26 Oct 23 , 2020 VOL . 39 • ISS . 22
Fishing Changes Daily Off LaPaz , But Bite Rated As Good Overall
Big tuna are patrolling the East Cape . This fish was landed on October 2 . Photo courtesy of VAN WORMER RESORTS , East Cape , Baja .
“ It
’ s been that kind of year where so much is unpredictable . We have a
good week . Then we have an so-so week . Then a good week again . No changes in temps . No changes in the water . No changes in any of the variables ,” reported Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International . “ This was a “ so-so ” week at best . So , if you ’ re coming next week , we ’ re on schedule for a good week of fishing . when we did find fish , it was 99 % dorado . That ’ s it . We should be deep in tuna , billfish , wahoo and others . And they are NOWHERE to be found . Sure , the occasional biter , but nothing worth mentioning . And the dorado are fun , but 5-20 pounders is the typical fish . Don ’ t get me wrong . Everyone who wants fish is getting fish , but this past week we could have used a bit more quantity as well as quality . ( more and bigger ). But that ’ s fishing ,” said Roldan . “ We ’ re still getting some nice roosterfish up to about 50 pounds . All fish are getting released . Add in a few bonito , jacks , pargo , cabrilla , triggerfish , snapper and way too many needlefish and that
This happy angler was working live bait off the East Cape this fall and scored this awesome wahoo .
Photo courtesy of VAN WORMER RESORTS , East Cape , Baja .
was pretty much our whole week . So , next week we ’ re gonna get geared-up for a big comeback ,” Roldan exclaimed . “ For sure , there could be bubbling up . Late in the week , for the first time all season , we started landing some nice wahoo and sailfish also started showing up . Where have these been all year ,” quipped Roldan .
When You Head To Baja , Consider Bringing Your Own Reels !
W hen you head down to Baja , it ’ s always a good idea to bring along a reel or two even if you don ’ t bring rods . Most boats have plenty of rods and the skippers will gladly mount your reel on one of their rods . This way you ’ ll know you have fresh line and a reliable drag when the big fish start biting . The PENN Fathom star drag series of reels is perfect for this work . They are solid and reliable , yet they are not excessively expensive . The Penn Fathom Star Drag , with the revolutionary Live Spindle design , is the most castable reel in the market place . The improved configuration allows the spool to spin independently of the spindle and pinion gear , which significantly reduces friction experienced from the extreme acceleration of the spool when casting . Other reels using a ‘’ fixed spindle ’’ design slow the rotation of the spool and reduce casting distance . Additionally the Live Spindle improves the retrieve of the reel because the spindle and pinion do not need to turn relative to each other during heavy loads , unlike a ‘’ fixed spindle ’’ reels that result in a difficult retrieve and erratic drag .
The yellowfin tuna action has been red hot along the East Cape this October . Photo courtesy of VAN WORMER RESORTS , East Cape , Baja .