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Bisbee’s Announces Dates for Another Year of Fishing Tournament Glory

January 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The calendar window for Cabo San Lucas’ fishing tournament season comprises only about six months–from mid-June through mid-November–but like the area’s spectacular big-game fishing itself, the tournament news breaks all year-round.

Bisbee’s, the organizer of Cabo’s most famous trio fishing tournaments, has announced its schedule for 2019, as well as some changes aimed to maximize fun, fishing and efficiency at one particular event.

But first, the most important information. Bisbee’s schedule for 2019 is as follows:  the East Cape Offshore kick-starts the season August 1st to 4th; the charity focused Los Cabos Offshore takes place October 17th to 20th; and the big daddy of them all, the millionaire making Black & Blue, is scheduled for October 22nd to 26th.

Experienced tournament anglers will also be interested in the early bird registration deadlines, since those who make this registration cut are entered in a drawing to win free entry in the following year’s tournament. The early bird deadline for the 2019 ECO is June 30th; for the LCO and B&B, August 31.

The first tournament up, this season as always, is the East Cape Offshore in August. The ECO sees the only changes Bisbee’s has so far announced for this year’s tournaments, with only two days of fishing rather than the traditional three. The change was made to drive participation (and thus prize money), as well as making the tournament trip easier for Cabo San Lucas based boats, as the latter now shouldn’t have to refuel before heading home. Since the schedule says Aug. 1 – 4, that means the first day is dedicated to registration, then two days of solid fishing before the awards ceremony on the final day.

Everything else about the ECO remains basically the same. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with an across-the-board ante of $22,500 to qualify for all daily jackpots. Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers.

As for what’s at stake, last year’s ECO saw the record set for most prize money in the history of the tournament ($657,125), as well as a record tying 11 teams sharing in the prize payouts.

The Los Cabos Offshore returns October 17th, and kicks off the biggest nine days of the year on the Cabo San Lucas sporting calendar. Long known as “Little Bisbee’s” to differentiate it from the Black & Blue, or “Big Bisbee’s”, the LCO really isn’t so little anymore. The 2018 edition saw a record prize money payout of $1,165,000, making it the 8th fishing tournament in the world to top the million mark. The charity focused tournament also lived up to its billing in that regard, donating over a ton of fish caught during the four-day event, or an estimated 8,607 meals to local families. Registration remains $1,500 base entry, $22,500 across-the-board.

This year’s Black & Blue is slated to take place October 22nd to 26th, with registration on the first day, an awards ceremony on the last, and three days of fishing in between. Those visiting the Land’s End city during the event can watch daily drama as fish are weighed on the marina boardwalk in front of Puerto Paraiso. The drama is a little more intense, however, if you happen to be the one who caught the fish! Registration remains $5,000 per team, or $71,500 across the board for all jackpots and challenges.

The 2018 B&B saw a San Diego angler named Charlie Lee and his Chinito Bonito team earn a ridiculous $3,004,900 for hooking a 510 lb. black marlin. It was the second largest payout in big-game sportfishing history.

Of course, that’s why they call the Black & Blue “the world’s richest fishing tournament.”

Staggering as it seems, 2019 looks to be even better, and should break records all over again.

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:  Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

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

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

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – January 13, 2019

January 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment

January 13, 2019

There were more numbers of tourists arriving, despite that this is the time school semesters resume and holiday vacation time is over. The weather patterns seemed to have stabilized some, warmer conditions, at least the lows were not in the mid-50s like they were previous week. Scattered cloud cover, highs of 80 degrees. Ocean swells were moderate and winds from the norther finally laid down, water clarity improved and ocean temperature was in the 72 to 75 degree range.

Bait options remained much the same, live caballito being netted in the marina area, no sardinas to be found, ballyhoo and slabs of squid also available. Another option was to try and catch chihuil on the Inner Gordo Bank, this proved the hot ticket the first half of the week.

Billfish still have been more active on the Pacific, but they are now being found off the San Jose del Cabo grounds as well, as mackerel and sardineta baitfish schools are now shifting in this direction. The striped marlin were striking on various lures as well as baits, averaging 70 to 100 lb.

