This is primarily toward my fellow kayak fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay area.
I usually agree with the idea that we should follow the regs and I will keep my limit of average sized fish. However, those regs were created for the masses which include power boats (who have access to a lot more water). Kayaks have a limited number of places to go to find these quality fish, so we as a conscious community should think about the consequences.
If you want to keep this awesome, kayak accessible, super hard fighting, trophy fishery around for many years to come, you should consider not keeping multiple citation size fish.
I say citation size fish because, the bigger the fish, the more eggs/sperm they produce. Plus, they must have good genes to fight off disease and/or escape predators. Not to mention the time it takes for them to get that big (20-30 years). If we dramatically diminish the population of the citation size fish in our small kayakable area, it will be a LONG time before we get them back.
Also, through the tagging program, they found out that sheepshead (and togs) have been known to stay on the same structure for long periods of time. So the more of us that catch them (and tell others about how and where to catch them), and keep them, the less there will be, obviously. With more and more of us kayakers targeting them, the rate at which they will be caught will increase exponentially.
Like I said earlier, I will keep my limit of average size fish, especially if there seems to be enough of them going around. And it's not expected to throw back your first ever citation either. I'd have a really hard time with that. But I hope all kayak fishermen will take this into consideration and not keep multiple citation fish.
I know I am probably the most guilty of having kept them in the past.
I hope this all makes sense and I did not offend anyone. I know there are some of you that don't believe in conservation. To each their own.
I really enjoy posting my fishing reports (as I'm sure Kevin does, too) because I believe part of the fun comes from sharing the experiences and I love seeing other people's reports as well. I have been lucky enough to learn from the veterans of the sport and it is only fair to have enough respect to consider their beliefs toward conservation, too.
Here's a few quotes from the Center for Quantitative Fisheries Ecology ( http://www.mrc.state.va.us/vsrfdf/pdf/0607-05App_E.pdf )
"Recreational catch of sheepshead in Virginia, estimated by the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS 2007), increased from 1,583 to 20,319 fish from 1999 to 2005. Although sheepshead is not a major fishery in Chesapeake Bay, this increase has raised concerns about the population status of this species as the fishery develops."
"Sheepshead in Chesapeake Bay seem to be a near-virgin stock with many old, large fish and without significant fishing mortality. If a trophy-recreational fishery is to be maintained then exploitation must be carefully monitored as such stocks deplete quickly"
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Reports for La Paz, East Cape, Gordo Banks & Cabo
by Cass Tours
Cabo San Lucas - Gaviota Fleet
The billfish catches were right at the average of one per boat per fishing day and the "Gaviota VI" was the only boat landing a blue marlin for the week. Fishing with Captain Plutarco Cesena, angler Jaime Blay, Santa Fe, NM, landed his first blue marlin, a 250-pounder, taken on 50 lb. test, following a 90 minute battle. The blue was taken on an artificial and off the Herradura area. The "Tuna Time", skippered by Captain Christian Lopez, fished a single day for 1 single striper released, 2 wahoo, 1 mako shark and limits of dorado on the edge of the Jaime Bank on the Pacific side of Cabo. The dorado counts were up a bit this past week and some of the fish were of nice quality, approaching the 45 lb. mark. The overall combined catches for a total of 10 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 9 stripers released, 2 sharks, 3 wahoo, 3 yellowfin tuna and 56 dorado.
Cabo Climate: Cloudy, hot & humid and Tropical Storm Frank pushing southwest swells to Cabo while hovering in the Clarion Island area, about 400 miles or so offshore. Temps ranged from 75 nights to 96 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Some bigger south-southwest swells but not enough wind on them to hamper the fishing effort. Water temps on the Pacific side to Cabo Falso were at 84 and rising to 85-86 by Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks, then rising to 87-88 above the banks. Good blue water conditions throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: Still good fishing fairly close to home port but starting to scatter around with good fishing at the Jaime Bank, a few marlin at the Golden Gate, big yellowfin tuna at the Gorda Banks and scattered blue marlin strikes on both sides of the peninsula.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the dorado and the stripers but the blues were more active on the dorado colored artificials on a faster troll.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos this past week with good availability. Sardinas scarce with the high surf/swell conditions.
San Jose Del Cabo - Gordo Banks
With the month of August now winding down we can say that all around it definitely turned out to be busier and more productive that did July. Crowds have lightened this last week as families are returning to their school routines. The mild summer conditions gave way to more normal like serious heat and humidity this past week. At this time Hurricane Frank has been downgraded to a tropical depression, turning back toward the Southern Baja Peninsula as it dissipates, though there still a chance of some isolated thundershowers and the swell that had picked up is now diminishing. There is a new low pressure area near Acapulco, so we will be monitoring this system in the coming days.
Water conditions were mostly calm with variable ground swells of four to eight feet, water temperature ranged up close to 85 degrees in the direction of the Sea of Cortez. Local pangeros are driving to La Ribera in the afternoon to net sardinas off the beach in order to supply the La Playita fleets with fresh dead sardinas, which have been the ticket for catching the yellowfin tuna, as the tuna continued to dominate the action.
Fleets were fishing from the Gordo Banks to Iman. Drifting with the fresh dead bait has been the most productive method. The largest concentrations of tuna were found on the Iman Bank, these fish averaged 20 to 35 pounds. The fish on the Gordo Banks were not as numerous, but were weighing 30 to 100 or more pounds. Most charters were averaging anywhere from 4 to 10 yellowfin per morning. Also quite a few bonito and skipjack mixed in. Dorado were found spread out throughout the area, striking on trolled lures and bait once the smaller sized school were located, most of the dorado were 15 pounds or less, but there were a few exceptions of larger bulls being accounted for. Wahoo were encountered on occasion while trolling lures over the structure near La Fortuna to Iman, weights ranged to 40 pounds.
Most anglers were concentrating on the tuna action, as this was the surest bet of filling up the fish box and coolers. A few nice sized dogtooth snapper were landed off of the same spots where the tuna were schooling, also a handful of amberjack and cabrila.
The billfish action produced a mix of striped, blue and black marlin, sailfish have been surprisingly scarce this summer. Black marlin up to 450 pounds were landed from the La Playita panga fleet in recent days, also at least one blue marlin of 400 pounds was accounted for. Most of these larger marlin were hooked into while trolling larger baitfish in the vicinity of the Gordo Banks, several were hooked into on trolled lures as well. Something about the full moon always seem to make the black and blue marlin more active, they like the larger tidal swing that produces more upwelling on the high spots, this seems to make the whole food chain more lively.
The combined panga fleets launching from La Playita/Puerto Los Cabos sent out approximately 58 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 4 striped marlin, 2 blue marlin, 4 black marlin, 5 hammerhead, 54 dorado, 404 yellowfin tuna, 4 wahoo, 12 cabrilla, 10 amberjack, 6 dogtooth snapper, 11 huachinango and 42 bonito.
Vista Sea Sport - East Cape Dive Report
Prior to Hurricane Frank coming on the seen diving was simply spectacular. We were enjoying the best conditions all year with Tidy Bowl blue 88 degree water and 80 to 100 ft. plus vis.
As Frank passes by our biggest impact has been bumpy boat rides and a little less vis. Sea life sightings have been the normal parade of large pelagic fish and huge schools of reef fish the Sea of Cortez is famous for. With any luck conditions will be back to normal in a day or two with calms seas.
