Archives for November 2017

In Holiday Spirits: A Guide to December Events in Los Cabos

December in Los Cabos brings events both big and small, from cultural festivals, Catholic religious festivities and holiday parties to extravagant charitable galas and glamorous New Year’s Eve bashes featuring big-name entertainers.

But beyond the seasonal merrymaking, cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo also undergo a transformation, taking on the distinctive coloration of Christmas cheer. Large plazas feature trees festooned with glitter and ornaments, public nativity scenes (called nacimientos in Spanish) are prominently displayed in shopping centers and other public places, and Mexican holiday sippers like ponche navideño (Christmas punch), rompope (rum-spiked eggnog) and Noche Buena (a dark seasonal beer) make their brief but memorable appearances.

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk – Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28

The historic Distrito del Arte in San José del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season – November through June – when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m, when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

The holiday season’s most elegant soirée is thrown on behalf of the Los Cabos Humane Society, with a fundraising silent auction and raffle sandwiched between fine food and wine, and live entertainment. The 2017 iteration of Dressed to the K9s charity ball will showcase a “White Party” theme – complete with white gala appropriate attire – and will be held Friday, Dec. 8 at the luxurious Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar. Executive Chef Manuel De Luca will oversee hors d’oeuvres and the gourmet buffet, with entertainment headlined by romantic trio Dueto Canela, and the rock band Totoy.

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

The region’s signature food and wine festival returns for its 12th edition on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Quivira Clubhouse in Cabo San Lucas. Over 60 local restaurants and 30 regional wineries are expected to participate in the main event. Also scheduled to cook up a storm are celebrated chefs Dieter Koschina, Enrique Olvera and Richard Sandoval. Koschina and Olvera both have been awarded Michelin stars, and also have restaurants rated among the top 100 in the world (Olvera, amazingly, has two). 1970s funk and disco supergroup Earth, Wind and Fire headline the musical performers.

Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Each winter some 5,000 to 10,000 blue, gray, humpback and other whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to breed in the shallow water coves and inlets of beautiful Baja California Sur. Transiting whales are often visible from beaches and coastal resorts and golf courses, but the best way to see these enormous creatures is by going out on one of the many boat-based excursions, which are traditionally offered from mid-December through mid-March. Some companies even offer hydrophones, so that you can simultaneously listen to the whales’ enchanting songs.

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

Last year it was a White Party theme, this year it’s Gatsby. Beachfront luxury resort Casa Dorada is famed for its costume themed New Year’s Eve parties, and the tradition continues into 2018. Over 500 guests are expected to don flapper wear and other vintage 1920s style clothing for an evening of dancing, cocktails and a gourmet buffet dinner courtesy of the resort’s acclaimed 12 Tribes restaurant. As always, the main event will be the spectacular midnight fireworks show over Medano Beach that rings in the New Year.

For more information about events in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.loscabosvillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Rompope Santa Clara.

Keywords: Christmas, holidays, December, events, festivals, fiestas, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, Art Walk, Sabor a Cabo, Dressed to the K-9s, whale watching, New Year’s Eve, Casa Dorada, fireworks, Mexican holiday cocktails,

 Upcoming Event Calendar

December

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

Extreme Sailing Series – Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

Sabor a Cabo Rural Food and Wine Tasting – Dec. 3

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve with DJ Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo Hotel – Dec. 31

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party with Major Lazer at The Cape: A Thompson Hotel – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 26 – March 4

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – Dates Not Yet Announced

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Dates Not Yet Announced

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

May

482nd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

El Día de la Madre (Mother’s Day) – May 10

White Party at Blue Marlin Ibiza – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 26, 2017

November 26, 2017

Still very busy with visiting tourists now in Los Cabos, many of them here enjoying their Thanksgiving holidays and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, as the weather is pristine, clear sunny skies with temperatures averaging 85 degrees. Following this week we normally see a bit of slack time as far as numbers of tourists arriving, as people get back to work and school, then start preparing for the Christmas Holiday Season.

Early in the week there was persistent north wind creating rough conditions on the grounds to the north of Punta Gorda, but late in the week they resided and ocean conditions were great. Water temperature is now right around 80 degrees, this keeps prospects very favorable for the coming weeks. Bait supplies remained fairly steady for sardinas, now schooling near Palmilla beaches and further south, though on a few days they did become a bit more limited due to the extra heavy pressure during this holiday week. Other bait options continued to be slabs of squid, ballyhoo and the more elusive chihuil, which was the candy bait being used for targeting the highly sought after wahoo. Water was very clean and blue now, almost too clean on offshore high spots, as fish can also become more finicky at times when there is an abundance of natural food source and the water is crystal clear.

