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Jan 12, 2004; 12:48PM - 'Fly Hooker Daily Report
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Capt. George Landrum
'Fly Hooker' Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
WEEKLY FISH COUNT
THREE STRIPED MARLIN RELEASED (ONE TAGGED) (#100-#130)
FIVE YELLOWFIN KEPT (#12-#30)
THREE DORADO KEPT (#15-#30)
EIGHT SIERRA KEPT (#3-#5)
ONE NEEDLEFISH RELEASED
ONE BONITO RELEASED
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 4, 2004
Dennis and his son Marty have booked three days of fishing with us and today is the
first one. The objective, according to Dennis, is to get Marty hooked up to a fish, it is
his first time! Well, the guys were not able to do it today. Manual and Juan went out
on the Pacific side, almost 22 miles out and only saw one Marlin. They tossed bait to
the fish but it went down as the approached. Our fingers are crossed that the fishing
improves for us, it is not a good start to the new year.
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 6, 2004
The second day of fishing for Dennis and Marty was a repeat of their first day, except
Juan said that it was a Dorado they tossed bait to, not a Marlin today. What is going on
out there? Where have the fish gone? I am starting to get depressed, but Dennis says
not to worry, that is the way fishing is sometimes. The only problem with that is there
are fish out there, up in San Jose the Pangas are catching Tuna, Sierra and Snapper.
Ok, keep the fingers crossed and don’t cry, tomorrow is another day!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 7TH, 2004
Ben is the son of a friend of ours. He and his friend Neil and a couple of other high
school graduates were fishing today on the “Fly Hooker” and finally the guys were able
to break the “catch no fish” spell that had been placed on us. The water was great,
they had a good time, saw whales and porpoise and caught a Dorado that weighed just
around 25 pounds! Thank goodness!!!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 8, 2004
This was the third and last day for Dennis and Marty, and Marty had yet to catch a
fish. With the “catch no fish” spell broken yesterday, I was pretty sure they would hook
up today. I was really sure when Dennis said that Sierra would be fine, as long as they
were able to get something on the end of the line! I instructed Manuel to keep them out
a little longer, just to ensure a fish. I also had gone to the market and purchased a
small Octopus and had gotten some hooks for bottom fishing just in case! Well, they
took off and went up to the Palmilla area. Phillipe had heard that the Pangas were
having good luck on Sierra up there and they ended up getting 8 of them in the boat.
The first fish of the day was a nice 10 pound Bonito, which they released. They water
was a little lumpy for bottom fishing though, and they did have a Dorado try for a lure
three times without hooking up. No big fish for Dennis and Marty, but at least they did
not go three days without a strike! Thanks guys!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 9, 2004
Larry and his three buddies have booked us for the next three days and we sure
were hoping that the fishing was getting better. I guess it was because they were able
to come in with five Yellowfin Tuna and one Dorado today. Manuel and Phillipe went
15 miles out toward the San Jaime bank and were the only boat there. Five Tuna, the
largest about #30, and one Dorado about #20 were the result. These guys from New
Jersey had a good time and are now ready for Marlin! We will keep our fingers crossed
for them tomorrow!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 10, 2004
This is the second day for Larry and his friends. Did I mention yesterday that they
wanted Marlin today? Well, Juan and Manuel worked just offshore, out about 8 miles,
and tossed bait to 6 Striped Marlin. Two of the fish were hungry and they guys were
able to fight them to the boat for a release. One other fish came up and got hooked on
a lure, was fought to the boat, tagged and released! They were also able to get one
nice Dorado (#30?) in the fishbox and were kind enough to let us have a piece for
dinner! Wow, what a turn-around in the fishing! You just never know how things are
going to change from one day to the next. These guys have one more day ahead of
them, I wonder what they are going to catch next? Check us out on next weeks report
when I let you know! Until then, Tight lines!