Cabo San Lucas - Gaviota Fleet
The billfish catches were right at the average of one per boat per fishing day and the "Gaviota VI" was the only boat landing a blue marlin for the week. Fishing with Captain Plutarco Cesena, angler Jaime Blay, Santa Fe, NM, landed his first blue marlin, a 250-pounder, taken on 50 lb. test, following a 90 minute battle. The blue was taken on an artificial and off the Herradura area. The "Tuna Time", skippered by Captain Christian Lopez, fished a single day for 1 single striper released, 2 wahoo, 1 mako shark and limits of dorado on the edge of the Jaime Bank on the Pacific side of Cabo. The dorado counts were up a bit this past week and some of the fish were of nice quality, approaching the 45 lb. mark. The overall combined catches for a total of 10 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 9 stripers released, 2 sharks, 3 wahoo, 3 yellowfin tuna and 56 dorado.
Cabo Climate: Cloudy, hot & humid and Tropical Storm Frank pushing southwest swells to Cabo while hovering in the Clarion Island area, about 400 miles or so offshore. Temps ranged from 75 nights to 96 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Some bigger south-southwest swells but not enough wind on them to hamper the fishing effort. Water temps on the Pacific side to Cabo Falso were at 84 and rising to 85-86 by Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks, then rising to 87-88 above the banks. Good blue water conditions throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: Still good fishing fairly close to home port but starting to scatter around with good fishing at the Jaime Bank, a few marlin at the Golden Gate, big yellowfin tuna at the Gorda Banks and scattered blue marlin strikes on both sides of the peninsula.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the dorado and the stripers but the blues were more active on the dorado colored artificials on a faster troll.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos this past week with good availability. Sardinas scarce with the high surf/swell conditions.
San Jose Del Cabo - Gordo Banks
With the month of August now winding down we can say that all around it definitely turned out to be busier and more productive that did July. Crowds have lightened this last week as families are returning to their school routines. The mild summer conditions gave way to more normal like serious heat and humidity this past week. At this time Hurricane Frank has been downgraded to a tropical depression, turning back toward the Southern Baja Peninsula as it dissipates, though there still a chance of some isolated thundershowers and the swell that had picked up is now diminishing. There is a new low pressure area near Acapulco, so we will be monitoring this system in the coming days.
Water conditions were mostly calm with variable ground swells of four to eight feet, water temperature ranged up close to 85 degrees in the direction of the Sea of Cortez. Local pangeros are driving to La Ribera in the afternoon to net sardinas off the beach in order to supply the La Playita fleets with fresh dead sardinas, which have been the ticket for catching the yellowfin tuna, as the tuna continued to dominate the action.
Fleets were fishing from the Gordo Banks to Iman. Drifting with the fresh dead bait has been the most productive method. The largest concentrations of tuna were found on the Iman Bank, these fish averaged 20 to 35 pounds. The fish on the Gordo Banks were not as numerous, but were weighing 30 to 100 or more pounds. Most charters were averaging anywhere from 4 to 10 yellowfin per morning. Also quite a few bonito and skipjack mixed in. Dorado were found spread out throughout the area, striking on trolled lures and bait once the smaller sized school were located, most of the dorado were 15 pounds or less, but there were a few exceptions of larger bulls being accounted for. Wahoo were encountered on occasion while trolling lures over the structure near La Fortuna to Iman, weights ranged to 40 pounds.
Most anglers were concentrating on the tuna action, as this was the surest bet of filling up the fish box and coolers. A few nice sized dogtooth snapper were landed off of the same spots where the tuna were schooling, also a handful of amberjack and cabrila.
The billfish action produced a mix of striped, blue and black marlin, sailfish have been surprisingly scarce this summer. Black marlin up to 450 pounds were landed from the La Playita panga fleet in recent days, also at least one blue marlin of 400 pounds was accounted for. Most of these larger marlin were hooked into while trolling larger baitfish in the vicinity of the Gordo Banks, several were hooked into on trolled lures as well. Something about the full moon always seem to make the black and blue marlin more active, they like the larger tidal swing that produces more upwelling on the high spots, this seems to make the whole food chain more lively.
The combined panga fleets launching from La Playita/Puerto Los Cabos sent out approximately 58 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 4 striped marlin, 2 blue marlin, 4 black marlin, 5 hammerhead, 54 dorado, 404 yellowfin tuna, 4 wahoo, 12 cabrilla, 10 amberjack, 6 dogtooth snapper, 11 huachinango and 42 bonito.
Vista Sea Sport - East Cape Dive Report
Prior to Hurricane Frank coming on the seen diving was simply spectacular. We were enjoying the best conditions all year with Tidy Bowl blue 88 degree water and 80 to 100 ft. plus vis.
As Frank passes by our biggest impact has been bumpy boat rides and a little less vis. Sea life sightings have been the normal parade of large pelagic fish and huge schools of reef fish the Sea of Cortez is famous for. With any luck conditions will be back to normal in a day or two with calms seas.
Another Heat Wave Hits the North East 08/30/10
Hello Folks,
Our neighbors' children started the 2010-2011 school year today... It's awful quiet here in the neighborhood. :)
It hasn't been too difficult dealing with the large dressing and support I now have on from last Monday's surgery, but this heat is making things a bit rough. The last thing I want to do is sweat under all this wrapping. That usual means that I'm sitting in the air conditioning and out of the 90+ degree heat during the daytime. The weather is suppose to remain this hot through Friday and then cooler weather will move in.
I will have the sutures removed this coming Friday and then I'll be able to get back in our swimming pool for a few more days to cool off. We plan to close the pool for the winter months on September 16 so there's not much time to enjoy it.
Once I get this dressing off and the sutures removed, I plan on bringing some more pics to you. It's not easy moving about the boat and getting things I need to show you. I have a lot of useful hints regarding tackle and gear that I would like to write on.
On another topic, I have an acquaintance that will be fishing the TBF Championships on the Susquehanna Flats in three weeks. I have been able to share some info with him regarding some of my expereinces on the "Flats" that hopefully will be helpful.
I enjoy assisting friends and site members with whatever I can to help them have a positive fishing experience. Two years ago, I was called upon to assist a friend with information on Lake Clarke (Long Level, Susquehanna River). He had never fished this area prior to the tournament. He found a tremendous amount of success and won first place in one of the many areas I wrote to him about. It felt good that he was able to put together a winning pattern on the information I shared.
I competed for quite a number of years in the Pa. BASS Federation back in the late 80's and the 90's. I enjoyed spending time with folks who also enjoyed fishing as much as I did. My experiences were usually enjoyable. But as time went on, we accepted new members into our club who were extremely cut throat and highly competitive. Despite my successes in tournament angling at the club, district, and state level, I decided to hang up the tournament scene because I no longer enjoyed my time on the water with these new members and thei negativitity. However, I still remain close friends with at least two of the older members and often fish with the one.
There is an open tournament sponsored by the Susquehanna Fishing Tackle (SFT) on Lake Clarke coming up on November 7, 2010. Josh and I fished this tornament last year and placed 7th. The river was rising quickly that day and became rather muddy. We managed two smallmouth bass over the 18" size limit. The creel limit was 3 bass per boat.
Susquehanna Fishing Tackle Store Event
We have fished three open tournaments on this section of the river in the past year and have placed 7th, 4th, and 5th. My goal is to always come in the Top 10 which we have been able to do.
We also plan another North Branch Trip in November, 2010. This trip may interfer with the November 7th tournament. We'll have to see what the NB trip dates will be and whether we'll have enough time to prepare for the open on November 7, 2010.
