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Los Cabos Fishing Report – August 12, 2018

August 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

August 12, 2018

This past week was a very active time for tropical storm development. At one point early in the week there were four named systems tracking on westerly paths, in the direction off the Pacific. There was Hurricane Hector, a category four storm that ended up passing very close to Hawaii, there was Hurricane Kristy that stayed far enough off to the west of the Baja Peninsula and made no impact, then there was Ileana and John, they somewhat joined together and did pass within a couple hundred miles of the Southern Baja, bringing high oceans swells, several inches of rainfall, some isolated locations reported more, winds were not too strong, some 40 mph gusts, all Port activity was closed for a couple of days. The streets in Cabo San Lucas were flooded, but also are now quickly being cleaned up, basically very minimal damage and minor power outages were reported.

Schools of sardinas which had remained plentiful throughout most of the summer season were now scattered and for the most part unobtainable. Local fleets are now using slabs of squid, chunk bait of skipjack, some caballito and ballyhoo. This is the normal bait source for this latter part of the summer. Ocean water temperature is now in the 80 to 84 degree range.

The main center of fishing activity has been around the Iman Bank. Highlight has been the yellowfin tuna, drift fishing with strips of squid, or at times sardinas, when obtainable, this produced quality grade of yellowfin tuna up to 80 lb. No huge numbers, but nice quality, some lucky anglers had as many as four or five tuna, others were fortunate to land one, very strong fish and best chance of enticing a strike was on lighter leaders, which meant long fight times and higher percentage of lost fish.

Few dorado seen in recent days, in small schools of ones or twos, fish up to 15 lb. found mainly on the same grounds as were the tuna or billfish. A couple of wahoo also reported, on trolled Rapalas, yo-yo jigs and incidentally on strip bait while targeting tuna. Bottom action was spotty, some of the Eastern Pacific bonito, a few red snapper, cabrilla, yellow snapper, dogtooth snapper, amberjack and triggerfish.

Billfish action was spread out, a couple of sailfish, striped marlin and blue marlin being found, better action for this seemed to be towards Cabo San Lucas and out around the 1150 spot.

Inshore action usually slows down during this later period of summer, a chance at jack crevalle or late season roosterfish if you can obtain the preferred mullet baitfish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 68 charters for this shortened week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 1 dogtooth snapper, 1 sailfish, 2 striped marlin, 2 wahoo, 15 dorado, 86 yellowfin tuna, 52 bonito, 9 yellow snapper, 3 amberjack, 8 red snapper, 9 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 1 dogtooth snapper and 28 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Bisbee’s 2018 Tournament Season Off to a Record Breaking Start

August 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Bisbee’s seems to be breaking records with each new event. 

The 2017 East Cape Offshore–the first of Bisbee’s annual trio of Los Cabos based fishing tournaments–was an unprecedented success, with 136 billfish boated in the 3-day event, and a record spread of teams (11 of 64) claiming a share of over half a million dollars in prize money.

The 2018 tournament, which wrapped up last weekend, once again set records: this time for the largest amount of prize money…a whopping $657,125. Over 360 anglers on 62 teams competed in the three-day event, and qualifying catches were brought in on all three days, the first time that’s happened in tournament history. Fifty-five black and blue marlin were caught, and a record tying 11 teams shared in the prize money, with Booze Brothers’ prize check for $166,064 taking top honors.

The success of this year’s ECO is bittersweet, given the passing of tournament founder Bob Bisbee on June 14th. But one can only imagine that man who started it all in 1981–when a modest six teams competed in the first Black & Blue for $10,000 in money–is smiling at the way new records are being shattered at each succeeding tournament event.

And the best is yet to come.

The East Cape Offshore, for all its glory, is merely a prelude to Bisbee’s marquee annual events:  the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue marlin fishing tournaments, held each October in Cabo San Lucas.

The Black & Blue gets star billing, of course. Not only is it the oldest of Bisbee’s trio of tournaments in the Los Cabos municipality, it is also the most lucrative, living up to its hype as “the world’s richest fishing tournament” and “the Super Bowl of sportfishing.” The 2006 payout of $4,165,960 remains the largest in sport fishing history, and no one complained about last year’s kitty of $3.255,750.

