East Cape-Beach patrol

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East Cape-Beach patrol

Over the weekend Hurricane Marie passed by in the Pacific 500 miles below Cabo San Lucas. Marie is the first Cat 5 storm in the Eastern Pacific since Celia in 2010. We are fortunate the storm passed at such a distance and never made land fall. The port was closed in Cabo for a couple days because of high surf and our East Cape fleet watched very closely with anticipation.

Normally when we have approaching low pressure game fish go on the feed and we experience outstanding fishing. This was not the case as Marie passed. It has been frustrating as marlin, tuna and dorado have all been very finicky. Now post storm the bite seems to be picking up. Tuna under porpoise schools have become more aggressive in the afternoon and sailfish have taken over most of the billfish action. A wahoo or two are also being picked off by lucky anglers. The huge surf from the passing storm has lowered sea temps a couple of degrees which could be a factor. The water is now 84 to 86 degrees which is pretty much normal for late August.

I want to share the crazy and unfortunate streak Team Jen Wren has been on over the last several weeks.

First, Jen Wren hit a whale shark punching a huge hole through the fiberglass hull. Quick action by the crew saved the boat and with the help of our friends we were able to complete the repair and get her back in operation in an unbelievable 5 days.

Last week the port engine on Jen Wren III started making a strange noise. Upon inspection we found a seal on the aftercooler had failed. It destroyed the aftercooler and allowed saltwater to intrude into the motor burning an intake valve. I pride myself in being prepared and did have an extra head. The problem was we didn't have a head gasket set and there were none to be found anywhere in Mexico. I was able to find the gaskets we needed at Pacific Cummins in Irvine, CA. Wayne McCormick was scheduled to fish with us 2 days later and agreed to bring the parts. Cummins sent the parts next day air to Wayne's office. It was a relief when I received email from Wayne that the eagle had landed and he had the parts in hand. After he arrived we could do the repair in one day.

That is not the end of this story. The following day I received a call from Wayne on his way to the airport bar. He explained that while in the air their plane had been struck by lightning and they had to return to San Diego. What are the odds?

I am sad to report as things turned out Wayne's luck didn't change much. He arrived in the face of Marie and fished in rainy windy conditions.

They say break downs come in threes. After completing the repair on Jen Wren III and launching her the high pressure air system went out on our Caterpillar loader. Without air pressure the brakes will not release. This machine is essential to our operation. Especially during hurricane season when we may have to pull our boats to avoid weather on a moment's notice.

Now I'm exhausted but all of our equipment is back in operation and I can laugh about the trials and tribulations we have been through. Someday I will write a book and this episode has surely earned a chapter.

Sailfish

Ready for release

Manuel on the wire

Diego leaders a dorado

Most dorado are punk size

Yellowfin getting in the game

Omar Ariza on beach patrol. Grupo Tortuguero has already harvested turtle eggs from 105 nests. This is way ahead of last year.

Plan "B". Using a Suburban to pull an 18,000 lbs boat is kinda hair ball but in the face of a storm what's a guy to do?

Mark Rayor

teamjenwren.com

markrayor.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/JenWrenSportfishing

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