LORETO REPORT. JULY, 2002
Posted by Carl Blacklefge on August 12/2002

"Bob, I went to Mexico (Loreto), July 6-20. The fishing was considered a regular year there, by the "regulars" (I am a beginner there). I can't believe the nonstop action. The Dorado are the most aggressive fish that swim, I think, (well, these were). They would race to your fly and grab it like a ton of bricks. I almost lost rods on 2 different occasions, where I tied a fly on and without thinking threw it over the side, then I started helping my fishing partner land his fish. And all of a sudden, my rod takes off! I was lucky to grab it before it went to sea.

We caught Dorado till our arms fell off...nothing big...most around 15 pounds, with a few in the 25 pound class. I sent you a few pictures of the bigger ones. I did have one sailfish swimming around the boat; they said it was a bad year for the sailfish because of the storm that was there right before we got there. Anyway, I never had so many tackle failures, broken leaders, hooks straightened out, near loss of rods as I did in Mexico. My hands and knuckles will never be the same. And neither will I, till I get down there again. Please sign me up for 2 more weeks, during the dark of the moon in July, 2003. Thank you. CARL BLACKLEDGE"

Loreto Report July 2002
Posted by Tony Buzolich on July 14, 2002 at 08:45:59:

Just got back last night from a week in Loreto. I thought last year was great, but this year was incredible.

Monday. Headed north of Carmen with little or no sargasso patties. Water was rough and gradually got worse as day went on. Trolled flies until we hooked up, then chummed to hold fish around the panga. Ended up with 12-15 dorado, one boga-ed at 26lbs. Not a bad way to start a trip.

Tuesday. Water much flatter. Still going north, and still no patties. Went farther out and got into fish everywhere. Fantastic day wearing arms out.

Wednesday. North again, only found two fish, and decided to head toward the rocks and try for cabrilla. Slow day.

Thursday. Jigged for squid (for extra bait) and head south to area between Carmen and Monseratte. Found lots of patties and lots of BIG dorado. Spotted one sailfish. Dorado were non-stop. Most fish were 15-30+lbs. Got two big fish in, one at 35lbs. and one pushing 40lbs. Gawd, what an incredible day. When the sardinas ran out, the chopped squid still held them.

Friday. Was a repeat of Thurs. as we headed south again. Lots of bigger fish, and, we're tired after a week of non-stop action. Fished mostly poppers to get them excited, but then would switch to flies as they wised up. As soon as we would switch, the action started all over again. Broke one 12w. line as large dorado screamed away with popper. Line wrapped around my left hand and reel then seperated as fish kept going. Gotta learn better line control. Still have my fingers. Ouch!
Can't wait to get back,
TONY

Posted by Binky on July 14, 2001 at 08:39:48:

I just returned from my annual trip to Loreto. The results were mixed.I think I am a little spoiled so I might be expecting to much.

The Dorado are there but not in large numbers and they are on the small size mostly 3-7 lbs. There is still quite a bit of sargasso around to help you locate fish, but you might check a lot of patches before you locate a group.

If you are lucky enough to be the first boat on a school you will have very good fishing, but the schools are scattered and the fishing pressure is heavy so you won't have a school by yourself for long. The bait fishermen were getting a few larger fish, so there are a few around in the 30-40 lb. range, but few and far between for the fly guys. The sailfish are also scattered but as usual if you are lucky you can have good luck with them. My partner and I landed 4 sails one morning in about an hour using poppers,(not trolling), and we had many more grabs and lost a few. This was by no means the norm, but we had some other days with fair sailfish action.

The weather was great with calm water and mild temps. in the 80-90 degree range mostly. The Oasis Hotel, where I always stay has improved their food, and I would have to say it was the best this year that it has ever been. So if you are headed down there lower your expectations a little, and don't take all those glowing reports issued by the guide services for the Gospel, and you'll have a great trip. Binky