Cabo San Lucas in October is the place and time where skilled anglers can become millionaires overnight. In 2016, Julio Fernandez’s team aboard Quiteña pocketed a cool $2,183,000 for bagging a bruising 534 lb. black marlin. In 2017, the largest number of qualifying fish in the history of the tournament were bagged, with over 11,000 pounds of fish donated to Hope for Los Cabos, generating an estimated 33,747 meals for locals in need. Ten Brothers team led the way in terms of prize money, taking home $961,518 and some change.

This year’s Black & Blue is slated to take place October 23rd to 27th, with registration on the first day, an awards ceremony on the last, and three days of fishing in between. Those visiting the Land’s End city during the event can watch daily drama as fish are weighed on the marina boardwalk in front of Puerto Paraiso. The drama is a little more intense, however, if you happen to be the one who caught the fish! Registration remains $5,000 per team, or $71,500 across the board for all jackpots and challenges.

The Los Cabos Offshore serves as a warm-up–it is affectionately known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the Black & Blue, or “Big Bisbee’s”–and kicks off the biggest nine days of the year on the Cabo San Lucas sporting calendar. Scheduled for October 18th to 21st, the LCO is thought of as a friendlier, more charity focused tournament than the high-dollar main event that follows.

Based on the way things have been going, expect a record amount of money to be paid out to both anglers and deserving charities.

Bisbee’s is on a hot streak, and that bodes well for everyone….everyone except the fish, that is.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals 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 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournaments.

Upcoming Event Calendar

July

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

28th Annual Feria de la Pitahaya in Miraflores – July 13 – 15

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

12th Annual Mango Festival in Todos Santos – July 15, 22, 27 – 31

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Los Cabos Pro-Am at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 14 – 18

February

Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day) – Feb. 14

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – August 5, 2018

August 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment

August 5, 2018  

Again we are only seeing light crowds of tourists arriving, as we are now in mid-summer season, this can be normal. Tropical storm development are becoming more active at this time, with Hurricane Hector tracking far on the Pacific in the direction of Hawaii, another few low pressure systems off of Southern Mexico are developing as well. What we are watching closely is the potential formation of TS Ileana, which forecasts say will pass closer to Southern Baja by mid-week, Though Ileana is forecast to follow a path off to the west of the Peninsula, so hopefully this forecast is correct and this system does not make any land fall impact. We will surely will feel increased humidity and most likely larger ocean swells related to the passing of the storm. The next six or seven weeks is historically when the chances of tropical storms striking locally is at its greatest.

This was another calm week on the ocean for anglers, clean blue water was found close to shore, water temperatures were up in the 85 degree range. Still decent supplies of sardinas and caballito in the marina channel area. Slabs of giant squid for strip baits is another option, though only place to obtain this is at local super markets and the price per kilo has nearly doubled since there has been a shortage of squid being found in the region.

As can be typical for this time of year, the yellowfin tuna action is the highlight and most common species being found. Main areas now being targeted are the Iman Bank, to Vinorama and the Gordo Banks. The larger yellowfin seem to be schooling around the Iman Bank, this is where tuna up to 100 lb. are being found. No huge numbers, but charters have been catching as many as three or four quality sized tuna, with smaller fish mixed in per day, average sizes in the 10 to 70 lb. class. Drift fishing with fly lined sardinas or strips of squid was the most productive method of enticing the yellowfin. There has been lots of natural food sources on these seem grounds and plenty of boat pressure as well, this often makes the yellowfin more finicky, some days biting more readily than others, also at certain unpredictable hours.

These same fishing grounds produced dorado, wahoo, billfish and a mix of bottom action. There was an early morning wahoo bite going on inshore off of San Luis, trolling Rapalas were the best bet, early start and sometimes not waiting around to get sardinas proved to be the way to go after this action. Most of the dorado being found were smaller sized, though in recent days we are seeing a few more fish topping the 20 lb. mark, which is encouraging.

Bottom action was limited, best area seemed to be Iman Bank, earlier in the day, working yo-yo style jigs, a mix of pargo, snapper, bonito, cabrilla and a few amberjack. Billfish were spread out, though charters specifically targeting marlin were centered on offshore grounds such as the 1150 spot, where some blue marlin in the 200 lb. range were found, also some striped marlin and sailfish were in the mix. A couple larger black marlin in the 500 lb. class were reported off the East Cape during the Bisbee Offshore Tournament, also tuna to over 100 lb. and 50 lb. dorado.