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Jan 12, 2004; 12:46PM - Cabo Bite Report
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Capt George Landrum
Fly Hooker Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
CABO SAN LUCAS FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 4-10, 2003-04
WEATHER: Highs this week were in the high 80’s to low 90’s and the lows were in the high
50’s and 60’s. The warmer weather was toward the end of the week. Mostly sunny all week with
clouds moving into the area on Saturday evening. We received a slight sprinkle of rain, just
enough to dot the window dust on cars. Winds from the north early in the week, switching to the
east mid week and ending the week coming from the north-west, but never too hard.
WATER: The warmest water we saw all week was 78 degrees, and the warm water was in a
band that stretched from the Golden Gate area to the Gorda Banks, from 8 to 20 miles out.
Inshore the water was much colder, down to 71 and 72 degrees on the Pacific side and the same
on the Cortez side up past Punta Gorda. Most of the water we fished was 74-76 degrees.
Surface conditions were good almost all week with small swells and a little chop.
BAIT: Bait could be hard to get on occasion and sometimes we were limited to only five baits,
but early boats had the best shot. Sardinas were available for boats going up the Sea of Cortez,
they were being netted up at San Jose. Normal bait prices of $2 per Caballito or Mackerel and
$20 per bucket of Sardinas.
FISHING
BILLFISH: The week started off very slow as we approached the full moon. Few fish were
spotted and the ones found were not very willing to eat. Toward the end of the week the bite
picked up, and the fish were close to home. Most of the Striped Marlin were within 10 miles of
the Marina and lucky boats were able to catch and release three or four in a day. Farther out
there were few Marlin found. Live bait was the choice for multiple hook ups and darker colored
lures worked as well. There were a few Blue Marlin reported, one of them #500, but I saw none
of them myself.
YELLOWFIN TUNA: The Gorda Banks, Punta Gorda, 95 spot and the San Jaime held Tuna this
week. Almost all of the bigger fish were caught on live bait or chunks, the football and school
fish were with the Porpoise and loved cedar feathers and dark colored lures. Even though the fish
were there, it was a real crapshoot trying to find them at times, they were scattered and moving
fast. First boat on the scene could do well, boat number three or four had to work hard, boat 5
didn’t have a chance! When the fish got picky, small hootchies jigged while trolling, live Sardines
dropped ahead of the traveling schools and yo-yo’ing often got an angler hooked up.
DORADO: Scattered fish with the smaller 5-15 pound fish being found near shore and the
slightly larger fish to 40 pounds being found offshore, often with the Tuna and Porpoise. One of
the keys for Dorado was watching the Frigates working, then slow trolling live bait through the
area. Also being able to find floating debris worked well for a few boats, letting them limit out
on fish averaging 15 pounds.
WAHOO: Best area this week seemed to be off Grey Rock one to three miles. Lots of strikes,
not a lot of fish hooked up! I think the full moon helped on the Wahoo bite, some of the fish were
up to 90 pounds. Large lures, dark colored, close to the boat. Guess what? Yep, lots of great
Marlin lures ruined this week!
IN SHORE: Sierra in the 3-5 pound class provided consistent early morning action for anglers
working the Palmilla area, both from Pangas, cruisers and the beach. Silver spoons, jointed
Rapallas in blue/white and orange/white and small hootchies worked well. There appeared to be a
decent bottomfish bite happening as well, and the cool water and full moon helped there as well.
The Roosterfish are pretty much gone, but there are still small Dorado, Bonita and an occasional
Yellowfin being taken just off the beach.
NOTES: More whales are showing up as the year begins and it is a real show right now! Thank
goodness the fishing is improving, we were starting to get depressed. This weeks report was
written to the music of Carlos Santana on the 2002 Arista release “Shaman”.
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Jan 10, 2004; 09:55AM - Lots of Shots...Lots of Knots
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Category: Guatemala Sport Fishing
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: Happy New Year to all. For the week between Christmas and
New Year, there were a total of 292 Sailfish released out of 429 shots.
