Los Cabos Fishing Report – June 14, 2015

June 14, 2015 155EngleCatch

Hurricane Blanca passed off to west of Cabo San Lucas last weekend, although everyone was heeding the warnings and preparing for worse conditions, this system never really amounted to much, very little rainfall at all was felt, though on Sunday night there were some wind gusts up to 50 or 60 mph the blew through the Los Cabos Region. Sportfishing fleets were shut down for three days due to stormy conditions, resuming operations on Tuesday. Ocean conditions were a bit stirred up, water was off colored and fleets were searching all the known local grounds for signs of the best possible action. Ocean currents were strong, even though swells diminished, water temperature ranged from 76 to 80 degrees through most of the area. Baits supplies of caballito and moonfish were being found in the Puerto Los Cabos Marina channel, only scattered numbers of mullet now showing up and no signs yet of sardinas.

Center of the most consistent action was found around the 25 spot, off of La Fortuna, inside of the Iman Bank. This is where hog sized amberjack have been testing the skill and strength of anglers, with fish to over 60 pounds being accounted for. These fish were striking on live baits while either slow trolling or drift fishing over the rocky structure. The few charters that did use downrigger equipment had particularly good results. Various varieties of cabrilla and pargo rounded out the catches from this area, with one more golden phased leopard grouper being accounted for.

Dorado were spread out, though a percentage of charters were finding limited numbers of these fish, with a few larger bulls starting to be accounted for. With the water now being an off colored greenish blue, we have not had any wahoo action this past week. Yellowfin tuna were also scarce during this past storm shortening week, though on Wednesday one angler did report losing a nice yellowfin, of an estimated 80 pounds, right as it neared the boat.

Striped marlin were spread out through the region, one charter boat had a double hook up close to shore while trolling ballyhoo, marlin were also found further offshore. There were reports from a couple different private sportfishers of landing cow sized yellowfin tuna while traveling offshore and encountering porpoise.

This is always the time of year when we see big roosterfish moving into the local inshore grounds and in recent days we have seen roosterfish up to 65 pounds landed, still no big numbers, but these fish are definitely in the area now. There were also some dogtooth snapper starting to appear along shore, near the rock outcroppings, these fish will test even the most skilled of anglers.

Presently we are closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Carlos, as this system is forecast to move in the direction of Southern Baja by next Wednesday.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 52 charters for the shortened week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 8 striped marlin, 19 dorado, 3 yellowfin tuna, 1 golden leopard grouper, 34 amberjack, 15 cabrilla, 3 dogtooth snapper, 4 pargo colorado, 2 sierra, 10 yellow snapper, 12 jack crevalle, 8 bonito and 20 roosterfish.

 

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – June 7, 2015

June 7, 2015 156_Ed_Kliber

Tropical storm season has started off with a flurry of unprecedented activity, last week we saw Hurricane Andres pass off to the west, bringing warmer humid conditions and increased ocean swells. At this present time we are following the rapid development of and projected path of Hurricane Blanca, which appears to heading on a track to bring it very close offshore of Todo Santos and then downgrading to a tropical Storm as it makes landfall early Monday morning near San Carlos. We are expecting strong winds, heavy rainfall and ocean swell over 20 foot during the entire day of Sunday. So preparations are now being made, moving boats to safer areas, stocking up on provisions, etc…Normally these early season storm systems will steer more off to the west, as did Andres, but it appears that Blanca has another plan. Being prepared is the wisest thing that can be done at this time. This summer is shaping up to be very busy in the Eastern Pacific, as water temperatures are already near the 80 degree mark.

Sportfishing fleets continued to deal with light crowds, main offshore action was for striped marlin, with many charters accounting for one or two billfish. Dorado were showing up in greater numbers, especially closer to shore, most of the dorado were small in size, though a percentage were in the 10 to 20 lb. range. Striking on various lures and baitfish.

Bait suppliers were netting caballito and moonfish in the marina channel and ballyhoo was another option. No reports of anyone finding any sardinas and with higher storm swells heading our direction we expect baitfish might become a bit more scattered. Still no significant signs of mullet schools being encountered, though some larger roosterfish have been hooked into trolling along the local beach stretches, fish of 40 to 50 lbs. were landed this past week. Some quality sized amberjack to over 60 pounds were accounted for and dogtooth snapper were also hooked into, but lost due to the close proximity of sharp rocky reefs. A mix of pargo, bonito and cabrilla rounded out the action over the shallow structure.

