Los Cabos Fishing Report – September 8, 2019

September 8, 2019

Tropical weather conditions now upon us, we are seeing on and off sporadic afternoon thunder showers, which are common during this month. The passing of Hurricane Juliette was barely felt, as it had followed a path far off to the west, humidity did increase and there was more afternoon southern breeze. Overall ocean conditions were favorable, moderate swells, though the wind did pick up later in the day. No new storm system on the horizon at this time, though with ocean water temperatures now ranging 80 to 86 degrees, we do need to watch forecasts closely the next few weeks. Light crowds of visitors now, normal slack period, as children are back in school and summer season winds down.

In recent days there have been quality sized sardinas being netted and brought down from the north, anglers are meeting these bait vendors on grounds such as La Fortuna and Iman Bank. Other bait options were slabs of squid, caballito, ballyhoo, as well as bolito and skipjack found on offshore grounds. These same grounds is where the most consistent action has been found for the past month and charters from East Cape are even making the long two hour run daily, guess they must have no better opportunities in closer proximity.

Main action has been for dorado and yellowfin tuna, an occasional wahoo, limited mix of bottom species and some scattered billfish action. Significant boat pressure on these same grounds and combined with large concentrations of natural food sources, the yellowfin tuna proved to be more finicky from day to day. Best chances for the tuna was with sardinas and strips of squid, a few also striking on larger baitfish. Catches ranged from one tuna, to over five per boat, sizes ranged from 15 to 70 lb., a lot of fish in the 20 to 60 lb. class.

More numbers of dorado were found a bit closer to shore than where the yellowfin bite was, still big numbers of very small sized dorado, with a smaller percentage of keeper sized dorado in the mix. Sardinas for bait was best bet, also trolling hoochies and feathers, as well as drift fishing with strips of squid.

Off the bottom the highlights were a few hog sized amberjack, up to 95 lb., one 57 kilo grouper hauled up by local hand liner. A scattering of pargo, pompano and triggerfish rounded out bottom action. A few smaller sized roosterfish were found trolling inshore stretches near the local marina.

Marlin anglers were limited, as more anglers were now targeting the tuna, though a couple of black  marlin hook ups were reported, big fish that ended up being lost after hours of battling. Some smaller sized blue and striped marlin were also reported, no big numbers, but every day these billfish are being encountered.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 68 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 6 striped marlin, 5 blue marlin, 275 dorado, 8 wahoo, 145 yellowfin tuna, 6 leopard grouper, 14 Mexican bonito, 15 yellow snapper, 8 barred pargo, 8 pompano, 15 amberjack, 12 roosterfish, 4 jack crevalle and 38 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

Swinging into Autumn – September Events and Seasonal Activities in Los Cabos

September is traditionally the hottest month of the year in Los Cabos, and consequently the slowest from a tourism perspective. No surprise, then, that September is also the slowest month when it comes to special events.

Well, with one exception…and a rather major one at that. September is the month when Mexico celebrates its Independence Day.

Cinco de Mayo may get a lot of press in the U.S., but the remembrance of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 generates little more than yawns in Los Cabos. Mexico’s Independence Day, by contrast, is a huge deal in every town and city in the country, and is accompanied by affiliated celebrations, las fiestas patrias, which are observed throughout the month of September.

Honored each September 16, Mexican Independence Day remembers Miguel Hidalgo’s “Grito de Dolores” in 1810, a cry for freedom from Spanish colonization that culminated 11 years later with Mexico’s sovereign independence. Festivities kick off in cape cities San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas at 11 p.m. on September 15, with top political officials performing grito reenactments—which traditionally end with ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico! ¡Viva Mexico!—followed by fireworks and live music. The next day, large parades take place in both cities.

Visitors to Los Cabos will certainly find these patriotic celebrations interesting and entertaining, but hardly the only reason to get excited during the month of September. Because although it’s hot, slow and light on special events, September does have its attractions. Not only are rates typically a little lower for accommodations at resorts and rental properties, but September also represesnts the peak season for some of the area’s signature outdoor activities and adventures.

With that in mind, here are three “seasons” you won’t want to miss out on this September…

Sea Turtle Season

Five of the world’s seven endangered sea turtle species come to Baja California to lay their eggs–the green turtle, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive riddle and leatherback (the largest sea turtle and the world’s fastest aquatic reptile)–with local conservation agencies and some area resorts offering opportunities to assist in the hatchling process. Why is this help so important? Although mature sea turtles are long-lived and have few predators, they are in great danger during their initial journey away from the nest, extremely vulnerable to predators on both land and sea. The help visitors give, in other words, contributes to the long lives of hatchlings, and also to the continuation of these remarkable species. In Los Cabos, sea turtle season stretches from late August until early December.

