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Dec 22, 2003; 12:38PM - 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 14-20, 2003
WEATHER: This weeks highs were in the mid to high 80’s and the lows were in the high 50’s.
We had a bit of scattered cloud cover early in the week, clearing toward the end. No rain, of
course. The wind died down from last weeks blowing and we had only slight breezes for the most
part.
WATER: Surface conditions have been excellent this week with only small swells and a slight
chop almost every day. Water temperatures on the Pacific side have remained in the mid to high
70’s and the Cortez side has been about the same. The only exception on the Cortez side has
been a fairly strong temperature break over the area of the Gorda Banks and in shore to just south
of San Jose. There, the in shore water and water to the north of the Banks has been as cool as 72
degrees while just a very short distance away the water was showing us 76 degrees. Of course,
the cooler water was green as well. Over all, I would call the water conditions good for the entire
week.
BAIT: Bait of the week has been Caballito, as normally happens with the new moon. They
have been the usual $2 per bait and there have been Sardinas as well at the normal $20 per bucket.
FISHING
BILLFISH: Marlin fishing was slow this past week with the exception of those willing to put in
the time soaking live baits deep up to the north of the Pacific Lighthouse. There was a small
concentration of Striped Marlin in the area and if you put in the time you got bit, but it was a tide
event, you had to be there right when the water started moving after the slack. In other areas the
fishing was sketchy with few Striped Marlin sighted on the surface and few Blue Marlin strikes. I
would venture to guess that the Billfish success rate for the Marina was probably as low as 10%,
but the few boats that worked the deep dropped live bait had at least quadruple that rate, with
some boats getting multiple bites and fish. The water is still warm enough for Blue Marlin and
there were a few caught, mostly in the 250-300 pound class.
YELLOWFIN TUNA: The Yellowfin were far off shore this week, at least most of them. I did
talk to a few boats that were able to find Pods of Porpoise as close as 11 miles and also were able
to get fish out of them, but for the most part the fish were 30 miles out. Average size was just a
little bigger than footballs at #20, but there were a few good catches of fish to 45 pounds. Best
areas seemed to be straight south 30 miles and from there to the south end of the San Jaime
Banks. Live Sardinas on #2 hooks dropped back in a chum line worked when the fish were not
moving fast, otherwise it was a run-and-gun deal if there were more than three boats working the
fish. For only one or two boats working, feathers in dark colors and cedar plugs worked well.
DORADO: There were some great catches of Dorado made this week, at least early in the
week. Almost all the action was on the Pacific side up around Golden Gate Banks. The key to
the great results was plenty of live bait and being able to find floating debris. Quite a few boats
were able to do both and caught limits of Dorado to 35 pounds with a few fish a bit larger. In all
other areas the fishing was slow for Dorado, with only a scattered fish showing up. There were
fish in close to shore, sometimes within 100 yards of the beach, but for the most part these were
smaller fish, the larger ones going a possible 15 pounds.
WAHOO: The floating debris holding Dorado was also kicking out some nice Wahoo to 50
pounds to the first boats on the scene. As many as four fish a boat were found on some of the
wood out there. In other areas, the edges of the San Jaime and the Golden Gate let go of some
fish in the 40-70 pound class and I heard that there were a couple of large fish, close to 100
pounds caught on the Outer Gorda Bank early in the week. On the Cortez side live bait seemed
to be the best bet while deep swimming plugs and metal jet head lures worked well on the Pacific
banks.
IN SHORE: Sierra, small Dorado and a few small Roosterfish pretty made up all the inshore
action this week. Oh yeah, a scattering of needlefish as well! Most of the Pangas that went out
decided to try off shore as far as 10 miles since the fishing just off the beach was so slow.
NOTES: It is strange that the flights down to Cabo are almost all full but there seems to be so
few people in town. Perhaps it is the holiday season and most of the people are families and just
stay at the resorts. The fact that there are so few people in town show up in the number of boats
going out this week, it has been slow for charters as well. Add in the fact that the fishing has
slowed down, and I start to feel lethargic! This week is Christmas though, and everyone here is
starting to get into the spirit. I hope that where ever you are, you are getting into the holiday
spirit as well. Perhaps you will get a fishing trip to Cabo from Santa! Felize Navidad and tight
lines, see you next week! This weeks report was written to the music of Lacy J. Dalton.
