vseasport - 3-14-2016 at 11:39 AM
East Cape - Two finner
Last week we returned to home sweet home (the East Cape) after spending 10 days in the Los Angeles area and exhibiting at the Fred Hall show in Long
Beach. The 5 day show was a marathon and test of my endurance but it was an opportunity to see a lot of old friends and also meet new ones.
We were chased out of town by a huge storm bringing rain and strong winds that blew over trash cans and generally made a mess. We flew 1,000 miles
south and got here just in time to meet the same storm we had just left. Thunder, lightning, rain and wind departing with a beautiful rainbow
presented a spectacular photo opportunity and below I have posted a few of my favs.
Since the storm we have enjoyed calm seas and warmer air temperatures. I have stowed away my winter long sleeved T's and am enjoying the arrival of
spring. The Sea of Cortez is a consistent 73 degrees and a beautiful blue.
In spite of excellent conditions our season is starting with an inconsistent bite. We have only fished a few days and have scratched out a few
yellowtail, marlin and sailfish but haven't found a hot spot. It has just been hunt, pick and keep looking.
The sighting of a broadbill swordfish on our second day fishing has gotten my heart pumping. Many anglers never get the opportunity to see one much
less catch one. For many years I have had "swordie fever", AKA "two-funner", in my book a swordfish is the ultimate catch. This fish has earned
its reputation as the gladiator of the sea and fight like no other. One day a few years back there was just Chuy Cota and myself on Jen Wren. We
baited and hooked one. The battle was on and after some time I finally brought the fish to the surface and watched Chuy sink the gaff. After
catching my breath I commented to Chuy "we have fished together for years and this is the first time you ever asked if I needed help". He looked me
in the eye and replied " It is the first time I ever thought you might".
Writing about this has made me curious about the term "two-finner". I know the broadbill is the only billfish with a rigid dorsal fin that doesn't
retract. It is a term commonly used by anglers with the fever but Google had trouble with it and tries to change my spelling. My computer doesn't
recognize it either and wants to auto-correct spelling. After searching many ways a story written by Gary Graham popped up. The piece has a lot of
info and is an interesting read. Well, it was for me. I was shocked when I clicked on the link and scrolled down: http://roadtrekker.blogspot.mx/2009/07/swordfisha-magnificen....
That is enough of that. The boat work we have left can wait, there is a two-finner out there with my name on it and I'm going hunting.
Up close and personal. This two-finner was not interested in our offerings
Goodbye to winter
Looking for the pot of gold
There's Vaquera at the end of the rainbow
Hamachi time
Unusual for sailfish this early
Bachelor party fun
Looking to put another swordie on the deck.
Mark Rayor
teamjenwren.com
markrayor.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/JenWrenSportfishing
US cell 310 308 5841