Peak Diving Season

Los Cabos boasts spectacular year-round diving, with a half-dozen great sites at Land’s End alone, plus easy access to the living coral reef at Cabo Pulmo–one of the oldest and largest in the Western Hemisphere–and dedicated shipwreck dive sites in both Los Cabos and La Paz. One local boat, the Solmar V, even offers week-long trips to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, some 250 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, for unbelievable underwater encounters with deep sea creatures like manta rays, dolphins and great white sharks. The best times to visit in terms of water temperatures and visibility, however, are during the late summer and early autumn months. From July through October, water temperatures typically range from about 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words: “The water’s perfect. Come on in!”

Swim with Whale Sharks Season

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching up to 40 feet in length, and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds. There is no risk in swimming with these gentle giants, however, since they subsist solely on plankton. Baja California Sur’s capital city of La Paz is the premier place to indulge in this unforgettable wildlife adventure, with the majority of interactions occurring near the tip of the El Mogote peninsula. For those interested in whale shark swims, complimentary round-trip transportation from Los Cabos is provided by several respected activities providers during the months of August through May each year.

Pretty amazing, right?

So on second thought, it seems like September really isn’t that slow after all. You just have to know what to look for!

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 Event Calendar

September

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

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

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

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – July 28, 2019

July 28, 2019

Tropical conditions, high temperatures averaging 90 degrees, south wind early in the week, settling down over the weekend. There was the development of Tropical Storm Dalila, this system moved far to the west, no impact with land, though there was local tropical disturbances flaring up, early in the week over the mountainous region north of San Jose del Cabo and in La Paz, where they had major thunderstorms, it is now the time when this tropical actives increases.

There were moderate ocean swells and southern winds the first half of the week, this contributed to stirring up water conditions once again, greener currents along the shoreline, clean blue water found further offshore. Ocean temperature is now in the 78 to 85 degree range, off of San Jose and towards the north offshore, is where the water is now warmest.

Conditions are now cleaning up closer to shore, crazy how all through the month of July conditions were changing back and forth. It is now the season when things can change rapidly, both with the fishing action and the weather.

Bait vendors offered a mix of caballito, mullet, ballyhoo and slabs of squid. More open water trolling done offshore, with blue marlin strikes being reported daily, particularly around the 1150 spot, also some striped marlin and nicer sized dorado, to over 40 lb. Chances of finding porpoise with associated yellowfin tuna, though nothing consistent for tuna now, some local commercial pangeros found some yellowfin to 60 lb. north of Vinorama.

Closer to shore from Cardon to Vinorama there were good numbers of smaller school sized dorado, under 10 lb., some very small, remember catch and release on these small dorado, limits are two per license. As clean water moves closer to shore we expect some of the larger bulls to move in, now most of the larger dorado reported are out on the marlin grounds.

We had a surprise to see some activity by wahoo, handful of these speedsters were landed while trolling offshore waters, has been a while since we seen these fish, so that is a great sign. More looking for various surface action now, not much besides triggerfish and an occasional snapper or amberjack off the bottom now. Along the shore there were still roosterfish and jack crevalle, though that action became less consistent and actually more anglers are opting to target the dorado which has been the main bite for local charters.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 66 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 7 striped marlin, 4 blue marlin, 5 wahoo, 235 dorado, 24 yellowfin tuna, 9 leopard grouper, 32 Mexican bonito, 14 red snapper, 7 yellow snapper, 8 amberjack, 9 roosterfish, 15 jack crevalle and 85 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 – June 23, 2019

June 23, 2019

Well the summer season is now officially here, local weather patterns are steadily warming, some scattered morning cloud cover, quickly burning off as the sun rises higher into the sky, daytime highs reaching 90 degrees. We noticed more crowds of family vacationers arriving, taking advantage of early summer vacation time. Winds were lighter, mainly picking up from the south later in the day. Ocean water temperatures has quickly rebounded back near the 80 degree mark in the direction of San Jose del Cabo and further north. Also clarity is much cleaner on these same grounds in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, while the Pacific still remains greenish and much cooler.

