Fishing again to Refugio and on to Isla Tiburon
Sunday May 6th
Nothing like working fishing equipment to get the boat back in harmony. We’ll start with the fishing report and the report is good. Big Wave Dave’s feather lure hooked up a sierra marcel and a beautiful dorado in the first 2 hours out of Lobos. Darren, I let Dave do the honors to gaff the dorado making sure we got it landed.
Our night in Lobos was a calm flat night and a little noisy as it was Saturday night and there was a fun beach party going on late. Up early to start our crossing to Puerto Refugio. Seas were flat with light southeast wind requiring us to motor sail the entire day. My crews last visit to Refugio was extremely buggy and they named the area Gnat king Cove. Arriving we found another boat in the anchorage who reports “YES” the gnats are out, and as you can see we arrive with our nets on. It turned out to not be a problem.
Refugio provided another beautiful sunset with a totally flat calm anchorage. We’re in a different anchorage than usual (middle bright) along with sailboat Tyche with Sean & Laura on board. They are heading Penasco to be hauled in the next couple of weeks. We gave them some local recommendations and suggested they sail through Lobos on their way to Penasco. They’ve lived on their boat for the past 3 years and are going to take a summer break with their boat on the hard at Cabrales.
First two dorado steaks for dinner and they were very yummy.
My 2nd day flying the drone was scary scary to say the least. I started the flight near the back steps taking off from my hand. Perfect!! I had a good flight BUT when it came time to land “Sparky” (yes we named him) he refused to land in that spot apparently sensing too may things in the area. Each attempt he would approach and then take off. After a few tries he decided he would land on the water ?no?no? Finally I force him up and managed a forced landing on the bow with my heart pounding. Need to smooth out this process to help my heart rate. All good, never a dull moment.
Monday May 7th
We’re headed to Isla Tiburon and will sail east of Angle island. This is a little different passage with us not stopping in Bay of LA and not sailing down whale channel with the strong winds blowing through the Pacific slot. Heading to Tiburon will be our second Sea of Cortez crossing in 3 days. Our strategy is to sail directions to catch good breezes. It didn’t work out to well yesterday but today we find 25kts blowing over Angel island giving us a hot 1 hour ride at 8kts. These winds were apparently from the Pacific slot so the channel would have been worse. Below the crew is loving the fun ride.
One long leg down the east side of Angel island put us in good position to tack for our anchorage on the SW corner of Tiburon. Winds built to 15kts and shifted a bit in a favor allowing us to arrive in our anchorage 6ish. Gerry Cunningham named these 3 anchorages in the area South Willard, North Willard-West and North Willard-East. We were heading to North Willard-East but discovered and active Mexican fishing camp there so we opted for North Willard-West and had it all to ourselves.
This anchorage has two nice beaches and good sand bottom for anchoring. After last nights drone flight problems I opted to fly from shore. All went well this time. Steaks on the menu tonight. Long conversations under the stars after dinner and cool blanket night with east breeze blowing from the island all night.
Until the next Update
Sending this as we approach Kino Bay. Should be in front of Old Kino around 4PM
Good to hear the trip is going well. Even better to know you are off the gaff duties!! “Here fishy, fishy” doesn’t work Lowell 🙂
Thanks for the updates !!! Sounds like great fun !
That first fish looks like a Pacific Bonito. Good fighters.
Great adventures! Love the drone shots…. please keep it above sea level. 🙂
Gnat king cove???????
Awesome I should of thought of that