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Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 17, 2019

November 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

November 17, 2019

Large crowds of anglers continue to arrive, as the peak fall season will be winding down in a couple of weeks. Weather patterns have been abnormally unpredictable, with winds out of the north increasing, creating choppy seas. Presently we are following development and forecast for Tropical Storm Raymond, which is expected to bring significant rainfall to Southern Baja, strong winds and has forced Port Closure for at least Sunday, most likely Monday as well. Also the annual local Wahoo tournament was canceled and rescheduled for Dec. 15. Looks as though by Monday mid-day this rare late season topical system will pass to the north and dissipate rapidly. Water temperature averaging 80 degree through much of the region.

Sportfishing fleets are covering all directions, most local fleets are now working the grounds from the Gordo Banks to Vinorama. Bait vendors are selling caballito, limited sardinas, ballyhoo and slabs of squid, on the Pacific there are schools of mackerel, the next month is when these baitfish start to move towards the sea of Cortez. Most common target species now have been yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado and billfish, more marlin action now towards Cabo San Lucas.

The yellowfin tuna action had vanished off of the areas north of Gordo, especially near San Luis Bank. This week there were once again a quality grade of tuna to over 100 lb, was found on local grounds, including one 240 lb. cow Friday afternoon, no big numbers, but everyday a handful are being brought in, with many others being lost. Bite was sporadic, some fish hooked early, then dead action for hours, but maybe later they go on another bite. Most all of these yellowfin were striking on strips of squid, lots of chum needed to keep making continued drifts. Some charters had as many as three or four tuna, most felt lucky to have one. Also some smaller football sized tuna found with sardinas or hoochies, scattered bite though.

This week we saw more dorado than previously, though more dorado were being found towards Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific, where we heard of some bulls to 30 lb., the dorado off of San Jose del Cabo have been mainly under ten pounds. Wahoo action continued to be more consistent near Vinorama, though this bite slowed during passing of recent full moon, fish still being seen, but more finicky, best chances have been on slow trolled baits, such as caballito, skipjack or chihuil. A few fish also striking on Rapalas, but not as many lure strikes as we traditionally would expect. In recent days charters were doing well to land a wahoo or two, the fish brought in were weighing up to 45 lb. An occasional striped marlin or sailfish were hooked on these same grounds as where the wahoo, tuna, dorado were encountered.

With the windier conditions and combined currents, not a whole lot of bottom action going on, mainly triggerfish, we did see more of the bonito showing, a few red snapper and an odd leopard grouper or barred pargo.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 134 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 1 blue marlin, 4 striped marlin, 28 dorado, 44 yellowfin tuna, 45 wahoo, 10 yellow snapper, 5 barred pargo, 4 leopard grouper, 3 amberjack, 48 Mexican bonito, 8 yellow snapper, 6 sierra, 12 roosterfish, 2 surgeon fish, 8 golden eyed tilefish and 35 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: , , , , , , ,

A Season to Remember: Whale Watching in Los Cabos

November 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Some things in Los Cabos you can always count on. There will always be sunshine, beautiful beaches and great fishing, no matter what time of year you visit. Other notable attractions, however, can only be enjoyed during a specific season. Such is the case with whale watching season, when many of the world’s largest creatures leave their arctic summer feeding grounds to migrate to winter breeding grounds around Baja California Sur.

Whale watching season in Los Cabos officially starts on December 15th and continues for three months until March 15th. That’s a 90-day window for what amounts to a bucket list opportunity: the chance to get up-close with leviathans whose size and power almost defies description.

Everything about whale watching season in Los Cabos is larger than life. Even the migration is magnificent. In fact, the longest migration in recorded history involves a gray whale–dubbed Varvara by scientists –who in 2015 completed a 14,000-mile round-trip journey from Russia to Cabo San Lucas. Not bad for a nine-year-old.

But such long-distance travels are almost commonplace among the 5,000 to 10,000 whales that visit the southern shores of Baja California Sur each winter. Los Cabos itself is rarely the destination, but rather a transit zone. Gray whales favor Ojo de Liebre or Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast for their breeding activities, while humpbacks and other species continue on into the Sea of Cortez.

