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Los Cabos Fishing Report – March 4, 2018

March 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

March 4, 2018

Well the unpredictable month of February is now finally over, we anticipate that the new month will bring more stable conditions, as it normally does, warmer days should be arriving soon. Though the start of this week we saw a cold wave sweep in from the north, gusty winds mid-week which finally resided for the weekend. High temperatures were barely reaching up to 70 to 74 degree mark, early mornings were chilly, down in the 50s. Crowds of tourists appeared to be lighter than usual, with Spring Break just around the corner we should see more people arriving.

Ocean temperatures were ranging from 70 to 74 degrees, with the warmest area now being around the Jaime Banks off of Cabo San Lucas. Off of San Jose del Cabo and to Los Frailes the water averaged 70 degrees, despite strong north winds earlier in the week the water still was fairly clean. We are now also in the full moon phase and this can often impact feeding habits of certain species of gamefish. The main baitfish now being used has been sardinas, the bait netters had been finding these off of the stretches near San Luis, but higher swells made this tougher and once again the majority of the bait is being found along the rocky shore line from Palmilla to Cabo Real, but they took longer than usual to obtain enough bait to supply the fleet sufficiently, but it was worth the wait, because these sardinas are what the yellowfin tuna are hitting on.

The bite for the tuna has mainly been off of Vinorama, some fish were also found on San Luis Bank and near Iman. Last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the action was good for fish averaging 20 to 50 lb., with one yellowfin tuna of 93 lb. weighed in. Fish were finicky and line shy at times, anglers were using 30 to 40 lb. line with best success, sporting tackle for tuna of this grade. The gusty weather shut the action completely down on Wednesday and Thursday, before the bite rebounded on Friday, with charters averaging two five tuna each. Considering this is now off season for yellowfin tuna this action has been a welcome bonus.

Billfish action was limited to sporadic action on the Pacific, no striped marlin now on the grounds off of San Jose del Cabo. Dorado continued to be found daily, though in fewer numbers and most of these fish are small juveniles in the five pound range, with a rare ten pounder mixed in. When the ocean temperature dips down near the 70 degree range species such as dorado generally head on a southern migration, following the wahoo, which have already moved out of the area.

With most charters waiting longer time in order to obtain sardinas and then heading far north towards Vinorama to target the tuna, there was not a whole lot of bottom action even being targeted. Though we did see a mix of yellow snapper, huachinango, leopard grouper, even a couple of broomtails and of course a few bonito and triggerfish. No yellowtail or amberjack reported, nor did anyone report seeing pelagic red crabs, so the red snapper bite was very limited, just one or two fish here or there.

There were some sierra found along inshore beaches from Palmilla to Chileno, but not in the numbers we would expect considering that this is now their peak season. With the colder water we did not find any roosterfish or jack crevalle either. Still plenty of whales in the region, they should be around all of this month.

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: 105 yellowfin tuna, 112 dorado, 2 broomtail grouper, 16 yellow snapper, 19 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 26 huachinango (red snapper), 16 bonito, 32 sierra and 26 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 February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 23, 2018

This past week we saw a slight increase in the amount of anglers arriving. As we have become accustomed, the month of February continues to produce a wide range of unpredictable weather patterns. We felt a cold wave sweep in, starting with a couple of days we felt scattered rain, mostly sprinkles, some areas reported a bit heavier precipitation, much cloud cover and daytime highs reaching only into the low 70s. More wind from the north, though it was on and off and not so strong that charter boats had to abort plans. Despite the cooler conditions, the ocean has remained relatively warm, now averaging 70 to 74 degrees, very clean and blue close to shore, strong current running though. Lots of jelly fish in the area now, as there was continued large presence of whales and of course those pesky sea lions, which have been robbing their share of the catch.

Sardinas continue to be the main bait being used, found schooling off of the beaches from Palmilla to Cabo Real, as well as they are now being once again found off of the rocky beach stretches north near San Luis, these being a larger grade of these baitfish. Other options have been slabs of squid as well as on some days varying quantities of mackerel were being jigging up on sabiki rigs, mainly off of Punta Gorda.