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Dec 19, 2003; 11:25AM - Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Sportfishing Report 12/12/-03 - 12/18/03
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Stan Lushinsky Susan Richards
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Red Hot SAILFISH action continues under near perfect conditions in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
'Doc' Jarrow of the Freeport Marlin & Tuna Club, Merrick New York, led this week's action landing 26 SAILFISH and 4 DORADOS to 20 lbs while fishing aboard the super panga Lamarada with captain Chico and aboard the Cobra with Captain Pieo. 'Doc' fished a total of 6 days. Returning anglers, Bob & Vickie Higgins tallied a solid offshore day aboard the Vamonos 3 landing 6 SAILFISH. Turning their attention to Inshore they had lots of action on schools of BONITO as well as landing 15 YELLOWTAIL JACKS and 1 BIG EYE JACK. Angler Brian Smith fishing aboard the Vamonos 2 with captain Calle' landed 4 SAILFISH on his first day offshore. Inshore captain Adolofo Espinosa reported very few ROOSTERFISH but did managed to land one big fish in the 60 LB class. Conditions both inshore and offshore remain excellent with the blue water being found within 3 miles of shore.
Ixtrapa Zihuatanejo Weather: Picture perfect
Sea Conditions Calm
Bait Supply: Excellent
Sincerely,
Stan Lushinsky
Susan Richards
Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters
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Dec 19, 2003; 08:29AM - Catch Rate Increases
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Category: Guatemala Sport Fishing
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: As we get closer to the peak part of the Sailfishing season, the daily averages are going up. This week we had 13 boats out in 5 days of fishing. They were able to average 17 releases out of 24 shots on Sailfish, with the high boat for the week releasing 39 of 52. There was also one lone Marlin released. By Guatemala's standard the action is starting to get good, and compared with other locations the numbers are incredible! It is still a pretty good run to the action, but it is worth it. For those wanting to try fly fishing for the first time, Guatemala offers enough opportunities that you will look like a pro by days end. Action on Dorado and tuna is spotty but consistently available. Inshore there were no boats out. Stay tuned for better release numbers as we get into the first couple of months of 2004.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 78°-82º
Humidity 73%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:39 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Dec 19, 2003; 08:27AM - Sailfish and Dorado Too
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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 has moved off the beach to about 10 miles. The main action for sailfish is taking place about 14 to 18 miles out. A very nice bonus is the mature dorado are starting to show in good numbers.
Fly fishing client Butch Cooley, of Seattle, WA, fished 2 more days with us and we raised 8 sailfish each day. On the fly, he hooked an average of 3 fish a day.
Steve Miller of Albuquerque, N.M. had a tough day with Captain Martin and I on the panga Isamar when the S/E winds blew and dropped the barometer. The winds were not over 10 knots, but it shut down the fishing for the one day. As conditions stabilized on the next day, we raised 4 sailfish and hooked 3. Steve also made a great cast to a 32 pound dorado. The dorado ended up as dinner for all of us. All fish were caught on the fly and using IGFA rules.
Jason Cook, of Carson, Nevada fished on the panga Gitana with Santiaga. They released 9 sailfish in two days.
Captain Adolpho on the panga Dos Hermanos told me this morning the roosterfish action has slowed down, but he did manage a huge rooster of 80 pounds on conventional gear yesterday. They then got into 'mucho' jacks running to 25 pounds. The rooster and jacks are crashing on bait just off the surf line about 8 miles North of Zihuatanejo Bay. Adolpho also reports a lot of sierras are rounding out the day for his clients.
Ed Kunze
Water Temperature 79º-86º
Air Temperature 71° - 81º
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Haze Smoke
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
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Dec 19, 2003; 08:24AM - East Cape's Cool, Zihuatanejo Hot
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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 IN BAJA FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@usa.net; USA toll-free (800) 919-2252; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Thurs., Dec. 18, 2003, Report covers the period Sat.-Thurs. (12/11 - 12/18)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND IZTAPA, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Windy and cool seems like the needle is stuck on the record. With few guest at any of the hotels, most of the boats stayed close to home.
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 67°-72°
Air temperature 59° - 77°
Humidity about 55%
Wind NW at 13 mph
Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW) : 20,000 feet
Visibility 12 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. MST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
o OFFSHORE: Heard of a billfish or two and an occasional dorado for very few trips.
o INSHORE: Tin boat fleet is managing to get out early and score of a few sierra.
o BEACH: When the wind backs off early morning in the gray is best
BILLFISH – A few home guard still around.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Only a memory for now.