Though for most anglers they did report good success, most common species being the yellowfin tuna, there continued to be good action for the smaller sized tuna off of Palmilla Point, hitting mainly on the sardinas and ranging in sizes of 10 to 20 plus lb. The action for the larger grade yellowfin that had been happening on San Luis and Iman Banks, slowed way down this week, as more of the smaller tuna to 20 lb. also moved in on these grounds. Most likely the larger fish are still hanging around, but just have not wanted to compete with all of these smaller tuna. Dorado were scattered, not being being found in any particular area, best chances were on the same grounds where the tuna were schooling, we did see a few dorado up to 20 lb., which is nicer sized than we had been seeing, reports of more dorado were coming from the Pacific.

The wahoo action on closer by spots was very limited, just an occasional fish, though near Vinorama there has been an excellent bite on these speedsters. The deal was to first go and catch the bait of choice, chihuil, either on the Inner Gordo Banks or at times on Iman. Not all charters are even prepared to do this, this is more of a panga deal than cruiser, they are spooky mackerel sized baits that are chummed up and caught one at a time on very light leader. Some boats were landing over five nice wahoo and loosing many other strikes, sizes increased throughout the week, as several specimens over 50 lb. and one of 64 lb. were weighed in. We are looking forward when these fish move within closer range, as they should do soon as the heavy boat pressure lightens up.

Not much in the way of local billfish action out of San Jose del Cabo, though on the Pacific they were reported more striped marlin, though many were smaller sized juvenile fish. Still a chance of hooking into a black or blue marlin, with the warmer water and all of the skipjack and yellowfin tuna to keep them interested.

Not much bottom action reported, though we saw a few more exotics this week, besides the prevalent triggerfish, there were a few amberjack, island jack, cabrilla and various pargo. Every day we are seeing a handful of sierra in the mix, look for this inshore action to take off soon as the water temperature cools off.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 142 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 1 black marlin, 1 blue marlin, 107 wahoo, 24 sierra, 925 yellowfin tuna, 55 dorado, 13 amberjack, 11 yellow snapper, 18 huachinango, 8 island jack, 4 barred pargo, 18 Eastern Pacific bonito, 90 white skipjack, 8 cabrilla and 95 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

10th Annual Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament Tees Off in January 2018

Destination golfers know all about the glories of Los Cabos:  about the three area courses ranked among the 100 best in the world; about the stunning coastal layouts crafted by legendary players and designers like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods and Davis Love III: about the new courses on the way from Norman, Woods and former Masters champion Fred Couples.

What many don’t know is that Los Cabos also hosts high-profile tournaments.

The two most notable of these are the Los Cabos Pro-Am and the Jim Flick Invitational, the latter of which concluded another successful tournament just last week. Both are held at Cabo del Sol’s acclaimed Ocean and Desert Courses, landmark loops located near Punta Ballena, a picturesque whale shaped headland between cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, on the southernmost rim of the Baja California peninsula.

Nicklaus’ Ocean Course is by far the best known. Not only is it one of the three courses currently ranked among the 100 best internationally, but it has maintained that rank for a staggering 15 consecutive years. Nicklaus himself – an 18-time major champion who has played and built courses all over the world – famously referred to it as “the best golf property I’ve seen.”

Former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf’s Desert Course, though less heralded, is nonetheless spectacular, with dramatic views of the desert, mountains, and Sea of Cortez. It’s currently ranked as the 6th best course in Mexico, and has also been named one of the 50 best in the region comprising Mexico and the Caribbean.

Small wonder, then, that pros and amateurs alike are looking forward to the 10th annual edition of the Los Cabos Pro-Am, scheduled to take place January 15 – 19, 2018.

Stay and play packages for the tournament include five days and four nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, as well as three rounds at the participating courses (two on the Ocean Course, one on the Desert), plus an invitation to the opening and closing cocktail parties, and daily breakfast at one of Hacienda del Mar’s excellent onsite restaurants. Overall team prizes are another lure for amateurs, and the Ocean and Desert Courses – like many of Los Cabos’ premier links – sweeten the golfing experience with on-course comfort food stations offering delicious food and drinks.