The highlight this week was that the yellowfin tuna which had really faded out last week, rebounded this week as water conditions actually improved despite the cooler weather patterns. Fleets found decent action near Vinorama for yellowfin that were ranging in sizes to over 50 lb., quality tuna considering that this is never known as a favorable time frame for this pelagic species. The fish were striking on sardinas, strips of squid, as well as on mackerel, when they were able to be found. Boats were averaging from one or two to five or six fish per morning. Another common fish being found were dorado, most of these were under ten pounds, but we did see some larger fish, included a true 25 lb. bull dorado, which we had not seen for some time. Many people are releasing the small sized dorado, especially the females, remember to practice this conservation of these juvenile fish to help maintain future stocks.

Not much in the way of billfish action now off of San Jose del Cabo, better chances on the Pacific now, we heard of a blue marlin being landed, though most common is the striped marlin this time of year. Bottom action was limited, not much besides a scattering of cabrilla (leopard grouper), pargo and triggerfish, though swift currents made this tough and most charters were going after the tuna and dorado, or fishing for sierra along the beaches.

As long as ocean water conditions remain favorable we do expect that these yellowfin tuna will stay in the area. Hard to predict, but typically in the next few weeks we start to see weather patterns with warming days and less persistent winds. It has been a bonus that supplies of sardinas have held up and seem to be sustainable for the time being.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 59 charters for this shortened week due to weekend travels. Anglers reported a fish count of: 112 yellowfin tuna, 135 dorado, 2 amberjack, 8 yellow snapper, 4 island jack, 8 barred pargo, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 14 huachinango (red snapper), 94 sierra and 18 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: , , , , , , , ,

Catch Them if You Can: A Guide to Los Cabos Fishing Tournaments in 2018

February 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos as a tourist destination was built on big-game sportfishing, and truth be told there is no bad time to cast a line into the local waters. But some times are definitely better than others, especially for those who not only want a trophy-sized catch, but the sort of trophy-sized check that’s handed out to winners at the area’s premier fishing tournaments.

Here’s a look at the most prestigious and prize money packed tournaments on tap in 2018, both in Cabo San Lucas, and on the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape…

East Cape Dorado Shootout  (July 21)

The rules are simple for the 14 edition of this East Cape classic:  catch the biggest dorado on Saturday, July 21st, and you win a brand new, fully loaded, 2018 4×4 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught. This year’s entry fee is $500. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja. In addition to dinner and music,  over $30,000 in raffle items will be given away.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore  (July 31 – Aug. 4)

The East Cape Offshore is one of three Bisbee’s sponsored fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2018 series on July 31st. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots. Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament  (Oct. 14 – 18)

Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in México, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments – the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue – get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The three tournaments combined last year to pay out over $4,735,000 to the winners. The 20th annual LCBT has three entry levels:  a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore  (Oct. 18 – 21)

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of money are always donated to local causes. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $17,000 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue  (Oct. 23 – 27)

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).

WON Tuna Jackpot  (Nov. 7 – 10)

The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. Last year’s event, the 19th edition, saw 147 teams competed across 11 events for over $677,000 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.

 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 WON Tuna Jackpot.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 February

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

 March

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

Todos Santos Historic Homes Tour – March 4

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

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

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

 May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

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

June

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

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

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

July – August

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

September

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

 October

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

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

 November

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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: , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – February 18, 2018

February 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 18, 2018

This week began with light crowds of visiting anglers, ended up being very busy, particularly on Friday, when everyone decided to go fishing. Weather patterns were a little up and down as well, some wind early in the week , then laying down, before picking up swiftly again from the north on Friday. Water conditions are now more stable in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, cooler greenish water has steadily been pushing in the from the north, water temperature ranging from 67 to 74 degrees.

The majority of the fishing action centered from off of Santa Maria, to Palmilla and north to San Luis. The yellowfin tuna action slowed down progressively throughout the week, early on there were decent reports of yellowfin being encountered with moving porpoise, at times within a few miles of shore, then they moved further offshore and were hard to even find and often when the porpoise were found there were no tuna associated with them, that type of action can often prove to be sporadic. Most of these yellowfin that were found weighed in the 20 to 30 lb. class.