Take Care,
Dad
Our neighbors' children started the 2010-2011 school year today... It's awful quiet here in the neighborhood. :)
It hasn't been too difficult dealing with the large dressing and support I now have on from last Monday's surgery, but this heat is making things a bit rough. The last thing I want to do is sweat under all this wrapping. That usual means that I'm sitting in the air conditioning and out of the 90+ degree heat during the daytime. The weather is suppose to remain this hot through Friday and then cooler weather will move in.
I will have the sutures removed this coming Friday and then I'll be able to get back in our swimming pool for a few more days to cool off. We plan to close the pool for the winter months on September 16 so there's not much time to enjoy it.
Once I get this dressing off and the sutures removed, I plan on bringing some more pics to you. It's not easy moving about the boat and getting things I need to show you. I have a lot of useful hints regarding tackle and gear that I would like to write on.
On another topic, I have an acquaintance that will be fishing the TBF Championships on the Susquehanna Flats in three weeks. I have been able to share some info with him regarding some of my expereinces on the "Flats" that hopefully will be helpful.
I enjoy assisting friends and site members with whatever I can to help them have a positive fishing experience. Two years ago, I was called upon to assist a friend with information on Lake Clarke (Long Level, Susquehanna River). He had never fished this area prior to the tournament. He found a tremendous amount of success and won first place in one of the many areas I wrote to him about. It felt good that he was able to put together a winning pattern on the information I shared.
I competed for quite a number of years in the Pa. BASS Federation back in the late 80's and the 90's. I enjoyed spending time with folks who also enjoyed fishing as much as I did. My experiences were usually enjoyable. But as time went on, we accepted new members into our club who were extremely cut throat and highly competitive. Despite my successes in tournament angling at the club, district, and state level, I decided to hang up the tournament scene because I no longer enjoyed my time on the water with these new members and thei negativitity. However, I still remain close friends with at least two of the older members and often fish with the one.
There is an open tournament sponsored by the Susquehanna Fishing Tackle (SFT) on Lake Clarke coming up on November 7, 2010. Josh and I fished this tornament last year and placed 7th. The river was rising quickly that day and became rather muddy. We managed two smallmouth bass over the 18" size limit. The creel limit was 3 bass per boat.
Susquehanna Fishing Tackle Store Event
We have fished three open tournaments on this section of the river in the past year and have placed 7th, 4th, and 5th. My goal is to always come in the Top 10 which we have been able to do.
We also plan another North Branch Trip in November, 2010. This trip may interfer with the November 7th tournament. We'll have to see what the NB trip dates will be and whether we'll have enough time to prepare for the open on November 7, 2010.
Take Care,
Dad
Lots of water, but no fishing
My wifes side of the family rented a house in Buxton, NC so we packed the cars and made the trek down. I knew I wasn't going to get much time away from my parental duties, not to mention I really don't get to spend much time with my wifes side of the family. So I was thinking I would get out for a few hours before they even got up. I had great expectations during the week about fishing for Spanish Mackerel, but Danielle put up some big swells. So I just took pictures instead. Hope you like them.
There was one guy who came out and threw a bottom rig out into the surf. He didn't catch anything, but it made for a decent picture.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Action is good and September should be a great month to paddle and fish
I was talking with one of my clients the other day and he said he liked my Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing motto: We take you fishing and not for a boat ride."
I have to admit, I think that's a great motto.I have another of which I'm quite fond: "The worst day you're going to have with us will be pretty darn good."
That has been proven time and again over my years of guiding. We do want to catch fish, and we seem to always do that. And most of the trips are pretty darn good.
I took John Mallia of New York (in the photos) out on two trips this past week. We had a couple of wonderful days. On the first outing, we fished Sarasota Bay and caught a mixed bag of fish: spotted seatrout, bluefish and ladyfish. We also encountered (but didn't catch) Spanish mackerel, shark and tarpon. Action was steady throughout the day and dry spells were infrequent.
We caught a bunch of fish, but the highlight of the outing was when we were paddling back to the launch. We found a bunch of manatees that wanted to hang out with us. They'd swim up to our kayaks, put their noses against the plastic or swim under our boats.
They were literally close enough that we could have reached out an petted them if we had wanted.
It was John's first up-close encounter with a manatee.
Manatees aside, fishing has been very good. We've been getting trout to 24 inches, bluefish to 3 pounds, Spanish mackerel to 3, redfish to 33 inches, tarpon to 30 pounds and all the ladyfish you'd ever want.
Most of the action has been on D.O.A. CAL Jigs with gold paddle tails. The reds have been taking Bomber Bondonkadonk surface plugs, D.O.A. Baitbusters and the D.O.A. BFL.
We're expecting tarpon action to heat up in Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor in September. We use D.O.A. Baitbusters, D.O.A. TerrorEyz and flies.
We anticipate excellent action has the days start to grow shorter and the water begins to cool. Slams (snook, trout and redfish) will be possible.
September is wide open, so you can pick your days.
Give me a call at (941) 284-3406 to book your trip.
You won't regret it.
I'd like to thank my sponsors for making all of this possible: Native Watercraft, D.O.A. Lures, Temple Fork Outfitters and Dri-Grip Sunscreen.
I appreciate their support and belief in me. And what makes it all especially wonderful is that they're great products.
Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing
When the season's over, tarpon action heats up in Charlotte Harbor
I'm not much into cliches or fads. That's why I call a tarpon and tarpon. And not a, um, well, you get the picture.
Anyway, tarpon season is over.
Anyway, tarpon season is over.Right?
As ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso is fond of saying, not so fast my friend.
Years ago, St. Petersburg guide Paul Hawkins told me that his favorite time of year to fish for tarpon was August and September in Charlotte Harbor. That's well after the traditional "season" has ended. By August, most tarpon hunters have long since stored their heavy gear in the closet.
Hawkins was right. Charlotte Harbor has a great population of tarpon and the action heats up in late summer.
I recently launched my kayak at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda. My goal was tarpon. I only had to paddle a few strokes before I was casting at tarpon. I found them rolling in the channel comping out of Alligator Creek. I jumped an fish I estimated at 80 pounds on my fourth or fifth cast, but my 40-pound leader was no much.
That action quickly subsided and I paddled to another spot. I found tarpon rolling on the surface over a large area. I jumped six more tarpon and landed one, a beautiful 30-pounder (in the photo). The fish was taken on a gold, D.O.A. TerrorEyz.
I returned to the area a few days later, but was met by wind and choppy water. We found a few tarpon, but they were tough to see in the chop. Dave Robinson of Sarasota was fishing with me and jumped two fish and had another go for his TerrorEyz at the side of the kayak.
A fast-approaching storm ended our day.
I took John Mallia of New York there recently and we found better conditions, but few tarpon. We did managed 45 spotted seatrout and a bunch of ladyfish, but only saw a couple of tarpon. They weren't visible in the harbor. We did paddle over to a nearby canal and also found it void of tarpon. I asked a woman who lives on the canal if she'd seen any tarpon and she said she hadn't in the last two weeks.
I remember a late-summer trip a few years ago. I fished with guide Brandon Naeve of Nokomis. We made the trip from Placida across a very rough harbor to fish some canals at Pirate Harbor. We got a shot at a few fish, but they weren't cooperative.
When we emerged from Pirate Harbor, we were met by a glassy-calm Charlotte Harbor.
"These conditions are perfect for tarpon," I said.
We hadn't gone more than 400 years when we spotted a large school of tarpon on the surface. Over the next two hours, we jumped nine fish on fly. Trouble was that the tarpon all were well more than 100 pounds, and our heaviest fly rod was an 8-weight.
