How was YOUR last . . . → Read More: Video: How was your last fishing trip?]]> Check out our new promotional video below, featuring some great photos and video of big fish!

How was YOUR last fishing trip?

John Kaeser of Seabeck , Washington was awarded the Free Trip in 2012, shown here with the VanWormers General Manager, Eddie Dalmau.

Free fishing trip winner

John’s score of 519 points from the June event held . . . → Read More: Dark of the Moon #99]]> A total of 21 cruisers fished over this 4 day event, catching 3 Blue Marlin 10 Stripped Marlin 15 Sailfish and 42 Dorado.

John Kaeser of Seabeck , Washington was awarded the Free Trip in 2012, shown here with the VanWormers General Manager, Eddie Dalmau.

Free fishing trip winner

John’s score of 519 points from the June event held up. John and his partner, Mike Totey, Albany, Oregon took Top Team monies for this event with 451 points.

John also took the second place Angler trophy home.

Great teams, having a great time, catching great fish!

Everyone wins when they Fish With Me!

Vic Balibrera of Livermore, California was Top Angler, catching two Sailfish and 4 Dorado. He also took the Top non-bill monies with the largest Dorado.

Largest Dorado fish!

Vic and his partner Al Aronofsky of Stockton, California, were the 3rd place team.

The highlight of the fall event had to be the hooking of 4 Blue Marlin,  by three anglers. A double hookup resulted in loosing one of them, as they went opposite directions. The other three were brought to the boat and released. They all were between 220 and 260 pounds.

Blue Marlin

Another Marlin

Dom Reale, Lacey, Washington caught his very first Blue on day 2 of the competition 0050
helping him take 3rd place angler and 2nd place team awards. This was Dom’s first trip on
a Dark of the Moon event and he caught a Striped Marlin and 3 Dorado on Day 1.

Melissa Debord, Saginaw, Texas presented the monies and trophies. Melissa celebrated her birthday and recent marriage to the lucky Robert Debord. Melissa was the Top Rookie, hooking her first Marlin and catching 2 Dorado.

Top fishing Rookie!

FISH WITH ME
100TH TOURNAMENT
June 14 -19, 2012

We received signups and deposits as the Fall event ended. Don’t miss this celebration and great fishing. The VanWormer Hotels will be giving away another free fishing trip in 2012 and any angler breaking an existing fish weight record can win a free trip. Register today!

A couple nice trout.

Our fishing hours routinely took place early . . . → Read More: 50 Years of Finding Fish]]> When I was a child, I began to learn basic investigation technique and process from my father. However, the ways in which I learned the tools for my eventual profession took place not on the streets or by analyzing crime scenarios—it resulted from our fishing adventures.

A couple nice trout.

Our fishing hours routinely took place early in the morning or late in the evening. Our favorite stream for trout carried a “No Trespassing” sign, and the property owner occasionally rode his two-plus miles of stream, ascertaining that no one was violating his mandate. We would check out his corral when we wanted to fish, and if his horse was there, we would fish a section of the stream where we could see the corral and the horse. If the horse disappeared, we would head for the nearest exit. For two years we lived in a house that bordered his property.

I recall one evening when we were fishing directly below the neighbor’s house, standing in the shallow waters of a hole which ran close to the bank and to a large willow tree. I was about twelve years old. Suddenly I heard the sound of the horse coming towards the creek and to me. However, I apparently was not in sight of the landowner, and he crossed the stream a few feet above me. The horse splashed water on me as it crossed the creek, and as they disappeared to the east, I headed quickly for the fence nearby—quite frightened, as it was rumored that he carried a bull whip with which to threaten anyone caught fishing on his land.

A day license for Red Traun, one of Hemingway's favorite fishing holes.

Years, later, while serving in the US Army, I was stationed in Washington, DC, Korea, and Germany. I explored fishing possibilities in all of the stations, including Korea. Korea was not that promising; fishing was much better in Europe, where I fished in both Germany and Switzerland. Being a fan of Ernest Hemingway, I fished in several of his haunts, and the trout fishing I ran into in those locales was amazing!

After my military duty, I took on investigative assignments in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, and on one of my assignments, followed an individual who went to the Seal Beach pier to fish for bat rays. As I watched these anglers catch and release the “rays,” I was hooked on learning the process from them.

Fishing for Bat Rays

My first hookup on a large ray was a definite learning experience. I had just bought a  new Penn 4/0 reel (black side plates) and—not really knowing the function of the drag system—I clamped my thumb down on the line as it was being stripped off. This caused several painful fishing line creases on my right thumb which remained for numerous days. Needless to say, I never did that again, the experience taught me how the drag on a reel operates.