These fish were striking best on various baitfish. The sardinas became a bit more scattered, but these baitfish were still being netting near the rocky beaches from Palmilla and to the south. Mackerel also proved to be a good option, these had to be jigged up off of the San Jose del Cabo hotel area, several miles offshore, not a guarantee with the sabiki’s, though at times proved to be the more productive bait.

Dorado numbers were down, as can be expected for this time of year, scattered fish in small schools and many of these were very juvenile, under  five pounds, should really be released if at all possible, just an occasional dorado now being landed that are over ten pounds. Did not hear of any wahoo, which is also expected during this out of season period.

Only a handful of striped marlin being found on the local grounds, surprising since their favored food source, the mackerel, are present. Not much action being found offshore now, most charters are having more success closer to shore for species such as sierra, pargo, snapper, cabrilla, island jacks, triggerfish, etc…Not a lot of trophy sized fish now, but there has been a variety of smaller good eating specimens to be had. Soaking bait off the bottom, produced, as well as yo-yo and casting jigs. No yellowtail to report, it is the time of year we should start to see some of these fighting jacks, there have been some smaller sized amberjack found and the highlight off the bottom rock piles have been leopard grouper, ranging in sizes up to 20 lb. Drift fishing with live mackerel proved to account for the best chances for these prized eating cabrilla. Other bottom action included miscellaneous yellow snapper, bonito, triggerfish, island jack, barred pargo and surgeonfish. We did not hear of any red crab activity recently, hard to predict when these crustaceans will drift to the surface.

The better sierra numbers came from Palmilla to Chileno, sardinas and casting small jigs worked for these, average weight was 2 to 4 lb. Lots of whale activity continues, as we are now in peak season for these migrating mammals.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 5 striped marlin, 18 yellowfin tuna, 85 dorado, 9 amberjack, 24 yellow snapper, 12 island jack, 6 surgeonfish, 12 barred pargo, 16 Eastern Pacific bonito, 135 sierra, 25 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 65 huachinango (red snapper) and 55 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 – February 11, 2018

February 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 11, 2018

Moderate crowds of tourists now, though not many of them are actually anglers looking to go sportfishing. The weather continued to be a bit unpredictable from day to day, as is normal for this month of February. Recently we have seen warmer conditions, earlier in the week we had much morning cloud cover, finally burning off later in the day, by Friday we saw more sunshine, highs up into the 80s. Wind was lighter as well and anglers had great ocean conditions most days. Ocean water temperatures are still ranging from 70 to 75 degree. Clarity was a bit off colored on the Gordo Banks and towards the north. Most fishing action centered from Iman Bank, Punta Gorda, straight off of San Jose and towards Santa Maria.

Sardinas were being netted near Cabo Real and towards Chileno. Strips of squid and some rigged ballyhoo were also being used. Mackerel and sardineta schools were still on local grounds and have been another bait option.

The action for the larger grade of tuna to over 100 lb. faded out on the Gordo Banks, mainly due to the conditions turning over, greener water. There were some yellowfin tuna coming up on the Iman Bank earlier in the week, but these fish proved very elusive and not many were hooked up.  Mid-week there were sizable pods of porpoise encountered, from 2 to 4 miles outside of San Jose del Cabo and towards La Laguna, the yellowfin tuna were traveling with them. Charters were able to land from one or two, up to 10 tuna, in the 20 to 35 lb. class, all depending on where you were at a given time, these schools were moving quickly and had to be chased around. Dropping various baitfish into the action was the best bet, very few were striking on lures.

Dorado action continued, the majority of these fish found within a couple of miles of shore, most of these were under 10 lb., with an occasional exception up to 15 lb. Striking on bait best, a smaller percentage on lures. Along the shoreline, particularly near to Cabo San Lucas, off of Chileno, there were some nice sized sierra hitting on slow trolled sardinas, a few up over 8 lb. Also a handful of juvenile sized roosterfish.

Some more activity with the pelagic red crab, some days they were found drifting to the surface and were netted and used for bait, with some decent catches of red snapper coming in. Though this was not a for sure consistent deal from day to day. Commercial fleets were eager to get a supply of the red crabs, at times saving some in make shift live tanks to be used for the next day, in case they were not found on the surface. So we will follow this action closely, this was the same scenario last year during approximately this same time frame.

