Triple Grande Story

The Roosterfishing season was in full force on the East Cape and the long afternoon has produced some predator erputions, sprays of bait, the occasional bird, and several shots at fish in the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. The cool Baja breeze that swept over the sand was comfortable and welcome after a long day at the beach. The fishing day was almost over and minds wandered to thoughts of relaxation at Pappagallo and the stories, laughter, and margaritas that would soon be shared. Lance seemed to have sensed another opportunity building as he encouraged his three guests to take one more trip up the beach.

Soon they spotted a group of rooster erupting through a large school of baits off the shore and just in range for fly casting. Lance immediately started throwing out tease casts which prompted positioning in the surf by the casters. A handful of roosters were in hot pursuit of the tease cast. "They're Grandes!" he excitedly yelled. Black combs sliced the water after the lure. Each tease brought them closer with range of the fly rods. Derek cast out his Rasta and with perfect timing, and only one strip, the hook was set. Ian followed with a hook up. The money casts were magnificent and, finally on the twelfth tease, Alex hooked too. An epic struggle pitting man against fish had begun!

Only 15 years ago, large roosters were only rarely caught from the beach by extremely lucky and patient fly fishers but now there were three huge fish hooked at the same time! They are known to be strong fighers, spook easily, and be very particular about the presentation, but on this occasion they showed reckless abandon among the school of baits when they went after the teaser. It took 20 minutes for Alex to land the rosster from out in the blue water but eventually all three fish were caught. They all measured over forty-three pounds with the largest pushing fifty pounds. When told about the Triple Grande, long time Baja fly guide Grant Hartman said "A Triple Grande of this magnitude has never happened before and will never happen again!"

"A Quadruple Grande can be had!" Lance announced the next morning as they left for the beach. His claim was left unquestioned, although he had three guests fishing that day.  Maybe thats it, Lance would pick up his rod only when all his clients had grandes in play.  Or maybe he's hoping for a quick landing.  Whater, you can bet Lance is still actively pursuing the Quadruple Grande. Will you be among the next group to experience the impossible? Come spend a week here and you will be sure to feel the adrenaline rush and revel in the breathtaking experience that only a rooster encounter can provide. 

Alex Wheeler, Sandy UT, Ian Height, Portland OR and Derek Springler, First Light Anglers Rowley Mass were three of the six Amigos Desde Ninos ( friends since babies -preschool) that brought hot rods and hard work to make a spectacular week @ Pappagallo.  These were not the only grandes landed during the week.  Not to mention the big Toros and there was a 100 lb yellowfin, a wahoo and more for the table on a blue water afternoon.  Once again Lance Peterson did his job in spades.