REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM'S BAJA ON THE FLY: PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR IN BAJA Wed., Sept. 25, 2002 EAST CAPE AND MAGDALENA BAY FISHING CONDITIONS EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO IN GENERAL: Still some of the smaller football-class tuna being found inshore, with the larger variety under the porpoise at least 30 miles out. Sailfish numbers continue to increase and there’s a pretty good bite on the blues and stripes as well. I still think the inshore offers the best opportunities. AIR & SEA - Nice weather continues with somewhat higher temps and humidity Temperature 91° F / 77° F Humidity 83% Wind Calm Conditions Clear Sunrise 7:12 AM MDT Sunset 7:20 PM MDT Moon Phase Sept 21 Full Sep 29 Last Quarter Oct 6 New Oct 13 First Quarter Oct 21 Full Water Temps in the mid-80's · OFFSHORE: Still a long ride for the tuna. Billfish are closer in with a good show of sailfish near the shark buoys off Punta Pescadero. · INSHORE: Football-size tuna, a few dorado and a few larger roosterfish showing within a mile of the beach. · BEACH: Tough to find the schools of sardina. The best area was near La Ribera and on down to Punta Colorada. BILLFISH – There are enough sailfish to make it interesting for the fly-rodder. YELLOWFIN TUNA - The bigger ones are back on the outside. The area near Punta Arena has produced a few early mornings. The problem is as more boats arrive, the fish tend to go deep. DORADO - Still the mature singles here and there. Look for the schoolies to begin showing up in the next week or two. ROOSTERFISH - With the sardina tougher to find, the midday sight-casting has been the best prospect for the last few days. JACK CREVALLE - The scallops at Punta Arena produced several quality fish on Baja Deep Divers in chartreuse. See the Baja Deep Diver with tying instructions at: http://www.bajafly.com/baja_deepdiver.htm BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK - Look for the schools feeding on the surface, then shut down up-wind and drift into the school. PARGO AND CABRILLA - Rocky points will be your best shot. SIERRA - A few here and there. Catch of the Week Photo: http://www.bajafly.com/weeklycatch.htm MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Wed., Sept. 25, 2002 IN GENERAL: Temperature 85° F - 72° F Humidity 91% Wind Calm Visibility Clear Conditions Clear Sunrise 7:19 AM MDT Sunset 7:32 PM MDT Moon Phase Full Last Quarter Sep 29 New Oct 6 Oct 13 First Quarter Oct 21 Full IN GENERAL: As the Southern California sport fishers begin their annual fall trek down the coast of Baja, reports begin to filter in of some very warm water above the Thetis Bank holding wahoo and tuna. A few marlin are being seen closer to the entrada on a 220 - 230 degree heading 20 to 30 miles out. Water Temperature 67 - 84 YELLOWTAIL - A few fish at the entrance of Santa Maria Bay. CORVINA - Mostly smaller fish throughout the bay. SNOOK - With the poor weather it was slim pickings most of the week. HALIBUT - Most of the fish are less than five pounds SIERRA - Look for the bird schools out in the bay. Catch of the Week Photo: http://www.bajafly.com/weeklycatchmagbay.htm