DORADO – Pretty slow.
ROOSTERFISH – La Ribera early best bet.
JACK CREVALLE - A few small fish at La Ribera and out toward Punta Colorada.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK - A few closer to shore, but difficult to find.
PARGO AND CABRILLA - Quiet.
SIERRA - Gray light just at dawn is best.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: All of the action centered on the esteros and there was little new to report outside. Most of the yachts have headed to greener pastures leaving the locals to search for the hot bite outside.
Water Temperature 66°-73°
Air Temperature 68°- 78°
Humidity 76%
Wind NNE 11 mph
Conditions Scattered Clouds.
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:40 p.m. MST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
YELLOWTAIL – Reports of a few at the entrada in deeper water.
CORVINA - They just keep on biting
SNOOK – Fair to good action near Devil’s Curve on the northwest side of the channel.
HALIBUT – Still enough to make fishing the sandy beaches worthwhile.
SIERRA – Out toward the Entrada near Belchers.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 80º blue water has moved off the beach to about 10 miles. The main action for sailfish is taking place about 14- to 18-miles out. A very nice bonus is the mature dorado are starting to show in good numbers.
Fly-fishing client Butch Cooley, of Seattle, fished two more days with us and we raised 8 sailfish each day. On the fly, he hooked an average of 3 fish a day.
Steve Miller of Albuquerque, had a tough day with Captain Martin and me on the panga “Isamar” when the S/E winds blew and dropped the barometer. The winds were not over 10 knots, but it shut down the fishing for the one day. As conditions stabilized on the next day, we raised 4 sailfish and hooked 3. Steve also made a great cast to a 32-pound dorado. The dorado ended up as dinner for all of us. All fish were caught on the fly and using IGFA rules.
Jason Cook, of Carson City, Nevada fished on the panga “Gitana” with Santiaga. They released 9 sailfish in two days.
Captain Adolpho on the panga “Dos Hermanos” told me this morning the roosterfish action has slowed down, but he did manage a huge rooster of 80-pounds on conventional gear yesterday. They then got into 'mucho' jacks running to 25-pounds. The rooster and jacks are crashing on bait just off the surf line about 8 miles north of Zihuatanejo Bay. Adolpho also reports a lot of sierras are rounding out the day for his clients.
Water Temperature 79º-86º
Air Temperature 71° - 81º
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Haze Smoke
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: As we get closer to the peak part of the sail-fishing season, the daily averages are going up. This week we had 13 boats out in 5 days of fishing. They were able to average 17 releases out of 24 shots on sailfish, with the high boat for the week releasing 39 of 52. There was also one lone marlin released. By Guatemala's standard the action is starting to get good, and compared with other locations the numbers are incredible! It is still a pretty good run to the action, but it is worth it. For those wanting to try fly-fishing for the first time, Guatemala offers enough opportunities that you will look like a pro by day’s end. Action on dorado and tuna is spotty, but consistently available. Inshore, there were no boats out. Stay tuned for better release numbers as we get into the first couple of months of 2004.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 78°-82º
Humidity 73%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:39 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
. . .
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING TO THE EAST CAPE
(We’ll continue to publish this every month or so for new recipients of our report, but we suggest you print it out and keep it handy.)
· _______ FISHING CLOTHING - Lightweight, fast-drying technical clothing.
Long sleeve shirts and long pants if you burn easily.
· _______ TENNIS SHOES, BOAT SHOES OR RUBBER SOLED SANDALS.
. _______ HAT - For protection from the sun.
· _______ POLARIZED SUN GLASSES. (All dark glasses are not polarized. Be sure yours are.)
· _______ WINDBREAKER OR SWEATSHIRT.
· _______ SHORTS.
· _______ SWIMSUIT.
· _______ COSMETICS OR SHAVING GEAR.
· _______ SUN PROTECTION (lotion or block.)
· _______ LIP BALM.
· _______ SEASICKNESS MEDICATION.
· _______ TYLENOL OR ASPIRIN.
· _______ BENEDRYL SPRAY OR OINTMENT.
· _______ FLASHLIGHT (For walking on the beach at night.)
· _______ CAMERA, EXTRA FILM.
· _______ VIDEO CAMERA AND TAPES (Optional.)
. _______ EXTRA BATTERIES.
. _______ SNORKEL EQUIPMENT (Optional. Can be rented there.)
. _______ U.S. $1 DOLLAR BILLS (For tips.)
