If our first trip up to Magdalena Bay from Cabo in late October is any indication, the fall striped marlin season this year could be a great one,
reports Nick Smith from the deck of the Old Reliable. One trip doesn’t make a season, but in five days of fishing (really four because we didnt find the fish until the second day) we raised 211 stripes. More importantly, these fish were aggressive and teased in well. We got bites from half the fish we saw and were able to catch and release 91 [on the fly].

Wed love to get more boats up to the Mag Bay area. It a fascinating place with great weather. Three excellent anchorages provide access to the nearly 100-mile long fishing area. Given the great billfishing that occurs here almost every year, boats would base out of Cabo 150 miles to the south and make trips of five to seven days up the coast. Granted, boats would need to be self-contained and able to carry enough fuel for the stay, but the quality of fishing is world-class. Weve been doing it for ten years now and have only encountered one bad season. In the last four years, each one has gotten better than the last. This year we beat our previous daily release record every day for four consecutive days. It may not be for everyone, but hardcore fisherman and crews will love the adventure.
Nick Smith

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