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Los Cabos Fishing Report – January 6, 2019

January 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

January 6, 2019

The New Year started out with more of the same persistent north winds. Lots of families were in town as the holiday vacation were coming to an end. Cooler days, more cloud cover, some days we barely reached 86 degrees for the high. Ocean conditions were actually improving some, despite the wind, water clarity improved and was not so greenish, water temperatures ranged from 71 to 74 degrees.

Still no sign at all of sardinas, caballito in the marina area were also becoming more scattered, ballyhoo were available, also slabs of squid, though with the tuna action now at a standstill the squid is not really being used much. More reports of sardineta and mackerel schools moving in on the bait grounds off of San Jose del Cabo. It is the time of year we see this bait activity, should be around into February, unless the shrimp trawlers start working these same areas.

The striped marlin action is still going strong on the Pacific grounds, though mid-week there was a flurry of stripers found off of San Jose del Cabo, but this faded out as quickly as it had developed, we should start seeing more of the billfish moving in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, as soon as more of the bait schools shift in this direction.

The yellowfin tuna bite completely faded out at the start of the week, the Eastern Pacific bonito were hitting rapalas, hoochies and yo-yo’s on the Gordo Banks, but these were small fish in the 2 to 8 lb. class.

As the water clarity improved we saw more dorado and even the wahoo made a decent showing. Punta Gorda was one of the areas where some wahoo were accounted for, striking mainly on various baits, ranging in sizes up to 35 lb. As long as water does not become too much cooler and turns over to green again, we should still have chances at wahoo through the month. Dorado were spread out striking best on rigged ballyhoo, no huge numbers, though some charters did land as many as four fish and we even saw a couple of dorado that were actually heavier than 20 lb. Though most of these fish were averaging 10 lb.

Not too many sierra or roosterfish found close to shore, most of the sierra we saw were of smaller than normal size. Bottom fish action was limited to mainly triggerfish and various red snapper and pargo species.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 64 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 12 striped marlin, 37 dorado, 6 yellowfin tuna, 16 wahoo, 110 bonito, 5 glass eye snapper, 34 red snapper, 4 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 14 baqueta, 14 yellow snapper, 12 tijareta, 8 flag cabrilla, 45 amberjack, 26 sierra and 90 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: , , , , , ,

New Year, New Cheer! January Events in Los Cabos

January 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Welcome to 2019! It’s an entirely new year, but visitors to sunny Los Cabos will find many familiar events this January. Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, a staple of the local cultural calendar, continues each Thursday night. The premier area golf tournament, the Los Cabos Pro-Am also returns, as does the region’s best music festival and windsports competition. The biggest event of them all, however, is the ongoing drama known as whale watching season. January is the peak time to see these enormous creatures (primarily humpbacks and gray whales), who have journeyed from arctic feeding waters to breed in shallow water sites around Baja California Sur.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo  (January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31)

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 Pro-Am Golf Tournament  (January 14 – 18)

The most notable golf tournament in a region famed for its spectacular courses–three of Los Cabos’ layouts are currently ranked among the 100 best in the world–returns January 14 – 18, 2010, as Cabo del Sol’s Ocean and Desert Courses play host to the 11th annual Los Cabos Pro-Am. Stay and play packages for the tournament include five days and four nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, as well as three rounds at the participating courses, plus an invitation to the opening and closing cocktail parties, and daily breakfast at one of Hacienda del Mar’s excellent onsite restaurants. Overall team prizes are another lure for amateurs.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series  (January 10 – 20)

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The freshly minted Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns again for a third iteration in 2019 with an all-star lineup headlined by Joan Osborne, Radio Free Honduras, Susto, Cordovas, La Santa Cecilia, Birds of Chicago, The Autumn Defense, and La Victoria.

