REPORT FROM GARY GRAHAM’S BAJA ON THE FLY: PROVIDING QUALITY SALTWATER FLY-FISHING 365 DAYS A YEAR IN BAJA Sat., Sept. 28, 2002 EAST CAPE AND MAGDALENA BAY FISHING CONDITIONS EAST CAPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO IN GENERAL: With fewer guests at the hotels this week, fishing pressure was the lightest it has been all month. Like last week, the larger tuna are creating the most excitement. Unfortunately, the tuna are still spread out from Punta Pescadero to Las Frailes and it can be hit or miss. Dorado are providing fair action both for the larger single fish cruising and a number of schoolies under anything floating. By mid-morning it is interesting how many of the boats that started out offshore, end up back inshore trying to save their day. Sooo, again the inshore should provide the fly-rodder the best choices. AIR & SEA - Here we are at the end of Sept. and the weather has remained good for the entire month here at East Cape – and where were you? Temperature 90° F / 77° F Humidity 78% Wind Calm Conditions Partly Cloudy (FEW): 8000 ft Sunrise 7:13 AM MDT Sunset 7:17 PM MDT Sep 29 Last Quarter Oct 6 New Oct 13 First Quarter Oct 21 Full Water Temps in the upper 80's offshore · OFFSHORE: Big tuna or sailfish . . . take your pick, just remember, for the tuna you better be there early or you will miss out. The sailfish are putting on the best show this year and if you want to add a sailfish to your species list or just have some fun, this is a good time to target billfish. · INSHORE: A few football-size tuna, a few dorado and a few larger roosterfish are showing within a mile of the beach. · BEACH: Hit the beach before sunup in front of your hotel and you won’t be disappointed. In the afternoon, it’s the same deal – usually just as the sun drops behind the mountain is the best. BILLFISH - This week accounted for the highest number of sailfish caught and released I can remember this summer with fewer people fishing. YELLOWFIN TUNA - Most of the fish are being found under the porpoise and can be anywhere from 10 to 35 miles. A few of them exceeded 100 pounds and one whopper weighed in at 209. Take my advice: if you see any tuna that size, keep your flyrod in the rod tube. DORADO - The singles have provided the best action for the alert fly-rodder. Be prepared, rod rigged, line stripped off and ready to cast. Many times a few sardina tossed for chum and the dorado will be in casting distance. ROOSTERFISH - The midday sight-casting has been both exciting and frustrating with plenty of shots and only a few takes. JACK CREVALLE - A slow retrieve beneath the sardina schools has produced a few quality fish. Use a Baja Deep Diver in chartreuse. See the Baja Deep Diver with tying instructions at: http://www.bajafly.com/baja_deepdiver.htm BARRILETE OR MEXICAN SKIPJACK - A few schools from La Ribera to Punta Arena. PARGO AND CABRILLA - Rocky points will be your best shot. SIERRA - Receivers in front of La Ribera holding a few smaller ones. Catch of the Week Photo: http://www.bajafly.com/weeklycatch.htm MAGDALENA BAY, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Sat., Sept. 28, 2002 IN GENERAL: Temperature 90° F-70° F Humidity 85% Wind Calm Conditions Clear Sunrise 7:21 AM MDT Sunset 7:25 PM MDT Last Quarter Sep 29 New Oct 6 Oct 13 First Quarter Oct 21 Full IN GENERAL: This is the season when Southern California-based sport fishers begin their annual fall trek down the coast of Baja headed for Cabo San Lucas. Reports have begun to filter in of some warm water above the Thetis Bank holding dorado, wahoo and tuna. The locals at Magdalena Bay are seeing a few marlin closer to the entrada on a 220-230 degree heading 20 to 30 miles out. One report indicated a pretty good show right on the Thetis. Back at the entrada, a few yellows were caught down deep and down at Boca Flor de Malva in Alemejas Bay there was a pretty good whack on some snook to 20+ pounds. Water Temperature 67 - 84 YELLOWTAIL - A few fish at the entrada. CORVINA - Try the bridge at the entrance to Puerto San Carlos. SNOOK - Down at the south end of Alemejas at the boca was the place to be. HALIBUT - Bored? Try an olive or chartreuse Clouser retrieved slowly right along the bottom. SIERRA - Look for the bird schools out in the bay. Catch of the Week Photo: http://www.bajafly.com/weeklycatchmagbay.htm