Wahoo bite dropped off compared to last, full moon might have been a factor, though these elusive speedsters remain in the area and conditions are favorable for them to become more active at any time. Most of the wahoo landed recently have been fish weighing in the 15 to 30 pound class, striking on either baits or trolled lures, mainly on the grounds to the north of Punta Gorda.

Lots of sharks still being reported, from on the offshore marlin grounds to the inshore structure areas as well, brown, mako and hammerhead sharks have been prevalent, apparently attracted by the plentiful food source now on these grounds.

There were yellowfin tuna seen feeding on the local fishing grounds, though only a handful were hooked into, most of these were in the area from La Fortuna to the Gordo Banks, while using available baitfish, these tuna averaged 30 lb., at least one much larger yellowfin was reported, though we did not receive an exact weight on that fish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 48 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:  11 striped marlin, 64 dorado, 8 yellowfin tuna, 8 wahoo, 16 amberjack, 11 cabrilla, 22 yellow snapper, 8 jack crevalle, 16 bonito and 29 roosterfish.

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – May 30, 2015

May 31, 2015 157_BiilCatch

Light crowds of tourists now, as school semester’s soon finish, we will see greater numbers of vacationers arrive. At this time the season’s first tropical storm has developed off of the coast of mainland Mexico, named Andres, this system is forecast to follow a more westerly path, keeping it well away from any impact with land. As Andres brewed some 500 miles to the south, the weather became more tropical, feeling like summer, warm and humid. We do expect to see higher ocean swells develop over the weekend. Water temperature temperatures have ranged from 72 degrees on the further Pacific banks, up to the 78/79 degrees in the vicinity of the Outer Gordo Banks.

There were variable gusty winds out of the north and switching from the south, on and off throughout the week, this made for unpredictable conditions offshore. Most consistent action found was for striped marlin, this action centered straight offshore from San Jose del Cabo, with more billfish being found from 10 to 15 miles from shore, though some stripers were encountered much closer in. Many charters were accounting for multiple billfish days, two, three or more marlin, striking on lures, as well as taking dropped back baits. Large number of sharks were encountered on these same grounds, to the point of being a nuisance, quite hefty, brown variety, strong fighters, taking up a lot of angler’s time.

Action for other species was limited, though some charters were able to land two or three wahoo while trolling lures, mainly Rapalas, off of the Red Hill area, some strikes were taken on rigged baits as well, most of these were smaller sized ‘hoo, up to 25 pounds. Dorado were few and far between, though on occasion a boat would come in with two or three fish, most of these under fifteen pounds.

Only a handful of yellowfin tuna were reported, a few larger tuna were hooked into on the Gordo Banks, fish were strong enough to break leaders, over one hundred pounds, these hook ups were lost for various reasons, so the tuna are in the area and with warmer tropical conditions forming, anything could happen on any given day.

With limited numbers of charters and breezy conditions, there was not much bottom action reported, even when weather cooperated there were just not many structure species accounted for, strong current was a contributing factor.

Close to shore anglers found action for roosterfish and jack crevalle, though this action was hit or miss, we have not seen many mullet moving into to local waters yet, this migration of baitfish is what normally brings in the big run of larger sized roosterfish. This is the time of year when we can see dogtooth snapper close to shore, we have not seen these powerful snapper yet, typically found near the rocky reefs.

Still no sign of a resource for sardinas, with higher surf conditions on the way, most likely the bait situation will remain the same, with caballito, moonfish and ballyhoo being offered inside the marina at launch time.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 52 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:  38 striped marlin, 26 dorado, 6 yellowfin tuna, 24 wahoo, 4 amberjack, 3 pargo colorado, 18 huachinango,13 cabrilla, 12 yellow snapper, 10 jack crevalle, 18 roosterfish and 10 bonito.