After eleven years, I had caught well over three hundred rays in California waters (off the Old Coast Guard Dock in Newport Beach, Long Beach, Seal Beach, and San Diego. Friends and I also ventured down to Estero Beach in Baja Norte. The largest ray weighed in at 235 pounds.

Bat Ray Stinger hat

In 1973, once again on an investigative assignment, I discovered the region of Cabo San Lucas at land’s end on the Baja peninsula, approximately 1100 miles south of San Diego.

East Cape, back in the day

It was not until the winter of 1977 that I fished the area which became known as the East Cape. I had driven through the area, seventy-five miles north of Cabo San Lucas; however, it was hardly noticeable as I returned to the La Paz airport to fly back to San Diego.

My first Marlin

After three trips to the East Cape, all in winter, I learned that the wind and rough seas were predictable for the winter months, and that calm waters could be found from May to October. I never fished the winter after that! Despite the wind and rough conditions, I did catch my first marlin on the third trip.

At this point, I began my investigation into the best times, best moon phases, best boats, and most experienced skippers. As the years passed, and I traveled south more frequently, I met and befriended many of the local youth; they eventually became deck hands and, later, skippers.

In the early 1990s, I instituted competition between the crews, captains, and deck hands that fished for the groups I recruited for trips to the East Cape. The winners among these locals were awarded trophies and cash awards–just as were the anglers. This created competition and professionalism, and our fish counts rose significantly. Instead of just another day of fishing with customers they might never see again, they now were competing for bragging rights as well as mementos.

Click through to see the gallery of fishing photos

Because of the crews’ efforts, anglers who had never caught a bill fish or—in some cases, a big game fish—were very successful, and we reached a success rate of 90+% of anglers’ catching their first fish on their very first trip.

50 years of finding fish!

My personal highlight came in June 11, 2010, with a one hour and two minute battle with a blue marlin, weighing 451 pounds. I did not have to guess the fish’s weight as, unfortunately, he lunged under the boat and hit the prop. I had released several fish as large as this one in the past, but this time got a good photo.

451 lb Marlin

Fish with Me has recently introduced a free trip for any angler breaking one of our existing fish species records on any given Fish With Me at the beautiful Buena Vista Beach Resort. Located also in the East Cape—and where I caught my first marlin when the resort had only nine rooms and three boats—the resort now offers sixty-five rooms and over twenty boats.

Catch your first fish with Jerry!

As Fish With Me approaches our 100^th “Dark of the Moon” trip, below are listed the fish totals from 1986 to and through our 98^th successful fishing trip in June 2011.

2351 Anglers

2247 Marlin (striped-blue-black)
870 Sailfish
2069 Dorado
3302 Yellowfin tuna

Our Record Fish in Pounds

Blue marlin, 451 — Striped marlin, 202 — Swordfish, 275
Short bill spear fish, 71 — Sailfish, 135 — Wahoo, 99
Mako shark, 277 — Thresher shark, 132 — dorado, 77
Yellowfin tuna, 145 — Yellowtail, 36

Record Tuna - 145 lbs

Record Mako Shark - 277 lbs

Rookie anglers catch plenty of fish!

Having a great time and catching some fish!

HOW WAS YOUR LAST BIG GAME FISHING TRIP?

Come and take advantage of my years of investigation into the best places to catch all of the fish listed, and ask me about my guarantee—something unheard of in the world of big game fishing!

Sunrise in Baja / East Cape

The competition ends in October.  Don’t miss this one!

Ralph Rhodenbaugh, Oak Harbor, WA won last years October event . . . → Read More: Fish Report]]> John Kaeser, Seabeck, WA leads the quest for the 2012 Baja’s VanWormer Resorts Free Fishing Trip. He earned “Top Angler” status in June, 2011, with 519 points from catching 3 Marlin, 1 Dorado, 2 Tuna, and 1 Mako Shark.

The competition ends in October.  Don’t miss this one!

Ralph Rhodenbaugh, Oak Harbor, WA won last years October event with 4 Sailfish, 3 Marlin, and 7 Dorado, scoring over 700 points.

Sign up now for the last chance to win a 2012 trip valued at $1,410.00.

October 27 to November 1, 2011

Keep reading for great photos and more information about 2012 fishing trips:

2012 Dates

1. 2nd Annual  “Reel & Deal”, May 17 – 21
   • Buena Vista Beach Resort
   • A one day big game fishing tournament paired with a one day Texas Holdem game. Extra days for fishing  available. 2010 Texas Holdem winner received $1800.
   • Register now

2. The 100th Fish With Me Tournament, June 14 – 19
   since 1984

   • Hotel Playa Del Sol
   • Surprises for all former participants and “Top Anglers”
   • Register now

3. November 1 – 6

   • Hotel Playa Del Sol
   • Register now

Visit our web site, fishwithme.com or our Facebook page for all the details and photos. If you want to reserve extra nights or boats on any of our trips, call 1-800-347-4963 or e-mail fishwithme@comcast.net now!