Visitors to Los Cabos during whale watching season often spy these transiting cetaceans from their resorts, sometimes even from local golf courses. But by far the best way to see them, and to get as close as possible, is by embarking on Zodiac boats tours. These high-speed inflatables have enough power to allow their captains to spot whale spume and anticipate where the next breach will occur. 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 working to achieve an even rudimentary understanding.

No whales breach more spectacularly than humpbacks, and as luck would have it humpbacks are by far the most commonly sighted species in Los Cabos. But they’re not the only species by any means. Orcas are sometimes sighted, as are sperm and even blue whales, the latter being the largest creature ever to existed on Earth.

Those are rare occurrences, however. Humpbacks, on the other hand, are seen daily during whale watching season in Los Cabos, and they rarely fail to put on a show. Breaching is their most breathtaking maneuver–a move some scientists speculate is to rid themselves of barnacles, although honestly they might just be showing off.

Wouldn’t you if you weighed 60,000 pounds, the average weight of an adult humpback?

Some other fun facts about humpbacks:  The average life expectancy is 45 to 50 years, and they are enormously intelligent, possessing a “spindle” neuron in their cerebral cortex that exists only in whales, dolphins, humans and great apes. The smartest whales, however, are sperm whales, who have brains five times the size of humans.

Gray whales, the second most commonly sighted whale species in local waters, live an average of 70 years. So if Varvara’s trip from Russia to Cabo San Lucas is her normal migration and she does it every year of her life, she will have traveled approximately 980,000 miles.

Yet more proof of the high intelligence of whales, since no distance is too far to travel if it means you get to spend the winter in Cabo!

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 credit:  Cabo Adventures

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 3 – 16

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

Luxe Life Los Cabos Jazz Experience – Nov. 7 – 11

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

December

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

Sabor a Cabo Rural Tasting – Dec. 8

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

Rock Fest in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 15

20th Annual Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

March

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24

Gala de Danza at Viceroy Los Cabos – Dates Not Yet Announced

 

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 3, 2019

November 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

November 3, 2019

Fall season is now at its peak, as scores of anglers are arriving daily, many of them now preparing for tournaments, including the WON Tuna Jackpot scheduled for this coming week. This Sunday is the Los Cabos Iron Man event, which means many streets and Hwy. closures, adding to already congested logistics or trying to get anywhere. Fall weather patterns started off calm this week, before the north winds picked back up mid-week, even had one day where there was light scattered rainfall. Ocean water temperature ranged 80 to 84 degrees with moderate swells and at times swift currents.

Always heavy pressure this time of year on local bait resources, we are now seeing a combination of sardinas, slabs of squid, caballito, ballyhoo and some skippers able to find chihuil. Surprisingly supplies are holding up better than we would imagine, will be interesting to see how supplies hold through this month.

Charters are scouting out all directions, most local sportfishing fleets are fishing grounds from the Gordo Banks, Iman, San Luis and as far north as Vinorama.  Action has been spread out and changing from day to day, as to where the bite is best. Early week the best action proved to be for wahoo near Vinorama, finding the chihuil baitfish was the secret to success, not always easy to obtain these candy baits, more of a super panga deal, on certain high spots with specialized rigs. Not many wahoo were striking the trolled lures at this time, best chances were on slow trolled trap hooked baits and early morning before too many boats congregated. The wahoo were averaged in the 25 to 35 lb. class. High boats brought in five, other one, two or three, of course many other were lost for the normal wahoo reasons.

Dorado remained scarce and scattered, only seeing one or two fish for all groups of charter’s per day, we heard of more numbers on the Pacific, but even there the dorado were not nearly as numerous as previous months. More marlin appeared, even in the direction off of San Jose del, though the billfish were much more active towards Cabo San Lucas and on the Pacific. We even had some sailfish and at least one 180 lb. class blue marlin was accounted for. With the warmer water there are still chances at the larger sized black and blue marlin.