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – May 24, 2015

May 23, 2015 158_tunawahoo

Now starting the final week of the month of May, weather conditions continue to be very pleasant, warming days, highs around 85 degrees, moderate breezes and light swells, all combine to create comfortable ocean conditions for visiting anglers. Crowds are much lighter than we would expect for this time frame, many anglers who regularly fish out of the panga area of Puerto Los Cabos Marina are waiting for rebuilding efforts to be completed, progress is moving along, though priorities are not aimed towards repairing the damaged docks, so far crews are only working on all of the other surrounding infrastructure, people are having to park or be dropped off out on the far perimeter and carry supplies much longer distances than pre-Odile days.

There have not been any sardinas available for the past several weeks, anglers have been relying on what available baitfish that are being found in the marina area, mainly caballito and some moonfish, also ballyhoo. Other charters are spending time catching chihuil and some people had success on strips of giant squid that they purchased ahead of time from local super markets. Ocean temperatures has been ranging from 74 to 77 degrees and blue water is being found within several miles of shore.

Striped marlin has been the most common species found offshore, straight offshore of San Jose del Cabo, anywhere from 3 to 15 miles from shore, concentrations of stripers are being found, free jumping and at times feeding on balled up bait sources. At times the marlin proved very finicky, though with persistence anglers were hooking up, many boats accounted for one or two marlin, while other seen many fish, but could not entice any strikes, with so much food on the fishing grounds, the marlin would just not be hungry at times. Only an occasional dorado being encountered, this is the time where we do expect to start seeing more larger sized dorado move into the area.

Wahoo were fairly active throughout this past week, most of the time found near shore, off of Palmilla and north to Cardon and La Fortuna, anglers using lures and baits were accounted for as many as two or three wahoo in their combined catches, weights ranged up to 40 lb. Many wahoo could be seen following baits as they were being trolled slowly, but they would be shy at actually striking, lighter leaders proved to be an advantage. Encouraging to have so many wahoo being reportedly sighted, even though the numbers of fish actually landed have been limited. Something could happen at any time now to trigger a wide open bite for these fish.

Yellowfin tuna bite was limited to just one or two tuna here or there, many of these hit of strips of squid, some were hooked on small hoochies and other on chihuil or caballito, sizes averaged 20 to 40 lb. Lots of yellowfin in the area, but these fish are just not that eager to strike on what the anglers are able to offer.

After having some excellent bottom action last week, this week has been a different story, one factor being the swift current that has been running, this will put the fish off the bite faster than anything. A handful of amberjack, cabrilla, yellow snapper and triggerfish were accounted for, no significant numbers though, with the areas of La Fortuna and Iman being the best bet for this. If the currents slacks on any given day this action can produce some quality catches.

 

Along the shore only a few sierra being encountered, some larger sized roosterfish are now moving in, we saw roosterfish up to 40 lb. landed and of course there are jack crevalle in the mix as well. In the coming weeks we expect increased numbers of larger roosterfish to continue to move through our area, mid-June is normally the peak season for these prized gamefish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 58 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:  30 striped marlin, 14 yellowfin tuna, 27 wahoo, 18 dorado, 15 amberjack, 22 huachinango (red snapper), 15 cabrilla, 22 yellow snapper and 16 bonito.

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – May 24-2015

May 23, 2015 158_tunawahoo

Now starting the final week of the month of May, weather conditions continue to be very pleasant, warming days, highs around 85 degrees, moderate breezes and light swells, all combine to create comfortable ocean conditions for visiting anglers. Crowds are much lighter than we would expect for this time frame, many anglers who regularly fish out of the panga area of Puerto Los Cabos Marina are waiting for rebuilding efforts to be completed, progress is moving along, though priorities are not aimed towards repairing the damaged docks, so far crews are only working on all of the other surrounding infrastructure, people are having to park or be dropped off out on the far perimeter and carry supplies much longer distances than pre-Odile days.

There have not been any sardinas available for the past several weeks, anglers have been relying on what available baitfish that are being found in the marina area, mainly caballito and some moonfish, also ballyhoo. Other charters are spending time catching chihuil and some people had success on strips of giant squid that they purchased ahead of time from local super markets. Ocean temperatures has been ranging from 74 to 77 degrees and blue water is being found within several miles of shore.

Striped marlin has been the most common species found offshore, straight offshore of San Jose del Cabo, anywhere from 3 to 15 miles from shore, concentrations of stripers are being found, free jumping and at times feeding on balled up bait sources. At times the marlin proved very finicky, though with persistence anglers were hooking up, many boats accounted for one or two marlin, while other seen many fish, but could not entice any strikes, with so much food on the fishing grounds, the marlin would just not be hungry at times. Only an occasional dorado being encountered, this is the time where we do expect to start seeing more larger sized dorado move into the area.