Oh, well, it's fun jumping tarpon.
If we get some calm weather, I look for tarpon action to be good in the harbor.
It's that time of year.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Pictures
Hello Folks,
I have been reorganizing my pictures on PhotoBucket and the locations are now changed. I guess it will teach me not to try to be organized in my life... LOL!
I updated a few of the blog post pics, but not all. Way too many to go back over. I learned a little about Photobucket. I'll make sure I have my pics in the correct albums rather than lump them all into the default.
There are times I'm looking for certain photos and by organizing them, it makes the search a lot easier.
The reports are still intact.
Dad
I have been reorganizing my pictures on PhotoBucket and the locations are now changed. I guess it will teach me not to try to be organized in my life... LOL!
I updated a few of the blog post pics, but not all. Way too many to go back over. I learned a little about Photobucket. I'll make sure I have my pics in the correct albums rather than lump them all into the default.
There are times I'm looking for certain photos and by organizing them, it makes the search a lot easier.
The reports are still intact.
Dad
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Revisiting my Old Haunts - Susquehanna River, PA - August 23, 2010
Any visit to my parents home in central Pennsylvania is not complete without a fishing trip or two. On this particular visit, I was set on getting the yaks in the Susquehanna River. The word Susquehanna means "broad and muddy" - ranging up to a mile wide in spots. I grew up fishing this river with my father nearly every Saturday during the summer, but have only fished it 2 or 3 times over the past few years. Unfortunately, everything I had heard about the river this summer was pretty negative. River rats were settling for 1 or 2 fish days and some even getting skunked. The combination of high temperatures and low water made many believe that the fish were pushing up into feeder creeks. Others believed that the fish were just gorging on crayfish. Despite the reports, I was set on proving everyone wrong.
On Monday we decided to give it a go, despite the tough conditions. The temperature dropped over 15 degrees from Sunday to Monday including a nightime low of 50, the river was stained and slightly rising, and the wind was blowing fairly consistently. Regardless, we rounded up the yaks and Alex, my dad, my good friend Travis, and I hit the river just south of Sunbury. After taking a few minutes to get everyone situated, we were on our way.
We tied on a variety of baits including spinners, buzzbaits, jigs, grubs, and senkos. About 10 minutes into the float I tossed my senko next to a giant root wad and seconds later my drag was screaming. The fish hit and immediately pulled me toward the tree. He then ran under the boat 2-3 times and did his best to shake the hook. As he breached the surface I could see that it was a nice fish. I landed him and got a weight and photos. The fish went a hair under 4 lbs - my biggest smallie in a couple of years. Although not particularly long, he was extremely thick and fat.
Needless to stay, I was really excited and was thinking we were headed for a great day. Unfortunately, it was not a sign of things to come. At this point, the wind was really picking up and blowing in the same direction as the current, so staying in one place long enough to cast was tough. I lost a fish on a grub and Travis had a couple of bites as well. We fished for a couple hours more before Travis hooked up with a good fish. It immediately started dragging him downstream and he was in for his first real sleigh ride in a kayak. A minute or two later he landed an 8-10 lb channel cat that had been gorging on something.
Finally, as our trip was coming to an end, Alex hooked up. The fish was pulling hard and she said that she had forgotten how hard smallmouth bass fight. She ended the day by pulling a chunky 13"-14" bass from the water to narrowly avoid the skunk.
Although it wasn't a great day, it certainly could have been worse. My dad got his first taste of kayak fishing. Although he didn't get a fish, I think he enjoyed it and realized that there are some definite challenges presented when yak fishing. This was also Travis's first time in a kayak, although he often fishes from a canoe. Hopefully we get a revenge visit with the river sometime soon. Tight lines!
On Monday we decided to give it a go, despite the tough conditions. The temperature dropped over 15 degrees from Sunday to Monday including a nightime low of 50, the river was stained and slightly rising, and the wind was blowing fairly consistently. Regardless, we rounded up the yaks and Alex, my dad, my good friend Travis, and I hit the river just south of Sunbury. After taking a few minutes to get everyone situated, we were on our way.
We tied on a variety of baits including spinners, buzzbaits, jigs, grubs, and senkos. About 10 minutes into the float I tossed my senko next to a giant root wad and seconds later my drag was screaming. The fish hit and immediately pulled me toward the tree. He then ran under the boat 2-3 times and did his best to shake the hook. As he breached the surface I could see that it was a nice fish. I landed him and got a weight and photos. The fish went a hair under 4 lbs - my biggest smallie in a couple of years. Although not particularly long, he was extremely thick and fat.
Needless to stay, I was really excited and was thinking we were headed for a great day. Unfortunately, it was not a sign of things to come. At this point, the wind was really picking up and blowing in the same direction as the current, so staying in one place long enough to cast was tough. I lost a fish on a grub and Travis had a couple of bites as well. We fished for a couple hours more before Travis hooked up with a good fish. It immediately started dragging him downstream and he was in for his first real sleigh ride in a kayak. A minute or two later he landed an 8-10 lb channel cat that had been gorging on something.
Finally, as our trip was coming to an end, Alex hooked up. The fish was pulling hard and she said that she had forgotten how hard smallmouth bass fight. She ended the day by pulling a chunky 13"-14" bass from the water to narrowly avoid the skunk.
Although it wasn't a great day, it certainly could have been worse. My dad got his first taste of kayak fishing. Although he didn't get a fish, I think he enjoyed it and realized that there are some definite challenges presented when yak fishing. This was also Travis's first time in a kayak, although he often fishes from a canoe. Hopefully we get a revenge visit with the river sometime soon. Tight lines!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back Home 08/23/10
Hello Folks,
I'm back from the surgical center and not feeling too bad. The staff took extra special care of this big baby... LOL.
My wife stayed home to assist me and drive me to and from the center.
We got up at 5:30 a.m. By 6:15 a.m., I had my wife at the restaurant for a quick breakfast and a moment to read the local newspaper.
We arrived at the Surgical Center at 7:30 a.m. and were admitted immediately... Good!
What's funny is that they all remembered me from my surgeries last year. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. :) It certainly made me feel more comfortable.
My care nurse was named Beth and she did a fantastic job. In fact, I dread the placing of the I.V. However, beth did aa great job with minimum discomfort. What a pro!
My anesthetist was very pleasant and a good listener. He ordered a Valium-like medication to ease my anxiety and a medication to settle my stomach from any nauseous feelings. Both meds made me feel quite comfortable and relaxed.
When the OR nurses came for me, I found out that the one nurse had my same last name. In fact, I knew her mother years ago when we worked together at Lancaster Catholic High School. It certainly is a small world.
My surgery lasted about one hour. I woke up under the influence but rebounded rather quickly. I've been like that after most of my surgeries.
I'm now home and on the mend. I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on September 3, 2010. The sutures will be removed and my OT appointments arranged at that time.
Do I still look a little groggy?
Certainly does put a damper on the casting!
Take care,
Dad
I'm back from the surgical center and not feeling too bad. The staff took extra special care of this big baby... LOL.
My wife stayed home to assist me and drive me to and from the center.
We got up at 5:30 a.m. By 6:15 a.m., I had my wife at the restaurant for a quick breakfast and a moment to read the local newspaper.
We arrived at the Surgical Center at 7:30 a.m. and were admitted immediately... Good!
What's funny is that they all remembered me from my surgeries last year. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. :) It certainly made me feel more comfortable.
My care nurse was named Beth and she did a fantastic job. In fact, I dread the placing of the I.V. However, beth did aa great job with minimum discomfort. What a pro!