SHIRTS AND SHOES ARE REQUIRED IN THE DINING ROOM
FISHING GEAR YOU MAY NEED:
See Gary Graham’s “No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing Southern Baja” or his website: www.bajafly.com.
· ________8-, 9-, or 10-weight rod for surf fishing and casting. A 9-weight is ideal if you are bringing only one rod. Add a 12-weight if you are fishing from a boat. Rental tackle is available, but must be reserved.
· ________Reel(s) direct or anti-reverse, anodized. Good disc drag and plenty of backing. Reels with a quick take-apart feature are ideal for cleaning.
· ________Lines - Beach and Inshore: Intermediate or sink-tip for rocky areas. Full line (350 grain) or shooting head for sandy areas. Offshore: 10- or 12-weight rod. Full flyline (650 grain) shooting head/intermediate. For marlin and big tuna: 14-weight, quality reel, lots of backing 125#, and 36-inch bite tippet. Extra fly lines and shooting heads -- better safe than sorry.
· ________Leaders and Tippet.
· ________Stripping Basket.
· ________Flies. Contact your fly shop for the most current flies in use.
· ________Hook sharpener.
· ________Foot protection for the rocks.
REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY:
PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR IN BAJA FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@usa.net; USA toll-free (800) 919-2252; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Thurs., December 18, 2003, Report covers the period Sat.-Thurs. (12/11 - 12/18)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND IZTAPA, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Windy and cool seems like the needle is stuck on the record. With few guest at any of the hotels most of the boats stayed close to home.
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 67°-72°
Air temperature 59° - 77°
Humidity about 55%
Wind NW at 13 mph
Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW) : 20000 ft
Visibility 12 miles
Sunrise 6:53 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. MST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
o OFFSHORE: Heard of a billfish or two and an occasional dorado for very few trips.
o INSHORE: Tin boat fleet is managing to get out early and score of a few sierra.
o BEACH: When the wind backs off early morning in the gray is best
BILLFISH – A few home guard still around.
YELLOWFIN TUNA – Only a memory for now.
DORADO – Pretty slow.
ROOSTERFISH – La Ribera early best bet .
JACK CREVALLE - A few small fish at La Ribera and out toward Punta Colorada.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK - A few closer to shore, but difficult to find.
PARGO AND CABRILLA - Quiet.
SIERRA - Gray light just at dawn is best.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: All of the action centered on the Esteros and there was little new to report outside. Most of the yachts have headed to greener pastures leaving the locals to search for the hot bite outside.
Water Temperature 66°-73°
Air Temperature 68°- 78°
Humidity 76%
Wind NNE 11 mph
Conditions Scattered Clouds.
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:05 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:40 p.m. MST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
YELLOWTAIL – Reports of a few at the Entrada in deeper water.
CORVINA - They just keep on biting
SNOOK – Fair to good action near Devils Curve on the northwest side of the channel.
HALIBUT – Still enough to make fishing the sandy beaches worthwhile.
SIERRA – Out toward the Entrada near Belchers.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 80º blue water has moved off the beach to about 10 miles. The main action for sailfish is taking place about 14 to 18 miles out. A very nice bonus is the mature dorado are starting to show in good numbers.
Fly fishing client Butch Cooley, of Seattle, WA, fished 2 more days with us and we raised 8 sailfish each day. On the fly, he hooked an average of 3 fish a day.
Steve Miller of Albuquerque, N.M. had a tough day with Captain Martin and I on the panga Isamar when the S/E winds blew and dropped the barometer. The winds were not over 10 knots, but it shut down the fishing for the one day. As conditions stabilized on the next day, we raised 4 sailfish and hooked 3. Steve also made a great cast to a 32 pound dorado. The dorado ended up as dinner for all of us. All fish were caught on the fly and using IGFA rules.
Jason Cook, of Carson, Nevada fished on the panga Gitana with Santiaga. They released 9 sailfish in two days.
Captain Adolpho on the panga Dos Hermanos told me this morning the roosterfish action has slowed down, but he did manage a huge rooster of 80 pounds on conventional gear yesterday. They then got into 'mucho' jacks running to 25 pounds. The rooster and jacks are crashing on bait just off the surf line about 8 miles North of Zihuatanejo Bay. Adolpho also reports a lot of sierras are rounding out the day for his clients.