La Ventana Classic  (January 16 – 20)

Baja California Sur boasts world-class conditions for a number of water-based activities: fishing, of course, but also surfing, sailing, diving, kayaking and, seasonally at least, windsports. Each winter, when strong El Norte winds blow down the Sea of Cortés, picturesque East Cape communities like Los Barriles and La Ventana become meccas for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts. Now that Los Barriles has ended its annual Lord of the Wind Showdown, the La Ventana’s “Classic” has become the premier regional competition, with windsurfers, kiteboarders and SUP (stand up paddleboarding) enthusiasts battling the breezes to earn cash and glory in various categories. This year’s event is scheduled for Jan. 16 – 20, with proceeds earmarked to benefit local schools. Mountain bike races have also been added to the event.

Whale Watching  (Mid-December to Mid-March)

Each winter some 5,000 to 10,000 blue, gray, humpback and other whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to breed in the shallow water coves and inlets of beautiful Baja California Sur. In this regard these leviathans of the deep are very much like the snowbirds who flock to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo to escape frigid winter temperatures in the U.S. and Canada. The only real difference – aside from the obvious anatomical ones – is one of scale. The longest mammalian migration ever recorded was in 2014, when a gray whale dubbed Varvara traveled over 14,000 miles round-trip from Russia to Cabo San Lucas. Humpbacks, however, are the most commonly seen whale in Los Cabos waters.

 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:  La Ventana Classic

Upcoming Event Calendar

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

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

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

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

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend – Feb. 15 – 16

20th Baja Hog Rally – Feb. 20 – 24

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

May

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

June

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

 

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Recently Reopened Cabo San Lucas Country Club Golf Course Showcases A New Look

December 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For all of its golfing glories–which now include three of the world’s 100 best courses and championship-level layouts from legendary names like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods–Los Cabos has only one course that features views of El Arco and the evocative granite monuments that comprise the Land’s End headland at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula. That’s the Cabo San Lucas Country Club, which originally opened in 1994 during the first wave of the Los Cabos golf boom, but has recently been given a major renovation by acclaimed Mexican golf course architect Agustin Piza.

The reason for the remodel wasn’t so much the age or difficulty level of the course, although both were addressed, but rather the extensive damage done by Tropical Storm Lidia in 2017.

“We needed to demonstrate to visitors and the community that Cabo San Lucas Country Club was not wiped out by Tropical Storm Lidia in September, 2017,” said club project manager Alfonso Terrazas Ceseña. “We were hurt (by torrential rains), but the damage was superficial and certainly not catastrophic. We’ve bounced back as part of a five-month renovation project, and I believe we’ve succeeded in restoring confidence and credibility in the club.”

The new look Cabo San Lucas Country Club still retains its parkland-style charms, stretching to 6,852 yards (par 71) from the black tees, and comparing favorably to golf courses in Palm Springs, California. Gently rolling fairways girdled by waste bunkers, cardon cactus, palo blanco trees and colorful bougainvillea characterize the new layout. Tall stony mountains frame the course to the north. Lakes bring water into play at seven holes, notably at the testing par-4 ninth and 18th holes, where a large rock-rimmed lagoon protects each green.

Agustin Piza, a Mexican designer who has worked extensively throughout Latin America, altered several holes to improve sightlines and enhance playability. In particular, the club’s back nine was shortened and its corridors widened to expand the layout’s ocean views. The new and revised holes feature improved flexibility from the forward tees, better risk-reward scenarios from the back tees, and more undulating greens. Bunkers throughout the course were reshaped and upgraded. Pruning of trees and vegetation has created a breezier, links-style environment. The club, readily accessible by area hotels and cruise ship passengers, also features the only lighted driving range in Los Cabos.

In the wake of the remedial work by Piza, holes one through seven remain the same, while the par-3 eighth and par-4 ninth holes were swapped for the par-3 17th and par-4 18th holes, respectively.

The most noticeable changes are found on the back nine, specifically holes 10 through 16. The par-4 10th plays from the same set of tee boxes as the original hole, but a friendlier green closer to the tees enables average players to reach it in regulation. The par-3 11th is a new creation that plays to the site of the old 12th green, which Piza refashioned into a large, wavy putting surface. The 12th hole was converted from a brawny par 4 to a sporty par 5, while the par-4 13th occupies the original hole’s corridor but plays to a remodeled green. The par-3 14th, stretching to 208 yards, brings a lake into play on the right. At the par-5 16th, Piza reversed the direction of the hole. The fairway, pointed to the Sea of Cortes, now runs from north to south.