But if you can’t make it for the Los Cabos Pro-Am, no worries. Both Ocean and Desert Courses are open to the public on a year-round basis. So too, of course, is the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar, although savvy destination golfers will note that gorgeous, magnificently appointed ocean and cliffside luxury villas may often be rented at similar or even lower price points per group.

If you’re going to play the best, why not stay at the best?

For more information about the Los Cabos Pro-Am or luxury villas in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo of the Cabo del Sol Ocean Course courtesy of the Los Cabos Pro-Am.

 Upcoming Event Calendar

November

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 1 – 4

Jim Flick Invitational Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 7 – 12

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 8 – 12

Ironman Los Cabos Triathlon – Nov. 12

50th SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 23

Extreme Sailing Series – Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

December

Sabor a Cabo Rural Food and Wine Tasting – Dec. 3

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve with DJ Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo Hotel – Dec. 31

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Carnaval La Paz – Dates Not Yet Announced

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – Dates Not Yet Announced

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Dates Not Yet Announced

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 19, 2017

November 19, 2017

The crazy busy fall season is going to start lightening up in the next week, though this past week was very busy. Visiting anglers were enjoying clear sunny skies, with high temperatures in the upper 80s, still warmer than usual for this late in the fall. Winds were picking up from the north, though more so later in the morning, most fishing action now was concentrated from the Gordo Banks to San Luis Banks and the spots in between. Ocean water temperatures were still holding in the 83 to 84 degree range, several degrees warmer than usual, so we are anticipating having good action throughout the month of December as well.

Despite continued heavy pressure the supplies of sardinas have been holding up, being netted along the beach stretches from Palmilla and further south, this meant a bit of back tracking or waiting near the marina entrance, but at least this preferred bait was obtainable, anglers also continue to use slabs of squid as well. Most consistent action this week was for the yellowfin tuna on the Iman and San Luis Banks, wide open action on tuna in the 10 to 20 lb. class, also other areas where a handful of yellowfin in the 70 to 100 lb. range were being landed. The Gordo Banks slowed down, but was still the place to look for the possible largest of tuna, though this week we only heard of a couple of fish in the 150 lb. range, none over 200 or 300 lb. that we found out about. A few black marlin still hanging around in the warmer currents as well, with all of the tuna around, plenty of food source for the marlin. Lots of natural food on the banks as well, this can make the larger tuna more finicky. Most days charters were returning early, plugged with tuna, the majority the smaller grade, but still nice fish.

Dorado continued to be harder to come by, only a sporadic fish or two being found, most all under 15 lb., an occasional exception close to 20 lb. The wahoo action has not really broken open yet, though we have had ta aste of some decent action, and some boats were fortunate to get lucky and land as many as four in one morning, though other boats were searching hard and felt lucky if they landed one. Best chances for the wahoo seemed to be on the ground from the Iman Bank and to Vinorama. The wahoo were striking on various rapalas, lures and baits. We are hoping that as crowds lighten up some, the wahoo will become more active, with the warmer water hanging around the prospects remain high for the next few weeks.

Not really the time frame now when there is a lot of bottom action going on, though there were a few amberjack, pargo, bonito, cabrilla being accounted for, more triggerfish than anything else. A few more sierra starting to appear, even though the water is still warm, in the next month we should see some better inshore action happening, perhaps more off the bottom as well.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 210 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 3 black marlin, 1 yellowtail corvina, 78 wahoo, 28 sierra, 1650 yellowfin tuna, 78 dorado, 9 amberjack, 12 yellow snapper, 28 huachinango, 25 Eastern Pacific bonito, 82 white skipjack, 10 cabrilla and 110 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Happy Thanksgiving from Los Cabos!

www.LosCabosRealEstate.Pro

Auld Lang Syne at Land’s End: Ringing in the New Year in Los Cabos 2017-18

When temperatures dip below freezing in the U.S. and Canada, snowbirds head south to Los Cabos to enjoy sunshine and beautiful beaches.

The gorgeous winter weather is the major attraction, of course, but depending on the calendar dates, visitors may also be able to enjoy major holidays and celebrations in the inimitable “Cabo” style.

New Year’s Eve, as it is around the world, is the occasion of the biggest and most extravagant celebrations. Resorts, restaurants and nightclubs vie with one another to showcase the best food and drinks, the most creative costume themes, and the most impressive live musical performers. Fireworks are a staple of virtually all Mexican celebrations, but the annual midnight fireworks display over Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas to ring in the New Year is truly a dazzling sight to behold.