Inshore action produced scattered action for jack crevalle and roosterfish, though this is now later in the season for roosters, best bet was to try and obtain mullet for bait.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 64 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of:  1 dogtooth snapper, 6 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 3 blue marlin, 14 wahoo, 74 dorado, 180 yellowfin tuna, 45 bonito, 15 yellow snapper, 19 red snapper, 18 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 3 amberjack, 14 roosterfish, 16 jack crevalle and 28 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report July 29, 2018

July 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

July 29, 2018

Ae we progress deeper into the summer season we are seeing limited numbers of tourists arriving, despite weather conditions being very tranquillo. No new tropical storms threatening for the near future. There was an increase in swell activity due to distant southern disturbances, also the wind picked up earlier in the week, mainly from the south, but swirling as well from the north and then out of the  east, once again by the weekend conditions calmed down. The wind had pushed in greener water, especially closer to shore, also cooled the water a few degrees. Though now the water is becoming bluer with each passing calm day, water temperatures is back up averaging 78 to 83 degrees.

Finding the live sardinas has been tougher this week, some days hardly any could be located, other days there were sufficient supplies. Caballito still have been readily available, though some morning the bait moved into netting range later than at first light. There were still options of mullet for bait as well, these seem to be working best for the roosterfish, which are still in the area, but this is now the later part of the season for these gamefish. Some anglers are starting to use strips of squid for targeting the yellowfin tuna, bought from local super markets, this always becomes another option this time of year when the sardinas do normally become much scarcer.

Targeting the yellowfin tuna seemed to be the most productive option. Main center of activity has been from the Gordo Banks to the Iman Bank. Good numbers of the smaller football sized tuna have moved onto to both grounds, ranging from a few pounds to about 15 lb., mixed in with black skipjack and the Eastern Pacific bonito. The best chance of hooking into a larger grade of yellowfin has been near the Iman Bank, everyday a handful of tuna in the 50 to 70 lb. have been accounted for, these fish were finicky, a couple of yellowfin much larger were seen and even hooked into, though were lost due to extended battles on lighter than ideal tackle, this because the tuna were hitting the lighter line more readily.

Not much happening off the bottom, besides the bonito, a scattered of red snapper and an occasional amberjack or cabrilla. Still lots of sharks hanging on these same fishing grounds, most of them appear to be silky, also some hammerhead.

After seeing good numbers of dorado last week, though most were smaller in size, this week they were much fewer, no particular area that they were more concentrated, best chance at a nicer sized dorado seemed to be further offshore where charters were targeting billfish. Marlin action was limited, though a couple of blue marlin in the 200 lb. class were accounted for, also a few late season striped marlin and a few sailfish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 58 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of:  3 sailfish, 3 striped marlin, 2 blue marlin, 2 wahoo, 22 dorado, 265 yellowfin tuna, 190 bonito, 6 yellow snapper, 14 red snapper, 9 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 4 amberjack, 55 roosterfish, 22 jack crevalle and 34 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – July 22, 2018

July 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

July 22, 2018

We saw a slight increase in visiting anglers this past week. Weather patterns were increasingly more tropical, with more cloud cover, but only some very minimal rainfall was felt, more humidity than anything else. No new storms brewing to the south at this time, mild surf conditions and very little wind. All this made for great ocean conditions for anglers, with water temperatures up in the 80 to 83 degree range through most of the region and even warmer currents lurking further offshore. Lot of baitfish now on the fishing grounds.

Anglers found sufficient supplies of bait near the marina area, mainly sardinas, caballito and mullet. Most of the fishing action has now been centered from the Gordo Banks to Iman, San Luis and north to Vinorama. Cleaner currents have improved the all-around action in recent days. Though the yellowfin tuna that are schooling near and Iman and San Luis Banks continue to be very finicky from day to day, though the tuna that are being hooked into are averaging in the 40 to 60 lb. class and there were at least a couple of larger tuna up to 120 lb. accounted for this past week. Some small football sized yellowfin tuna have also shown up, we have not seen those yet until now, perfect bait size for trolling after at a big black or blue marlin. We have heard the reports of black and blue marlin taken out of the East Cape and especially out of La Paz. On our grounds a couple of blue marlin in the 200 to 300 lb. class were reported. Some sailfish and striped marlin were also found on the same grounds,

The wahoo and dorado also became more active this week, dorado were found on the same tuna grounds, most of these on various baitfish, though they would strike lures as well. Sizes ranged up to 20 lb., though the majority were under ten pounds, please remember to release the smaller fish, especially the females, which are easily identified by there more rounded off forehead. Wahoo were striking trolled Rapalas near Iman, San Luis and Vinorama, no huge numbers, but at least we are seeing some of these elusive and highly sought after gamefish, sizes were respectable, averaging 30 to 40 lb.