The latest changes are part of the long history and lore of the scenically situated course. Originally the dream of an East Coast developer named Ed Reisdorf, who visualized the course during a cruise ship visit to Cabo San Lucas nearly 30 years ago, what was first called the Campo de Carlos Golf & Country Club premiered in 1994 with a layout from acclaimed designer Roy Dye, with an assist from his son Matt.

Roy Dye was the brother of famed course architect Pete Dye, whose many designs include the TPC at Sawgrass, and a respected course designer in his own right. Reisdorf hired him because the Denver-based Dye Corporation was said to have built more courses that hosted PGA tournaments than any other.

“This is a dream site,” said the elder Dye at the time. “It’s got natural slope and great views of the ocean.”

A quarter century and many changes later, both statements still hold true.

 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 San Lucas Country Club

Upcoming Event Calendar

December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

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

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

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

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

 May

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

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

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – December 23, 2018

December 23, 2018 by 1 Comment

December 23, 2018

We have seen lighter than normal crowds arriving for this Christmas Holiday week. Though it is feeling more like winter time now, cooler days, low temperatures of 55 degrees, highs in the mid-70s. Some scattered cloud cover, with mostly sunny skies. North winds continued to blow all week, finally letting up Saturday. This has contributing to pushing in greener ocean currents, of 73 to 74 degrees off of San Jose del Cabo, while off of Cabo San Lucas they reported 78 degree water.

All around fishing action was slower on the grounds from the Gordo Banks to Vinorama. Bait supplies consisted of caballito, slabs of squid and some ballyhoo, still no sign of sardinas showing up along local beach stretches. Wind has been more relentless this season, last year at this time we had good action for wahoo, dorado and tuna, this year is a different story, as green water and cooling currents has turned over conditions.

Very few yellowfin tuna were striking this week, most of the tuna found were between Iman and Vinorama, drift fishing with strips of squid, sizes averaged 15 to 20 lb., on Friday there was an 80 lb. yellowfin landed off of the Gordo Banks. Also we saw one nice 30 lb. yellowtail brought in, as well as a few deeper water grouper in the 25 to 30 lb. class. Of course triggerfish continue to dominate all bottom fishing done closer to shore, a few snapper, amberjack and pargo species in the mix.

Billfish action was very good through the first part of the week on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, off San Jose del Cabo there has been only a scattering of striped marlin seen, one late season black marlin was hooked into off of the Gordo Banks, but this fish eventually broke off.

Dorado and wahoo activity was almost nonexistent, just an occasional fish being found. Early in the week several wahoo were hooked into north near Vinorama, on Friday a 45 lb. wahoo was brought to the tables. We are hoping for nicer calm weather conditions, which would give the water a chance to clear up some, then wahoo and dorado action could rebound, before water becomes too cold and sends these gamefish migrating to warmer southern waters.

Along the shore, especially off of the San Jose del Cabo Hotel zone, there was good action for roosterfish ranging in sizes up to 20 lb. Slow trolling with live caballito was the best technique, some jack crevalle and sierra also in the same inshore area.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 51 charters for the week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 4 striped marlin, 8 dorado, 2 wahoo, 35 yellowfin tuna, 9 bonito, 7 white skipjack, 10 red snapper, 12 yellow snapper, 2 amberjack, 1 fortune jack, 1 yellowtail, 6 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 6 baqueta grouper, ocean whitefish, 9 flag cabrilla, 11 sierra, 42 roosterfish, 5 jack crevalle and 110 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament Returns in January 2019

December 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

There is no shortage of world-class golf courses in Los Cabos. To the contrary, the pool of gorgeous seaside layouts from big-name designers just keeps growing and growing. The newly opened Twin Dolphin Golf Club, a collaboration between PGA Hall-of-Famer Fred Couples and Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design, is the latest example, bringing the total of playable courses in the area to 16. Three of those 16 are currently ranked among the 100 best in the world, and more championship-level courses are on the way, including the Greg Norman designed Rancho San Lucas, expected to open in 2019, and a second 18-hole layout from Jack Nicklaus at Quivira, expected to break ground in 2020. Truly, there is no place in the world quite like Los Cabos when it comes to destination golf.