Yellowfin tuna were elusive, being targeted on San Luis Banks, as wells as Gordo Banks, though very few were actually landed this week, most of the tuna we did see were in the 60 to 90 lb. range, a few smaller 10 to 20 lb. These yellowfin hit a wide variety pf baits, not on lures, Drift fishing with squid or using chihuil and live skipjack produced strikes. Heavy pressure, combined with lots of nature food source, swift currents, now have these fish skittish and finicky, of course on any given day they could become more aggressive, they are definitely still yellowfin through the area.

Not much off the bottom, triggerfish, bonito, smaller sized snapper and cabrilla were the most common, swift currents have not helped that action at all.

Along the shoreline there were good numbers of juvenile roosterfish, which should always be released, also some early season sierra and jack crevalle in the mix.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 140 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 1 blue marlin, 2 sailfish, 14 striped marlin, 18 yellowfin tuna, 11 dorado, 52 wahoo, 4 barred pargo, 10 leopard grouper, 38 Mexican bonito, 8 yellow snapper, 2 dogtooth snapper, 8 sierra, 6 Pacific golden eyed tilefish, 4 rainbow runner, 4 jack crevalle, 24 roosterfish 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: , , , , , , ,

Food Festivals, Fishing Tournaments & Other Fiestas: November Events in Los Cabos

November 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

No month shines brighter than November when it comes to signature Los Cabos events. The region’s most glamorous event, the Los Cabos International Film Festival, once again promises red carpet celebrity sightings, as well as some of the best of contemporary North American cinema. The finest of fine dining will also be on display as dozens of the top chefs in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo gather for the area’s biggest food and wine festival, Sabor a Cabo. And of course there are fishing tournaments galore, abundant cultural to-dos, and iconic Mexican holidays like Day of the Dead.

In other words, while there’s never really a bad time to visit Los Cabos, it’s hard to find a better time than November.

Dia de Muertos – November 1 – 2

Mexico observes many holidays, but none quite so visually distinctive and emotionally resonant as El Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday to honor deceased family and friends dates back to the time of the Aztecs–who dedicated a festival to Mictecacihuatl, queen of the underworld, each August–but now takes place contemporaneously with the Catholic observance of Allhallowtide. Traditionally, it is thought that the souls of children return on November 1st, and the souls of adults on November 2nd. Families will often build ofrendas (altars) in their homes, welcoming back the spirits of the departed with some of their favorite food and drinks, as well as special holiday themed items like cempasuchil flowers (Aztec marigolds), calaveras de azucar (candy skulls), and a sweet bread called pan de muerto. The most famous calavera, an elegantly costumed skeleton named Catrina, was created in the early 20th century by illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada. Catrina figures are commonly seen around Los Cabos during the Day of the Dead observances, as are a few public ofrendas.

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – November 3 – 16

The funniest book every written about the Baja California peninsula and its idiosyncratic residents was the work of a Western Outdoor News columnist and all-around fine writer named Fred Hoctor. The book, called Baja Haha, was published in 1984 and has been something of a cult classic among gringo expats ever since. Sadly, Señor Hoctor is no longer with us, but his title and off-kilter humor lives on in the form of Baja Ha-Ha, a 750-mile cruisers rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas that began in the early 1990s and celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, from November 3rd to 16th. Cruising the Baja coast isn’t inherently funny in itself. Rather, it’s the safe but lighthearted approach of the participants, led by their “Grand Poobah,” that make the rally special. Since the inaugural event, over 3,000 boats and 10,000 sailors have participated. Seagoing vessels between 27’ and 100’ in length are eligible, and can look forward to two scheduled stops along the way, at Tortuga and Santa Maria Bays, before reaching Cabo San Lucas.

21st Annual WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament – November 6 – 9

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 20th edition, saw 163 boats compete for over $841,600 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.

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

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose 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.