Reservations for the October 2011 dates (Oct 27-Nov 1) close on July 31, 2011. Register now!

Want to book your own dates? Call us at 1-800-347-4963!

Larry . . . → Read More: Dark of the Moon in June]]> 98th Dark of the Moon, Hotel Playa Del Sol

June 2 to 7, 2011

The weather and water were perfect, and the fishing excellent–with regard to both quality and quantity. There were a few sore arms, given that the 13 Yellow-Fin tuna taken the first day totaled 774 pounds of some quality-eating fare. “SUSHI!”

Larry Cucura, Carmel, California, claimed Day #1 top non-bill honors with a 110 pound beauty. He added an 88 pounder to make sure he was the “sore arm leader.”

One of Larry Cucura's catches

Steve Spies, Upland, California, took this nice 99 pounder on Day #1.

Steve Spies' 99 pound tuna

Day #2 non-bill honors went to John Kaeser, Seabeck, Washington, with his first Mako Shark, weighing in at 79 pounds. John also caught and released 2 Marlin and a nice Dorado on Day #2.

Brian Eckland, Battleground, Washington shows off this 45 lb. dorado, taken on day 2.

Ten anglers fished on a total of 15 cruisers during this event and the totals were:

• 22 Striped Marlin
• 13 Yellow-Fin Tuna
• 7 Dorado
• 1 Mako Shark

John Kaeser’s Mako cemented his Top Angler position, and, without it, he would have finished third. He scored 519 points, as his partner, Mike Totey, Albany, Oregon, scored 475. Together they captured Top Team Monies, and Mike took the 2nd place angler trophy. John is now known as the “MAKO MAN”

Mike Totey and John Kaeser

They totaled 6 Marlin, 4 Tuna, 2 Dorado and the Mako.

Third place went to Rick Corbett, Encinitas, California. Rick and his partner, Larry Cucura, were the second place team. Brad and Brian Eckland finished in third place.

Baja’s VanWormer Resorts are awarding a 6 Day/5 Night fishing package to the Fish with Me angler scoring the most points on a Dark of the Moon tournament in 2011. John takes the lead with his outstanding performance in the June event and plans to surpass it on our next and last trip of the year in October.

…And he might need to do so because the top angler in October, 2010, was Ralph Rhodenbaugh with over 700 points, after having caught 4 Sail Fish, 3 Marlin, 7 Dorado and 2 nice Tuna. Good luck to all the October anglers!

Sign up now for your chance to win a nice fishing trip!

2012 dates

• 2nd Annual “Reel and Deal” May 17 – 21 Buena Vista Beach Resort
• 100th Fish With Me Tournament June 14 – 19 Hotel Playa Del Sol
• November 1-6 Hotel Playa Del Sol

Safety in the Baja

For all the hype of the violence and warnings not to go to Mexico, Baja South has no drug problems or violence or shootings. In the year 2010 there was 2 homicides in the entire Baja South, a region roughly the size of Utah. This includes Cabo San Lucas, and LaPaz, a city of approximately 350,000 residents. Both homicides were domestic related.

Fish With Me was a mere dream when I first fished the East Cape at this hotel, formerly known as Spa Buena Vista. Nevertheless, this time (May 2011), I did feel the same sense of excitement as I had felt on that very first trip. When the van . . . → Read More: Reel and Deal 2011]]> BUENA VISTA BEACH RESORT

EAST CAPE, BAJA SUR

Fish With Me was a mere dream when I first fished the East Cape at this hotel, formerly known as Spa Buena Vista. Nevertheless, this time (May 2011), I did feel the same sense of excitement as I had felt on that very first trip. When the van pulled into the front, and I saw the sculptures of two marlin jumping from the fountain, I felt it. It was like coming home to the site where I caught my very first Marlin thirty-one years ago.

Needless to say, the hotel, which has grown from 9 rooms to the current 60+ rooms, has dramatically changed, as you will see in the photos. Now, it is spectacular in its beauty and comfortable accommodations.

We were greeted by Elizabeth at reception, and she showed us to our rooms and instructed us about all of the amenities, including the fishing possibilities and the American meal plan (three meals each day from the regular menu). At the first meal we found there was a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. We were handed a bilingual menu containing many pages, offering fish, chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian choices as main courses. They also offered several appetizers, a daily soup, and various salads. The presentation and quality of the meals was 5 star.