Other bottom action was slow, besides the red crab bite with the huachinango, red snapper. A few bonito, cabrilla (leopard grouper), barred pargo, medium sized amberjack, yellow snapper and triggerfish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 61 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 2 striped marlin, a wahoo, 76 yellowfin tuna, 105 dorado, 3 amberjack, 9 yellow snapper, 8 barred pargo, 14 Eastern Pacific bonito, 68 sierra, 6 roosterfish, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 110 huachinango (red snapper) and 40 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 – February 4, 2018

February 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 4, 2018

We have started the new month of February, which locally is always known to be full of unpredictable weather patterns and sure enough we had a crazy start to this week. We felt strong north winds out of the north for most of the week, cooler green water pushing in from Los Frailes towards the Gordo Banks, ocean currents were down in the 70 to 71 degree range, then winds resided and we felt calmer conditions. Low morning temperatures were up to 68 degrees and the water temperature warmed back up into the 74 degree range, as well as clearing back up to a nice blue color within a couple mile of shore. On the Pacific the water was up to 75 degrees. So conditions were changing daily, daytime high temperatures reach up to 85 degrees on some days. On Thursday we actually had a surprising amount of rainfall on Thursday, as moisture sweeping in the from the southwest brought much needed relief to the dry landscape.

Light crowds of visiting anglers were finding decent supplies of sardinas, which are now being netted off the beach stretches from Cabo Real to Chileno. There were other bait options including mackerel, sardineta, caballito and strips of squid. Fleets were fishing areas from the Pacific Banks, Santa Maria, Gordo Banks and north towards Iman. Most common catches were for dorado, which were found close to shore, as well on the offshore grounds, striking more often on baitfish, but also on trolled artificials. Average size fish was under 10 pounds, though on the Pacific there were reports of a larger grade of dorado up to 20 lb. Getting late in the season now, though the warmer water has kept these gamefish hanging around in local waters.

Wahoo were scarce, only a few fish reported off the East Cape areas, a few more reports of these fish being found on the Banks off of the Pacific, where the warmest currents are now holding, very late in the season for these fish as well.

More billfish activity straight out of Cabo San Lucas and towards the Pacific, though a bit slower during this full moon period, only a scattering of the striped marlin are now being encountered off of San Jose del Cabo, should start to swift this direction in the coming months.

Yellowfin tuna were being found through the region, from on the Pacific Banks to the Gordo Banks, no big numbers at all, though the yellowfin were a nice grade, most of them ranging from 40 lb. to 130 lb. The largest tuna seem to be coming off of the Inner or Outer Gordo Banks. Drift fishing with various baits was the main technique, finicky fish, often they could be seen in numbers breezing on the surface, but would be difficult to entice into striking the hooked baits, also continued heavier boat pressure on the Gordo Banks, since within that range this was one of the more productive areas now providing opportunities at quality fish.

Inshore had not produced much more that a scattering of small roosterfish, a few sierra, with more numbers reportedly on the Pacific. The bottom action was spotty, strong current much of the week, most common catches were smaller sized pargo, a few cabrilla and amberjack, as well as the ever present triggerfish.

Plenty of whale action now, peak season for both humpback and gray’s

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 59 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 8 striped marlin, 2 wahoo, 74 yellowfin tuna, 115 dorado, 5 amberjack, 13 yellow snapper, 5 barred pargo, 16 Eastern Pacific bonito, 12 roosterfish, 15 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 22 huachinango (red snapper) and 40 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: , , , , , , ,

Cabo Fishing Report – January 28, 2018

January 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

January 28, 2018

Through December and the first half of January the weather patterns in the Los Cabos area was very ideal, warmer than usual, with the normally very persistent north winds being much lighter and not even much of a factor, this in turn also contributed to the ocean water temperatures holding several degrees warmer than normal, all this was good news for keeping the pelagic gamefish such as dorado, yellowfin tuna and wahoo on local fishing grounds. This past week light crowds of visitors were greeted with stronger gusting winds from the north, starting last Sunday and finally tapering off by later in the week. Water temperatures were down in the 70 to 75 degree range, with the coldest currents now pushing south from Los Frailes in the direction of the Gordo Banks.

