Browse Recent East Cape Baja California Fishing Reports
Any which way but loose by Mark Rayor (5/21/2013)
Conditions couldn't be nicer with warm sunny days, calm seas and tidy bowl blue water pushing 80 degrees. The sea is alive with huge spots of bait, turtles and manta rays. Striped marlin dorado and wahoo are all on the prowl. The only fish noticeably missing for this time of year is yellowfin tuna. They showed up late last year and it looks like this is going to be another late appearance.
Conditions couldn't be nicer with warm sunny days, calm seas and tidy bowl blue water pushing 80 degrees. The sea is alive with huge spots of bait, turtles and manta rays. Striped marlin dorado and wahoo are all on the prowl. The only fish noticeably missing for this time of year is yellowfin tuna. They showed up late last year and it looks like this is going to be another late appearance.
It was a mixed bag by Mark Rayor (4/23/2013)
A few boats in the area off Punta Pescadero had double and triple hookups on marlin in the late afternoon as the fish charged the jigs.
A few boats in the area off Punta Pescadero had double and triple hookups on marlin in the late afternoon as the fish charged the jigs.
Hello sista by Mark Rayor (4/14/2013)
We ran across the largest pod of orcas I have ever encountered. It was the first time I have ever seen 3 males in one group. Strange? We didn't see any sea lions that day
We ran across the largest pod of orcas I have ever encountered. It was the first time I have ever seen 3 males in one group. Strange? We didn't see any sea lions that day
Every dog has their day by Mark Rayor (4/07/2013)
This week I'm finding it hard to gather my thoughts to write a report. Trying to keep it positive I can say the weather has been gorgeous. Comfortable temperatures and dead flat seas. There has also been hoards of sea life. Humpback whales are near shore in Palmas Bay and putting on a show for anybody who cares to watch. This week we also sighted huge schools of porpoise and many sea turtles. That was the good news.
This week I'm finding it hard to gather my thoughts to write a report. Trying to keep it positive I can say the weather has been gorgeous. Comfortable temperatures and dead flat seas. There has also been hoards of sea life. Humpback whales are near shore in Palmas Bay and putting on a show for anybody who cares to watch. This week we also sighted huge schools of porpoise and many sea turtles. That was the good news.
Moon is bright by Mark Rayor (3/30/2013)
The good news is the fish from the south are moving this way. Yesterday we ran down south and ended up meeting boats from Cabo San Lucas in the middle. By the end of the day we had chased marlin all the way back to Los Frailes. I just hope they stay hungry.
The good news is the fish from the south are moving this way. Yesterday we ran down south and ended up meeting boats from Cabo San Lucas in the middle. By the end of the day we had chased marlin all the way back to Los Frailes. I just hope they stay hungry.
It was a shake down by Mark Rayor (3/21/2013)
With limits we decided to just meter around and make bait for the following day. The bait always seemed to be ganged up just a few hundred yards away from the grouped up pangas. Making bait was easy except that the yellowtail kept hitting the bait we had just hooked on our sabikis. We tore up several bait rigs and lost a few sinkers but soon our tank was plugged.
With limits we decided to just meter around and make bait for the following day. The bait always seemed to be ganged up just a few hundred yards away from the grouped up pangas. Making bait was easy except that the yellowtail kept hitting the bait we had just hooked on our sabikis. We tore up several bait rigs and lost a few sinkers but soon our tank was plugged.
Gooood Morrrning Sea of Cortez! by Mark Rayor (3/14/2013)
Just a bit further off shore tailing striped marlin are being sighted in packs from south of Los Frailes to north of Pescadero. I also received a report that a friend of ours fished the Pacific side from Cabo yesterday and limited on Yellowfin tuna.
Just a bit further off shore tailing striped marlin are being sighted in packs from south of Los Frailes to north of Pescadero. I also received a report that a friend of ours fished the Pacific side from Cabo yesterday and limited on Yellowfin tuna.