My anesthetist was very pleasant and a good listener. He ordered a Valium-like medication to ease my anxiety and a medication to settle my stomach from any nauseous feelings. Both meds made me feel quite comfortable and relaxed.
When the OR nurses came for me, I found out that the one nurse had my same last name. In fact, I knew her mother years ago when we worked together at Lancaster Catholic High School. It certainly is a small world.
My surgery lasted about one hour. I woke up under the influence but rebounded rather quickly. I've been like that after most of my surgeries.
I'm now home and on the mend. I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon on September 3, 2010. The sutures will be removed and my OT appointments arranged at that time.
Do I still look a little groggy?
Certainly does put a damper on the casting!
Take care,
Dad
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I'm a junkie
So it had been two weeks since I the last time I fished. I found myself daydreaming at work and irritable at home. At one point a coworker caught me smiling at the wall... fantasizing about hard hook sets and drag ripping runs. I even watched the sheepshead and spadefish parts of Kevin's dvd for the 4th or 5th time. I giggle like a little kid every time.
I thought to myself... I paddle all the way out here to catch the smallest fish I've ever caught on rod and reel.
Then a couple minutes later, I broke that record.
These things might be pretty, but they sure are annoying. Especially when there's a gazillion of them.
After a bite to eat, my friends Thom and Dean convinced me to head back out to the HRBT. We got there just as the sun was setting. Lots of croaker, up to 12", dink flounder, and I had 3 stripers. Nothing big. But still fun. We got off the water around midnight and I crashed hard.
My wife was generous and allowed me to fish Friday night through Sunday afternoon so I knew I was going on a binge. I got off work at 5pm and got to HRBT and launched by 7:45pm. I caught lots of small grey trout...
a ridiculous number of dink flounder and several stripers...
At one point I found a school of stripers that were bigger than the 18"-23" I had been catching. I knew just by seeing the splashing, but when I got closer, the shapes in the water confirmed. I tossed my swimbait perpendicular to the current, just outside the light line and let it drift into the dark, and as I start to crank, WHAM!
a ridiculous number of dink flounder and several stripers...
At one point I found a school of stripers that were bigger than the 18"-23" I had been catching. I knew just by seeing the splashing, but when I got closer, the shapes in the water confirmed. I tossed my swimbait perpendicular to the current, just outside the light line and let it drift into the dark, and as I start to crank, WHAM!
You know when a heroin junkie shoots up... the whole "ahhhh....." type of satisfaction they get from it? Well for me, it was that type of tiny satisfaction when I felt that striper hook up and rip drag.
But, when it came off, it's just made the "need" even stronger. Well, I quickly tossed the lure back out and achieved the same result. Drag ripping from my spinning reel caught the attention of a near by powerboat and just as I see the boat out of the corner of my eye, the fish came off again. Next thing I know, the boat comes over to my spot and throws an anchor right into the school. I couldn't believe it. It was hard to hold my tongue, but did mumble some choice words under my breath. I tried for about half an hour but couldn't find another hook up. I tried until 3:30am, looking for that school that I really thought I'd find.
I took a nap in the car and got up at 6:30. I got to Ocean's East to pick up fiddlers and clams and ran into the (in)famous Kayak Kevin. We made our way out to the first island (CBBT) and found ...
I thought to myself... I paddle all the way out here to catch the smallest fish I've ever caught on rod and reel.
Then a couple minutes later, I broke that record.
These things might be pretty, but they sure are annoying. Especially when there's a gazillion of them.
Oh and by the way, broken bits of clam shells and lack of sleep equals...
I did hook a 12"ish spadefish that got off just as I was about to grab the leader. Kevin caught several. I'm sure he'll have his story on his website.
He also caught a citation sheepshead as he was spadefishing. It was a blast to watch him do battle with that light rod. Later on, he found some triggerfish and after taking some pictures for him, I dropped my fiddler to see if I could bring one up too. A couple of minutes go by and WHAM! My spring loaded arm on a hair-trigger goes off and as we watch my rod tip take a deep dive into the water we knew... "Oh, this ain't no trigger!" The adrenaline starts pumping and once again, I was high as a kite on that feeling. It ended up being a slightly beat up looking 25.5" release citation sheepshead. And to top it all off, Kevin caught most of the fight on video!
He also caught a citation sheepshead as he was spadefishing. It was a blast to watch him do battle with that light rod. Later on, he found some triggerfish and after taking some pictures for him, I dropped my fiddler to see if I could bring one up too. A couple of minutes go by and WHAM! My spring loaded arm on a hair-trigger goes off and as we watch my rod tip take a deep dive into the water we knew... "Oh, this ain't no trigger!" The adrenaline starts pumping and once again, I was high as a kite on that feeling. It ended up being a slightly beat up looking 25.5" release citation sheepshead. And to top it all off, Kevin caught most of the fight on video!
After a while, Kevin took off and I stuck around to see if I could find some spades at the next tide change. No love, and of course the paddle back was miserable.
After a bite to eat, my friends Thom and Dean convinced me to head back out to the HRBT. We got there just as the sun was setting. Lots of croaker, up to 12", dink flounder, and I had 3 stripers. Nothing big. But still fun. We got off the water around midnight and I crashed hard.
I woke up at 6:30 in the CrabCreek parking lot, to the sound of rain beating on my windshield. While waiting it out and listening to NOAA radio, I could hear the remaining fiddlers still scratching the side of my bucket. Long story short, I lost one small sheepie at the boat, caught several small flounder, a few oyster toads and foul hooked a 14.5" sheepshead with a bucktail. A guy I know caught two keeper flounder as well. I think the biggest was 24".
I was off the water by 11:45am and back to Richmond in time to take my daughter to the mall playground and do some grocery shopping.
Satisfied.
For now.
I was off the water by 11:45am and back to Richmond in time to take my daughter to the mall playground and do some grocery shopping.
Satisfied.
For now.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Makaira Lures - BIG BRUTUS & BIG 19
From the watery desk of Mark Daugherty
From Justin:
Just like the name implies, they are grown up versions of the original "Brutus" and "19", sporting a 1 7/8" diameter head. They also come in weighted or non-weighted versions and like yall know can be made to order with whatever head color and skirt color combinations you like. Check out the picture with the original "Brutus" and "19" in there for reference.
From Mark:
I've been running Justin's lures for about 4 years with excellent result. His Brutus has been "blue marlin money" for us on the long corner. This lure digs in, throws a huge smoke trail and really is a great fish raiser. The 19, with it's slight angled head and long lines creates a beautiful smoke trail, running well in rougher seas. Now with the BIG Brutus and BIG 19 on the short corner Justin has the spread covered. Throw in weighted/keeled options and these baits will cover all sea conditions. I don't do too many product endorsements but Justin's line of lures are worth checking out.
Go to Makaira Pulling Lures Website...
Buena pesca,
Mark
EastCapeGuides.com
Two new lures from Justin at Makaira Pulling Lures for 2010
"Big Brutus" and "Big 19"
From Justin:
Just like the name implies, they are grown up versions of the original "Brutus" and "19", sporting a 1 7/8" diameter head. They also come in weighted or non-weighted versions and like yall know can be made to order with whatever head color and skirt color combinations you like. Check out the picture with the original "Brutus" and "19" in there for reference.
From Mark:
I've been running Justin's lures for about 4 years with excellent result. His Brutus has been "blue marlin money" for us on the long corner. This lure digs in, throws a huge smoke trail and really is a great fish raiser. The 19, with it's slight angled head and long lines creates a beautiful smoke trail, running well in rougher seas. Now with the BIG Brutus and BIG 19 on the short corner Justin has the spread covered. Throw in weighted/keeled options and these baits will cover all sea conditions. I don't do too many product endorsements but Justin's line of lures are worth checking out.