Wahoo were fairly active throughout this past week, most of the time found near shore, off of Palmilla and north to Cardon and La Fortuna, anglers using lures and baits were accounted for as many as two or three wahoo in their combined catches, weights ranged up to 40 lb. Many wahoo could be seen following baits as they were being trolled slowly, but they would be shy at actually striking, lighter leaders proved to be an advantage. Encouraging to have so many wahoo being reportedly sighted, even though the numbers of fish actually landed have been limited. Something could happen at any time now to trigger a wide open bite for these fish.

Yellowfin tuna bite was limited to just one or two tuna here or there, many of these hit of strips of squid, some were hooked on small hoochies and other on chihuil or caballito, sizes averaged 20 to 40 lb. Lots of yellowfin in the area, but these fish are just not that eager to strike on what the anglers are able to offer.

After having some excellent bottom action last week, this week has been a different story, one factor being the swift current that has been running, this will put the fish off the bite faster than anything. A handful of amberjack, cabrilla, yellow snapper and triggerfish were accounted for, no significant numbers though, with the areas of La Fortuna and Iman being the best bet for this. If the currents slacks on any given day this action can produce some quality catches.

Along the shore only a few sierra being encountered, some larger sized roosterfish are now moving in, we saw roosterfish up to 40 lb. landed and of course there are jack crevalle in the mix as well. In the coming weeks we expect increased numbers of larger roosterfish to continue to move through our area, mid-June is normally the peak season for these prized gamefish.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 58 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:  30 striped marlin, 14 yellowfin tuna, 27 wahoo, 18 dorado, 15 amberjack, 22 huachinango (red snapper), 15 cabrilla, 22 yellow snapper and 16 bonito.

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – May 10, 2015 – Happy Mothers Day !

May 10, 2015 160_60LBWahoo (614x1024)– Happy Mother’s Day!

Surprisingly light crowds now, considering this is usually a popular time for visiting tourists. Large swells pounded the region through last weekend, same swell that caused major flood damage to resorts located further south on mainland Mexico. Conditions have settled now, light breezes, increasingly warm days, feeling semi tropical, great time of year, climate is ideal, this is before the heat of the summer.

Sportfishing fleets were fishing in all different directions, main action found offshore was for striped marlin, good numbers of fish seen throughout the zone, anywhere from a few miles out to fifteen miles or so have been productive areas. The marlin have been feeding on an abundance of squid which are now on local fishing grounds, at times, with all of this natural bait available, the stripers became more finicky of striking on any other offerings. Though many were striking on various lures, rigged ballyhoo and caballito baits. Average weighs ranged from 90 to 120 lb. Still some thrasher sharks being hooked into on the same grounds.

Dorado were surprisingly scarce, just a handful of fish found scattered from inshore to offshore, most smaller sized fish, with a few exceptions. Water conditions are improving once again, recent swell and winds contributed to pushing in dirty greenish currents, with conditions now rebounding and water temperatures averaging 74 to 76 degrees, anything could happen on any given day. On the Pacific there were water temperatures as low as 70 degrees reported, warmest grounds were in the direction of the Sea of Cortez and Los Frailes.

Anglers were scratching away at a variety of structure species, while waiting for surface action to improve. Most common fish were huachinango, of the true Pacific Red snapper, leopard grouper, yellow snapper, triggerfish and bonito. Though this action was not consistent, best bet for enticing the red snapper were being found while using red crabs for bait, which were only available on a very limited basis. Other whole and cut bait were being used, as well as yo-yo jigs. No sardinas have been found now for the past couple of weeks, ballyhoo are being used for trolling, and caballito have been readily available in the Marina channel through the commercial fleet.

We had not seen any yellowfin tuna action at all for some 12 days, though on Wednesday and Thursday limited numbers of yellowfin were accounted for by charters trolling with caballito off of the Cardon area. These fish were all in the 25 to 40 lb. range, anglers were fortunate to land one or two of these fish. Wahoo made a strong showing on the same spot as where the tuna were encountered, though many more wahoo were lost than were actually landed. As clarity improves and the days continue on the warming trend we expect action to turn on in the coming weeks. This is the time of year, when there can be great action found from inshore, offshore and off of the structure.

