Well, another season has come to a close on the East Cape and once again, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon continued to move warmer waters into our fishery throughout the 2016 Season. This resulted in a northerly migration shift for many of our mainstay game species including dorado and yellowfin tuna.
Luckily, the Sea of Cortez rarely disappoints. The marine biodiversity is legendary for providing a variety of sportfishing action, even in an El Niño year. This year surpassed our 2015 Season with some pelagic species. The blue marlin bite continued to amaze anglers on the East Cape. Our clients released 30+ blues and one black marlin throughout the season. Reports of double hookups of blue marlin were not uncommon. The Van Wormer hotel fleet recorded 581 billfish releases for the month of July and an estimated 400+ blue marlin in total for the season. These are just incredible numbers for any fishery. The next species on the list was wahoo and the bite seemed to keep pace with last year's numbers. Wahoo are considered an incidental catch on the East Cape in non-El Niño years and are prized by all who troll the waters of Southern Baja, but this year did not disappoint on the skinnies. Big sailfish and striped marlin were also solid this year and multiple releases were common throughout the season. These bites were followed by schoolie yellowfin tuna. Roosterfish and jacks were also consistent this year.
Although we never saw the tuna come in this year in large numbers, we did see some cow size tuna (200lbs+) and one super cow (300lbs+). Based on the weather models I have seen, I think we will see a return to normal weather and sea temperature patterns for Southern Baja projected for 2017. It has been fun playing with El Niño, but it is time to return to some normalcy.
Thanks to all my clients and everyone at Van Wormer Resorts for another great season.
Please remember to practice catch/release and always release the small ones to let them grow.
Follow me on Facebook for dates on the upcoming 2017 show season and my Baja fishing seminar schedule. East Cape Guides on Facebook
I hope to see you on the water next year.
Here are some hightlight photos from this season.