Ed Kunze
Water Temperature 79º-86º
Air Temperature 71° - 81º
Humidity 83%
Wind Calm
Conditions Haze Smoke
Visibility 5 miles
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:14 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: As we get closer to the peak part of the Sailfishing season, the daily averages are going up. This week we had 13 boats out in 5 days of fishing. They were able to average 17 releases out of 24 shots on Sailfish, with the high boat for the week releasing 39 of 52. There was also one lone Marlin released. By Guatemala's standard the action is starting to get good, and compared with other locations the numbers are incredible! It is still a pretty good run to the action, but it is worth it. For those wanting to try fly fishing for the first time, Guatemala offers enough opportunities that you will look like a pro by days end. Action on Dorado and tuna is spotty but consistently available. Inshore there were no boats out. Stay tuned for better release numbers as we get into the first couple of months of 2004.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 78°-82º
Humidity 73%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:39 p.m. CST
Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full, Jan. 14 Last Quarter
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Dec 15, 2003; 12:30PM - '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
“FLY HOOKER” FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER 7, 2003
Steve and Joann Coutrakis fished last on November 26 and had a blast with Tuna,
but Steve really wanted a Marlin. We had arranged for a three hour trip for yesterday
afternoon, working the ledge at the lighthouse during the tide change but the wind
started to blow in the afternoon so we postponed until this morning. Juan and I were on
the spot with live baits in the water at 7 am. One mackerel was set at the bottom, one
halfway down, both on 12 oz torpedo sinkers with long leaders. The third line had
three oz weight and was set at 50 feet. From the time we arrived until 9am there was
no action. We checked and changed baits, changed position, but no fish. At 9 I told
Steve that even though it was not working, I still thought that it was his best chance to
get a Marlin in the short time he had available. If he wanted to stay out another hour
that was fine with me, he was the client and should make the decision. Steve conferred
with Joann for a minute and said that they would give it another hour. Five minutes
later there was a pick up on the deepest line. I let the fish run a bit, then the line
stopped, I waited, it started to take off and I tried to set the hook. I could feel the bait
come loose from the hook! As I reeled in that line to replace the bait, Juan let the
second line down to where the first one had been. Almost as soon as it got there, the
fish bit again. This time it was a good hook set and a few minutes later the Marlin
started jumping! It was a very nice Striped Marlin of about #160, and 15 minutes later
Steve had it by the side of the boat. I grabbed the leader and worked the fish close,
and then the hook pulled loose! Shoot, a legal catch and release though, and now we
knew we were in the right spot, and the tide change was happening. Back we went and
out went the baits. It only took 10 minutes before we were bit again and this time the
fish jumped all over the place! It was a smaller Marlin but had more fight in it, Steve
had to work the fish for almost 25 minutes before it came to the side of the boat. We
took the fish and were on our way in a few minutes later. Four hours, two Striped
Marlin! A good mornings effort and happy clients! Thanks guys, we look forward to
seeing you again in February!
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Dec 15, 2003; 12:28PM - 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 FISH REPORT FOR DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 14, 2003
WEATHER: Winter time is here as the nights have been getting down into the high
50’s and the daytime highs have been in the mid to low 80’s. Guess that may be warm
to those of you up north, but we are wearing sweaters and coats at night. Makes me
wish we had a fireplace at home! The skies have been mostly clear, no clouds to hold
the heat in. No rain, but there has been a lot of wind.
WATER: The water has cooled right down and for the most part we are seeing
temperatures in the 74-75 range both on the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. There is a
finger of slightly warmer water out to the southeast, but it is only up to 76 degrees. The
wind we have been having has made the surface conditions pretty rough and
uncomfortable, but still fishable. Swells at 3-6 feet with lots of chop on top around mid
morning.
BAIT: Mackerel at the normal $2 each and Sardinas at $20 a bucket were available all
week long.
FISHING:
BILLFISH: The concentration of fish that were on the lighthouse moved up the Pacific
side this week and are now around the Los Arcos area. They are scattered but are
now striking lures as well as live bait. There are still a few Blue and Black Marlin
around. There is at least one Blue Marlin being caught every day (but consider that
this is for the entire fleet) and I know that a few boats have hooked up to #600 plus
Blues and Blacks this week as well. Lures are the way to go on the big fish, but they
are few and far between.
YELLOWFIN TUNA: Seems like this week the Tuna just disappeared. It could be that
they are still there, but just so far out that no one wants to get pounded to pieces
getting to them.