Space is limited at the top party spots on the beach (and in the bay), so it’s not too early to start thinking about reservations.

New Year’s Eve Gatsby Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa

Thanks to its superb location on Medano Beach – in prime fireworks watching territory – Casa Dorada has always been a popular place to welcome the New Year. This stylish beachfront resort has burnished its “ball drop” bona fides in recent years, however, with a series of spectacular gala costume parties. Last year, guests dressed in their finest white clothing. This year the theme is “Gatsby,” which means plenty of gangster and flapper chic will be on display among the estimated 500 attendees. A deluxe buffet and open bar are also included in the ticket price.

New Year’s Eve with Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo

ME Cabo is the hippest hotel on Medano Beach, a stylish party spot famed for the Champagne and bikini scene at its poolside nightclub, Blue Marlin Ibiza. As one would expect, then, New Year’s Eve is a time to pull out all the stops. This year’s headliner is international DJ extraordinaire Paul Oakenfold, a two-time Grammy Award winner who has twice been named the number one DJ in the world by DJ Magazine. General admission tickets are 900 pesos (approximately $50 U.S.), and VIP tables and bottle service packages are also available.

New Year’s Eve 2018 at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort

Set at the juncture of the Cabo San Lucas Marina and Medano Beach, Breathless provides great views from its rooftop disco, Purple, and a more adult-oriented atmosphere (it is an adults-only resort, after all) than most area resorts. Victoria Modesta hosts the New Year’s Eve party, which will also include beats by Sugar Shake Band and DJ Miguel Migs.

Sailing into 2018

One of the most enjoyable vantages from which to enjoy the New Year’s fireworks celebration over Cabo San Lucas Bay is aboard a tour boat cruising along the coastline. Many of the area’s premier dinner cruisers offer special dinner parties for New Year’s Eve with food, drinks, dancing, and of course prime viewing spots for the fireworks extravaganza at midnight.

Caborey has long been a holiday favorites thanks to its lively after dinner floorshow featuring Latin American singing and dancing, but two other catamarans are also offering noteworthy packages for this New Year’s Eve. Tropicat, best known for its Jazz and Wine Sunset Cruises, is sailing into 2018 with a three-hour tour featuring an unlimited open bar, special appetizers, and party favors. Fleet mate Cabomar, meanwhile, will boast an all-you-can-eat taco bar on its 3+ hour excursion, as well as an open bar, and live music courtesy of the Val Garcia Band.

For more information about New Year’s Eve events in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Upcoming Event Calendar

November

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 1 – 4

Jim Flick Invitational Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 7 – 12

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 8 – 12

Ironman Los Cabos Triathlon – Nov. 12

50th SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 23

Extreme Sailing Series – Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

December

Sabor a Cabo Rural Food and Wine Tasting – Dec. 3

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve with DJ Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo Hotel – Dec. 31

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Carnaval La Paz – Dates Not Yet Announced

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – Dates Not Yet Announced

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Dates Not Yet Announced

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

Come to Cabo for Fun in the Sun!

Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 12, 2017

November 12, 2017

Peak season now for the panga fleets out of San Jose del Cabo, this Sunday is the annual Wahoo Tournament, which also coincides with the sanctioned Iron Man event in Los Cabos, many roads will be closed off and patience will be needed to navigate in any direction. It can always be a challenge this time of year, as everyone seems to want to visit and go fishing all on the same dates. Another couple of weeks and things will settle back down to more ordinary schedules.

Ocean temperatures are now in the 81 to 84 degrees range, still a few degrees higher than normal for this time frame. Early in the week we felt the season’s first real consistent wind patterns from the north develop, this made for much tougher fishing conditions in the direction of the Gordo Banks, Iman and San Luis Banks. Many charters opted to fish in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, in calmer waters, catching good number of fish, though the grade of yellowfin tuna were smaller, off of Palmilla Point there was a hot bite for football sized tuna, with a few dorado and wahoo mixed in. Bait netters were still finding sardinas, despite the heavy pressure, the bait schools were now mainly concentrated around Palmilla beaches. Other bait options included some caballito, ballyhoo, slabs of squid and chihuil.