 

Los Cabos International Film Festival – November 13 to 17

 

The Los Cabos International Film Festival returns for its 8th edition on November 13th, with an inaugural red carpet gala and screening at the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas. The celebrity and paparazzi studded galas receive much of the attention, but the heart of the festival consists of curated screenings at Cinemex Theaters at Puerto Paraiso, and behind the scenes conferences and programs designed to promote mutually beneficial collaborations between the North American film industries. Thus, the LCIFF’s long-running tagline: “Come See What the Neighbors Are Doing.” There will be plenty of star power this year, however. The biggest confirmed attendee so far is legendary actor and two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, who will appear in conjunction with the Latin American premiere of director Martin Scorsese’s new film, The Irishman, in which De Niro stars opposite fellow screen icons Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

Sabor a Cabo International Food and Wine Festival – November 30

This is the biggest food and wine festival in Los Cabos, annually drawing over 3,000 attendees for a huge outdoor party at one of the area’s most picturesque locales. Food is the undoubted focus, with delicious dishes served up from over 60 of the best local chefs. But beverages also get their due, as top tequilas and mezcals are showcased, as well as regional wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe. Entertainment, too, is presented on a grand scale; past performers include Grammy winner Lila Downs, Mexican supergroup Maná, and funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire. This year’s 14th annual “Taste of Cabo” will take place November 30 at Club Campestre Golf Club, site of several earlier fêtes. The musical headliner will be another multiple time Grammy winner, Madrid born singer Alejandro Sanz.

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 credit:  Sabor a Cabo

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 3 – 16

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

Luxe Life Los Cabos Jazz Experience – Nov. 7 – 11

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

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

Sabor a Cabo Rural Tasting – Dec. 8

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

 February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

Rock Fest in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 15

20th Annual Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

March

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24

Gala de Danza at Viceroy Los Cabos – Dates Not Yet Announced

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – October 27, 2019

October 28, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October 27, 2019

Busy times now in Los Cabos, peak fall tourist season, attracting hundreds of anglers from around the world, many of them participating in some of the world’s richest fishing tournaments, where pay outs can be in the millions of dollars. Weather settled down, perfect all around conditions, clear sunny skies, slightly brisk now early mornings, though days are still quite warm. Ocean swells minimal, with moderate variable breezes, shifting to the typical fall pattern, off the land, from the west early, then switching later out of the northeast, Ocean water temperature ranged 82 to 85 degrees from the Pacific and up past Los Frailes, or in the direction of the Sea of Cortez.

Sportfishing fleets and tournament participants are scouting out all directions, searching all possible options. Majority of local charters are now concentrating on the grounds from the Gordo Banks to Iman, San Luis and some venturing as far as Vinorama. Heavy pressure always means various bait options can become limited due to unavailable resource. Though this week with patience there seemed to be sufficient supplies of sardinas, slabs of squid and caballito. Sardinas were scarcer near the marina jetty’s and are now seen schooling off of Chileno, which means long back track for local bait vendors, as well as later start for anglers, if they want this bait option. Other anglers are going early, directly with squid and then some are catching chihuil on certain high spots, which proved to be probably the best chance now at hooking into a wahoo. Sardinas and the squid were best choice for finding any yellowfin tuna action. Dorado became very scattered, saw very few this week, not many billfish from the standard charters, more sailfish than others, a higher percentage of anglers were preferring to target wahoo or tuna.

Yellowfin tuna were found in recent days on the San Luis Bank, drift fishing with various baits, mainly sardinas and strips of squid. Yellowfin tuna to over 100 lb. were caught,  the majority of the tuna hooked into were in the 60 to 90 lb. class, no big numbers, but later in the week this bite did improve, some anglers later a couple of quality tuna. Only a handful of football sized yellowfin most were quality grade, of course lots of black skipjack and bonito to fight with.

Not many wahoo seemed to want the trolled lures, this week live bait proved best, particularly off of Vinorama, finding the live chihuil baitfish was not always an east guarantee. AS is the normal case, many more wahoo strikes were lost compared to actual fish landed. With the water temperature now still so warm, we expect wahoo action to be even better through next couple of months.