But if the number of golf courses keeps climbing, the number of prominent local tournaments has remained quite modest. There are a few primarily charity focused tournaments like Paws n’ Claws (for the Los Cabos Humane Society) and Stars & Stripes (for children’s charities), and the Cabo Collegiate at Querencia, which hosts golfers from a dozen Division 1 schools. But when it comes to bigger, headline grabbing tournaments, there are really only two, and both–perhaps not coincidentally–are hosted by Cabo del Sol.

Cabo del Sol, after all, is one of the granddaddies of Los Cabos golf. Admittedly, granddaddy is a relative term. The first true 18-hole layouts weren’t sculpted until the early 1990s–a fact which actually bolsters Los Cabos’ standing as an unprecedented golfing destination–and those were built by the greatest champion of them all, Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear’s initial efforts, at Palmilla and Cabo del Sol, put Los Cabos on the golfing map, and as far as accolades and acclaim go, Cabo del Sol has remained the region’s benchmark site since.

Nicklaus himself famously referred to what is now known as the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol as “the best golf property I’ve seen.” Many others have agreed. It’s been rated one of top 1oo in the world for close to two decades, and currently sits as the no. 2 rated course in Mexico. The Ocean Course title was added to distinguish it from Tom Weiskopf’s Desert Course, which opened for play seven years after Nicklaus masterpiece, in 2001. Weiskopf, although not as heralded a golfer or designer as Nicklaus, is a major champion with some incredible course layouts to his credit. The Desert Course is one them, a dramatic loop that winds through desert and mountain foothills and features some breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez.

These two courses, Ocean and Desert, play host to the top two golf tournaments in Los Cabos. One is the Adidas Golf Invitational, formerly known as both the TaylorMade Invitational and Jim Flick Invitational, which welcomes pros and amateurs alike each November for individual and team competitions on the Cabo del Sol tracks. The second is the upcoming Los Cabos Pro-Am, which returns for its highly anticipated annual appearance on January 14 – 18, 2019.

Stay and play packages for the tournament include five days and four nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, as well as three rounds at the participating courses, plus an invitation to the opening and closing cocktail parties, and daily breakfast at one of Hacienda del Mar’s excellent onsite restaurants. Overall team prizes are another lure for amateurs.

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:  Nicklaus Design

Upcoming Event Calendar

December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

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

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

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

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

May

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

June

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

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

The Holidays Are Happening – December Events in Los Cabos

December 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The biggest December event in Los Cabos is of course Christmas, and visitors to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are annually treated to a colorful array of seasonal decorations in the respective downtown areas, from tinsel-wrapped Christmas trees to carefully arranged public nativity scenes.

But holiday-themed events like Posadas and Christmas dinners aren’t the only headline attractions. Several other notable to-dos, from food and wine fêtes to cultural celebrations, should also be circled on the December calendar.

Here are five of our favorites.

Dressed to the K9s Charity Gala (Dec. 1)

Two of Los Cabos’ most anticipated annual events are sponsored by the Los Cabos Humane Society, with proceeds going to spay and neuter programs, as well as other pet-related causes: the Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament each April, and the Dressed to the K9s Gala each December. The latter offers one of the few social occasions in which locals and seasonal residents can get dressed to the “9s” and dance the night away in elegant surroundings. This year’s theme is Glitz & Glam, and Sheraton’s luxurious Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar has once again volunteered for hosting duties. The event, scheduled for Dec. 1, will include a cocktail reception with martini bars, plus a gourmet dinner, and of course live entertainment and dancing. Special room rates are reserved at the resort for visiting attendees.