Inshore fishing was hit or miss now, some roosterfish, most of them smaller sized, jack crevalle, powerful fighters, some as large as 25 lb. Not many sierra now, season is getting late for them and the lack of sardinas is not helping to find these fish. Within the next several weeks is when we do normally begin to see larger sized roosterfish move in, particularly as their mullet food source migrate into local waters.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 58 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:

17 striped marlin, 15 yellowfin tuna, 7 wahoo, 18 dorado, 10 sierra, 18 jack crevalle, 8 roosterfish, 5 amberjack, 49 huachinango (red snapper) , 26 cabrilla,  2 broomtail grouper, 18 whitefish, 20 yellow snapper, 12 bonito and 22 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

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Report – April 27, 2015

April 27, 2015 162_tunacatch (1024x681)

With weather conditions now ideal, hard to say why crowds of visiting tourists remain light, the climate is perfect, mostly clear sunny skies, with high temperatures up to 85 degrees. Winds fluctuated, calm through most of the week, increasing late week.

The bite for yellowfin tuna and wahoo was the highlight for local San Jose del Cabo fleets, also there was much improved action for striped marlin found on local fishing grounds. Supplies of sardinas were being netted near San Luis, though in recent days the commercial pangeros found less quantities compared to previous weeks, these batfish have been the bait of choice for the yellowfin tuna. Quality yellowfin ranging from 25 to 50 pounds have been testing the limits of angler’s light to medium equipment. The most productive grounds have switched from north of Vinorama, back south to the Iman Bank, but beware of the pesky sea lions, who have been getting more than their share of hooked tuna. With some larger sized tuna now in the mix another option for bait has been chihuil, which of course all gamefish will feed on, particularly wahoo. Some wahoo hit on ballyhoo or trolled Rapalas, but many more were taken on either chihuil or sardinas, sizes ranged up to 40 lb. The action for the tuna changed more towards later in the morning, early through mid- week was very good, Friday the north wind picked up and all around action was limited.

Dorado were not as numerous, though a handful of fish have been accounted for, no particular area seemed to be better than the other and most dorado hooked into were in the 5 to 10 lb. class, with the exception of a few fish larger to 30 lb. Striped marlin action was centered around the 1150 spot, with fish coming up on the lure spread and rigged ballyhoo. Stripers were also seen frequently on the same grounds where tuna and wahoo were found.

Not much along the shore now, roosterfish were harder to find this past week and sierra action was spotty as well. Bottom action improved some, anglers fishing the same grounds where tuna and wahoo were found near the surface, found a mix of species such as amberjack, pargo, bonito, cabrilla and plenty of triggerfish. Most of these action was on various whole and cut bait, not much going on while using the yo-yo’s. Yellowtail action was not reported, though not many people were trying the Outer Gordo Banks where these fish were previous found holding down in the cooler depths. With surface water temperature now ranging 74 to 77 degrees, this is a bit warmer than what would be ideal for yellowtail, so best chances would most likely be down deep where currents are cooler.

 

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 78 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 3 surgeonfish, 32 striped marlin, 44 wahoo, 33 dorado, 176 yellowfin tuna, 22 sierra,  14 jack crevalle, 7 roosterfish, 6 pompano, 20 amberjack, 65 various pargo/snapper species, 120 bonito 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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 20, 2015

April 19, 2015 163_Craig_SueCatch (1024x694)

Crowds of tourists are lighter now that spring break has wound down, the visitors that are arriving to Los Cabos are enjoying great all around weather conditions, ideal climate now, scattered cloud cover, though plenty of sunshine, high temperatures around 85 degrees. With the exception of last weekend, when on Sunday the wind blew heavily out of the north, since then days have been much calmer, still unpredictable from day to day this time of year.

