFISH – Still a few hangers-on.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Find the porpoise on a good day and you should do OK.
DORADO – Still a few hanging around.
ROOSTERFISH\\JACK CREVALLE – Quiet this week
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – Breezing schools in front of La Ribera if the wind is backed off.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Not much to talk about.
SIERRA – Bring wire or lots of flies!
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Windy conditions here with the best action up in the mangroves.
Water Temperature 69-75
Air Temperature 66-71
Humidity 58%
Wind NW 17 mph
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 6:57 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:37 p.m. MST
Dec. 4, Last Quarter; Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full.
YELLOWTAIL – Almost always a few at the entrada
CORVINA – Still the most abundant species in the mangroves.
SNOOK – The panhandle zone above Lopez Mateos still the best bet.
HALIBUT – Sand beaches and a slow retrieved Clouser should do the trick.
SIERRA – A few rats less than 18-inches.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Everything seemed to slow down earlier in the week; however, plenty of sailfish were spotted as the week progressed with only a few released. Evan Firstman, Reno Nev., managed to catch his first sailfish on the fly on a practice day before our Sails and Tails Sailfish on the Fly Tournament, which begins today. Also, some nice-sized dorado showing up in the pattern now and then.
Water Temperature 80-83
Air Temperature 75-87
Humidity 66%
Wind Calm
Conditions: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:02 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:10 p.m. CST
Dec. 4, Last Quarter; Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full.
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
SAN JOSE, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: We played host to Mark Sosin who spent a week with us shooting for his show, “Mark Sosin's Saltwater Journal.” They had a really great week and got some outstanding footage. The shows on Guatemala should air in 2005 on the Outdoor life Network. During the week, the sails would come in really hot, but many would fade away. Most boats were still able to have double digit releases, and again there were a couple of boats that experienced 30-40 fish days. A couple of blue marlin also made an appearance, but would not take the bait. Dorado are around and just about every boat had a few. Inshore once again had no takers, so there is no report, but we know the roosters are there, just waiting for an angler to show up.
Water Temperature 78-82
Air Temperature 82-84
Humidity 66 %
Wind SSE 7 mph
Conditions: Scattered Clouds
Visibility 7 miles
Sunrise 6:13 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:34 p.m. CST
Dec. 4, Last Quarter; Dec. 11, New; Dec. 18, First Quarter; Dec. 26, Full.
San Jose, Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa McFarland
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