DORADO: Same area as the Striped Marlin this week, up the Pacific off of Los Arcos.
Scattered fish to 30 pounds, biting best on slow trolled live bait or bait tossed under
Frigate birds.
WAHOO: Only a few Wahoo were reported this week, and they came from the Gorda
Banks area. Dark colored lures.
INSHORE: Slow inshore action due to the sea conditions. There was the annual
Sierra tournament held this week in the San Lucas Bay, but everyone I talked to said
they lost fish, no one I know actually got one in the boat!
NOTES: You may have noticed that the report this week is really brief. I have been up
in California this week and all the information I have is based on what Mary and a few
friends told me last night. Take it for what it is! Until next week, Tight Lines!
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Dec 12, 2003; 06:58PM - Try A Weekender
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Category: Guatemala Sport Fishing
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Author Name: Gary Graham
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IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: The weather is beautiful and most of the fishing action seems be
25-30 miles out. We did not have a lot of boats out this week, but the action is steady. Boats seem to be averaging 17 shots at sails with 11 releases, and the high boat for the week released 19 of 32 on sails. There has also been steady action on dorado and small tuna if you are looking. Inshore, there were no boats out, so we have no report. We have some openings in Jan. if anyone has the chance to take a last minute trip. We have quite a few parties fly in on a Thurs. evening and out on Sun. with two full action packed days
of fishing.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 80°-84º
Humidity 74%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. CST
Dec. 16 Last Quarter, Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Dec 12, 2003; 06:52PM - Zihuatanejo Sizzles; Other Sites Merely Warm
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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 IN BAJA FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: bajafly@usa.net; USA toll-free (800) 919-2252; Mexico 011-52-624-14-10373
Thurs., Dec. 11, 2003, Report covers the period Sat.-Thurs. (12/05 - 12/11)
EAST CAPE, MAGDALENA BAY, ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO; AND IZTAPA, GUATEMALA CONDITIONS
EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Now that the wind settled down, wouldn’t you know that there are only a few clients to enjoy it? It’s still a long ride for the few tuna to be found under the porpoise. Back inshore, a few dorado under the moorings and sierra along the beach.
If you haven’t made your New Year’s plans, consider starting 2004 off right with your first rooster or jack. Hotels are still fairly well open.
AIR & SEA -
Water temperature 69°-74°
Air temperature 68° - 73°
Humidity about 78%
Wind North at 3 mph
Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW) : 4,000 ft
Visibility 12 miles
Sunrise 6:49 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:34 p.m. MST
Dec. 16 Last Quarter, Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full
o OFFSHORE: A few tuna and billfish here and there.
o INSHORE: Check around the moorings in front of the hotels and you may
get lucky. Small jacks, roosters and sierra early morning
o BEACH: Gray light is best this time of year. Look for the birds crashing
on bait.
BILLFISH - Spread out throughout the Las Palmas Bay. Put your time in and you
may be rewarded.
YELLOWFIN TUNA - Under the porpoise is the best bet.
DORADO - A few small ones around the moorings.
ROOSTERFISH - Some small ones near Punta Colorada and La Ribera.
JACK CREVALLE - A few small fish at La Ribera and out toward Punta Colorada.
BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK - A few closer to shore, but difficult to find.
PARGO AND CABRILLA - Quiet.
SIERRA - Gray light just at dawn is best.
MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
IN GENERAL: Tuna, dorado and skipjack dominated the offshore catch with few
marlin to be found. Inside the esteros the fishing continued at a blistering pace. Snook continued to bite and the lucky ones released a few in the teens. Corvina and pompano seemed to be laying in wait for any popper that hit the water. A few leopard grouper and pargo along with a gaggle of spotted bay bass made for a good week.
Water Temperature 67°-73°
Air Temperature 64°- 71°
Humidity 76%
Wind South at 2 mph
Conditions Mostly Cloudy
Visibility 3 miles
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. MST
Sunset 5:38 p.m. MST
Dec. 16 Last Quarter, Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full
YELLOWTAIL - Day to day deal if you hit the right day it can be awesome under
the bird schools at the entrada.
CORVINA - Still a class A bite.
SNOOK - A handful in the teens.
HALIBUT - No one fished for them this week, but I will bet they are still happening.
SIERRA - Best I can tell you is Wire and bird schools are the best
combination.
