April 8, 2018
As spring break now winds down we have noticed that crowds of tourists are lighter. Great time to visit now, as weather
conditions are ideal, clear sunny skies, light winds, with high temperatures up in the 85 degree range. Early mornings were still a little chilly, down to 59 degrees, warming quickly as the sun rose. Still quite a few whales being seen, despite now being late in the season for them.
Most local sportfishing charters are now concentrating on the fishing grounds from La Fortuna, Iman Bank and towards Vinorama. Supplies of sardinas have become more scattered, with the other type of clear sardina being more common, these do not stay alive well, but do work dead for the yellowfin tuna and other species. In recent days the yellowfin tuna action was very spotty around the Iman Bank, the tuna could be seen often breezing and feeding on the surface, but were very finicky, the few yellowfin that were actually landed weighed in the 25 to 50 lb. class. There were some new reports of some charters heading further north, past Vinorama and finding some more cooperative tuna on those grounds.
Dorado were also much scarcer this past week, though we did see a couple of fish up in the 20 lb. range. Water temperature was averaging about 73 degrees and clarity was up and down, with very strong currents moving through, one day it could be more greenish, and then it would clear backup on others.
Striped marlin were still being found, but they have moved further offshore searching for their favored food source. Rigged ballyhoo, lures and skipjack were being used with varying results.
Perhaps the highlight of the week was the pelagic red crabs making a strong showing on local grounds, from the Gordo Banks to Iman Bank. Appearing on the surface in masses and being scooped up and in return used for baiting up the red snapper, or locally referred to as the huachinango, prized eating, the true Pacific red snapper, ranging in sizes up to 12 lb. Scrappy fighters on light tackle as well. A very popular and valued commercial species, so everyone is now out in force taking advantage of this event as long as it continues. This is a deal that can end on any given day.
Other bottom action included a mix of amberjack, leopard grouper, yellow snapper, barred pargo, surgeon fish, bonito and triggerfish. More reports of action being found on yo-yo jigs, as well as drift fishing with bait. Though strong currents made this type of fishing much more challenging, will be much improved when these swift currents do slack up.
Inshore action was limited, not many sierra and a few mostly smaller sized roosterfish. No sign of the annual migration of mullet yet, still a little early in the season for that.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 81 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 18 striped marlin, 13 dorado, 68 yellowfin tuna, 22 yellow snapper, 23 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 310 huachinango (red snapper), 95 bonito, 14 amberjack, 4 island jack, 9 surgeon fish, 15 barred pargo, 4 broomtail grouper, 14 roosterfish, 16 sierra and 155 triggerfish.
Good fishing, Eric
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
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