Last weekend the Los Cabos WON Tuna Jackpot was held and local La Playita team “Estrella del Norte” with team captain James Rosenwald and mate/angler Adrian Miranda who caught the winning 338 lb. yellowfin tuna, taking home a cool quarter of a million dollars for their efforts, congratulations to them. In tune up for the event last week, on Tuesday, a 323 lb. yellowfin tuna was caught from the panga Killer II with skipper Chame Pino, in last week’s report we mistaken did not mention the angler who actually landed that fish, this was local Los Cabos resident Jack Dudenhoeffer. This week we had several other cow sized tuna landed, including Michael Aviani’s 220 lb., Miguel Angeles with a 234 lb. tuna and Walter Korbler with a 221 lb fish, all of these taken off of the Gordo Banks.

Targeting the larger sized tuna required lots of patience and stockpiling larger quantities of bait, sardinas, squid and chunks of skipjack were all used, the majority of the largest tuna were hooked on either chunk of skipjack or strips of squid. There were also nice sized tuna to over 100 lb. landed while fishing the San Luis Bank, though that was tough through much of the week due to north winds, no big numbers of these larger fish, but some anglers did account for one, two and even three in one morning. Most common sized tuna being caught were more in the 7 to 15 lb. class, these hit mostly of the sardinas, with Iman Bank and Palmilla Point being hot spot on particular days.

Dorado were much more scattered than the tuna, limited numbers of these fish were accounted for, more juvenile sized, an occasional fish to 15 lb. This is traditionally the peak time for targeting wahoo, so far the action has been random, not consistent day to day, but for anglers specifically targeting these gamefish, they were having multiple chances and landed as many as four per boat, though most felt fortunate having one wahoo in the fish box. They were hitting on both trolled lures, such as Rapalas and also on trap hooked baits, caballito and chihuil. With the water temperature still holding warm, we expect to have wahoo in the area through next month as well. Heavy pressure recently and wahoo can prove to be one species that becomes more elusive when large congregations of boats are zooming around there preferred feeding grounds.

Not much going off the bottom now, or close to shore, that usually picks up as water temperatures drop some. A few sierra were caught this past week, also miscellaneous pargo, snapper, but more triggerfish than anything else.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 270 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 2 black marlin, 58 wahoo, 14 sierra, 920 yellowfin tuna, 72 dorado, 3 amberjack, 1 yellowtail, 14 yellow snapper, 18 huachinango, 22 Eastern Pacific bonito, 65 white skipjack, 13 cabrilla, 3 barred pargo and 140 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

The Big Show: A Guide to Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos

High season in Los Cabos traditionally runs from October through May, but travel rates achieve peak intensity during the winter months – December to March – when thousands upon thousands of tourists flock from the frigid temperatures in the U.S. and Canada to soak up the perpetual sunshine on beaches in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

But snowbirds aren’t the only ones who think heading south to Cabo for the winter is a good idea.

During the same time period, many of the world’s largest creatures travel across immense distances (longer than the longest non-stop plane flight on earth), making their way from arctic feeding grounds to warm water breeding grounds in the coves and lagoons of Baja California Sur.

“They,” of course, are whales, and their winter migration is the reason whale watching season and high tourist season in Los Cabos are virtually synonymous.

Grays and humpbacks are the leviathans most commonly seen by those in residence at local hotels and rental properties, but it is not uncommon to also see blue whales, sperm whales and even orcas. The breeding grounds for gray whales are centered around Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast, while the other species continue into the Sea of Cortez.

From 2014 to 2015, a gray whale dubbed Vavara made what is the longest mammalian migration ever recorded: nearly 14,000 miles round-trip, from Russia to Cabo San Lucas and back. Varvara had plenty of company along the way, though. Between 5,000 and 10,000 whales make the journey to Baja California Sur each year.

Humpbacks are the most flamboyant of these massive visitors, prone to spectacular breaches in which they lift their entire bodies out of the water before splashing down in epic belly flops. There is no single explanation for this behavior: some speculate that these acrobatic leaps are made to rid the whales of barnacles, others that it is a form of non-verbal communication.

Whatever the reason, the high-flying humpbacks are the primary attraction during seasonal whale watching tours in Los Cabos.

Although whales can often be seen from shore, most visitors interested in up-close looks at these gargantuan creatures sign up for one of the many local whale watching expeditions.

During whale watching months, mid-December to mid-March, seemingly every tour boat in Cabo San Lucas offers some sort of whale-focused excursion, from small pangas and fast inflatables to fishing boats, sailboats and luxury yachts.

Some local adventure companies even offer hydrophones, so that in addition to the sight of these magnificent creatures, guests can also listen to their incredible “songs,” a form of language so complex scientists are still struggling to achieve an even rudimentary understanding.