Good karma by Mark Rayor (2/17/2013)
Last week we finally finished winter maintenance on the Jen Wren boats. Hot to trot I have been waiting for calm weather to launch Jen Wren III and get in on the yellowtail bite. Licking my chops getting ready to launch I discovered a hummingbird nesting under the bow pulpit of the boat.
Last week we finally finished winter maintenance on the Jen Wren boats. Hot to trot I have been waiting for calm weather to launch Jen Wren III and get in on the yellowtail bite. Licking my chops getting ready to launch I discovered a hummingbird nesting under the bow pulpit of the boat.
East Cape-Pumped up by Mark Rayor (1/01/2013)
We have been hard at Jen Wren maintenance but I have gotten fishing reports that the bite is outstanding on the odd day when boats can get out. Dorado, marlin and sailfish are all in the mix off La Ribera. I spoke with one skipper that landed 4 wahoo a couple days ago. Also early mornings walking the beach I'm watching sierra mackerel busting large schools of bait. Pounding surf just hasn't allowed tin boaters to get out after them.
We have been hard at Jen Wren maintenance but I have gotten fishing reports that the bite is outstanding on the odd day when boats can get out. Dorado, marlin and sailfish are all in the mix off La Ribera. I spoke with one skipper that landed 4 wahoo a couple days ago. Also early mornings walking the beach I'm watching sierra mackerel busting large schools of bait. Pounding surf just hasn't allowed tin boaters to get out after them.
It's all about opportunity by Mark Rayor (12/23/2012)
It is interesting how both have completely different styles. Graham is very calculated, precise and is alway analyzing the situation. He sets up most of his shots making the skipper move the boat until the light is right, getting the anglers set and also adjusting the settings on his camera to capture the moment best. Nilsen is the exact opposite. He draws his camera like a six shooter and blasts away.
It is interesting how both have completely different styles. Graham is very calculated, precise and is alway analyzing the situation. He sets up most of his shots making the skipper move the boat until the light is right, getting the anglers set and also adjusting the settings on his camera to capture the moment best. Nilsen is the exact opposite. He draws his camera like a six shooter and blasts away.
Last one standing by Mark Rayor (12/08/2012)
We landed three 200 pound class tuna and broke one off. Our average fight time on these monsters was 30 minutes a fish. I tribute that not only to experienced fishermen but also the great tackle and all Accurate reels the Great White is equipped with.
We landed three 200 pound class tuna and broke one off. Our average fight time on these monsters was 30 minutes a fish. I tribute that not only to experienced fishermen but also the great tackle and all Accurate reels the Great White is equipped with.
Sea of Cortez-East Cape, Alice's Restaurant by Mark Rayor (11/13/2012)
We are having fun now! With jungle rules we were able to pass the rod. Fighting big tuna puts a man to the test.
We are having fun now! With jungle rules we were able to pass the rod. Fighting big tuna puts a man to the test.
Different strokes by Mark Rayor (11/05/2012)
More than 21 years ago I pulled the plug on my Los Angeles based real estate brokerage and move to Buena Vista. It all looked good on paper but the truth be known when it actually came time to kill the golden goose that had provided so well for my family, and start packing personal belongings to move to a foreign country my palms got really sweaty.
More than 21 years ago I pulled the plug on my Los Angeles based real estate brokerage and move to Buena Vista. It all looked good on paper but the truth be known when it actually came time to kill the golden goose that had provided so well for my family, and start packing personal belongings to move to a foreign country my palms got really sweaty.
Don't point that thing at me, alive and well in Baja by Mark Rayor (10/31/2012)
Many of us believe our government doesn't do a lot of things right but I have to say the efforts to save the endangered sea turtles has been an incredible success. Several years ago there was a huge campaign with notices posted, television ads and radio spots run with the message "take a turtle and go to jail". The Feds have been very serious and vigilant. I think a pedophile would have a less severe penalty then a turtle poacher from what I have seen.