The a whole lot of bottom action even being attempted now, on and off currents and really nothing big happening, more triggerfish, bonito and smaller sized snapper.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 110 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 4 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 88 yellowfin tuna, 9 dorado, 68 wahoo, 12 leopard grouper, 35 Mexican bonito, 19 yellow snapper, 3 dogtooth snapper, 4 pompano, 8 sierra, 6 spotted rose snapper, 12 rainbow runner, 8 Pacific golden eyed tilefish and 80 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 – October 20, 2019

October 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October 20, 2019

The annual high stake billfish tournaments are now on going, with the granddaddy event of them all, the Bisbee Black & Blue, scheduled for this next week. So needless to say there are large numbers of visiting anglers now arriving. Last weekend’s scattered rain squalls, turned into more like isolated monsoons, very heavy rain on and off, which did cause major flooding in low lying locations. Now conditions are clear, drying out, high humidity just now starting to relent. Over the full moon period the winds became more unpredictable in recent days, coming from the north and at the same time swirling from the south. Ocean water temperature has ranged 80 to 85 degrees, warmer currents in the direction of the Sea of Cortez. With recent squalls, winds and currents, we saw varying ocean clarity. Most sportfishing charters locally were concentrating efforts on the grounds from the Gordo Banks to Iman and Vinorama. Bait supplies consisted of sardinas, being netted in the surf zone north of the marina at first light, also caballito, slabs of squid, ballyhoo, chihuil and skipjack being used.

Local Ports was closed partially Sunday and totally on Monday due to thunderstorms, fleets were back in operation Tuesday morning. Charters began scouting out to see where the best action could be found. Overall the bite proved to be more scattered than they were pre-storm. Combined factors of being full moon, baitfish a bit scarcer, added pressure, etc…More success proved to be found while using various baits, versus trolling lures.

The Gordo Banks produced a handful of yellowfin tuna up in the 100 lb. range, though numbers of yellowfin tuna found were higher near Iman Bank, still very spotty through the week, with anglers fortunate to land one or two tuna, with the majority ranging in the 20 to 70 lb. class. Dorado were scattered on these same grounds, found in smaller sized schools, while trolling lures, rigged ballyhoo, sardinas and chihuil. Most of the dorado we saw were in the 5 to 20 lb. range, heard of some larger bulls found on the Pacific.

Wahoo action being very good the previous week, slowed down over recent rainy and full moon period. Anglers who did best were the few that were able to find chihuil for use as bait for slow trolling. A handful also hit of Rapalas and rigged ballyhoo, we expect wahoo to become more active as conditions return to their liking.

A few sailfish and striped marlin being caught on the grounds off San Jose del Cabo, we heard of more billfish action on the Pacific and during the tournament they have weighed in impressive black and blue marlin.

Minimal bottom fishing being done now, no numbers of anything but triggerfish, a few amberjack, cabrilla, pargo, snapper and bonito.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 90 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 3 sailfish, 7 striped marlin, 72 yellowfin tuna, 76 dorado, 28 wahoo, 8 leopard grouper, 22 Mexican bonito, 1 broomtail grouper, 12 yellow snapper, 2 dogtooth snapper, 4 pompano, 1 mullet snapper, 5 surgeon fish, 12 sierra, 8 amberjack, 6 rainbow runner and 125 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: , , , , , , ,

When the Stars Come Out in Cabo: Robert de Niro to Attend Los Cabos Film Festival for the Latin American Premiere of His New Movie, The Irishman

October 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos has always been a favored vacation haunt of Hollywood movie stars and celebrities, dating back over 50 years to the days when John Wayne and Bing Crosby would fly into the tiny airstrip in Santiago to go white-winged dove hunting. In more recent years, however, the attractions have shifted from doves to the beautiful beaches, pampering amenities, and the privacy and luxury of ocean view villas.

The stars continue to visit Los Cabos regularly in 2019–from superstar athletes to A-list actors–but only rarely do they do so to work.