But we can guess what they’re saying: “Los Cabos sure is beautiful this time of year!”

For more information about whale watching season in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo courtesy of Cabo Adventures.

 Upcoming Event Calendar

November

San José del Cabo Art Walk – Thursday evenings, 5 – 9 p.m., November through June

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – Nov. 1 – 4

Jim Flick Invitational Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 7 – 12

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 8 – 12

Ironman Los Cabos Triathlon – Nov. 12

50th SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

Día de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) – Nov. 20

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 23

Extreme Sailing Series – Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

December

Sabor a Cabo Rural Food and Wine Tasting – Dec. 3

LigaMAC Christmas Party – Dec. 5

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 8

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival –  Dec. 9

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Whale Watching Season – Mid-December to Mid-March

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve with DJ Paul Oakenfold at Blue Marlin Ibiza/ME Cabo Hotel – Dec. 31

Gatsby Theme New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa – Dec. 31

January

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 11 – 21

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament – Jan. 15 – 19

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 17 – 21

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Jan. 27 – Feb. 3

 February

Todos Santos Open Artists’ Studio Tour –  Feb. 10 – 11

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa – February 14

Carnaval La Paz – Dates Not Yet Announced

Los Barriles Dog Show – Dates Not Yet Announced

 March

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Arts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Fiestas Patronales in San José del Cabo – March 19

Semana Santa – March 25 – 31

Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Hacienda del Mar – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – Dates Not Yet Announced

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Koral Pets Race – Dates Not Yet Announced

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

http://www.loscabosvillas.com/los-cabos-activities/

Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 1, 2017

November 5, 2017

Large crowds of vising tourists are being greeted with pristine fall conditions. Winds have been somewhat unpredictable, at times from the north and then from the south, but as this week progressed conditions seemed to improve, colder mornings that had dipped into the 60s are now back into the 70s and daytime highs are still reaching into the upper 80s. Plenty of warm sunshine for all. The season’s final big tournament this week, the WON Tuna Jackpot, attracted some 146 teams, battling for high stakes, searching for the largest yellowfin tuna, with other jackpots for dorado and wahoo. Check the WON web site for overall results.

Surprisingly there still have been supplies of sardinas available, anglers are also using slabs of squid, some caballito, ballyhoo and chihuil as well. Fleets have been searching in all directions, as is common for this time of year, local charters from San Jose del Cabo have mainly been concentrating on the fishing grounds from the Gordo Banks to San Luis. Ocean water temperature are now in the 81 to 85 degree range.

Most common species has been the yellowfin tuna, sizes ranged from small footballs up to 90 lb. plus, including fish to over 300 lb. Tuning up for the WON tournament local panga skipper Chame Pino landed a 322 lb. yellowfin on Tuesday off of the Gordo Banks, while drift fishing with chunk bait from skipjack. Iman Bank has held the most numbers of schooling tuna, though of the smaller sizes. San Luis has produced tuna in the 70 to 90 lb. class, while the Gordo Banks are the grounds that have proved to the best bet of hooking into a cow, though again these big fish are not numerous, lots of patience and chumming is involved. Very heavy pressure now, as well as once again we are into the full moon phase, which can often cause the fish to be even more sporadic and finicky.

Early in the week the wahoo bite showed improvement, best spot being near Iman Bank, slow trolling with chihuil was the best technique, though these baitfish are not easy to come by, the wahoo also hit on rapalas at times, though not like on the live bait. Wahoo up to 45 lb. were brought in, some boats landing as many as four, though as the week progressed and the pressure was increased the wahoo action also tapered off. The water temperature is just starting to drop some and as it drops a few more degrees conditions will be ideal for peak activity for these prized gamefish.

Dorado are being found in limited numbers, the largest we saw were in the 15 lb. range, striking on lures and baits, no particular spot to specifically target them. Billfish was spotty as well, though some charters did report better action later in the week outside of Gordo Banks, where a few blue and striped marlin were found. Not much bottom action even being targeted now, more triggerfish, bonito and misc. pargo than anything else. Water still warm for much inshore action to start up, though it is a good sign that schools of sardinas are still in the area, despite the heavy pressure.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 144 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 2 blue marlin, 4 striped marlin, 36 wahoo, 580 yellowfin tuna, 66 dorado, 8 yellow snapper, 22 huachinango, 24 Eastern Pacific bonito, 9 cabrilla, 5 barred pargo and 84 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

 

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM