TUNA FISHING IS CLOSER TO SHORE THIS WEEK AT EAST CAPE

July 9, 2005, Roy Baldwin, Rancho Leonero, Baja California Sur, East Cape, Mexico:

East Cape had typical July fishing weather, with warm mornings in the mid 70's and afternoon highs to the mid 90's, mostly sunny days, calm mornings, and some afternoon southeast breezes. The water temperature has warmed up again, with 83 degrees off Isla Cerralvo and 78 degrees off Los Frailes. With the warmer water, the tuna fishing has picked up markedly, with lighter lines working better for all species.

The billfish bite remains spread, from Punta Pescadero to Los Frailes, with striped marlin from 5 to 20 miles outside, with lots of tailers, but picky biters. Fish are taking a mix of live ballyhoo bait and lures.

Tuna fishing moved closer in this week, with yellowfin tuna under porpoise about 15 miles offshore, from Punta Pescadero to Cabo Pulmo. Lighter line is getting more bites, with tuna averaging 20 pounds, and the largest 50 pounds, aggressively taking mostly hoochies and cedar plugs.

There are a few nice dorado to 50 pounds, very spread, taking mostly trolled marlin lures.

A few wahoo were caught this week, taking mostly bait.

In inside fishing at East Cape the roosterfish bite remains steady, with fish to 40 pounds off the beaches from La Ribera to Las Barracas, taking live bait. Amberjack to 30 pounds and some pargo are on the reefs off La Ribera, taking yo-yoed jigs.