The bait supply remained steady for sardinas, with the main concentrations of these preferred bait now centered near Cabo Real, other options being used are caballito, mackerel and strips of squid. The highlight for action recently has been on the Gordo Banks for quality sized yellowfin tuna, with fish in the 50 to 150 lb. range being hooked into while drift fishing. Finicky action, where with the wind made it even much tougher, but fish were still being hooked into, some lost and a percentage landed, basically if you did accountant for one or two of these tuna you were fortunate. A lot of factors were involved, first the fish were hitting best on leader not heavier than 50 or 60 lb., which resulted in many of the larger fish breaking off, then there were sea lions and sharks that taking their share as well. Heavy pressure was on these grounds now, as this was one of the better options available. Late in the week the action was progressively slowing down as compared to last week and the first few days of this week. Other tuna action for a smaller grade of fish was found off of Santa Maria, but there were no big numbers there either and that bite was on one day and then off the other, very hit or miss, but was a decent option since it was close to shore in more protected waters.

Dorado action is tapering off as well, which would be normal for this time of year, some fish were found on the same grounds as were the tuna and other found close to shore, best chances were on various baits and sizes ranged up to 15 lb. Average catches for dorado were now less than one per charter. No wahoo to report, though chances are there are still a few them hanging around.

Not a whole lot of bottom action going on, particularly with the stiffer winds creating choppy seas and swift currents. Closer to shore off of shallow rock piles there were some pargo, red snapper, amberjack, leopard grouper, bonito and triggerfish found, but this action was limited. Close to shore there were smaller sized roosterfish off of the San Jose del Cabo hotel zone and around on the Pacific there was better action reported for sierra, hopefully this is a favorable sign that these fish are heading in the direction of the Sea of Cortez as well.

Billfish activity increased some out of San Jose del Cabo, still no big numbers, but everyday anglers are reportedly spotting a few striped marlin on the local grounds and some were hooked on trolled lures, as well as on various larger baitfish. Early week there was a black marlin, estimated close to 50 lb. brought in to Puerto Los Cabos Marina off of a cruiser, definitely out of season, but just proves that you really never know what can happen on a given day.

Peak season now for whale activity, some of the best viewing can be found on the same regular fishing grounds, no need to take a specific trip looking for them, you can see plenty of these mammals as you are also fishing.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 69 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 1 black marlin, 1 spearfish, 11 striped marlin, 11 sierra, 55 yellowfin tuna, 62 dorado, 12 amberjack, 17 yellow snapper, 6 barred pargo, 15 Eastern Pacific bonito, 18 roosterfish, 18 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 3 broom tail grouper, 25 huachinango (red snapper) and 65 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 – January 21, 2018

January 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

January 21, 2018

Another week with moderately light crowds of tourists visiting the Los Cabos area. For those that did make the trip, they were enjoying very pleasant winter time weather conditions. Mostly clear sunny skies, light winds, minimal swells, with high temperatures averaging in the upper 70s. early morning there was now more of a chill factor, as we felt temperatures as cold as 53 degrees, so those getting up early to participate in outdoor activities do need to dress accordingly, once the sun comes up it warms up fairly quickly.

Ocean temperatures are now ranging 74 to 78 degrees, warmer currents found several miles offshore. Clarity was also good for this time of year, blue water within a few miles of shore, lighter northern winds have kept conditions more favorable closer to shore. Schools of sardinas were congregated now near Cabo Real, though the first part of the week the bait netters also found these preferred baitfish north near San Luis, but then again returned back to Cabo Real. Other bait options were caballito and slabs of squid, which once again were used for drift fishing for a late season run of quality grade yellowfin tuna to over 100 lb. on the Gordo Banks.

The bite for the medium sized tuna in the 15 to 25 lb. class that had been going on near La Fortuna and to Iman Bank, became much more spotty and problem with pesky sea lions and sharks continued. The highlight this past week was the resurgence of the bite once again on the Gordo Banks for yellowfin tuna that were ranging from 60 to 100 and even to over 150 lb. No big numbers, though anglers that specially targeting these fish were sometimes coming away with one, two or three quality tuna. These fish were hitting best on the Outer Gordo Banks for anglers that were chumming consistently and using strips of squid, dead sardinas and chunk of skipjack, the key was to be persistent, lots of pressure, as the word of this action spread, boats of all sizes converged on these grounds to take advantage of this unusual late season opportunity.

