There are large schools of yellowfin tuna 40 plus miles East of the East Cape resorts. Finding them is no guarantee they will bite. Many anglers are returning after a long boat ride with disappointment. Jen Wren boats have avoided the frustration and horrendous boat rides by targeting striped marlin closer to shore.
Getting the marlin to go has been a trick. For several weeks we have not sighted tailers nor have the fish had much interest in lures. The key has been large schools of small bonita that have been abundant off the La Ribera high spot and also around the shark buoys off Punta Pescadero. Catching and slow trolling these bonita have been a very effective method to attract marlin.
An intersting note that has made photography challenging is the marlin we have hooked using small bonita for bait are not jumping during battle. We went from fishing J hooks to circle hooks with hopes that hooking the fish in the corner of the mouth would change their behavior. The marlin just shake their head as they stick it out of the water. Also, a large percentage of them are regurgitating their stomachs.
This week conditions have gone from hot and humid with calm seas to cooler tempatures and strong north winds. This is the third day we have been stuck on the beach due to the winds. Looks like we may have an early winter. The East Cape weather is making the expected changes in latitude which is affecting my attitude!