The Brad Pitt sword and sandal epic Troy in 2004 was the last major movie to use Cabo San Lucas as a primary filming location. The only work opportunity now is the Los Cabos Film Festival, which since 2012 has been drawing iconic stars of the silver screen to premiere new work or accept lifetime achievement awards. Acclaimed actor and two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, for example, will appear at the 2019 LCFF in conjunction with the Latin American premiere of Martin Scorsese’s new epic The Irishman, which also stars Oscar winners Al Pacino and Joe Pesci.

De Niro isn’t the first big-name star to walk the red carpet at the Pabellon Cultural de la Republica in Cabo San Lucas, where the festival holds it opening events and major premieres. In the seven years since it began, the festival has welcomed Edward Norton, Matt Dillon, Reese Witherspoon, Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Dennis Quaid, Oliver Stone and Nicole Kidman, among other notable actors and directors.

This year’s version, the 8th annual Los Cabos Film Festival, will be held Nov. 13 to 17, and will once again spotlight programs aimed at bringing together the North American film industries of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Much of the festival is dedicated to behind the scenes meetings, but of course for non-industry types who wish to attend the highlights will be the nightly premieres, which are presented by people like De Niro who are involved as actors or directors with the chosen films.

There’s no doubt that Scorsese’s The Irishman is the most anticipated premiere this year. Not only does De Niro’s scheduled appearance in Los Cabos stir interest, the film itself has been heavily anticipated for years; not only because it brings together an iconic director and all-star cast famed for their gangster roles, but because the film itself explores the intersection of organized crime with American politics. Former labor leader Jimmy Hoffa is one of several real life figures portrayed in the film.

The Irishman has also garnered substantial advance interest due to a pioneering new process Scorsese used in the film, which allows him to “youth-ify” his actors digitally so that their characters can be shown at different times of their life.

Those wishing to attend red carpet events, parties and premieres at the Los Cabos Film Festival can do so with VIP passes, available for purchase. Individual tickets can also be purchased for the dozens of films which will be screened at Cinemex Theaters at Puerto Paraiso, the shopping center which overlooks the Cabo San Lucas Marina. These tickets are no more expensive than normal movie tickets, but allow residents and visitors to see some of the most exciting new films in both English and Spanish.

Not everyone who attends the festival will see stars in person, in other words, but anyone who wants to can see them up on the screen in area theaters.

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 credit:  Los Cabos Film Festival

Upcoming Events Calendar

October

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

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Traditional Fiestas in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 17 – 20

San Jose del Cabo Restaurant Week – Oct. 19 – 26

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Los Cabos Tattoo Fest – Oct. 25 – 27

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

Halloween – Oct 31

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

 December

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

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala – Date Not Yet Announced

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

 February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

Rock Fest in Cabo San Lucas – Feb. 15

21st Annual Baja Hog Rally – Dates Not Yet Announced

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

March

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

El Triunfo Arts & Crafts Festival – Dates Not Yet Announced

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report October 13, 2019

October 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October 13, 2019

Increasing numbers of anglers are arriving each day, in the next couple of weeks the crowds of the fall season crowds will be peaking. Weather is now transitioning, noticeably cooler early mornings, though days are still warm, very humid, more tropical cloud cover and over the weekend major rain squalls, We saw wide varying ocean conditions this week, from flat glass, no breeze at all, to swirling winds and choppy seas.

The fishing action was almost as unpredictable as the wither patterns. One day very few fish would cooperate, next day we had great action for the elusive wahoo, then the yellowfin tuna action became more active, dorado were spotty, but some nice schools were occasionally encountered, at times close to shore, others further offshore. On Friday, legendary La Playita local pangero Hugo Pino brought in a yellowfin that weighed in at 264 lb., impressive cow, first of this class we have heard about this season off of the Gordo Banks, the tuna hit on a live skipjack. On Saturday local super panga skipper Chame Pino landed a 111 lb. tuna

Through most of the week the more consistent all around action was near Iman Bank, also north to San Luis and Vinorama. Sardinas were now being netted ear the marina jetty, already becoming more limited as season becomes busier, ballyhoo was a great option for wahoo, slabs of squid were using for drift fishing for the tuna, caballito were another option. A few charters were searching for chihuil, which were ideal for wahoo, when obtainable. Through mid-week the wahoo went on a great bite, fish to over 40 lb., striking trolled Rapalas, skirted lead heads and various baits. Rigged ballyhoo proved to work especially well. Some charters had as many as four wahoo, while losing other strikes. Things can happen quickly with these speedsters are aggressive.