Sabor a Cabo International Food & Wine Festival (Dec. 1)

The biggest food and wine festival in Los Cabos, indeed one of the largest in Mexico – the 13th annual Sabor a Cabo (or Taste of Cabo)–returns Dec. 1 to Quivira in Cabo San Lucas. The event, which is sponsored by the Los Cabos restaurant association (CANIRAC), brings together over 50 top local and international chefs, as well as representatives from over two dozen wineries for an over-the-top extravaganza of eating, drinking and live entertainment. Past performers at Sabor a Cabo have included legendary R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire, Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Lila Downs, and Mexican rock group Mana–the best-selling Latin American band of all-time, with over 40 million albums sold. This year’s headliner is Miguel Bose, a Panamanian-born pop new wave musician.

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

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. A chance to check out San Jose’s annual Christmas decorations, including the enormous Christmas tree in Plaza Mijares, is another reason to make the Thursday night pilgrimage.

Whale Watching (Dec. 15)

Each winter some 5,000 to 10,000 blue, gray, humpback and other whales migrate from their arctic feeding grounds to breed in the shallow water coves and inlets of beautiful Baja California Sur. In this regard these leviathans of the deep are very much like the snowbirds who flock to cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo to escape frigid winter temperatures in the U.S. and Canada. The only real difference–aside from the obvious anatomical ones–is one of scale. The longest mammalian migration ever recorded was in 2014-2015, when a gray whale dubbed Varvara traveled over 14,000 miles round-trip from Russia to Cabo San Lucas. The whale watching season in Los Cabos kicks off officially on Dec. 15, with tours offered by virtually all local activities companies.

New Year’s Eve in Los Cabos (Dec. 31)

Fireworks are practically a daily occurrence in Mexico, but the show of the year–at least in Cabo San Lucas–takes places over Medano Beach at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s an extended medley of spectacular sights, sounds and colors, and one that typically leaves viewers breathless afterwards. No surprise then that the fireworks show provides the headline attraction for many local New Year’s Eve parties, which not coincidentally tend to be held on or near Medano Beach. Luxurious beachfront Casa Dorada Resort & Spa hosts perhaps the most notable of these local New Year’s Eve events. Last year’s celebration featured a “Gatsby” theme, with vintage 1920s era costumes and flapper-friendly festivities that included an open bar and deluxe buffet from the resort’s 12 Tribes restaurant, as well as live music and up-close views of the spectacular fireworks show. Over 500 festive partygoers are expected again this year to ring in the New Year, although the theme has not yet been announced.

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.

  • Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit:  Adam Jones/Wikimedia Commons

Upcoming Event Calendar

December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Start of Whale Watching Season – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

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

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

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

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

San Jose del Cabo Jazz Weekend

March

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – March 5

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

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 8 – 10, 13 – 16

End of Whale Watching Season – March 15

East Cape Arts Festival – March 17

Todos Santos Film Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

7th Annual Cheese & Wine Festival at Sheraton Grand Los Cabos – Dates Yet to Be Determined

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 4, 11, 18, 25

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 26 – May 3

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Dates Yet to Be Determined

 May

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 June

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

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – December 2, 2018

December 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

December 2, 2018

Well the main busy fall season has now come to an end, as crowds of tourists and visiting anglers have lightened considerably, this is the normal pattern after the Thanksgiving Holiday, as people have other priorities and are now gearing up for Christmas Holiday coming up in several weeks. This is now actually a great time to visit, with the crowds down, this gives the bait supply a chance to replenish, also means less boat pressure on the fishing grounds, typically through the month of December we are still targeting the same gamefish species, such as yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, as well as striped marlin.

Through much of this week we again felt the north winds, not as bad as the previous week, but still gusting and making for rougher conditions. Ocean temperature has been in the 77 to 79 degree range though most of the region. Main live bait being offered is caballito, also ballyhoo and slabs of squid available. Local fleets were mainly fishing the grounds from Red Hill to Gordo Banks, Iman, San Luis and as far north as Vinorama. Overall the action was more sporadic and spread out, really no particular hot spot from day to day, numbers of fish caught were less, but still there were some nice catches accounted for. On these grounds the main species being found are yellowfin tuna, dorado or wahoo. Not much going on off the bottom besides triggerfish and a few early morning snapper and cabrilla.