The average was roughly 10 sails per boat pre day, with the high boat
for the week releasing 34 of 52. The Dorado are showing up in good
numbers.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 80°-84º
Humidity 77%
Wind N 14mph
Conditions Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:50 p.m. CST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Jan 10, 2004; 09:52AM - Sails at a Torrid Pace
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 80º blue water is still holding at 6 miles and, even
with the full moon, the sailfish are cooperating. Almost every boat is
raising between 8 and 12 fish a day, with many boats hooking as many as
7 to 8 fish each.
A few 25-pound class dorado are being caught, but only by about one boat
in five.
The roosterfish action has slowed down considerably, with Pete Richards
of Charlotte, N.C. getting the largest one of the week, a 42-pounder.
The jack crevalle action is very good, with the 12- to 20-pound jacks
busting bait about a 1/4 mile off the beach.
There is still no sign of the tuna.
Water Temperature 79º-86º
Air Temperature 75° - 89º
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW) : 6,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:226 p.m. CST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
Baja on the Fly’s Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
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Jan 10, 2004; 09:49AM - East Cape Wind Guatemala Sails
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Category: Saltwater Fly Fishing Reports
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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Fri., Jan. 09, 2004. Report covers the period Sat.-Thurs. (1/02 - 1/8)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Typical winter conditions with a few good days and others
that . . . well, as for the wind, “thar she blows.” With only a few
boats heading out, it is tough to get a clear and accurate idea of the
conditions.
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 67°-73°
Air temperature 59° - 74°
Humidity about 68%
Wind North at 10 mph
Conditions Clear
Visibility 12 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:49 p.m. MST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
o OFFSHORE: There are a few dorado to be found under the shark buoys
off of Punta Pescadero, which is a pretty good direction to head. If the
north wind kicks up it is a nicer ride home.
o INSHORE: Sierra continue to be the best action. There are a few
jacks and pompano in front of La Ribera.
o BEACH: All the hotels had some action out in front for sierra early
morning. It is mostly an early morning deal and over by 9 a.m. at the
latest.
BILLFISH – A few here and there, sure no concentration. The lucky ones
stumble on one and claim it’s skill. The unlucky ones claim it is slow
fishing.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – They will be back.
DORADO – Patience pays off at Pecadero, find the right shark buoy and it
is smiles all around.
ROOSTERFISH – Not much to talk about.
JACK CREVALLE – Right place, right time, look for birds and bait.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK – A few bonito and that is about it.
PARGO AND CABRILLA – Not much to report.
SIERRA - Gray light just at dawn is best before the sun gets too high.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Peter Chan and Susan Rosen, New York, finished up their
spur-of-the-moment trip with an impressive list of species including
cabrilla, leopard grouper, corvina, pompano, barracuda and tales of
disappearing fly lines. (Sounds like someone got snookered.) Outside on
a 210 heading 17-20 miles, the yellowfin tuna were ready to rumble and
there were several gorilla class (100 pounds) reported by several of
the local pangeros.
Water Temperature 66°-74°
Air Temperature 64°- 73°
Humidity 59%
Wind NW 6 mph
Conditions Scattered Clouds.
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:53 p.m. MST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
YELLOWTAIL – Lots to look at, unfortunately not very aggressive.
CORVINA – 2004 hasn’t slowed them down a bit.
SNOOK – Just when you decide there aren’t any, something takes your fly
and never stops. Hmmm . . .
HALIBUT – It has slowed down a bit. You need to find the right sandy
beach now.
SIERRA – Slow but steady.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 80º blue water is still holding at 6 miles and, even
with the full moon, the sailfish are cooperating. Almost every boat is
raising between 8 and 12 fish a day, with many boats hooking as many as
7 to 8 fish each.
A few 25-pound class dorado are being caught, but only by about one boat
in five.
The roosterfish action has slowed down considerably, with Pete Richards
of Charlotte, N.C. getting the largest one of the week, a 42-pounder.
The jack crevalle action is very good, with the 12- to 20-pound jacks
busting bait about a 1/4 mile off the beach.
There is still no sign of the tuna.