With the billfish action out of San Jose del Cabo now very limited, the next best option was to target areas within a couple miles of shore, such as Punta Gorda, Cardon and La Fortuna, this is where decent numbers of dorado up to 15 lb. were being found, more often striking while slow trolling of drift fishing various baits. Only a handful of wahoo were reported, though they still are in the area, as water temperatures are still holder warmer than normal.

Fishing fish chunk bait and on occasion yo-yo jigs produced varying results off of the rocky high spots for a mix of quality eating specimens, most of them under 15 lb. This past week there were also chances at encountered pelagic red crags drifting to the surface. They could then be used for bait and were deadly for the huachinango, the true Pacific red snapper. This still being a very hit of miss deal, as to when and where the red crabs would surface on a given day.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 78 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 5 striped marlin,  1 sailfish, 5 wahoo, 15 sierra, 72 yellowfin tuna, 165 dorado, 6 amberjack, 22 yellow snapper, 18 barred pargo, 18 Eastern Pacific bonito, 12 white skipjack, 75 black skipjack, 6 roosterfish,  22 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 5 broom tail grouper, 72 huachinango (red snapper) 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

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report January 14, 2018

January 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

January14, 2018

This past week there were less numbers of tourists in town, as we expected a decline as the holiday season comes to an end. Locally we continued to enjoy great winter time weather patterns, with mostly sunny days and high temperatures in the upper 70s. Light winds and minimal swells made for great conditions on the ocean, as anglers were targeting a variety of gamefish species.

The bait situation remained steady for sardinas and caballito, the larger baitfish, caballito, being found inside the marina area, while sardinas were schooling along the rocky beach stretches from Palmilla to Cabo Real. Offshore of the hotel zone there were concentrations of mackerel and sardineta. Water temperature is now in the 73 to 75 degree range, we have seen a cooling trend and also inshore areas were no longer as clean and blue, more greenish current starting to push in. This is common for this transition period. Warm water species of fish will now start to migrate towards southern regions and cooler water species will become more prevalent.

Main target species continued to be dorado and yellowfin tuna, early in the week the yellowfin tuna action was very good, with both Palmilla Point and La Fortuna producing tuna in the 15 to 25 lb. class. Drift fishing with fly lined bait was the main technique. There were problems with sea lions and sharks taking their share of hooked up fish, particularly near La Fortuna. The tuna bite was much slower later in the week, as more skipjack were showing up on these same grounds and winds increased some.

Dorado actin has been good now for the past month, even though most of these fish are not giants, averaging 5 to 15 lb. At least we finally saw more numbers of these popular gamefish. They have been found in smaller sized schools on the same grounds as the yellowfin tuna, as well as closer to shore, more often within a mile of shore. Striking best on a variety of baitfish, with a smaller percentage coming on trolling lures. This action for the dorado also tampered off later in the week, compared to the first part. This is mid-winter now and just about time these tropical species start searching out waters further south.

Wahoo action came to a halt, with only a handful of these fish reportedly hooked up this past week. The combination of it being very late in the season now, with cooling currents, becoming greener are all factors. Though the relentless spear fishing activity now going on close to shore off of Punta Gorda has been a major issue as to the more limited action for the conventional rod and reel anglers. This area is already a fragile fishery, dealing with ever increasing pressure, it is shame that authorities allow this to even go on.

The bill fish action off of San Jose del Cabo, which had just started up the previous week, came to a standstill, as the greener water seemed to be a factor, though off of the Pacific the fleets did report much better chances for striped marlin. A few thrasher sharks also now being reported, as well as makos.

Along the shoreline there were more juvenile sized roosterfish showing, which should be released on every possible chance. The annual run for sierra is overdue, heavy gill net pressure on the Pacific is also another situation to deal with. More closed off sanctuary zones, such as Cabo Pulmo, are needed locally.