Go to Makaira Pulling Lures Website...
Buena pesca,
Mark
EastCapeGuides.com
Beautiful Day, but Terrible Day Fishing 08/20/10
Hello Folks,
I spent my last day fishing on the river before my surgery on Monday, August 23, 2010. The surgical procedure is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and I have to be at the surgical center by 7:30 a.m. Oh Joy! Nothing to eat after midnight.
The G3 was all prepped and ready to roll before I went to bed last evening. I wanted to make sure that my last day on the water for a couple of months would get off to a great start.
I could only get broken sleep last evening because my elbow was throbbing most of the night. Usually when I awake and it hurts like that, I'll turn on some late night t.v., get bored, and let it put me back to sleep.
I arose at 5:30 a.m., washed, shaved, and dressed for a morning on the river. Downstairs, I had a quick breakfast and out the door. What's nice about rising so early is that my wife is also getting up for work and we can spend a few minutes together before walking out the door for our day.
I arrived at the ramp around 6:30 a.m. and the only other boat trailer in the parking lot belong to my good friend and fellow teacher, Joe Herman. Joe had Bernie Santaniello and John (custodian at Penn Manor High School) out fishing for catties this morning. I met up with them about an hour into fishing.
Bernie was a teacher of ours back in the late 60's and early 70's at J. P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pa. He also coached track and field and was one of my middle brothers track coaches.
The water temperature on the river was 75.6 degrees and the air temp was a nice cool 63 degrees. The air temp rose rather quickly to 81 degrees by 10:30 a.m., but the water temp remained stationary. There was a slight NW breeze blowing. It was rather pleasant outside this morning despite the high humidity.
The water clarity was murky and the level in Harrisburg was holding at 3.2'. Safe Harbor Dam was suppose to have Lake Aldred at 169' at 7:00 a.m., but I believe that it was down a bit from that. I noticed that they had a crew inspecting some of the concrete deck supports. There is a work crew doing repair work on one support already.
I followed my normal routine by starting out with a buzzbait over shallow ledges, switching to a spinnerbait, and then to a crankbait. Nothing was finding success today.
This past Tuesday, we were able to nail a few good smallies on crankbaits, but it took us a while to get onto the pattern before catching a few. This morning, I couldn't get anything started... Nada, Zilch!
I had one small bass and another swirl at the crankbait as I was pulling it out of the water and that folks was it. What a poor showing after a decent Tuesday. When I spoke to Joe, they only had one cattie between the three of them. While we were talking, I witnessed Joe having two "hit and misses." Two fish between four anglers is pretty darn bad.
It was rather hot and humid yesterday. But as the day progressed, the humidity broke and a nice high pressure started to move in over us from the NW. The humidity built up once again through the evening and we had a lot of dew by morning.
A major front had moved in over us and may have contributed to the poor show of fish(?).
Not only did I get to speak to Joe, but I also got a chance to speak briefly with a kayak angler who even said that he was having trouble getting the channel catties to bite... Pretty sad morning on the river.
Joe said that before daybreak they witnssed both bass and catties busting the surface, but they had no luck at all getting them to bite a lure.
It wasn't the way I wanted to end my fishing adventures before my elbow surgery, but at least I felt up to it enough this morning to get out of bed and hit the water... LOL!
During my break from fishing, I'm hoping to bring you some information and pics regarding my jet rig, tackle, and gear. I think I'll have plenty to talk about over the next few weeks as I rehab and work towards getting back on the water.
Take Care,
Dad
p.s. I forgot to mention that I saw an immature eagle and an osprey today. We've had several osprey in this area of the river over the summer. We don't get to see many this far upriver from the Susquehanna Flats and the Chesapeake Bay.
I spent my last day fishing on the river before my surgery on Monday, August 23, 2010. The surgical procedure is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and I have to be at the surgical center by 7:30 a.m. Oh Joy! Nothing to eat after midnight.
The G3 was all prepped and ready to roll before I went to bed last evening. I wanted to make sure that my last day on the water for a couple of months would get off to a great start.
I could only get broken sleep last evening because my elbow was throbbing most of the night. Usually when I awake and it hurts like that, I'll turn on some late night t.v., get bored, and let it put me back to sleep.
I arose at 5:30 a.m., washed, shaved, and dressed for a morning on the river. Downstairs, I had a quick breakfast and out the door. What's nice about rising so early is that my wife is also getting up for work and we can spend a few minutes together before walking out the door for our day.
I arrived at the ramp around 6:30 a.m. and the only other boat trailer in the parking lot belong to my good friend and fellow teacher, Joe Herman. Joe had Bernie Santaniello and John (custodian at Penn Manor High School) out fishing for catties this morning. I met up with them about an hour into fishing.
Bernie was a teacher of ours back in the late 60's and early 70's at J. P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pa. He also coached track and field and was one of my middle brothers track coaches.
The water temperature on the river was 75.6 degrees and the air temp was a nice cool 63 degrees. The air temp rose rather quickly to 81 degrees by 10:30 a.m., but the water temp remained stationary. There was a slight NW breeze blowing. It was rather pleasant outside this morning despite the high humidity.
The water clarity was murky and the level in Harrisburg was holding at 3.2'. Safe Harbor Dam was suppose to have Lake Aldred at 169' at 7:00 a.m., but I believe that it was down a bit from that. I noticed that they had a crew inspecting some of the concrete deck supports. There is a work crew doing repair work on one support already.
I followed my normal routine by starting out with a buzzbait over shallow ledges, switching to a spinnerbait, and then to a crankbait. Nothing was finding success today.
This past Tuesday, we were able to nail a few good smallies on crankbaits, but it took us a while to get onto the pattern before catching a few. This morning, I couldn't get anything started... Nada, Zilch!
I had one small bass and another swirl at the crankbait as I was pulling it out of the water and that folks was it. What a poor showing after a decent Tuesday. When I spoke to Joe, they only had one cattie between the three of them. While we were talking, I witnessed Joe having two "hit and misses." Two fish between four anglers is pretty darn bad.
It was rather hot and humid yesterday. But as the day progressed, the humidity broke and a nice high pressure started to move in over us from the NW. The humidity built up once again through the evening and we had a lot of dew by morning.
A major front had moved in over us and may have contributed to the poor show of fish(?).
Not only did I get to speak to Joe, but I also got a chance to speak briefly with a kayak angler who even said that he was having trouble getting the channel catties to bite... Pretty sad morning on the river.
Joe said that before daybreak they witnssed both bass and catties busting the surface, but they had no luck at all getting them to bite a lure.
It wasn't the way I wanted to end my fishing adventures before my elbow surgery, but at least I felt up to it enough this morning to get out of bed and hit the water... LOL!
During my break from fishing, I'm hoping to bring you some information and pics regarding my jet rig, tackle, and gear. I think I'll have plenty to talk about over the next few weeks as I rehab and work towards getting back on the water.