Water Temperature 79º-86º
Air Temperature 75° - 89º
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW) : 6,000 ft
Visibility 10 miles
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:226 p.m. CST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
Baja on the Fly’s Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: Happy New Year to all. For the week between Christmas and
New Year, there were a total of 292 Sailfish released out of 429 shots.
The average was roughly 10 sails per boat pre day, with the high boat
for the week releasing 34 of 52. The Dorado are showing up in good
numbers.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 80°-84º
Humidity 77%
Wind N 14mph
Conditions Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:50 p.m. CST
Jan. 14 Last Quarter, Jan. 21 New, Jan. 28 First Quarter, Feb. 6 Full
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Jan 8, 2004; 02:33PM - Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Fishing report 1/9/04
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Stan Lushinsky Susan Richards
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After a brief Hic-up caused by last week's earthquake, the fishing returned to it red hot pace. Leading boat for the week was the super panga COCOY, captain Jose Diaz fishing with Indiana angler Ted Fenicle who landed 16, SAILFISH, 2 DORADOS, 16 RAINBOW RUNNERS and a handful of Bonito is 6 days of fishing. Colorado angler, Katrina Diener, fishing aboard the Vamonos 3 with Captain Chiro on January 2nd posted the single best day Landing 9 SAILFISH on that day. Michigan Angler William Brown fishing aboard the La Bamba landed 5 SAILFISH in one day as did European Angler Niel Carmichael who also added 2 Dorados in one day of fishing. Fly fishing anglers, Sidney Soderling and Charles Wilson fishing aboard the super panga Marfel, landed 6 SAILFISH in 5 days of fishing. First time visitor to I/Z from Milwaukee Wisconsin, Tony Scorsone fishing aboard the Marea Azul landed 3 SAILFISH in one day. Returning angler Ron Zweig fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos 2 landed 1 SAILFISH and 2 DORADOS in one day of fishing. Pennsylvania angler Ed Neidrowski fishing with Captain Adolofo on the Dos Hermanos 1 posted 14 Rainbow runners, 25 Bonitos and 2 Roosterfish in one day of light tackle angling. French angler Mr Chemal focusing mostly on inshore, landed 15 RAINBOW RUNNERS, 34 BONITOS 1 SAILFISH and 6 DORADOS in 4 days of fishing with captain Arturo on the Janeth. Angler Mr. George Wakanabe fishing two day aboard the Secuestro De Amor landed 5 SAILFISH and 1 YELLOWFIN TUNA. Several Marlin were also reported last week and the YELLOWFIN TUNA are moving closer to shore. The Blue water is within 8 miles of the bay.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo weather: Picture perfect with high's in the 80's low humidity
Sea Conditions: Calm
Bait Supply: Good
Sincerely,
Stan Lushinsky
Susan Richards
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Jan 5, 2004; 06:27PM - Fly Hooker Daily Fishing Reports
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Capt. George Landrum
'Fly Hooker' Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
WEEKLY FISH COUNT
One Striped Marlin T&R (#120)
12 Tuna kept (#54,46,35,35,35 and smaller)
4 Dorado kept (#30-15)
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER 29, 2003
Mark McLeod was my angler for today. I say my angler as other than Mark, I was the
only person on the boat! Juan has been sick since the 24th with the flu and it sounds
as if his family is getting it as well. I discovered at the end of the day that Manuel had a
very bad cold this morning, called Juan and let him know he would not be able to get in.