Many of us believe our government doesn't do a lot of things right but I have to say the efforts to save the endangered sea turtles has been an incredible success. Several years ago there was a huge campaign with notices posted, television ads and radio spots run with the message "take a turtle and go to jail". The Feds have been very serious and vigilant. I think a pedophile would have a less severe penalty then a turtle poacher from what I have seen.
East Cape Classic by Mark Rayor (10/26/2012)
The event is loads of fun and for a good cause. Below I have posted a few photos shot from Jen Wren III during the event
The event is loads of fun and for a good cause. Below I have posted a few photos shot from Jen Wren III during the event
It's the wiggle by Mark Rayor (9/16/2012)
A few years ago while Ben Secrest was here fishing with us on Jen Wren he handed me a couple of Halco Laser Pro lures. He seemed to be pretty excited about the Aussie made lures and asked me to give them a try. Looking at them I thought to myself hey Benny, we live in Jurassic Park. These things look like something I would fish for striped bass on Lake Mead.
A few years ago while Ben Secrest was here fishing with us on Jen Wren he handed me a couple of Halco Laser Pro lures. He seemed to be pretty excited about the Aussie made lures and asked me to give them a try. Looking at them I thought to myself hey Benny, we live in Jurassic Park. These things look like something I would fish for striped bass on Lake Mead.
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO NOW? by Mark Rayor (8/21/2012)
Then the rain stopped and the tuna popped. The bite has been a little different every day but boats willing to go the distance and take the time have been rewarded with limits. The fish have been from 20 to 35 miles off shore. Sometimes we are finding them with spotted dolphin and sometimes they are just breezing.
Then the rain stopped and the tuna popped. The bite has been a little different every day but boats willing to go the distance and take the time have been rewarded with limits. The fish have been from 20 to 35 miles off shore. Sometimes we are finding them with spotted dolphin and sometimes they are just breezing.
WEATHER OR NOT! by Mark Rayor (8/15/2012)
It was almost on this date one year ago we experienced similar conditions. On that date the rain didn't keep our fishermen back. They were rewarded with a killer day landing tuna and billfish.
It was almost on this date one year ago we experienced similar conditions. On that date the rain didn't keep our fishermen back. They were rewarded with a killer day landing tuna and billfish.
HELLO AUGUST! by Mark Rayor (8/06/2012)
It is my opinion and observation that our season has finally kicked into gear but it is about a month behind. We are normally knee deep in Yellowfin starting early May but this year they didn't arrive until June. Traditionally blue marling fishing turns on early July but it didn't happen this year until August. Looking ahead it is going to be interesting to see what fall brings.
It is my opinion and observation that our season has finally kicked into gear but it is about a month behind. We are normally knee deep in Yellowfin starting early May but this year they didn't arrive until June. Traditionally blue marling fishing turns on early July but it didn't happen this year until August. Looking ahead it is going to be interesting to see what fall brings.
Baja Mexico Fly Fishing Report: Tuna are back by Jeff deBrown (8/05/2012)
The Tuna bite is back and dorodo are off the lighthouse. We are seing numbers of fish in the area.
The Tuna bite is back and dorodo are off the lighthouse. We are seing numbers of fish in the area.
EAST CAPE BLUES by Mark Rayor (7/30/2012)
The weather has been about as nice as it can get. The water is 82 to 84 degrees and a beautiful purple blue. There is loads of flying fish, and birds everywhere. I just keep waiting for the bite to explode.
The weather has been about as nice as it can get. The water is 82 to 84 degrees and a beautiful purple blue. There is loads of flying fish, and birds everywhere. I just keep waiting for the bite to explode.
TAKEN BY STORM by Mark Rayor (7/16/2012)
Shortly after the waterspout dissipated we found ourselves in a severe thunder storm with torrential rain. The sound of thunder over our heads was deafening. The storm passed quickly leaving Diego and myself drenched in the bridge. A few minutes later a beautiful rainbow appeared.
Shortly after the waterspout dissipated we found ourselves in a severe thunder storm with torrential rain. The sound of thunder over our heads was deafening. The storm passed quickly leaving Diego and myself drenched in the bridge. A few minutes later a beautiful rainbow appeared.
