SEA OF CORTEZ-EAST CAPE, BAJA OR ALASKA

[vseasport]

Baja or Alaska?

There is only a small handful of charter fishing boats still in the water on the East Cape. Without daily departures there has not been reports of conditions off shore.

The beach has been a different story and you almost have to take a number to get a good fishing spot. The sea life has been putting on an incredible show with birds diving and fish in a feeding frenzy driving huge schools of sardines to the waters edge. Sierra Mackerel, rooster fish, ladyfish, and jack cravelle have all been in the mix.

For the entire week I have awakened to voices of fishermen on the beach. As dawn unfolds fishermen can be seen lined up almost shoulder to shoulder. The sight reminds me of fishing for salmon on the rivers of Alaska. One big difference is not having to look over your shoulder for bears. The hot spot has been up and down the coast near Vista Del Mar right in front of our home.

"The early bird catches the worm" as the beach bite starts at first light and shuts off as soon as the sun is above the horizon. Some anglers have been using rods and reels while others are hand lining. I have had good luck with a sardine patterned fly but a chrome 3 inch lure made from a broken car antenna has been most popular along with Crocodiles and Rapalas. As full speed as the bite has been the fish are shying away from lures rigged with wire. The sharp teeth of the sierra has made it costly but it is the price that has to be paid for success.

Dawn at Buena Vista. Why do you suppose the place was named Buena Vista?

First light is when the bite is best

My wife says the beach looks like a sale on black Friday.

Pelicans are gorging themselves

Lost a fly on my 2nd cast to the toothy critters and then got lucky

Luis Sylva told me his son has been waking him up evey morning at 5AM to get to the beach. Luis is a very talented fisherman and it looks like the kid just might be a chip off the old block.

Fish for everyone

Most anglers are coming away with limits

As soon as the sun is up on the horizon it is over.

Mark Rayor

www.teamjenwren.com

Fishing the East Cape with Mark Rayor