Juan said “all right” then rolled over and went to sleep! Oh well, Mark and I managed
to handle it all right between the two of us! The day started off real slow, but at least
the water conditions were great, very little swell and no chop, a beautiful sunrise to
start us out. I went to the south east, running out to the 95 spot to start, as there had
been a finger of warmer water working it’s way up from the south that I hoped would
hold fish. Well, at around 11 am I was beginning to think that I would have to have my
head examined when off in the distance I spotted a couple of birds working. Signs of
life other than the flying fish! As we slowly got closer I started to see more birds and
when we were a half mile away the air was suddenly filled with at least 60 Frigates
diving down from very high up, and there were seagulls popping up as well. As we got
even closer we became more excited, there were Porpoise jumping now! This was the
right stuff, and we were the only boat there! As we passed the porpoise, the bridge rod
went off, then the short line got whacked, then the long rigger had something try for it
three times. From the time of the first strike I kept the boat moving, speeding up,
slowing down, doing turns, anything to get all the lines hooked up. Finally we were at
the point we had around 300 yards out on the first fish and he was still in full run. Time
to stop and fight! I got Mark into the chair and handed him the short position rod,
knowing that there was less line out on it and a better chance of getting that fish in. It
took him around 15 minutes to get the Yellowfin, scaled at 46 pounds, to the boat. I
placed the gaff in the head, brought him on board, ripped a gill and closed the fish box.
Mark didn’t realize we still had the first fish hooked up and the look on his face was
great when I had to try very hard to get the rod out of the holder before passing it down
to him! The next fish was a little more difficult for him, and me as well. While I had
been keeping an eye on the birds during the first 10 minutes of this fish, the last 10
minutes I forgot about them and I was finally able to get a good gaff shot on the 54
pound fish Mark brought up! All right, fish in the boat, the birds had disappeared, time
to get the lures back out and try and find them again. We worked in the direction they
had taken off in but were unable to spot any signs so after about 20 minutes I played
with the knife and filleted out the Tuna loins. This had to be done as we were not able
to close the fish box on the two tuna, their tails stuck out to far! After that project was
done we turned the boat and worked our way back home. A Striped Marlin came into
the lure pattern while we were at the 95 spot and struck at each lure we had out. Mark
has caught a lot of Striped Marlin and had no real interest in catching one so I did not
drop back a live bait. About 30 minutes later another one appears and inhales the
short rigger lure. This time Mark had no choice and with a lot of jumping from the fish
was finally able to work it into leader distance. I leadered the Marlin, Mark backed the
drag off and placed the rod in the holder then placed the tag. I removed the hook from
the middle of the bill and we watched the fish swim away sporting the new orange tag.
It was a good feeling but Marks arms were starting to feel the workout and he told me
that the next darn Marlin I would have to reel in! Just as well we had no other strikes
for the day, I don’t need to catch another one anyway! Thanks Mark, I had a wonderful
time, and the sashimi was great!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER 30, 2003
Our friend from Colorado Rod L’Anglais and his wife Karen are in town and last night
Rod met another Rod who liked to fish. This morning Manuel and I left the marina on
the “Fly Hooker” with the two Rods and the second Rod’s wife ( I am so sorry I forgot
your name) and their son (Matt? I am sooo bad at names! Sorry!!). The water was
great again and this time Manuel headed out to his favorite area, the southeast side of
the San Jaime Banks. Rod wanted his son to have a chance at Marlin so we put out all
large, dark colored lures. We had a Marlin strike not long after putting the lines in the
water but the fish did not stick around although we dropped back a live bait hoping for a
friend to show up. No dice, and off we continued. Things were seeming very slow,
both from our lack of action and lack of radio chatter. Manuel got me behind the wheel
hoping for a change in luck. I guess it worked because about 45 minutes later we both
spotted a couple of splashes on the horizon. The boat was turned toward the area and
about 30 minutes later we finally saw Porpoise. There were a few birds working as
well, maybe a dozen Frigates and a few Seagulls. We could see Tuna busting water
now and then, mostly footballs but a few larger fish as well. Just like yesterday, we
were the only boat on the scene. In the next two hours I became a bloody mess and
made a mess of the cockpit as we proceeded to catch 10 Tuna, the three largest
around 35 pounds. After that we had enough and the bite dropped off. Manuel turned
the boat toward home. I filleted the seven smaller fish and after that Manuel did the
three larger ones. With the clean up done and lures in the water there was still hope
for a Marlin! I was driving as Manuel was watching the lures when he said there was a
Dorado coming in. I glanced back just as the fish did a 180 degree turn and slammed
the bridge rod lure. 15 minutes later Manuel had the fish gaffed and in the box, 20
minutes later it was in zip lock bags! It was a good day and a joy to be fishing with
people who have so much fun! Thanks folks!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR 31 DECEMBER, 2003
The last day of the year was a good charter for us. Both Manuel and Juan were
back in good health and we had great clients. It was only booked the day before and I
was not able to get the names written down, but I remember faces, Dad, Mom, two
Daughters and one Son. Super nice folks, and they had a great time. Or at least, most
of them did. Son and one of the daughters started to get a little seasick as the water
got a bit rougher today. They were able to get three Dorado to the boat. Juan said that
he farmed three more, plus they had a shot at a Marlin, but it would not eat the bait.