Bottomfish was mainly jigging for red snapper and bonito off of Iman and San Luis, some days better than others, late in the season now for these fish. Hoping to see more amberjack and possibly dogtooth snapper show up. Only a handful of leopard grouper or broom tail grouper found.

Inshore action for roosterfish was becoming a bit more scattered, but some epic action for quality sized roosterfish to 70 lb. was found, particularly on the beach stretches towards Vinorama, but also off the local hotel zones as well. Mixed in were some hog sized jack crevalle and even a few out of season sierra. Best bait for roosters was live mullet

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of:  2 blue marlin, 5 sailfish, 7 striped marlin, 92 dorado, 132 yellowfin tuna, 9 wahoo,142 bonito, 12 yellow snapper, 75 red snapper, 19 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 2 amberjack, 68 roosterfish, 19 jack crevalle, 8 barred pargo, 5 surgeon fish, 8 sierra and 38 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – July 15, 2018

July 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

July 15, 2018

Crowds of tourists continued to be lighter than we might expect, though maybe the more serious anglers are waiting for the fish reports to improve. Tropical weather patterns remained very quiet, light ocean swells, high temperatures near 90 degrees, water temp now back up to 80 degrees, water is steadily cleaning, with no new storms seen developing on the horizon and extended forecast looking quiet for the next ten days, it all appears to be favorable for putting our summer season back on track.

Supplies of baitfish now included caballito, mullet, sardinas and a few moonfish in the mix. Most of this bait activity is found right in the marina channel area. With the variety of baitfish in this area there have been some amberjack being hooked into right offshore of the nearby marina jetty, of course the word travels fast and many locals are now taking advantage of this limited opportunity.

Offshore action was hit or miss, mostly just heading out deep, 10 to 30 miles out, looking for schools of porpoise, with hopes of finding yellowfin tuna. With water temperatures warming and clarity improving daily, we have seen the action for yellowfin tuna near San Luis Bank rebound. No big numbers yet, but every day we are seeing some tuna brought in that are averaging 50 to 70 lb., these fish have been striking on caballito, sardinas and some on yo-yo jigs. Many of the silky sharks were lurking on these same grounds, ready for any chance they can find at an easy meal. Most charters were doing well to land one of these quality yellowfin, though some were more fortunate and landed up to three tuna. Mixed on these grounds were red snapper (huachinango), bonito, sailfish and striped marlin. With water clarity looking much better anglers reported seeing free swimming wahoo on these gronds as well, maybe if the water does not become too warm these fish will also start to bite.

Along the shoreline there were still some trophy sized roosterfish found, best bait for these fish seemed to be live mullet. Please remember to release these trophy roosterfish, as this fishery is becoming more fragile with each passing season and it is very important to preserve this species for future generations.

Only a scattered of smaller sized dorado seen this past week, with improving ocean conditions we should start to see some larger fish show up. Later in the month of July and through the rest of the summer is known for big fish season.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 58 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of:  4 sailfish, 11 striped marlin, 16 dorado, 55 yellowfin tuna, 158 bonito, 5 yellow snapper, 164 red snapper, 7 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 11 amberjack, 12 roosterfish, 3 barred pargo, 4 sierra and 36 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report July 8, 2018

July 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

July 8, 2018

We saw lighter number of tourists this first week of July, perhaps more people decided to stay home to celebrate Independence Day this year. The weather patterns are now progressing becoming warmer, high temperatures up to 90 degrees, though with the increased humidity, the heat index is making it feel more like 98 degrees. The winds were very slight, and after having larger swells lingering the first part of the week due to the distant passing of TS Fabio, ocean conditions were again calm. The green water is slower giving way to cleaner currents, water temperature on the Sea of Cortez side of the Peninsula is back up into the 78 to 80 degree range.