ZIHUATANEJO, MAINLAND MEXICO
IN GENERAL: The 80º blue water is about 4 miles off the beach and most of the
sailfish action is taking place at the 12- to 14-mile mark. We are under a full moon, but we are still managing to raise enough fish for the fly rodders to get at least two hook-ups a day. Conventional gear fishermen are getting 4 to 7 released sailfish per day.
Gary Graham fished with us this week for three days. The clients were here to do an article for Unlimited Magazine on how an inexperienced fly-angler can catch a billfish. Of course, to be successful you need to be in an area which allows a lot of shots at a fish. With the full moon, we did not get the shots we wanted, but the 'crew' was exceptional on the opportunities we got. Captain Poli on the 38-foot cruiser “Don Gordo” raised the sailfish, I teased the fish to the boat, and Gary instructed anglers Johnny Duncan and
author Kent Black of New Mexico. We got the job done. The photos were taken and the article will be written as it actually happened (and not as a figment of an author's imagination).
Butch Cooley of Seattle, Wash., fished one day with Captain Margarito and me on
the “Gaby.” We raised 9 sailfish, tagged and released 3, and hooked another for a
long release (the sail threw the fly after about a minute of spectacular aerial display.)
Baja on the Fly client Fred Brune, of Seattle also fished two days with Martin and me on the panga “Isamar.” We managed to tease 9 to the boat and to tag and release the fish for him. Fred had previously fished with me on the Baja East Cape when I guided for Baja on the Fly last summer. He definitely feels the winter fishery here in Zihuatanejo is well worth the investment, and a great 'family' destination.
Inshore, due to the clear water on the beach, the roosterfish and jack crevalle action has slowed a bit. Fly-fishing for sierras and black skipjack tuna has been excellent.
The dorado we had the here in the previous weeks have pulled a disappearing act on us.
Water Temperature 78º-84º
Air Temperature 73° - 86º
Humidity 62%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility 8 miles
Sunrise 7:06 a.m. CST
Sunset 6:12 p.m. CST
Dec. 16 Last Quarter, Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full
Baja on the Fly's Zihuatanejo report by Ed Kunze
IZTAPA, GUATEMALA
IN GENERAL: The weather is beautiful and most of the fishing action seems be
25-30 miles out. We did not have a lot of boats out this week, but the action is steady. Boats seem to be averaging 17 shots at sails with 11 releases, and the high boat for the week released 19 of 32 on sails. There has also been steady action on dorado and small tuna if you are looking. Inshore, there were no boats out, so we have no report. We have some openings in Jan. if anyone has the chance to take a last minute trip. We have quite a few parties fly in on a Thurs. evening and out on Sun. with two full action packed days
of fishing.
Water Temperature 80º-85º
Air Temperature 80°-84º
Humidity 74%
Wind Calm
Conditions Clear
Visibility
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. CST
Sunset 5:36 p.m. CST
Dec. 16 Last Quarter, Dec. 23 New, Dec. 30 First Quarter Jan. 7 Full
Baja on the Fly's Guatemala report by Brian Barragy and Lissa M. McFarlin.
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Dec 12, 2003; 02:04PM - Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Sportfishing Report 12/5/03 to 12/11/03
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Category: Mexico Ixtapa Zihuatanejo
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Author Name: Stan Lushinsky Susan Richards
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Good consistent offshore SAILFISH action continued in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo last week.
First time visitor to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo from Davis California, Mr. Frank Chan, landed 5 SAILFISH and 2 SHARKS on his first day offshore with Captain Cheva on the Dos Hermanos 2. Oregon Angler, Jerry Anthous fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos 1 with Captain Adolofo Espinosa Landed 4 SAILFISH in one day and also broke a rod on another BIG SAILFISH. Cabela's Outdoor Adventure Client's Pat & Beth Flood also fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos 1 landed 6 SAILFISH, 17 RAINBOW RUNNERS, 5 BONITOS, 3 NEEDLEFISH and 1 YELLOWTAIL JACK in 3 days of fishing. Fly Fishing specialist Captain Temo on the Secuestro De Amor while fishing with angler John Benbow went 2 for 9 SAILFISH on a fly. Conditions are near perfect for offshore but the inshore the roosterfish bite has still not developed.
Our congratulations to Captain Adolofo and wife Patrita as they delivered their third child, a baby girl this week. Mom and new born are both doing well.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Weather: Low humidity, temps in the 80's gentle breezes
Sea Conditions: Calm
Bait Supply Excellent
Sincerely,
Stan Lushinsky
Susan Richards
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