Take Care,
Dad
p.s. I forgot to mention that I saw an immature eagle and an osprey today. We've had several osprey in this area of the river over the summer. We don't get to see many this far upriver from the Susquehanna Flats and the Chesapeake Bay.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Reports for La Paz, East Cape, Gordo Banks & Cabo
by Cass Tours
Big Fish Round Up 2010 Tournament Results
East Cape
Tuna Category
1st Jochen Madleisky 166.4 lbs
2nd Gregory Stitzinger 144.7 lbs
3rd Jeremy Davis 104.4 lbs
4th Henery Seul 103.3 lbs
5th Robert Robles 75.7 lbs
Dorado Category
1st Marlon Bechtol 45.6lbs
2nd Richard Schlager 45.4 lbs
3rd Mike Hanratty 45.3 lbs
4th Jim Davis 38.1 lbs
5th Dan O'Shea 31.9 lbs
Dates for next year August 5-9, 2011
San Jose del Cabo
Gordo Banks
As we reach the middle of August the weather conditions are feeling increasingly tropical, more cloud cover, at times there were threatening rain showers, which to this date have yet to develop. Increased crowds this past week, perhaps the family rush before school starts back up and also maybe due to the more favorable fish reports for the past couple of weeks. Days are quite warm as would be expected at this time, but actually there has been some relief due to breezes off of the Pacific Ocean and cloud cover. Conditions have been relatively calm in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, moderate swells with water temperatures averaging 76 to 82 degrees. The next five weeks are historically the period when the greatest numbers of hurricanes have formed and made land fall on the Southern Baja Peninsula, we will be watching the weather forecasts closely during this time.
Local San Jose fleets have been concentrating mostly on the fishing grounds from the Gordo Banks, La Fortuna, to Iman and the San Luis Banks. Large concentrations of baitfish were seen schooling on the surface of these local fishing grounds. Sardinas have been the main bait source, bags of fresh dead bait as well as limited quantities of live sardinas which were delivered mid morning to the fishing grounds have been available. There also has been a mix of mullet, caballito and moonfish available.
This last week there were more big marlin hooked into around the Gordo Banks area than all of last summer combined. Two black marlin of 500 pounds were accounted for by the local panga fleets, as well as a couple of other fish that ranging in the 300 to 400 pound class. Another black marlin weighing an estimated 600 pounds was brought into the panga docking weigh fillet area at 11:00 p.m. on Monday by the local Daniel Fisher team aboard Cabo 35 ft. Sportfisher named the "Fisherman" same boat that won last year's WON Tuna Jackpo t with the 383 lb. yellowfin. All of these big marlin were hooked into while trolling larger live baitfish, such as yellowfin tuna or various skipjack species.
Other highlights and significant catches this past week included a 155 pound yellowfin tuna that was subdued by Dave Marcias of Yorba Linda, Ca. while fishing on the 32 ft. Alejandra, this tuna hit on a smaller sized Mexican flag patterned feather near the San Luis Bank. There was an even a larger tuna landed, a super cow of 319 pounds was weighed in on Monday by local La Playita pangero Efrin Arripez. This is the first yellowfin over 300 pounds this season that we know about taken off of the Gordo Banks. It hit near the Outer Bank while Efrin's group were drift fishing on the 22 ft. panga "Faty" with two dead sardinas pinned on the same hook with straight 60 pound mono, no leader.
Yellowfin tuna were the main stay of the daily catches. Most charters were avenging 4 to 10 fish per day, size ranged from 10 to 300 plus pounds. Average size tuna was 20 to 40 pounds. Fishing were hitting best on either the fresh dead or live sardinas. The area near La Fortuna to Iman produced the biggest numbers of fish. Dorado were being caught at perhaps a 1 to 5 ratio compared to tuna, sizes ranged up to 30 pounds.
Only a handful of wahoo were reported this past week, these fish can become a bit sluggish in the warmer waters. A few quality sized dogtooth snapper are being landed each day by the combined panga fleets, these fish are now being found on the offshore structure while drift fishing with whole or cut baits. Some amberjack and cabrilla rounded out the bottom action, with yo-yo jigs accounting for most of this action, strong currents continues to make this type of fishing more difficult.
The combined panga fleets launching from the La Playita/Puerto Los Cabos area sent out approximately 89 charters for the week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 1 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 1 blue marlin, 4 black marlin, 5 wahoo, 11 cabrilla, 15 huachinango (red snapper), 8 roosterfish, 88 dorado, 378 yellowfin tuna, 13 amberjack, 8 jack crevalle, 34 skipjack, 26 bonito and 16 dogtooth snapper.
Cabo San Lucas
Gaviota Fleet
There were some excellent catches this week from the Gaviota Sportfishing Fleet that started with a 240 lb. yellowfin tuna taken aboard the "Gaviota VI" on Monday, August 9, 2010, followed by a 400 lb. blue marlin, taken aboard the "Gaviota X" on Tuesday. The "Gaviota IV" had a terrific 2 fishing days that reflected 4 stripers, and a sailfish released and a dinner dorado for the charter group. The overall combined catches for a total of 26 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 23 stripers, (21 released) 3 sailfish released, 1 wahoo, 17 dorado and 13 yellowfin tuna. (I had been waiting on additional angler information that may yet arrive, concerning the anglers of the big fish and the details for the catches, but since it has not yet arrived, I wanted to get this portion of the report out, today. I may have supplemental information later today or tomorrow and will forward it on).
Cabo Climate: Intermittent sunny-cloudy days with temps that ranged from 75 nights to 97 daytime highs and very light tropical breezes.
Sea Conditions: Waters are pretty warm on both sides of the peninsula. The Pacific side reflects 77-80 degrees and rises to 85 degrees going into the Sea of Cortez side. Water is clean green to about 7 miles then clean & blue on out from there.
Best Fishing Area: There appears to be a couple of good areas now that include the 1150 fathom spot at about 25 miles from Cabo, (the two big fish for the week came from the 1150 fathom spot) and Gray Rock (Cabeza de Ballena) to Chileno and out 3-6 miles from shore.
Best Lure/Bait: Both live bait and artificials were working well this past week. The blue marlin was taken on a green colored lure and stripers were being taken on both, live bait and artificials.
Live Bait Supply: Remains good for Caballitos at the $3.00 per bait rate.
Big Fish Round Up 2010 Tournament Results
East Cape
Tuna Category
1st Jochen Madleisky 166.4 lbs
2nd Gregory Stitzinger 144.7 lbs
3rd Jeremy Davis 104.4 lbs
4th Henery Seul 103.3 lbs
5th Robert Robles 75.7 lbs
Dorado Category
1st Marlon Bechtol 45.6lbs
2nd Richard Schlager 45.4 lbs
3rd Mike Hanratty 45.3 lbs
4th Jim Davis 38.1 lbs
5th Dan O'Shea 31.9 lbs
Dates for next year August 5-9, 2011
San Jose del Cabo
Gordo Banks
As we reach the middle of August the weather conditions are feeling increasingly tropical, more cloud cover, at times there were threatening rain showers, which to this date have yet to develop. Increased crowds this past week, perhaps the family rush before school starts back up and also maybe due to the more favorable fish reports for the past couple of weeks. Days are quite warm as would be expected at this time, but actually there has been some relief due to breezes off of the Pacific Ocean and cloud cover. Conditions have been relatively calm in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, moderate swells with water temperatures averaging 76 to 82 degrees. The next five weeks are historically the period when the greatest numbers of hurricanes have formed and made land fall on the Southern Baja Peninsula, we will be watching the weather forecasts closely during this time.
Local San Jose fleets have been concentrating mostly on the fishing grounds from the Gordo Banks, La Fortuna, to Iman and the San Luis Banks. Large concentrations of baitfish were seen schooling on the surface of these local fishing grounds. Sardinas have been the main bait source, bags of fresh dead bait as well as limited quantities of live sardinas which were delivered mid morning to the fishing grounds have been available. There also has been a mix of mullet, caballito and moonfish available.