Every day we hear of one or two larger sized tuna being hooked into, most of these were taken off of the Gordo Banks, in recent days we weighed yellowfin of 145 lb., 220 lb. and a super cow 334 lb. landed late afternoon Friday aboard the center console “Jaqueline”, several other big fish lost after long battles. Slow trolling larger baits or drift fishing with strips of squid produced hook ups. Tuna were found from Iman to Vinorama as well, most of these in the 10 to 70 lb. class, but numbers were few and far between.

Dorado action was very good early in the week, especially off of Red Hill area, but then this action became more spread out, trolling ballyhoo or caballito seemed to be the best bet for finding these schooling dorado. The fish being encountered have ranged up to 20 lb. There are a lot of wahoo in the area, but getting them to bite has been the hard part. Many wahoo are striking while anglers are drifting with squid for tuna, these fish have not been striking trolled lures as well as they do at times. Best chances seem to come now on slow trolled baits, such as caballito or chihuil. Lots of spear fishing pressure now, this is the season the divers come out in force, the deal is that there are now far greater numbers of spear fishermen that are congregating on the same grounds that the rod and reel anglers are and we do notice that this does make the fish that much more spooky and elusive. Inshore areas are fragile and cannot sustain such pressure.

Along the shoreline there have been some roosterfish, jack crevalle, most roosters being smaller fish, but we heard of an occasional much larger specimen caught and released, not the normal deal for this time of year. Billfish bite has mainly been on the Pacific now, good number of striped marlin, though a handful of stripers are being seen around the Iman Banks and the Gordo Banks

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 104 charters for the week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 7 striped marlin, 135 dorado, 36 wahoo, 85 yellowfin tuna, 34 bonito, 14 white skipjack, 8 red snapper, 11 yellow snapper, 4 cabrilla, 5 sierra, 18 roosterfish, 4 jack crevalle and 90 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 – November 25, 2018

November 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

November 25, 2018

Lots of tourists now visiting the Los Cabos region for this Thanksgiving Holiday week. We felt more wind this week, blowing out of the north, as well as from the south, this contributed to rougher ocean conditions for anglers, at times limiting options and opportunities. Water temperatures were in the 78 to 81 degree range. Crowds of anglers were slightly less than previous weeks, due to tougher conditions and it being the time we see a decline in anglers, as there usually is between holiday periods.

Overall the fishing was more scattered, off on the Pacific banks there was incredible wide open action for striped marlin, not seen like this for many years. All the way from Mag Bay, to Finger and Golden Gate Banks, more than 20 marlin per charter was reported. Fleets from Puerto Los Cabos Marina were mainly fishing the grounds from the Gordo Banks, to Iman and San Luis, as far north as Vinorama. These areas were producing yellowfin tuna, dorado and wahoo.

The tuna action was less productive this most recent period, north winds made drift fishing even more challenging, being swept off the spot so fast and then having to reset. Full moon period also never seems to help the yellowfin tuna action, though tuna were still being caught every day, but more like a one, two or three per boat average. Sizes ranging from small footballs, to 40 to 80 lb. and there were also two yellowfin tuna over 200 pounds landed this week, one a 208 lb. and the other 247 lb.

Wahoo were striking on the grounds from Iman to Vinorama, the best odds for enticing strikes was on slow trolled baits, such as caballito and chihuil, some ‘hoo were also taken on higher speed trolling lures, sizes ranged from 10 to 40 lb. No huge numbers, but some more fortunate anglers landed as many as four or five wahoo, other anglers lost that many strikes without landing one, that is how wahoo fishing can go. We look for this bite to improve in coming weeks, as crowds and heavy boat pressure lighten, should be a great December.

Early in the week we saw more dorado action, particular later in the morning just south of Punta Gorda, this is where bait schools were attracting hungry schools of dorado, boats arriving on this scene were quickly able to limit out on nice quality fish as large as 20 lb.

Surprisingly roosterfish were still roaming the shoreline, most of these were smaller juvenile fish, fun sport on light tackle and please remember to always catch and carefully release these game fish. We heard of at least one snook being landed off of the beach in front of Marriott Resort.