Well, good fillets for dinner and a little smoked fish to take home! Thanks for ending
the year with us guys, we enjoyed having you on the boat!
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 2, 2004
Today was supposed to be a share trip between John Brawley (a return client) and
our friend Tim McGee and his two friends. Sorry John, I tried the cell phone # on the
back of the booking sheet, I tried calling the hotel you were supposed to be at and tried
calling all the other resorts in the book, but I was not able to get hold of you. Tim and
his friends went out and though the water was a bit rough in the afternoon, they did
enjoy the trip. Unfortunately they did not catch any fish, but they did have a chance to
throw bait at one Marlin. That fish was not hungry. I’m sorry Tim, we had hoped for
better results. Maybe next time will be better.
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR JANUARY 3, 2004
Well, unfortunately for our clients starting the year with us, our luck has not been
good so far. Today we had return client Don Noble and two friends on the boat. At a
distance of 17 miles to the southwest, at 9 am, Dons buddy had enough. The water
was rough and he was sick. While leaning on the Starboard outrigger while running
him back to the Marina the outrigger snapped two feet from the base. No fish on the
boat so far. he was dropped off and his wife and Don returned. Juan and Manuel went
tot he 95 spot. There had been some fish caught in the area and they tried slow trolling
live Caballito in the area. Juan said that they had two Dorado take the baits, but both
fish managed to get the hooks turned back into the baits and they were not hooked up.
That was at the tail end of the trip and they returned to the marina with no flags flying. I
sure hope things pick up for us on the fish side of the scale! Keep your fingers
crossed! Until next week, Thanks and Tight Lines!
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Jan 5, 2004; 06:21PM - Cabo Bite Report
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: George Landrum
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Capt George Landrum
Fly Hooker Sportfishing
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
CABO SAN LUCAS FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 3, 2003/04
WEATHER: Our weather this week remained as we had last week with the night time lows in
the mid to high 50’s and day time highs in the mid to high 80’s. Our humidity level rose during
the middle of the week as fairly solid cloud cover moved in on us, lasting through the week end.
We did have a couple of very light showers early in the morning on Saturday and Sunday, just
enough to spot up the car windows.
WATER: West of the Golden Gate and the San Jaime banks on the Pacific side the water
temperatures remained in the 75 degree range while on top of the banks and to the shore the
temps were up a bit, 76 t0 77 degrees. To the south of the Cape there was still a finger of warmer
water, up to 79 degrees in spots. On the Cortez side from the south east of the Cape to up just
south of the Gorda Banks the water remained cooler at 73-74 degrees and farther to the west, out
around the 1150 spot and north we were recording cold water in the 71 degree area. Surface
conditions were good early in the week but deteriorated when the cloud cover first moved in, and
then on Sunday as the wind kicked up during the night. Many boats returned a little early and a
few came in very early, unloaded the sick ones, then returned. The area from inside the 95 spot to
the Red Hill was probably the smoothest water this week.
BAIT: This week we were able to get Caballito and on occasion Mackerel as well, though
toward the end of the week the supply started to shrink a bit. The normal price of $2 per bait and
there were no bait boats selling Sardina that I heard about..