Yellow tuna action was mainly centered on Iman Ban, but this week a handful of nicer quality tuna came off of the Gordo Banks. Bite was spotty from day to day, as currents and water clarity was fluctuating, best bet for the yellowfin seemed to be drift fishing with sardinas, squid and also slow trolling smaller sized skipjack. We saw yellowfin tuna this week from football sized, all the way up to cows of 264 lb. most tuna we are seeing were in the 15 to 70 lb. range.

Dorado became more scattered that they had been, though there are some decent schools of these fish being found, of the fish we did see, we saw more respectable sized 10 to 20 lb. specimens.

We heard of more striped marlin activity out of Cabo San Lucas, though on the grounds off of San Jose del Cabo and towards the north there was some striped marlin and a few sailfish reported.

Off the bottom there was no consistent bite going on, a scattering of pargo, snapper, cabrilla, bonito and the highlight were several dogtooth snapper up to 45 lb., we have not seen many of those fish this season.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 110 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 1 sailfish, 6 striped marlin, 68 yellowfin tuna, 29 dorado, 47 wahoo, 7 leopard grouper, 8 Mexican bonito, 8 yellow snapper, 3 dogtooth snapper, 2 barred pargo, 3 pompano, 6 sierra, 4 amberjack, 4 surgeon fish 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 – October 6, 2019

October 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October 6, 2019

Anglers –

The busy fall season has already started, we saw much larger crowds of anglers arriving and this will continue through November. Last week we were all closely watching the development and progress of Tropical Storm Norda, we ended up being very fortunate as this system stayed along the mainland and never made much impact at all on Southern Baja, just a few sprinkles and cloud cover and of course increased tropical humidity. Weather patterns are changing progressively now, cooler mornings, though high temperatures are still around 90 degrees. Forecast looks clear for now, which is a relief for all of the vising anglers and fleet operators as well,

Calm ocean now, with very slight breezes, water temperature in the 83/84 degree range and clear blue water close to shore. Bait has consisted of sardinas, being netted near the marina jetty areas, also some caballito, ballyhoo and slabs of squid available. Main fishing grounds being concentrated on have been from Palmilla Pint to Iman Bank and in between.

The action for yellowfin tuna slowed way down, as more black skipjack were schooling on the same tuna grounds, early in the week a handful of yellowfin up to 70 lb. were landed, but after that it was more dorado and wahoo which were dominating the action, though over the weekend the tuna action did seem to start back up near the Iman bank, as several yellowfin tuna in the 40 to 60 lb. class were accounted for.. A new group of dorado moved in, especially off of the Palmilla Point, where limits were the rule for fish of 10 to 20 lb., they were striking on a variety of trolling lures as well as baits. Inspectors are now regularly checking limits, so make sure to not go over your two fish limit of dorado.

Wahoo became more active as well, areas to the north of Punta Gorda, as well as off of Palmilla produced wahoo to over 40 lb., trolling Rapalas accounted for the majority of strikes, some charters accounted for up to three ‘hoo, which is good for this early in the season.

We heard of some larger sized bull dorado on the Pacific, up to 40 lb., though no big numbers at all. Also we heard of a handful of cow sized yellowfin tuna being encountered offshore traveling with porpoise, we expect to start seeing these large tuna to make their way towards the Gordo Banks soon, as they are running behind schedule this year.