Very little bottom action done this week, winds and currents made this tough, there were plenty of triggerfish on the Iman Banks, made it tough to battle through these in order to have a chance at the finicky tuna.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 162 charters for the week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 3 striped marlin, 4 sailfish, 115 dorado, 84 wahoo, 125 yellowfin tuna, 18 bonito, 22 white skipjack, 15 red snapper, 8 yellow snapper, 11 cabrilla, 6 sierra, 16  roosterfish and 140 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – November 18, 2018

November 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

November 18, 2018

Still very busy with visiting anglers this week, one more week, after Thanksgiving the numbers of visitors will lighten up. The strong gusty northerly winds were a major factor all week, relentless, beginning on Monday, finally weakening some on Friday. Ocean water temperatures dropped into the 78 to 80 degree range, clarity was still very clean, though strong winds made it difficult to fish on the more productive grounds from Iman to San Luis Banks. More frequent sightings of whales being reported, first wave of the annual migration of these mammals are arriving.

The main bait being used now has been slabs of squid, caballito, ballyhoo and some chihuil and small sized skipjack. Fleets have been fishing in all directions, no particular hot spot, heavy boat pressure, along with windy conditions made for a tough week, though it did not keep charters from launching, though it did limit what options were available.

Wahoo are now in peak season, though they are finicky, striking best on chihuil, ballyhoo and caballito baitfish, also they were striking lures, Rapalas and skirted lead heads. Though with heavy boat pressure now for the past month, these fish are hit or miss, fortunate to land one, but other anglers have had as many as four or five. Sizes range from juvenile 6 lb. fish, up to trophy sized 65 lb. specimens.

Dorado were more scattered this week than last, very few of these fish seen in recent days, same for billfish, still an occasional sailfish or smaller sized striped marlin, one blue marlin of about 220 lb.

Yellowfin tuna action on the banks to the north, Iman and San Luis, proved very difficult most of the week, the main factor being the north wind, hard to drift and chum wind you are being swept off the spot so quickly. There were yellowfin caught everyday though, sizes from small football all the way up to 90 lb. Heard of tuna to over 200 lb. offshore of Cabo San Lucas, traveling with porpoise, but these fish were not very numerous at all. We expect as weather conditions do settle down and stabilize, that we will see much improved action.

Bottom action was even more limited due to swift currents and winds. More triggerfish than anything else, a few various snapper, pargo, bonito and cabrilla species. One 60 lb. class roosterfish was caught and released while trolling near Punta Gorda, trying to escape the wind some, nice sized rooster considering we are out of season for them now.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 202 charters for the week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 1 blue marlin, 8 striped marlin, 6 sailfish, 23 dorado, 76 wahoo, 142 yellowfin tuna, 94 bonito, 24 white skipjack, 12 red snapper, 2 amberjack, 11 yellow snapper, 9 cabrilla, 8 sierra, 18 roosterfish, 8 jack crevalle and 110 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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

Where Art Matters – Todos Santos’ Collection of Cultural Festivals Headlines the Early 2019 Event Calendar

November 7, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When you think about vacations in Los Cabos the first things that inevitably spring to mind are beautiful beaches, big-game sportfishing, and boisterous margarita-fueled nightlife. But for all the gorgeous outdoor scenery and party hearty atmosphere, the Capes Region is also justifiably proud of its arts and culture, which it celebrates on a regular basis.

Cabo San Lucas, for example, is home to acclaimed film and food festivals, and sister city San Jose del Cabo famously hosts a weekly Art Walk, welcoming locals and visitors alike into the galleries of its Distrito del Arte for wine, cheese and looks at the latest works from respected regional artists.

But no regional community offers as many outstanding cultural festivals and fiestas as Todos Santos, which showcases a succession of events annually celebrating music, literature, art, film and gastronomy…all within the space a few short months.

The peninsula’s first pueblo magico, or “magical town”–a designation given to Mexican communities rich in history and culture–is only an hour by car from Cabo San Lucas, and thus is within easy day tripping range for those vacationing in Los Cabos. With that in mind, here’s a preview of the top cultural festivals on tap in Todos Santos during the first few months of 2019.