In and around the marina area the bait vendors are finding caballito, mullet and some moonfish, other bait options has been strips of squid and ballyhoo, as well as some bolito and smaller sized black skipjack on the offshore fishing grounds. Anglers are also using yo-yo style jigs for a mix of some bottom action.

Sportfishing fleets are mainly concentrating on the grounds from the Iman to San Luis Bank, not much found on the scouting trips to the Gordo Banks, besides shark and a few billfish. The more productive action has been switching back and forth daily, some days San Luis, others on the Iman. Drift fishing for yellowfin tuna with strips of squid, as well as slow trolling live baits, has resulting in yellowfin tuna catches, fish ranged in sizes from 15 lb. to 80 lb. No big numbers, most boats were having at least a chance or two, some charters landing as many as three or four tuna, the best action seemed to be earlier in the morning.

These same grounds were producing an occasional dorado, a few nicer sized bulls over 25 lb. were accounted for, but only a scattered fish or two, at least we are seeing these prized fighting and popular gamefish present in local waters, they had been absent for a long time during the cooler winter and spring seasons.

The same areas where these surface species are being encountered, there have been options off the bottom while drift fishing with various baits and using the yo-yo style jigs. There were a few variety of grouper, pompano, amberjack, red snapper, yellow snapper, bonito and others on these rocky high spots. All of these being excellent table fare.

All along the beach stretches now is a great time for slowing baits for roosterfish, now the peak season for these gamefish, good chances at hooking into fish over 40 lb., even to 50 and 60 lb. Remember that this species is known for their prized fighting capabilities, not for eating quality, these fishing should always be released, care should be taken while taking a quick photo for documentation of the catch before releasing.

Striped marlin are scattered throughout the area now, right around the Iman bank and towards the Gordo Banks, no huge concentrations, but if you are interested in catching one of these fish, the odds are fairly high now that you find opportunity. Most of the stripers are now averaging 70 to 120 lb. Will not be long until we start seeing the larger blue and black marlin showing up in the warmer summer currents.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out an estimated 78 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 14 striped, 9 dorado, 48 yellowfin tuna, 3 dogtooth snapper, 8 leopard grouper, 4 African pompano, 180 Mexican bonito, 34 red snapper, 12 yellow snapper, 13 amberjack, 44 roosterfish, 14 jack crevalle and 70 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 – June 2, 2019

June 2, 2019

As we near the start of the summer season we are now enjoying the ideal climate, early morning cloud cover, burning off as sun comes up, breeze mostly out of the north, though also switching from the south and high temperatures in the lower 80s. Only moderate crowds now, so it is the perfect to visit. Ocean conditions are cold on the Pacific, though in the direction of San Jose del Cabo and to the north we have seen clean blue currents of 74 to 78 degrees.

Main baitfish now found in the local marina area have been moonfish and mullet, ballyhoo are another option, as well as slabs of squid. Charters are working the fishing grounds from Red Hill, Palmilla, Gordo Banks, Iman, San Luis and to Vinorama. Most consistent catches have come from bottom structure, red snapper and Mexican bonito most numerous, using iron yo-yo style jigs, also drifting baits down deep has producing some quality catches. A handful of grouper species and amberjack were accounted for, some over 30 lb.

Early in the week there was limited action for yellowfin tuna found on the San Luis Bank, tuna to over 80 lb. were landed, while drift with strips of squid, this action faded during the week, though the yellowfin were still seen at times showing on the surface, just not all that interested in biting, but with the conditions becoming more favorable, anything could happen on any given day. Other tuna were found further offshore traveling with porpoise, this was a hit or miss deal from day to day and these fish were much smaller, mostly under 20 lb.

We have not seen dorado now for some time, though this week a few were  hooked into while trolling open waters on the marlin grounds, so we are hoping to see more of these popular gamefish move in.

There have been increasing numbers of striped marlin now on the local grounds, spread out from outside the Gordo Banks, La Laguna, straight off of San Jose del Cabo and outside of Palmilla, anywhere from 4 to 10 miles out, There were marlin that hit on trolled lures and various baitfish, we look for this action to break wide open in coming weeks. Most of the stripers are now in the 80 to 100 lb. range.

There were stronger swells pounding the shoreline, though the few charters that did try closer in did report some action for roosterfish and jack crevalle, trolling with live mullet seemed to work best for this action. We also look for this bite to really break wide open in coming weeks, as this is always the local peak season for roosterfish in the alter part of June. Please remember that these game fish should be released with care, they are prized fighting fish, not known for eating quality and grow to large sizes, better to protect them for future generations.