Not much going off the bottom, though there were a few amberjack in the 50 lb. class landed, also a selection or pargo, cabrilla, bonito, pompano and triggerfish. Current has slacked, so maybe that will help improve bottom action, though most anglers now have preferred to target the surface species.

Billfish action out of San Jose del Cabo was scattered, a few sailfish and striped marlin being the main deal, found on the same grounds such as Iman Bank.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 102 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 3 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 32 yellowfin tuna, 325 dorado, 26 wahoo, 12 leopard grouper, 14 Mexican bonito, 16 yellow snapper, 12 big eye jack, 12 barred pargo, 8 pompano, 5 sierra, 9 amberjack and 75 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: , , , , ,

Fishing Takes Center Stage: October Events in Los Cabos

October 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

October is a big month in Los Cabos. Not only does it signal the traditional start of high-tourist season, but the start of high fishing season as well. Three of Cabo San Lucas’ biggest fishing tournaments take place in October, including the biggest of them all: Bisbee’s Black & Blue. High stakes and huge payouts are the norm in October, a tradition that also can be seen on Los Cabos’ picturesque East Cape, which is home to a high-powered tuna shootout.

Cabo San Lucas also hosts visitors from around the globe in October for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. The Red Rocker is the celebrity most associated with the Land’s End city, but many more join him for this annual series of concerts at the iconic downtown nightclub.

Sammy Hagar’s 72nd Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina – Oct. 9, 11, 13

Every year since 1990, loyal “Redheads” from around the world have flocked to Cabo San Lucas for Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina. In 2019, the former Van Halen and Montrose celebrates his 72nd year on the planet with an all-star cast of visiting musicians, including The Circle members Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham, and Vic Johnson. Shows are scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13. General admission tickets are available to winners of a random drawing, but those who aren’t selected will still have an opportunity to attend. Some dinner show tickets will be made available in early October on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

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 $5,500,925. The 21st 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 (this year with two levels). Registration and the post-tournament gala awards ceremony will both be hosted by Playa Grande, a Solmar Group resort.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 17 – 20

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. That said, The LCO joined rarified company last year when its overall payouts exceeded one million dollars ($1,165,000 to be exact), making it one of the very few tournaments ever to reach that elite benchmark. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, with thousands of meals donated to local families in need. 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 – October 22 – 26

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, overall payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history, although last year’s winners took home a more than respectable $3,004,900 out of an available purse of 3,693,625. 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.).

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shootout – Oct. 26

One-day fishing shootouts are a tradition on the East Cape, at least where Van Wormer Resorts are concerned. Van Wormer hosts a dorado shootout each July in which the winner takes home a new car (or in 2019, a Volkswagen Amarok pickup track). The winners of the October tuna shootout, the 7th edition of which takes place Oct. 26, won’t get anything nearly as flashy as that. Just cold hard cash. The largest tuna caught on the day in question will earn one lucky team of anglers approximately $35,000. Base entry is only $500 and in addition to participation covers dinner at the awards ceremony at Hotel Palmas de Cortez in Los Barriles. Second and third place will also share in the over $100,000 in total payouts, with jackpots and raffle and drawing prizes also up for grabs.

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 credit:  Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

Upcoming Events Calendar

October

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

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 13 – 17

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament – Oct. 17 – 20

Traditional Fiestas in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 17 – 20

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament – Oct. 22 – 26

Los Cabos Tattoo Fest – Oct. 25 – 27

Van Wormer Resort Tuna Shoot Out – Oct. 26

Halloween – Oct 31

November

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Nov. 1 – 2

Pelagic Rock Star Tuna Tournament – Nov. 1 – 3

Ironman Los Cabos 70.3 Half-Triathlon – Nov. 3

21st WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

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

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 13 – 17

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival – Nov. 30

December

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

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala – Date Not Yet Announced

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Cabo del Sol – Jan. 12 – 16

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 15 – 19

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 1 – 8

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 7 – 9

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Dates Not Yet Announced

21st Annual Baja Hog Rally – Dates Not Yet Announced

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 20 – 25

 

 

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