Anglers were using a mix of sardinas, caballito, mullet and sardineta for bait. Most common areas now being concentrated on have been from Palmilla, straight of San Jose Estuary and marina area, and north towards Iman, San Luis and Vinorama Banks. There were large concentrations of baitfish holding straight offshore of the Puerto Leo Cabos Marina, three to five miles out. This is where decent numbers of striped marlin were being found, most often by drift fishing baits down deeper, with the full moon these fish were a bit more finicky, but with patience most charters were having chances daily. This same area saw more dorado moving in as well, slow trolling bait on the surface was best bet for these fish, no big numbers, but many charters did report landing one, two or three fish, with weights up to 15 lb.

The other popular grounds recently for fishing was on San Luis Bank, this is where there was good early morning action for Eastern Pacific bonito and red snapper while working yo-yo jigs. The problem at this spot was that there were way too many hungry sharks lurking and they would readily strike the yo-yo jigs, as well as any fish that you did have hooked up, frustrating and a fast way to lose a lot of jigs in a hurry.

Early in the week a few yellowfin tuna were also hitting bait or yo-yo jigs on the same grounds, one tuna close to 80 lb. was accounted for, others were lost. The best chances at yellowfin recently has been further offshore, found moving with porpoise and changing location from day to day, most days they were found 15 to 25 miles offshore, though late week some were found as close in as 7 miles. These fish had to be worked for, lots of water covered, trolling medium sized feathers, hoochies and cedar plugs worked and sizes averaged 12 to 18 lb.

Inshore action for roosterfish and jack crevalle slowed down, more spread out, but some fish were being found, even a handful of late season sierra.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 54 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 32 striped marlin, 24 dorado, 35 yellowfin tuna, 6 pompano, 95 bonito, 11 yellow snapper, 38 red snapper, 9 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 2 amberjack, 14 roosterfish, 7 barred pargo, 7 sierra, 35 triggerfish and 8 jack crevalle.

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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – June 24, 2018

June 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June 24, 2018

We have seen a fast start to the hurricane season, with there now having been three named storms develop, Aletta, Bud and Carlotta. This last system stayed far south and impacted only the Southern Mexico mainland. The Los Cabos region is now basically back to normal after being directly hit last week by fortunately a weakening TS Bud. Many tourists left town in a rush due to storm risks, scores of other cancelled out upcoming trips in fear of getting trapped or something worse. Everything remained under control, no major issues, businesses are now operating as though nothing ever happened.

Heavy ocean swells to over fifteen pounded the coastline, now it has dropped down to normal summer size swells. Last week the storm pushing in from the south brought with it colder Pacific currents, green water, with temperatures off of San Jose del Cabo dropping down from the 78 degree range to 67degrees over night. It has been a slow process to recover and rebound to pre-storm status. Pacific grounds are still dipping into the 60’s, though in the direction of the East Cape the water is back up near the 78 degree range. Clarity is still off colored, clearer in some isolated locations, but swirling strong currents continued to sweep through, causing clarity to remain off.

The mass schools of baitfish that had been holding near Iman and Desteladera Banks have vanished, so the striped marlin action is much more spread out now, being encountered while trolling lures and many of the tailing marlin spotted would strike dropped back caballito. Marlin was still the main offshore species of gamefish encountered. Dorado were just seen on occasion and more often closer to shore. Yellowfin tuna were scattered further offshore, open water trolling produced spotty action for mostly football sized fish. This tuna action was mainly being found off of the Cabo San Lucas grounds, as well as off the East Cape. No wahoo seen locally, but there was talk about a wahoo bite going on near Cerralvo Island to the north.

The high storm surf scattered the schools of sardinas, which is common this time of year. Main baitfish that is now being obtainable in the mornings has been caballito, a few other variety of jacks, mullet and limited moonfish. Offshore baitfish seemed to vanish since the start of the week, as water conditions improve and currents slack some, we do expect to see the larger concentrations of offshore baitfish to return.

Roosterfish action remains sporadic, but has improved some in recent days, though it was surprising that the majority of the roosters were more juvenile sized, not all 25 lb. and up, which can be more common during the later part of June. Jack crevalle were also patrolling the shoreline and most of these fighters were in the 15 to 30 lb. class. Only a couple of smaller dogtooth snapper reported, a handful of pompano and snapper rounded out inshore activity.