The combined sportfishing fleet launching out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 74 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 2 dorado, 14 striped marlin, 6 yellowfin tuna, 2 dogtooth snapper, 12 leopard grouper, 1 broomtail grouper, 170 Mexican bonito, 58 red snapper, 4 yellow snapper, 13 amberjack, 10 glasseye pargo, 12 Pacific golden eyed tile fish, 14 roosterfish, 4 jack crevalle and 70 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 – May 26, 2019

May 26, 2019

May weather has been ideal, seems that it has not become too warm yet, a little cooler than we can normally feel this close to summer time. Actually about the perfect climate now, lows about 65 degrees, highs averaging in the lower 80’s, very few clouds, sunny and dry. Crowds of anglers are moderate now, great time for a visit, with some eating fish being brought in. Early in the week we saw currents from the north push in water that was in the 78/70 degree range, later in the week it was holding more in the 74/76 range. Much of the week we felt north winds, this limited at times where charters went, later towards the weekend winds laid down. With changing currents, also this pushed in slightly greenish off colored waters. Transition period has been unsettled for weeks now, eventually conditions will heat up and we will see some more stable patterns.

Bait vendors are finding moonfish, jacks and some sardineta, also options of ballyhoo. The most consistent action being found was over the structure, boats are working areas from off of Red Hill/Palmilla, Gordo Banks. Cardon, La Fortuna, San Luis, north to Vinorama. Some of the best action was very early on the San Luis Banks, anglers working yo-yo jigs did very well for red snapper (huachinango), these fish were quality, average of 5 to 12 lb. Good number of The Mexican bonito as well, also over the various rocky areas there were some amberjack and grouper species found, we saw amberjack up to 70 pounds, most were in the 10 to 30 lb. range. Yellowtail action died off, but some could still happen with that, lots of sharks were moving in around the Gordo Banks, some days sea lions were a bad problem as well.

A handful of striped marlin were hooked into, boat the off colored changing currents, combined with passing of the full moon,  this seemed to spread this action out, scattered activity for billfish, surely will rebound as soon as water conditions become more favorable. No dorado or wahoo being talked about, though there were some yellowfin tuna accounted for from the super pangas fishing on the northern grounds from San Luis to Vinorama, striking on cut bait and yo-yo jigs, most of these yellowfin were in the 12 to 20 lb. range.

Inshore areas just south of Palmilla, to Chileno produced good action for roosterfish, some of these to over 30 lb. Slow trolling live bait was best technique for these powerful gamefish. Also in the mix were a handful of late season sierra, as well as hog sized jack crevalle.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 60 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 4 striped marlin, 8 yellowfin tuna, 10 leopard grouper, 245 Mexican bonito, 82 red snapper, 5 yellow snapper, 7 African pompano, 5 barred pargo, 24 amberjack, 9 sierra, 12 glasseye pargo, 22 roosterfish, 10 jack crevalle and 40 triggerfish.

Good Fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report May 5, 2019

May 5, 2019

This week with the start of the new month we saw increased numbers of anglers showing up in town, along with hundreds of off road racing enthusiasts, here to celebrate the finish of the annual Norra Mexican 1000 five day rally. Weather conditions were excellent, nearly perfect climate now, hardly a chill early morning, with daytime highs reaching the mid-80s. Swells were slight, winds minimal, ocean temperatures ranged from 70 to 75 degrees through most of the region, with warmest currents found outside of San Jose del Cabo and towards the Gordo Banks.

Main baitfish being found have been the sardinas, a bit more spotty from day to day, the netters have been finding these schooling baitfish from near the marina jetty and off of Palmilla, though not in the quantity as in past weeks.

This week we felt a warming trend with different currents pushing in towards the Gordo Banks zone and this helped wake up the action some. Large whale sharks were also sighted on these grounds, slowly cruising around, not spooked of the any boat traffic, being larger than most boats themselves. No huge numbers of any particular gamefish species were being landed, though a variety of fish were being seen, including yellowtail to 30 lb. Early in the week some boats had as many as three yellowtail, since it has slowed, though these yellows are still in the area, downrigger proved to show best results, though not all bats use this method. Free swimming wahoo were spotted, but not on the bite, some tuna were seen working the surface, but they proved difficult, these was an occasional hook up reported. Jigging off the bottom produced some bonito and snapper.