FISHING
BILLFISH: As was the case week before this last, the Marlin bite was sporadic. There were a
couple of Blue Marlin caught, both in the mid 300’s, and a scattering of Striped Marlin as well.
Many boats were able to find fish, but there were not a lot of them and many of them were
unwilling to bite. Any boat with really good luck this week was one that was able to get one to
the side of the boat, but there were a few boats that must have had anglers with good luck charms
aboard, as several were able to fly two Marlin flags on their return. Live bait seemed to be the
favorite as most of the fish were reported to have been caught on live Caballito and Mackerel
tossed at them while tailing, while deep dropping live baits on the Banks and Ledges received
very little effort due to the lack of bait fish holding on them. Some fish were caught on lures, the
two Blues I know about were, and dark colors worked on both Blue and Striped Marlin. Some of
the better colors this week were black/purple, black/red and black/green. The fish were scattered
with few to be found in concentrations. Two areas that had slightly better success than others
were the area to the south east of the San Jaime Banks and the area right around the 95 spot. The
bite was best just after the tide change.
YELLOWFIN TUNA: The beginning and middle of the week had the Yellowfin scarce and
distant, but by the end of the week they had moved a bit closer. Early they were found to the
south of the San Jaime and around the Golden Gate bank, as the week ended there were plenty of
porpoise around the 95 area and they were holding fish. Most of the fish found this week were in
the 15-25 pound class but there were a few that were school fish, in the 50 pound range. Best
colors were darker ones and for the first boat on the scene, size did not really matter. As the fish
became worked over, down sizing lures helped keep the action happening.
DORADO: Last week the Dorado were the fish of the week and this week they have to share
the honor with the Yellowfin. Of course the reason is that the bite on Tuna got a bit better and
the Dorado bite fell a bit. Not that they were not being caught because they were, it was just that
the numbers fell. Most boats were able to get at least one fish tot he boat and quite a few had
luck with several, but very few boats were flying more than two Dorado flags at the end of the
day. For the more successful fishermen, live bait slow trolled or drifted was the key. If there was
debris in the water no one had worked yet, it was a gift, as there were sure to be fish under it.
Most of the fish found by boats with no (lots of them get away) or just one flag were caught on
lures, and lighter colors did seem to fare just a little better in the attraction area. Most of the
action was concentrated on the inside of the Golden Gate banks and in the warm water due south.
WAHOO: Scattered fish were found this week and they were normally incidental catch found
while fishing for Tuna or Marlin. No real concentration of Wahoo was found, but the chances
were better if you were working the known drops on the banks and ledges. Perhaps because the
boats catching them were looking for Tuna and Marlin, it seemed that most of the fish found were
caught on dark colored lures as well.
IN SHORE: According to some of the Panga Captains and their clients, inshore fishing has
improved a little from the week before last. The Sierra bite is getting stronger, but it is still an
early morning thing and the fish are averaging 4-5 pounds. Small Roosterfish have been caught
on slow trolled live Caballito. Not a lot of them, and all around 5-8 pounds. Slow trolling small
Mackerel most often resulted in getting bit in half by Sierra. The chances of getting bit by a
decent bottom fish apparently went up as several anglers reported good action on Amberjack,
Snapper and Grouper while fishing in depths ranging from 50 to 150 feet. Small live baits go the
nod for best results.
NOTES: Happy new year to everyone out there! I hope this is a prosperous and healthy one
for you and yours. The town is getting busy again as vacationers arrive to escape the cold up
north. There have been several cruise ships a day dropping anchor out in the bay. There are
Whales showing up and in greater numbers, Humpbacks, Grays, some Pygmy and some Pilot as
well. This weeks report was written to the music of “The Dorados” on their 2000 release on
Flying Fish Records, “Papa Was A Fishin’ Man”. Until next week, Tight Lines!