Tim Barker of Portland, Oregon, caught his first Marlin and won Top Angler honors.

Stanley Green from Turlock, CA, took the Top Non-Bill money with his Snapper. We were able to fish on the twin screw Phoenix cruisers and they proved to be very nice boats.

Forty-five poker players (hailing from the U.S., Cabo, and La Paz) took part in the Texas Hold-Em tournament Saturday evening, which started at 5:30 p.m and lasted until 4:00 a.m.! Hotel manager, Felipe Valdez, son of the owner, Chuy Valdez, hosted the event, which was held in the large, air-conditioned and comfortable conference room. The event was well-organized, and, throughout the night, we were served an array of hors d’oeuvres which were prepared by the excellent kitchen staff. The camaraderie amongst the players was outstanding as virtually every player won a round of applause when eliminated from play. The competition intensified as we neared the final table, which drew at least 25 observers. Felipe took photos of the final table, including several of the winning hands.

I remember every detail of catching my first Marlin in 1979 at this hotel and this same feeling of accomplishment and the thrill of victory surfaced once again as I was able to win the final hand and claim winner of the tournament after approximately 10 hours of play.

We are working on 2012 dates (tentatively May 17-21, 2012) and look forward to another marvelous experience at the jewel of the East Cape, Buena Vista Beach Resort. I would like to extend special thanks to Felipe, Elizabeth, Hortencia and all of the wonderful staff of the resort.

Sun up!

I had the pleasure of fishing with . . . → Read More: Another “Sore Arm” Trip]]> 97th Dark of the Moon

October 28-November 2, 2010

We arrived in the East Cape, hoping to equal or even surpass the group’s Tuna count of 136 in last June’s 96th Dark of the Moon event. We were in for some big surprises as we headed out the first morning.

Sun up!

I had the pleasure of fishing with Al Hipona from Daly City, California, who is a frequent participant in these events.  Within minutes of our arrival at a set of shark buoys, Al landed the first Sailfish.

Al Hipona's Sailfish

What was to follow would have made “Papa” Hemingway put down his rod and grab pen and paper.  As we fished in a three mile area, catching small skip-jack for bait, we experienced three double hook-ups of either Sailfish or Striped Marlin:

The best fishing in the world!

Fishing for Striped Marlin and Sailfish in East Cape and Baja

A beautiful fish and a beautiful view!

East Cape fishing at its finest.

The best fishing in the world.

At 2:20 pm we both agreed to call it a day instead of fishing until the 3:00 quitting time. We headed in with what we thought was a first day lead. None of the other cruisers had been in our area, and our total of 7 Sailfish, 4 Striped Marlin and 1 Dorado was quite a catch.

Al Hipona's Sailfish

However, the lead team turned out to be Larry Cucura and Mike Tugwell from Carmel, California, who arrived at the dock, checking in with 10 Sailfish, 2 Striped Marlin and 3 Dorado!

The second day soon arrived and turned out to be as amazing as the first, which included 2 Yellowfin Tuna in the 50 pound class.

Yellowfin Tuna fishing in East Cape

These two fish helped Ralph Rhodenbaugh, from Oak Harbor, Washington, and his partner, Robert Debord, from Saginaw, Texas, capture the top spot with 10 Sailfish, 4 Striped Marlin, 15 Dorado and those 2 Tuna. Ralph, a professional guide for Salmon and Steelhead in Washington and Idaho was on his first trip, hoping to catch his first billfish.  He did very well, taking Top Rookie as well as Top Angler.  He caught 4 Sailfish, 3 Marlin, 7 Dorado and the Top Non-Billfish both days–on Day 1 with a 37 pound Dorado and on Day 2 with a 59 pound Tuna.  What a rookie trip!

Ralph Rodenbaugh and Robert Debord

Al and I found ourselves in second place with 12 Sailfish, 8 Striped Marlin and 7 Dorado.

Al Hipona and Jerry in second place.

Third Place went to Larry Cucura and Mike Tugwell with 12 Sailfish, 3 Striped Marlin and 6 Dorado.  The largest Dorado weighed in at 43 pounds.

Larry Cucura and Mike Tugwell

The final fish count for this “Sore Arm” event that included ten anglers and twelve cruisers was:

50 Sailfish – 26 Striped Marlin – 46 Dorado – 11 Yellow-Fin Tuna.

OH MY !!!

Another successful Dark of the Moon fishing trip!

Mike Totey from Albany, Oregon, and I presented the awards for this spectacular tournament. We hope to top these results in 2011, so sign up today and reserve your spot.