Off of the shallow rock piles there were some decent fish caught, red snapper, yellow snapper, amberjack, a variety of grouper, spotty from day to day, areas near Iman, San Luis to Vinorama producing best.  Bottom action was found early in the day by using yo-yo jigs, shallow spots were more productive drift fishing larger baits.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 29 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 6 dorado, 22 bonito, 19 yellow snapper, 2 dogtooth snapper, 26 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 6 gulf grouper, 4 broomtail grouper, 11 amberjack, 46 roosterfish, 6 barred pargo, 12 pompano, 4 sierra and 22 jack crevalle.

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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Legend Passes but His Legacy Lives On – East Cape Offshore Kicks Off Bisbee’s 2018 Tournament Schedule

June 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It all started back in 1981, when the owner of a fuel dock and tack business on Balboa Island, Newport Harbor, organized the first Black & Blue marlin tournament in Cabo San Lucas.

His name was Bob Bisbee, and at that first tournament six teams competed for the princely sum of about 10,000 dollars.

Fast forward 25 years into the future, to 2006, and the cash payout had grown to a staggering $4,165,960, then and now the largest in sportfishing history. Over the course of two and a half decades, this once small event had grown to become the most famous in the sport, gathering nicknames along the way like “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament” and “The Super Bowl of Sportfishing.”

Flash forward 12 more years to 2018 and Bisbee’s Black & Blue remains the marquee fishing event in Cabo San Lucas (and beyond), but it’s no longer the only major tournament on the calendar. It’s not even the only major tournament on the calendar for Bisbee’s.

Over the course of its history in the Los Cabos municipality – which not only includes cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, but also the less developed East Cape area – Bisbee’s has steadily built its brand, increasing its prestige through bigger payouts and an extended range of tournament offerings. An East Cape Offshore was added in 2000, a Los Cabos Offshore in 2002.

That trio has comprised Bisbee’s Los Cabos fishing triumvirate ever since.

Each has its own place on the calendar, and each has its own unique personality. The Black & Blue remains very much “The Big Daddy,” while the Los Cabos Offshore has become a more fun-filled, charity-focused alternative.

The East Cape Offshore, meanwhile, is known as the most laid-back of the three events, and as a tone setter, since it’s the first event to take place each year. It kicks off, in effect, the yearly calendar.

In 2018, the ECO is scheduled for Jul. 31 to Aug. 4; the LCO follows, Oct. 18 to 21; with  the B&B headlining Oct. 23 to 27.

July 31st is thus the day Bisbee’s returns to Los Cabos, the day all eyes turn to the municipality’s gorgeous East Cape, a 70-mile coastal arc that stretches from the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles and the Bay of Palms beyond.

The East Cape has long been known for its dirt roads, secluded beaches and off-the-grid communities, but the recent Los Cabos building boom has reached as far as the East Cape’s La Ribera, site of the soon-to-be-open Four Seasons Costa Palmas Resort.

A few miles northwest of La Ribera are Los Barriles and its neighbor Buenavista, the traditional fishing capitals of the East Cape. The two small but picturesque tourist towns host the majority of the region’s tournaments. Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort in Buenavista, for example, is the long-time headquarters for Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, and the site of the post-tournament awards ceremony. This heritage is celebrated by the leaping marlin sculpture which greets guests at the resort’s entrance.

Last year, 64 teams vied for over $590,000 in prize money at the East Cape Offshore. A record 11 of the 64 teams shared in those payouts, following an exciting tournament that saw 136 billfish – including 71 blue marlin and 55 striped marlin – caught in only three days. By contrast, only three dorado and 16 tuna were boated during the same time period.

Capt. Andrew Hughes and his Mi Corazon team finished first overall, receiving over $258,000 for their efforts….not a bad return for a few days spent fishing in paradise. Their winning catch was an impressive 437 lb. black marlin, one of only three black marlin caught during the tournament.

Base entry for this year’s ECO remains $1,500 per team, with $17,000 across the board for entry in all daily jackpots. The base entries are pooled and disbursed at the conclusion of the event, with the majority going to billfish winners, and the remainder earmarked for trophy gamefish like tuna and dorado.