Ocean water temperatures fluctuated from 72 to 76 degrees throughout most of the region, swells were moderate and supplies of sardinas were sufficient, being netted by the commercial fleet near San Luis. Anglers found the most consistent action from areas near Vinorama, San Luis and Iman Bank. Last Saturday there was a wide open bite reported from the Tule area, just north of Vinorama, this is a longer than normal run for local charter fleets, though the action was centered very close to shore. Yellowfin tuna in the 30 pound class was the mainstay of daily catches, though there were dorado and wahoo mixed in. Drift fishing with sardinas for bait was the most productive technique. The very next day, on Sunday, high winds made conditions extremely difficult and also stirred up the sea, slowing the bite for a couple of days. Then the action improved by mid-week, before tapering off once again later in the week. Definitely an up and down deal, though conditions remain favorable and anything could happen on any given day.

More striped marlin are being seen around the Iman Bank and other nearby grounds, as well as a handful of larger dorado, wahoo action was elusive, though these speedsters are holding on local fishing grounds and with warming weather could go on a big bite at any time. Not much consistent bottom action being found, not many anglers were even trying the Gordo Banks, where yellowtail had previously found schooling down deep, this action was sporadic and most anglers opted to travel further north in search of better opportunities for tuna, wahoo and dorado.

Inshore there were sierra, roosterfish and jack crevalle, no big numbers, as spring progresses we expect to see improved inshore action soon as spring progresses.

Have not heard of any great reports coming from the East Cape or outside of Cabo San Lucas, best bite appears to be out of the San Jose del Cabo area, which can be normal for this time frame.

Rebuilding efforts of the panga dock area out of Puerto Los Cabos Marina continue to progress, though more priority seems to be put towards fancying up the fillet station areas and perimeter of the parking areas, not towards actually rebuilding loading ramps, connecting docks, bathroom facility, lighting and fresh water wash down options for all of the moored pangas. Street work in the La Playita village area surrounding the docks continue at a snail’s pace, with no detour signs in place and this makes work conveniences limited. We do all hope that this project is someday completed, as the new tropical storm season is just around the corner.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 77 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 85 yellowfin tuna, 9 striped marlin, 11 wahoo, 58 dorado, 17 sierra, 32 Eastern Pacific bonito, 16 cabrilla, 8 pompano, 14 roosterfish, 5 amberjack, 16 jack crevalle, 22 pargo, 22 yellow snapper and 105 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 14, 2015

April 14, 2015 164_JesseRodriguez

Spring break vacation period is now coming to a close, this has been a busy time in Los Cabos, with everyone enjoying the pristine conditions, perfect 85 degree temperatures now, felling a bit tropical, light winds, perfect conditions for all of the available outdoor activities.

Anglers found ideal ocean conditions, light swells, moderate variable afternoon breezes, with water temperatures ranging from 74 to 77 degrees, occasional swift currents, blue water being found within a couple miles of shore and a variety of gamefish now in local waters.  Most consistent fishing grounds were from the Gordo Banks and north towards Vinorama. Recent catches have included striped marlin, dorado, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, bonito, roosterfish, skipjack, pargo, cabrilla and jack crevalle. Sardinas have once again been found schooling near San Luis, commercial bait netters worked hard for limited supplies, other bait option were caballito, chihuil and ballyhoo. Many species now in the area, though the action varied from day to day and the fish needed to be worked for. Best action proved to be encountered while using various baits.

Dorado were not numerous, though some larger sized fish are now being accoutered for, some bulls to 30 pounds were brought in. Some of these dorado were found very close to shore. Most of the roosterfish now being found were along the stretch from Puerto Los Cabos Marina towards Punta Gorda and weighed less than fifteen pounds. Schools of large sized jack crevalle found close to shore as well, some up to 30 pounds. Not many sierra now being located. The Eastern Pacific bonito were one of the more prevalent species now present on the various high spots, these fish ranged up to ten pounds.

The highlight of the week was that with sardinas once again obtainable, the yellowfin tuna action rebounded near Vinorama, even though this preferred bait was not overly abundant, anglers were accounting for decent catches on yellowfin weighing in the 25 lb. to 35 lb. class. The tuna were striking on both dead and live sardinas, while drift fishing with lighter weight leaders of 30/40 lb. Charters fishing this spot were accounting for anywhere from one to eight tuna, all quality sized fish. This spot is very close to shore and aggressive triggerfish are biting here as well. Wahoo have been hanging around these same grounds, some days more active than others, striking best on sardinas while targeting tuna, or on rigged ballyhoo and a handful on Rapalas. Many of the wahoo caught were smaller sized 15 to 25 lb. fish, though there was one wahoo this past week that was in the 80 lb. class and another one close to fifty pounds.