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Jan 5, 2004; 04:25PM - Winter Louisiana Lump Tuna Report
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Category: Louisiana
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Author Name: Capt. Scott Avanzino
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Have to say it was an exciting weekend from 2 different vantage points and venues...high tailed it from Venice in time to make it to the game..didn't have time to post then so I do it now...too excited not to talk football; Got to experience it from the 10 yd line on the Tiger side near the endzone with all the action..what a finish! Congrats to the Tigers team, staff and fans on thier historical season..hope Joseph Addai is OK..we'll need him to convert all the crucial third downs next season..
Now on to the second equally exciting vantage point...in the cockpit watching 150-200 pound yellowfins slow roll on chum behind the boat...
Made a trip on Friday with a crew of salmon fishermen from Wisconsin; had the bigguns in the chum early..hooked two 150's only to pull the hooks on the first runs..we were using 6/0 amd 7/0 live bait hooks to start..made the adjustment to 9/0's and got 175# class fish on solid only to break him off when he changed directions..the trade off for fishing with no leader..went through a 7 blackfins and amberjacks in the next 3 hours..even released a dandy of a red snapper...then with the third quarter ending we got another big boy on..decided to drop the hook and make out way through the traffic jam of anchor lines..had everyone go through the order over the next hour on another 175..got him to within 10 feet of the surface a half dozen times before the rod snapped in half...managed to get the rod upside down and handline the fish to the leader which parted before we could get a good gaffshot..it was now 2:50 in the afternoon and with all dejected, the prospect of quitting never entered anyone's mind..got back on the hook and immediately picked up a fish about 140# which, the smallest of the 5 big ones we had shots on, came to the gaff in under 10 minutes...Thank you God for answering our prayers on 4th and goal from the 50 in the 4th quarter!
Sonny had Max and Rich from San Diego out for the day on a borrowed boat..they were to fish Saturday and Sunday, but the longterm weather forecast scared them to Friday/Saturday..they went to Medusa and live baited three 80 pound yellowfins before coming to the Lump and picking up a few blackfins late in the day...On Saturday, Rich and Max joined Dr. Cliff and Ed 'light-tackle' Dorsey on another attempt at big fish..spent the night before preparing for the 150# or better fish - we weren't about to let then catch us with our drawers down two days in a row!..spooled up with new line where needed, and left the 50/80# rods behind in favor of the 80-130# stand-up rods, also brought bags and bags of hooks...
Guess we were too prepared, as we never even saw a big fish in the slick all day nor did we hook one on the drift...on some drifts we had so much line out that the hooks came back with beeliners and jacks..and we tried every possible bait and presentation to get a strike..it was very frustrating to watch every other boat around us doing the shuffle around the bow of the boat or fighting fish off the anchor...just wasn't meant to be for us that day..think I jinxed us when I asked the crew early on if we were going to release all balckfin to save room for yellowfins...won't make that mistake next time...Good thing Ed put the hurt on the blackfin on his 20 pound casting outfit..he and Cliff picked up 10 of the 12 blackfin on surface poppers to make for the only consistent excitement..BUT late iin the fourth quarter Cliff hooked and boated our only yellowfin of the day, making quick work of an 80 pound fish to save face...I think the coolest looking fish of the day was a marble grouper we caught..will post the pictures of the trip when I get them from Rich and Max..the weather will likely keep us out and pictures of fish will proably be welcomed over talk of football by mid week
Now for the shameless sales pitch..we have plenty of good days to fill still in January and February and have quite a few singles and groups of 2 looking to join up with others to make a party..Thats how Ed, Cliff, Max and Rich got to experience half the excitement of this weekend! Any singles out there be sure and email us..we'll find a day for you...check us out on the WEB!
Paradise Outfitters - 985-845-8006
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Jan 4, 2004; 08:07PM - We Are Iced IN!!
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Category: Delaware
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Author Name: Steve S&K Guides
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We are all iced in here now on the East Coast and the lakes aren't frozen enough to walk on! That leaves us with cabin fever here! Help us out and stop by our new web site and post some California and/or West Coast fishing reports. We used to live there and need some reports from you guys to lift us up! LOL Be sure to register at the proboards for some great information and conversations. http://skguides.proboards20.com
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