WHEN I GROW UP by Mark Rayor (7/07/2012)
Just a few miles off shore striped marlin have been very cooperative. Most boats targeting billfish are releasing multiple fish. It is a bit surprising not many blue marlin have shown up yet. Small skipjack, yellowfin and dorado are here in big numbers which is the main food source for the blues. With that it is my hope the big marlin won't be far behind.
Just a few miles off shore striped marlin have been very cooperative. Most boats targeting billfish are releasing multiple fish. It is a bit surprising not many blue marlin have shown up yet. Small skipjack, yellowfin and dorado are here in big numbers which is the main food source for the blues. With that it is my hope the big marlin won't be far behind.
THUMPING EM by Mark Rayor (7/01/2012)
The last couple days the bite has been good in the morning and then slowed. In the afternoon the fish pop back up and if you didn't get a limit in the morning it is a sure thing in the afternoon. Yesterday afternoon tuna were jumping and feeding in a huge area as far as I could see in all directions. Quality dorado are also mixed in along with a few striped marlin and bite while we are waiting for the tuna to pop back up.
The last couple days the bite has been good in the morning and then slowed. In the afternoon the fish pop back up and if you didn't get a limit in the morning it is a sure thing in the afternoon. Yesterday afternoon tuna were jumping and feeding in a huge area as far as I could see in all directions. Quality dorado are also mixed in along with a few striped marlin and bite while we are waiting for the tuna to pop back up.
I WON'T SUGAR COAT IT by Mark Rayor (6/17/2012)
On a bright note 3 broadbill swordfish were sighted yesterday. None of them would bite but it is exciting to know the potential is there.
On a bright note 3 broadbill swordfish were sighted yesterday. None of them would bite but it is exciting to know the potential is there.
SOME DANDYS by Mark Rayor (6/11/2012)
The Sea of Cortez never ceases to amaze me and something is always on the prowl. Because of off colored water and crazy currents yellowfin have not made their normal, predictable showing in numbers but dorado have taken up the slack.
The Sea of Cortez never ceases to amaze me and something is always on the prowl. Because of off colored water and crazy currents yellowfin have not made their normal, predictable showing in numbers but dorado have taken up the slack.
MAKING THE BEST BETTER by Mark Rayor (6/03/2012)
Jack is one of the luckiest fishermen I have ever encountered. The fish bite every time he visits. In four days we hooked 18 stripers and had many more opportunities. He invited different guests each day to fish with us and every one came away having released at least one marlin. It was a pleasure to have Rancho Leonero owner John Ireland out with us one day as well.
Jack is one of the luckiest fishermen I have ever encountered. The fish bite every time he visits. In four days we hooked 18 stripers and had many more opportunities. He invited different guests each day to fish with us and every one came away having released at least one marlin. It was a pleasure to have Rancho Leonero owner John Ireland out with us one day as well.
A LITTLE BLOW MAKES EM GO! by Mark Rayor (5/27/2012)
I'll take em anyway we can get them. We lassoed 2 fish in one day. What are the odds? The fish are finicky and just batting the baits around. Luck trumps skill.
I'll take em anyway we can get them. We lassoed 2 fish in one day. What are the odds? The fish are finicky and just batting the baits around. Luck trumps skill.
CHAIN OF FOOLS by Mark Rayor (5/20/2012)
or the pangeros. Sardines have completely evaporated and cannot be found anywhere. I was talking with some of the pangeros at Muertos bay and they believe the bait has just gone deep.
or the pangeros. Sardines have completely evaporated and cannot be found anywhere. I was talking with some of the pangeros at Muertos bay and they believe the bait has just gone deep.
TURTLE SEX by Mark Rayor (5/13/2012)
In shore rooster fish and pompano are on the feed. Finding sardines for bait has been the key to success and not easy some days.
In shore rooster fish and pompano are on the feed. Finding sardines for bait has been the key to success and not easy some days.
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