The few yellowtail that have been in the area have been coming from the Outer Gordo Banks, these fish all ranged in the 20 to 35 lb. class, striking most readily on live chihuil, a few hit on dead bait, though this was a hit or miss bite and there was not much else in the meantime being found on these grounds, besides some skipjack and bonito, though striped marlin were found near these grounds.

Humpback whales are still in the area, though in fewer numbers, they were seen feeding aggressive on some unidentified food source on the Gordo Banks, apparently filling up before starting their journey to their northern summer feeding grounds.

Not much bottom action this past week, some snapper, pargo, bonito, amberjack, but no consistent bite and most anglers opted to try for the tuna or wahoo.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:

280 yellowfin tuna, 15 striped marlin, 38 wahoo, 28 dorado, 9 sierra, 90 Eastern Pacific bonito, 23 cabrilla, 16 roosterfish, 10 amberjack, 21 yellowtail, 12 jack crevalle, 28 misc. pargo and 55 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 5, 2015

April 5, 2015 165_Reina

Easter Week is officially here, very busy time for the local residents and visitors alike. This is traditionally the time when family and friends gather, pack up provisions and flock to all of the available beaches to enjoy themselves during this holiday period. Weather conditions are absolutely ideal, clear sunny skies, with high temperatures nearing the 90 degree mark, winds and swells very moderate, very comfortable conditions for anglers.

With many fishing crew members now on extended camping excursions, also just not that many sport anglers now arriving in town, fleets have had light schedules this week. Later this month, warming weather patterns will offer sportfishing charters more opportunities and crowds of anglers will increase.

The larger swell that pushed through the region last week, has resided now, though this surge was strong enough to scatter the schools of sardinas which had been congregating near Vinorama, these preferred baitfish have now moved away from this beach stretch and we will wait patiently for the schools to return as conditions settle. In the meantime charters have been using the available caballito, chihuil, skipjack or ballyhoo for baitfish options. Ocean temperatures have ranging from 73 to 76 degrees and this is a warming trend which expect will continue. There were reports of schooling bolito on the offshore fishing grounds, this is also a great sign, as this food source will surely attract more gamefish.

Transition periods can create inconsistent and unpredictable fishing action. We had seen great action during previous weeks, unusual fall type action during the winter season. There was good action for yellowfin tuna in the 20 to 30 lb. class, then the dorado and wahoo also moved in and got in on the action, then the quality sized yellowtail started to take up the slack on the Gordo Banks, now things have changed more to bottom structure species as the surface bite has faded out for the time being. With the exception of striped marlin, which are being found straight outside of San Jose del Cabo and on the grounds to the north, not much else being found offshore now.

Local fleets have been fishing the areas from Palmilla, to the Gordo Banks and north to La Fortuna, Iman, San Luis and Vinorama. Action has been spread out, using available bait and a mix of yo-yo type jigs, anglers found species such as skipjack, bonito, pargo, snapper, amberjack and triggerfish. Most common catches were bonito, skipjack and small red snapper. The area of San Luis has held a nicer grade of red snapper, though the sea lions have been a major nuisance, as they have been relentless in stealing and majority of all fish that were being hooked up. No very little yellowtail action to speak of, a few more amberjack started to appear, up to 35 lb. No larger grouper to report, but there are some nice leopard grouper up to 15 lb., including one golden phase specimen that was taken on Thursday off of the Gordo Banks. There was also a lot of conversation about a 500 lb. mako shark that was patrolling these same banks, going from boat to boat, daring anglers to try and throw a bait its direction, no one opted to try and battle this monster.

Inshore there have been hog sized jack crevalle, as well as roosterfish, mostly smaller fish, a few pargo Colorado close to shore, sierra have been around, but not in numbers you would normally find a this time.

Still quite a few whales being seen daily, these mammals must be about ready to head north soon.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 53 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of:
14 striped marlin, 5 wahoo, 9 dorado, 25 sierra, 98 Eastern Pacific bonito, 16 cabrilla, 1 golden leopard grouper (cabrilla), 185 huachinango (red snapper), 18 roosterfish, 15 amberjack, 5 yellowtail, 26 jack crevalle, 18 barred pargo, 44 triggerfish and 16 yellow snapper.

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