Bottom fishing beginning to show better signs of producing, though strong currents are still plaguing preferring areas. Best catches were made in waters ranging 60 to 120 ft., using various whole and cut baits, catches included leopard grouper, yellow snapper, surgeonfish, amberjack, bonito, triggerfish, barred pargo and dogtooth snapper.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 82 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 4 striped marlin, 1 black marlin, 2 sailfish, 9 wahoo, 9 sierra, 195 yellowfin tuna, 245 dorado, 13 amberjack, 19 yellow snapper, 10 barred pargo, 22 Eastern Pacific bonito, 25 white skipjack, 255 black skipjack, 38 roosterfish, 29 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 3 dogtooth snapper and 105 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 – January 7, 2017

January 7, 2018 by Leave a Comment

January 7, 2018

The New Year started off with continued large crowds of Holiday tourists visiting Los Cabos. Though next week numbers of visitors will be much lighter, as it will be time when people return to work and school classes resume. While people across North America were enduring frigid record setting icy cold temperatures, local weather has been very ideal considering this is the middle of winter, though low temperatures dipped down into the upper 50s, daytime highs reached near 80 degrees. Mostly sunny skies with variable clouds, light wind and swells in recent days made for great conditions for anglers taking advantage of great late season action for a variety of gamefish. Ocean temperature were in the 74 to 78 degree range, warm enough to keep action hot for the surface pelagic species.

With the Pacific being the best area to find striped marlin action in recent weeks, particularly towards Golden Gate Bank, though this action for the billfish is now switching closer to Cabo San Lucas and on to the grounds off of San Jose del Cabo, because the schooling mackerel, the favored food source, are also now abundant off of San Jose del Cabo. We anticipate to see the marlin bite open up in coming weeks

The most common action being consistently targeted has been the bite for yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo, with the most productive grounds being from off of Palmilla, Punta Gorda and to La Fortuna, all within a couple miles of shore. Sardinas are being netted in the surf zones, from Palmilla to Cabo Real, these are now the best bait for having success on the yellowfin tuna, as well as dorado, though caballito, mackerel and sardineta are also being used. The yellowfin are striking best while drift fishing baits, at times they are seen feeding and proving to be finicky, lots of boat pressure this past week, but with patience many nice tuna in the 10 to 25 lb. class were being landed.

Best chances for dorado were on the same grounds where the tuna were found, running in smaller sized schools, striking the sardinas and the larger baits, slow trolling was the belter technique for the dorado, sizes ranged 5 to 20 lb. Nice late season bonus, actually for the past month we have seen better dorado action than during the previous fall months.

Wahoo action rebounded again this past week, though as we know, these fish are especially susceptible to becoming finickier when there are larger crowds of boats. For anglers that specifically targeted the wahoo while slow trolling larger baitfish either off of Punta Gorda or Palmilla, they did well, landing as many as two, three or four or five wahoo per morning, with other strikes lost.  Handful of these fish also hit on cast yo-yo jigs or higher speed trolled lures, but by far the best chance was on larger baits such as caballito, mackerel, sardineta or chihuil.

There were many wahoo coming in that were in the 10 to 25 range, but there were also equal numbers of fish in the 30 to 45 lb. range accounted for. We expect the wahoo action to continue through the month, as long as we do not get blasted too much from frigid north winds. Water conditions are ideal now, as clean blue water is found within one mile of shore, also an abundance of baitfish in the area, these factors contribute to making the wahoo even more active.

Bottom action was spotty, even though winds were moderate, there was still strong currents running. Best action was found off the shallower rock reefs, using chunk bait in about 70 to 90 feet of water, a variety of snapper, pargo, cabrilla, triggerfish, bonito and a handful of amberjack, including one we saw in the 60 lb. class.

Good numbers of juvenile roosterfish moved in off of the hotel zone, remember to release these prized fighting gamefish when at all possible, they are not known for their eating quality. Only limited numbers of sierra now being encountered, as water cools we should see increased numbers of these.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 160 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 6 striped marlin, 72 wahoo, 15 sierra, 470 yellowfin tuna, 310 dorado, 11 amberjack, 21 yellow snapper, 17 barred pargo, 24 Eastern Pacific bonito, 35 white skipjack, 42 roosterfish, 28 cabrilla and 160 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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