A handful of yellowfin tuna were also found on the grounds from Iman, San Luis and Vinorama, a couple of tuna between 80 and 100 lb. were accounted for, most of these caught by local pangeros specifically targeting these fish for commercial value.

Closer to shore there was a variety of shallow water structure species found, drift fishing with sardinas worked well for this action. Species included sierra, yellow snapper, African pompano, triggerfish and a handful of amberjack.

Offshore there were reports of striped marlin activity from around the 1150 spot, this is just starting to develop and we expect to see this bit come on strong though the entire month, this is always the main season for stripers on these local ground off of San Jose del Cabo.

We expect to see schools of mullet to show in abundance later this month, which in turn will attract more inshore gamefish, such as dogtooth snapper, amberjack, jack crevalle and roosterfish. At this time main inshore action was for sierra mostly smaller sized roosterfish.

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: 4 striped marlin, 6 yellowfin tuna, 11 yellowtail, 11 leopard grouper, 210 bonito, 22 red snapper, 12 mohara, 18 yellow snapper, 8 African pompano, 15 amberjack, 85 sierra, 10 glasseye pargo, 12 roosterfish 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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 7, 2019

April 7, 2019

We continued to see waves of spring break vacationers arriving, many of these being families, as well as the college groups. The climate is definitely feeling spring like as well, mostly clear skies, lows about 65 degree, reaching 85 degrees later in the day, ideal time to visit.

The winds have been moderate, most of the strong northerlies now past, ocean currents continuing to vary, quite strong at times. Ocean temperatures averaged 72 degrees, early in

the week certain regions reported 74 degrees. Water clarity had been on a cleaning trend, then with changing currents became it bit greenish again, time of year that things can change rapidly from day to day.

Charters are using a combination of bait sources, ballyhoo, slabs of squid, as well as limited supplies of sardinas, chihuil action faded out this week, some imported rec crabs were obtained for red snapper action by the commercial panga fleet. Anglers were also using some yo-yo jigs and Rapalas.

Most common catch has been the Eastern Pacific bonito, schooling over high spots throughout the area, average size 4 to 6 lb., some up over 10 lb. These are a good eating fish, similar to tuna, same family species and scrappy fighters on light tackle. A few cabrilla, pargo, snapper and amberjack, of course lots of triggerfish. Some quality size huachinango were accounted for, one monster amberjack near 100 lb. was landed from a panga mid-week, they were using  a whole bonito for bait. The yellowtail action we saw last week seemed to stall out, we expect to still see more activity for these jacks.

Wahoo, marlin and dorado were not easy to find, though we did see a handful early in the week, we expect as water warms we will see more activity from these gamefish. Yellowfin tuna are being hooked into every day, mainly on strips of squid for bait, best spot was the Iman Bank, though the yellowfin are also being seen on the Gordo Banks. The tuna are very finicky though and anglers were fortunate to land one, sizes ranged from 25 lb. to 90 lb. These fish can become shy when they have plenty of natural food source to gorge on and when water conditions fluctuate daily.

Not much heard about fish along the shoreline, such as roosterfish, sierra and jack crevalle. Still some late season whale being sighted, lots of sea lions also moving onto the same fishing grounds.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 70 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 3 striped marlin, 5 dorado, 28 yellowfin tuna, 13 leopard grouper, 260 bonito, 42 red snapper, 4 barred pargo, 12 yellow snapper, 9 amberjack, 8 golden eyed tilefish, 6 baqueta grouper, 4 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

Los Cabos Fishing Report March 24, 2019

March 24, 2019

We saw similar low numbers of vacationers arriving this past week, though we expect to see more spring break tourists arriving soon. Weather patterns had been on a cooling trend and now we are starting to see this turn around, as winds have laid down and days are warming up near the 80 degree mark. Ocean conditions had turned over to be cold and green, but now we are seeing this rebound some, it can be a slow process, water is now averaging 71 to 73 degrees.

Main baits being used now were caballito and ballyhoo, no sardinas being found to speak of and not much going on with slabs of squid now. It is the time of year where anglers use more yo-yo style jigs off the bottom spots.

The all-around fishing did improve the past few days, the highlight being some hog sized amberjack in the 50 to 70 lb. class, also a few nice 25 lb. yellowtail were brought in, so this is encouraging to see these larger gamefish species showing up, taken over the structure near San Luis Bank. Also plenty of the Eastern Pacific bonito to keep anglers busy, a few even up to 15 lb. Some of the big amberjack actually grabbed onto bonito that were hooked up, these are hungry and aggressive fish, very powerful as well.