This last week there were more big marlin hooked into around the Gordo Banks area than all of last summer combined. Two black marlin of 500 pounds were accounted for by the local panga fleets, as well as a couple of other fish that ranging in the 300 to 400 pound class. Another black marlin weighing an estimated 600 pounds was brought into the panga docking weigh fillet area at 11:00 p.m. on Monday by the local Daniel Fisher team aboard Cabo 35 ft. Sportfisher named the "Fisherman" same boat that won last year's WON Tuna Jackpo t with the 383 lb. yellowfin. All of these big marlin were hooked into while trolling larger live baitfish, such as yellowfin tuna or various skipjack species.
Other highlights and significant catches this past week included a 155 pound yellowfin tuna that was subdued by Dave Marcias of Yorba Linda, Ca. while fishing on the 32 ft. Alejandra, this tuna hit on a smaller sized Mexican flag patterned feather near the San Luis Bank. There was an even a larger tuna landed, a super cow of 319 pounds was weighed in on Monday by local La Playita pangero Efrin Arripez. This is the first yellowfin over 300 pounds this season that we know about taken off of the Gordo Banks. It hit near the Outer Bank while Efrin's group were drift fishing on the 22 ft. panga "Faty" with two dead sardinas pinned on the same hook with straight 60 pound mono, no leader.
Yellowfin tuna were the main stay of the daily catches. Most charters were avenging 4 to 10 fish per day, size ranged from 10 to 300 plus pounds. Average size tuna was 20 to 40 pounds. Fishing were hitting best on either the fresh dead or live sardinas. The area near La Fortuna to Iman produced the biggest numbers of fish. Dorado were being caught at perhaps a 1 to 5 ratio compared to tuna, sizes ranged up to 30 pounds.
Only a handful of wahoo were reported this past week, these fish can become a bit sluggish in the warmer waters. A few quality sized dogtooth snapper are being landed each day by the combined panga fleets, these fish are now being found on the offshore structure while drift fishing with whole or cut baits. Some amberjack and cabrilla rounded out the bottom action, with yo-yo jigs accounting for most of this action, strong currents continues to make this type of fishing more difficult.
The combined panga fleets launching from the La Playita/Puerto Los Cabos area sent out approximately 89 charters for the week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 1 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 1 blue marlin, 4 black marlin, 5 wahoo, 11 cabrilla, 15 huachinango (red snapper), 8 roosterfish, 88 dorado, 378 yellowfin tuna, 13 amberjack, 8 jack crevalle, 34 skipjack, 26 bonito and 16 dogtooth snapper.
Cabo San Lucas
Gaviota Fleet
There were some excellent catches this week from the Gaviota Sportfishing Fleet that started with a 240 lb. yellowfin tuna taken aboard the "Gaviota VI" on Monday, August 9, 2010, followed by a 400 lb. blue marlin, taken aboard the "Gaviota X" on Tuesday. The "Gaviota IV" had a terrific 2 fishing days that reflected 4 stripers, and a sailfish released and a dinner dorado for the charter group. The overall combined catches for a total of 26 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 23 stripers, (21 released) 3 sailfish released, 1 wahoo, 17 dorado and 13 yellowfin tuna. (I had been waiting on additional angler information that may yet arrive, concerning the anglers of the big fish and the details for the catches, but since it has not yet arrived, I wanted to get this portion of the report out, today. I may have supplemental information later today or tomorrow and will forward it on).
Cabo Climate: Intermittent sunny-cloudy days with temps that ranged from 75 nights to 97 daytime highs and very light tropical breezes.
Sea Conditions: Waters are pretty warm on both sides of the peninsula. The Pacific side reflects 77-80 degrees and rises to 85 degrees going into the Sea of Cortez side. Water is clean green to about 7 miles then clean & blue on out from there.
Best Fishing Area: There appears to be a couple of good areas now that include the 1150 fathom spot at about 25 miles from Cabo, (the two big fish for the week came from the 1150 fathom spot) and Gray Rock (Cabeza de Ballena) to Chileno and out 3-6 miles from shore.
Best Lure/Bait: Both live bait and artificials were working well this past week. The blue marlin was taken on a green colored lure and stripers were being taken on both, live bait and artificials.
Live Bait Supply: Remains good for Caballitos at the $3.00 per bait rate.
Dell Catches Monster Fish 08/17/10
Ha, Ha, Ha!
Dell caught this little 3" shad on a Spro. I told him that it takes talent to seek out and hook something so small... LOL! :)
I have only six days left until my second elbow surgery in the past year. I'm hoping to be able to get onto the water a couple of more times this week before hanging up my rods and reels for the next few months. Here's hoping rehab goes well.
Dell and I made arrangements on Sunday to hit the river today. It looked like it would be the best day this week not to have any t-storms or high humidity.
We met at his home at 6:00 a.m. because my F150 is in the shop for some body work. It's been awhile since we took his jet rig out for a fishing trip.
His jet had some trouble getting up on plane today as we were heading up river. I put my 200 lb body and my 200 lb tackle bag (LOL) on the front deck and it still was missing some punch. The motor sounded good, but the horsepower just wasn't there.
After our trip, he took his rig up to Lakeside Marine in Harrisburg for a once over. Hopefully, they'll get it figured out and he'll be ready to rock and roll.
Despite the motor issues, I still had Dell laughing as we ran north.
There was a lot of fog on the river this morning. It wasn't heavy, but it gave us decent cloud coverage for the first few hours...
I've nicknamed Dell "The Eternal Pessimist." After about 15 minutes of tossing topwater without a hit, he started in on the "We're gonna get skunked, T!" broken record... ;)
I had to assure him that I wouldn't let that happen to us. Of course, he doubted me. Maybe I can get him into the the local Optimist Club... LOL!
Once we got off the topwater lure and started throwing the lipless cranks, Dell hammered a nice 14" fatty. That put the end to the "Skunk" talk for the day... Yes!
A few minutes later he hooked into that little guy up above. I had a good laugh at that one. I told him, "Hey, a fish is a fish!"
We moved around quite a bit today and went from the Lancaster County shoreline all the way to the York County shoreline. We have used this path many, many times over the years, but it was the first time we actually did it in 2010.
Towards the middle of the river, we had back to back hook ups. I was throwing the "Ugly Bait" (Dell's Nickname for my Firetiger Big O) and nailed this 16.5" right at the boat. The way she hit reminded me of a Musky strike off a Figure 8. Hard and Vicious!
In the heaviest rock cover towards the middle of the river, I was able to hook up with a very nice 15.5" smallie. Dell caught a couple in the same general area. One came on a Rapala X-Rap and the other off a Bandit 200.
Using the "Search and Destroy Method" of a crankbait produced all but that one hard bodied jerkbait fish.
We ended the day with thirteen bass and about five followers. Not a bad summertime morning on the river and just enough action to keep us focused.
The water temperature was 75 degrees at the surface. The air temp was 65 degrees in the morning with a SE breeze. As the morning progressed, the winds shifted to the WNW. This breeze ushered in less humid air as the air temperature rose towards 80 degrees.
We had cloud cover throughout most of the morning. Somewhere around 10:30 a.m., the sun began to dominate. Dell mentioned how the time seemed to slow down a bit because of the fog/cloud cover and the low humidity. It just didn't feel like it was moving towards 11:00 a.m. like it had over the past hot and humid month.
As we were packing up our tackle and gear to head pack to the ramp, one of our bald eagles flew out from the York County hillside. What a beautiful sight!
Dad
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