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series  (Jan. 10 – 20, 2019)

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck pioneered jam culture in Todos Santos with this annual music festival, which brought in high-profile musicians for performances at the landmark Hotel California, as well as the town’s picturesque main plaza. Buck’s festival went on hiatus after he made some controversial comments about local politics at the 2016 event, but the music lives on. The rebranded Tropic of Cancer Concert Series premiered in 2017, and returns for its 3rd go-round in 2019 with an all-star lineup headlined by Joan Osborne, The Autumn Defense, Cordovas, La Santa Cecilia, Birds of Chicago, Radio Free Honduras, Susto and La Victoria.

Todos Santos Writers Workshop  (Feb. 2 – 9, 2019)

Best known for its painters, Todos Santos has also proved a congenial community for writers. The 6th annual writers’ workshop returns to the atmospheric Casa Dracula–an historic 19th century hacienda–where creative writers are encouraged with seminars and speakers, publishing roundtables, and a variety of craft workshops that focus on fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry and other literary genres. Applicants to the weeklong event are chosen based on writing samples and phone interviews, and in addition to personal mentoring, enjoy courtyard readings from faculty and guest speakers.

Todos Santos Art Festival/Open Studios Tour  (Feb. 9 – 10, 2019)

Ever since painter Charles Stewart and his wife Mary Lou moved to Todos Santos in 1985, the town has been famed for its thriving artists’ colony. The best introduction to the region’s abundance of talented artists is the yearly Open Studios Tour, the 10th edition of which is scheduled for Feb. 9 – 10, 2019. Approximately 40 local artists will participate this year, including painters, sculptors, photographers, muralists, plein air painters, encaustic artists, jewelers, printmakers, collage artists, potters, and wood turners. The Palapa Learning Center will offer a special stop on the tour, and will showcase a sampling of selected tour artists’ work for sale. Additionally, the Palapa Society’s child artists will also be working in their “studio” with work on display.

Todos Santos Film Festival  (March 2019)

This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was originally founded in 1994, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a landmark 70+ year old movie theater that overlooks the town square in Todos Santos. The 16th edition of the coastal pueblo magico‘s acclaimed festival de cine is set for its traditional March calendar slot–actual dates have not yet been confirmed–and will include full-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries, and projects from the local Youth in Video program. Additional screenings will take place in nearby Pescadero, and Baja California Sur’s capital city, La Paz.

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival  (May 17 – 19, 2019)

Attention gourmands and oenophiles: outside perhaps the annual Sabor a Cabo shindig in Los Cabos, Gastrovino is the best food and wine festival in Baja California Sur. Gastrovino is organized by the owners of a local wine and olive oil shop called La Bodega de Todos Santos, and features a weekend chockablock with tantalizing tasting opportunities. The pairing dinner at legendary Hotel California is one of many recurring highlights, but the “Big Cheese,” so to speak, is the Sunday main event on the town square. There, dozens of wineries from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe share their palate-pleasing wares, as do many of the region’s best restaurants. Live music is also a staple, as is a silent auction to benefit local programs for children.

 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.

 Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook, Editor at Baja.Ca, and a contributor to Forbes, USA Today and Cabo Living, as well as other websites and publications. 

Photo credit:  Tropic of Cancer Concert Series.

Upcoming Event Calendar

November

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

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

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

Cruising for the Critters (Humane Society Fundraiser) – Nov. 3

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

Los Cabos International Film Festival – Nov. 7 – 11

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

 December

Sabor a Cabo Food & Wine Festival – Dec. 1

Dressed to the K-9s Charity Gala – Dec. 1

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Día de los Inocentes – Dec. 28

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

January 2019

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

Día de los Tres Reyes Magos – Jan. 6

Tropic of Cancer Concert Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 10 – 20

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

La Ventana Classic (Kiteboard and Windsurfing Tournament) – Jan. 16 – 20

February

Todos Santos Writers Workshop – Feb. 2 – 9

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

Todos Santos Artists’ Open Studios Tour – Feb. 9 – 10

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

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

March

Carnaval La Paz – Feb. 28 – Mar. 5

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

Cabo Collegiate at Querencia – March 3 – 5

May

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival in Todos Santos – May 17 – 19

 

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