Only one or two yellowfin tuna seen all week, dorado were scarce as well, perhaps with a slight warming of the water we might see more of these fish, chance that maybe even the wahoo will wake up. The water is still greenish, but not as bad as it had been, it is on a clearing trend now, a lot can happen in a matter of a few days this time of year.

Action was scattered for striped marlin, though as the water clears we should see this improve, even in the off colored water there were reports of striped marlin, just no big concentrations at this time, at least off of the San Jose del Cabo grounds.

Inshore there were good numbers of small sized roosterfish off of the Hotel zone, trolling live bait is what these fish want, without sardinas, the other choice would be caballito or possibly mullet. Only a handful of sierra are being caught, a few up to five pounds.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 60 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 2 striped marlin, 5 dorado, 1 yellowfin tuna, 1 wahoo, 7 yellowtail, 13 leopard grouper, 205 bonito, 34 red snapper, 15 roosterfish, 3 surgeonfish, 4 barred pargo, 9 yellow snapper, 22 amberjack, 9 golden eyed tilefish, 5 glasseye snapper, 12 baqueta grouper, 9 sierra, 8 jack crevalle, 1 broomtail grouper 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

Blue Notes on Golden Shores – Los Cabos Jazz Festival to Debut at Newly Opened Hard Rock Hotel

Los Cabos will never become as synonymous with jazz as New Orleans, which after all is its birthplace, but it won’t be for lack of trying. Cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are now home to no less than three dedicated jazz festivals.

There’s the Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo, which will celebrate its 7th edition at Plaza del Pescador on Feb. 15th and 16th, 2019; there’s the Life Luxe Jazz Experience Los Cabos, which premiered last November at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica on the Pacific Coast north of San Lucas, and has already committed to return in 2019; and there’s the newly minted Los Cabos Jazz Festival, which will help to inaugurate the newly minted Hard Rock Hotel in Cabo San Lucas on April 25th to 28th, 2019.

The baby of the bunch, the Los Cabos Jazz Festival, is the brainchild of noted jazz saxophonist and festival organizer Warren Hill. Originally from Toronto, Hill has charted several smooth jazz hits over the years. Nowadays, however, he is probably best known for Music Getaways, an event company he started that specializes in destination based music festivals. It was Hill and Music Getaways that started the now iconic Cancun Jazz Festival, a success he’s seeking to replicate in Los Cabos.

Based on the line-up that’s already been announced, success seems all but assured. Joining Hill on the festival bill are Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne, Jonathon Butler, Damien Escobar, West Coast Jam (featuring Richard Elliot, Peter White and DW3), Sax to the Max (featuring Michael Lington, Vincent Ingala and Paul Taylor), and many other notable artists.

Jazz is the headliner, but far from the only attraction. The new Hard Rock Hotel has been a long awaited addition to the upscale Diamante development, a beachfront oasis on the Pacific Coast that boasts championship level golf course designs from major champions Tiger Woods and Davis Love III.

Woods actually has designed two courses at Diamante–the parkland style El Cardonal and Oasis Short Course–with another on the way. The unquestioned star of the onsite golf slate, though, is Love’s majestic links-style Dunes Course. One of three Los Cabos courses currently ranked among the top 100 on the planet, Dunes holds the highest rating ever for a local loop. GOLF Magazine had it ranked 36th best in the world for 2018, while Golf Digest placed it at a more modest but still spectacular 47th.

The Hard Rock Hotel itself is a 639-room property with amenities that include five swim-up bars, six pools, eight restaurants and three lounges. The hotel officially opens in May 2019, but will welcome guests early for Los Cabos’ newest jazz focused celebration. More upscale attendees, however, may prefer to make reservations at one of the Land’s End area’s many breathtaking appointed and scenically situated luxury villas.

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:  Craig ONeal

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

Los Cabos Jazz Festival at Hard Rock Hotel – April 25 – 28

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

La Paz Foundation Festival – Dates Yet to Be Determined

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

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

 June

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

Cabo Summer Slam Fishing Tournament – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 16

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Yet to Be Determined

Stars & Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 27 – 30

 July

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

August

Mifel Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 29 – Aug. 3

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament – Aug. 1 – 4

 September

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

 October

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

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

November

21s WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 6 – 9

52nd Annual Baja 1000 – Nov. 19 – 24

 December

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31