A "MISS" AND A HIT AT THE EAST CAPE 2009

LOS BARILLES
BY FRANK SPRINGER
WON Staff Writer

LOS BARRILES, BCS

Dorado, Tuna, Marlin and Sailfish awaited the anglers of Los Barilles, and absolutely no one knew if it was a meeting that would take place. Hurricane Rick- the second most powerful storm ever recorded from the Eastern Pacific- was headed directly toward the East Cape, and it looked like the 284 mph winds would be hitting Baja just as the Lynn Rose East Cape Classic made its 20th anniversary debut. But when the gaff was finally struck, 118 fishermen had filled the charity coffer for Los Barriles with $15,000.00 gringo dollars.

With the impending doom of this colossal storm's approach, the tentative decision was made to cancel the 20th Lynn Rose tournament, and the employees of Palmas de Cortez - the host resort- began rapidly pulling its 50+ cruisers off their anchor balls and onto the hard storage areas. The town's people were broken hearted that this fishing tournament, which has benefited their community so much over the years, was dead for the season. The fishermen, who journey down annually, stared in disbelief at their packed rod cases. And then it hit- NOTHING!

The Monday, prior to the Wednesday sign-in, was a dead-calm day. No wind, no rain- water not much different in appearance than wrinkled wrapping paper. Large tuna were chewing bait 40 miles out, and the in-shore Dorado continued to hook up in an "off the chart" frenzy every morning. Was this the calm before the storm? It certainly seemed like it- but then "what storm"? Continental Air lines and others, canceled their flights to Cabo, guests in residence scrambled to change flight reservations to leave as soon as possible, and the boarding up of windows could be seen all over the area. Everyone on both sides of the border prepared to do 'nothing'. No travel south, no greeting arriving guests, no helping out the East Cape community that had been a welcome destination for anglers since sport fishing began on the Sea of Cortez. And yet, as quickly as the tournament had been canceled, it was called on again. The electronic age which spawned pre-Storm tracks on the computer, showed "Chubasco Ricardo" was dying rapidly and falling south of Baja. Smiles began popping up, and the locals started sweeping sidewalks and primping up the town- "muchos pescadors en Las Palmas" (many fishermen have come to Palmas de Cortez Resort). The Lynn Rose East Cape Classic was alive and in town!

Although the Lynn Rose East Cape Classic was on again, not all of the fishermen of the past, could or would attend. Continental Air had already reassigned it pilots to other routes, and the contingent of fishermen from Texas were left high and dry despite holding tickets. Some anglers simply didn't decide to trust the 'storm trackers'. Yet in the end, despite lower numbers than last year's 160 anglers, 118 fishermen, showing their grit, began arriving early Wednesday afternoon. With as little notice as was allowed, the boat staff at Palmas worked throughout the night, and with the shotgun start Thursday morning, the 33 cruisers needed for the fishermen, had been 're-watered', fueled and pointed in the right direction. When needed, Fishing boss- German's (pronounced 'Air-man') boat crews threw out the "Mexican minute", and produced well for the tournament and the people of Los Barriles. And, by the end of the Saturday night banquet and awards, the charitable coffer had been once more filled high, and Los Pescadors Gringos packed up their prizes and trophies for their flights home to Estados Unidos. (The good old U.S.A.)

Details of the tournament make for a happy report- with the exception of one wholly sad note. Del Marsh- world fishing legend and friend to most in attendance at the East Cape Classic, was missing from the dock this year. Time had caught up with Del and he has gone over his last wave and is now fishing in that new place we will all visit in our own time. Many shirts were emblazoned with "I was a friend of Del Marsh". And as all who had met him on the sand at water's edge have noted, 'the world of fishing shines a bit less brightly without him'. I for one noticed the spot, where he sat so many hours under the palapa roof on the veranda in front of 'Accurate Reels Los Barriles Headquarters', was missing his ready smile. The poster/photo of Del, lounging along with the Accurate boys, was auctioned with good results for the benefit, and was then donated to Chucky Van Wormer for display in the Palmas de Cortez offices.

Final results of the 33 boats - with no skunked fishermen- are as listed:

First place Team on "Mi Pistola", with nine billfish releases was, David and James Eminhizer, and Kyle Goerlitz-Second place on "Fresh Catch", with four billfish releases and six qualifying tuna or dorado weighed, was Jesee and Wally Nachman and Jimmy Smith.-And third place finishers with team "Marlintini" with seven billfish released was Mike Glasser and Bill Roach.

The largest tuna of the tourney, a 112 pound yellowfin, was caught by Team "Bill Fighter", who showed the true sportsmanship by asking the tournament officials to disqualify their 'winning' fish as they passed-off the rod from the original fisherman. Asked why they would readily give up the $1000 prize, they said- "Because it is the right thing to do". It couldn't have been said any better.

Daily derby winners were - Dorado- Jesee Nachman at thirty-nine pounds, Tuna- Mark Lane at one-hundred-four pounds, and Super Derby winner- Paul Mignone with an eighty-six pound total.

The Friday evening "Beach Tourney" included 23 fishermen and was won by Scott Alison with a two pound spiny-puffer fish.