Sadly, Bob Bisbee will not be there to watch it. The man who started it all, the godfather of tournament fishing in Los Cabos, passed away peacefully in his Dallas area home last Thursday, June 14th, at the age of 85.

He will be missed. But his legacy continues, his name forever synonymous with trophy-sized catches and boisterous good times.

For information about this and other events, as well as activities and villa rentals 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 Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore.

Upcoming Event Calendar

June

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 7, 14, 21, 28

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament at SUR Beach House – June 30

July

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

 August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

 September

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) – Sep. 16

 October

Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

 November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Oct. 31 – Nov. 2

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Life Luxe Jazz Experience at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica – Nov. 1 – 4

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

Adidas Golf Invitational at Cabo del Sol – Nov. 6 – 11

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving) – Nov. 22

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cabo Fishing Report – June 17, 2018

June 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June 17, 2018

Last week we witnessed the season’s first hurricane develop, named Aletta, gaining category 4 strength, this system moved far to the west and never impacted the Los Cabos Region. Quickly forming Hurricane Bud directly followed Aletta, this storm also reaching category four status as it followed a path directly for land fall at Cabo San Lucas. Fortunately there was strong sheer and cooler currents that contributed to weakening rapidly to a moderate Tropical Storm. Starting Wednesday night and all day through Thursday, TS Bud did pack a powerful punch, as there was a deluge of rainfall dumped, up to six inches or more in isolated areas throughout the Southern Baja. Wind gust to over 60 mph were experienced and quite a bit of flooding occurred in the lower plateau arroyo areas. Some areas lost electricity and water services, but these were mostly restored within 24 hours. There will be some drying out from this storm, but overall we felt fortunate and did enjoy the much needed rainfall, look for the scorched desert mountainous landscape to turn lush green within days.

This turned out to be a shortened week for sportfishing, moderate crowds of anglers were in town, but we were only able to launch Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, before Red Flag conditions closed all Port Operations. There were scores of world class surfers in San Jose Del Cabo for the International Pro Event annually held at Costa Azul and even this contest had to be postponed due to heavy storm swell conditions of up to fifteen to twenty feet.

This week started out much the same for anglers, with the striped marlin action being the most consistent bite being found, this was near the Iman and Desteladera Banks where large schools of batfish congregated on these same grounds, mainly sardineta, with a small percentage of mackerel mixed in. This frenzy had kept the billfish on these grounds for a couple of weeks now. Fleets were arriving in big numbers from all directions to get in on the action. Sizes of the striped marlin ranged from 60 lb. to 150 lb. These fish were striking best on bait, either while slow trolling or drifting. Though by Tuesday the bait schools seemed to all but vanish and it proved much harder to find the stripers, though many were hooked into, they appeared to be spreading out in search of their food supply. We also heard more stories of sea lion and shark factors.

We saw no yellowfin tuna, dorado or wahoo action to speak much about. A handful of small football sized tuna were found while open water trolling, there were also scattered reports of tuna being encountered with moving porpoise further offshore  of Cabo San Lucas, mainly smaller fish and proving to be hit or miss. Before the storm arrived there was a flurry of missed wahoo strikes on trolled lures reported, some lost right near gaff. Dorado were absent as well. Maybe this new storm surge has pushed in a new group of gamefish, with weather now settling we will find out this coming week, could take some days for water temperatures to warm back up.

The week started off with sporadic shallow water bottom catches, increasing swells and currents made this option more difficult, though a few quality specimens were accounted for, including one 60 lb. Broomtail grouper, as well as barred pargo to a 15 lb. and leopard grouper to over 20 lb. A mix of yellow snapper, pompano and surgeonfish rounded out the structure bite. Inshore there were limited number of roosterfish found, changing daily, maybe we will see a later than normal season on these gamefish. Early this week though we did have charters that released roosterfish that were in the 75 lb. range. These were found near el Cardon. Some nice sized amberjack were seen close to shore on these same grounds, only to have hook ups lost to the rocks. We look for the next few weeks to bring big opportunities for roosterfish, dogtooth snapper and amberjack.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 28 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 22 striped marlin, 3 yellowfin tuna, 13 yellow snapper, 7 surgeon fish, 18 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 2 amberjack, 11 roosterfish, 1 broomtail grouper, 12 barred pargo, 8 pompano,18 jack crevalle, 5 sierra and 25 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

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog, Fishing Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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