The highlight of the week was the wide open wahoo action encountered on Monday and Tuesday off of Punta Gorda. Of course with so many people in the area, the word gets outs in a hurry and no secret bite can be sustained, everyone and their brother was out trying to get in on this action. Water also turned off a bit on Wednesday, tuning greenish and between that and all of the pressure the bite tapered off. The best bet for these wahoo was on slow trolled live chihuil, which more often are not a guarantee to obtain. This was a new group of wahoo, appeared to be a spawning run, many of these fish were in the 40 to 50 lb. range, some over 50 lb. Many charters were landing two to four or more wahoo, losing at least as many other strikes. Dorado were found on these same inshore grounds, but were not as numerous as were the wahoo, though once found they were a higher percentage of actually landing, dorado weighed in the 10 to 20 lb. class.

Bottom action was scare, more triggerfish than anything else, an occasional cabrilla or pargo. The currents were strong and most anglers were preferring to target more glamorous surface species as long as they were still prevalent.

The yellowfin tuna action has dropped way off, only action reported has been by the local commercial pangeros fishing late in the afternoon on the Gordo Banks, they have had yellowfin in the 60 to 90 lb. range practically every day, no huge numbers, but enough to keep them working at, all of this action was on various baits, chihuil, chunk of caballito, skipjack or squid.

Very little action reported for sierra or roosterfish, once again, just not many people trying that now, especially without live sardinas available, limits inshore options during the winter season. We are optimistic that if weather allows, that the wahoo will be in the region through this month.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 78 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 19 striped marlin, 72 dorado, 3 yellowfin tuna, 76 wahoo, 14 bonito, 12 red snapper, 5 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 8 yellow snapper, 15 tijareta, 5 sierra and 65 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: , , , , , ,

All That Jazz! The Joys of a Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo

January 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos has a well-deserved reputation for destination romance, from swaying palm trees and tropical sunshine to pampering spas and moonlit dinners on the beach. Given this commitment to courting, it should come as no surprise that Valentine’s Day is an important holiday in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and an occasion for area resorts and restaurants to take their romantic menus and amenities to an entirely new level. Special resort deals featuring extras like rose petal strewn sheets and chocolate covered strawberries are the norm at upscale hostelries, as are five-course Champagne paired meals at the region’s finest restaurants.

But such over-the-top, romance-oriented charms aren’t the only thing couples can look forward to during a mid-February vacation in paradise. Valentine’s Day weekend is also the traditional calendar spot for one of the Los Cabos area’s signature musical festivals, Jazz Weekend in San Jose del Cabo, which returns for its 7th annual edition on February 15 – 16, 2019.

Jazz Weekend welcomes local, national and international musical artists for two days of music celebrating the freewheeling style pioneered in the U.S. during the first decades of the 20th century, with an outdoor stage set up, and chairs and ample dancing room for some 5,000 attendees who have enjoyed the event in recent years.  The Jazz Weekend also celebrates art, including paintings demonstrated by a parade of top local artists. Admission is free on both days, with music scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m.

This year’s headliners represent the full spectrum of jazz, with a natural emphasis–given the Baja setting–on Latin jazz, including performances from Tribu Jazz Quintet, Marco Milagres Jazz Band, Jorge Tito Rodriguez Jazz Band, Jonathan “El Viejito” Ruvalcaba, Guitarras Magicas, Doowap and Gruv Machin.

Unlike most of the city’s cultural festivals, which are held in the historic downtown district, Jazz Weekend is hosted by Plaza del Pescador, an upscale shopping and dining center located across from the Playa Hotelera, the long golden sand beach which is home to many of the city’s most luxurious resorts.

Plaza del Pescador is no stranger to good music. Among its year-long residents are Rock & Brews, the rock n’ roll themed restaurant and bar from KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, and the Jazz Tapas Bar, which showcases small plate pleasures and fine wine, as well as live music and colorful art inspired by the legends of jazz.

Jazz Weekend is the first of three important musical festivals held in San Jose del Cabo each year. The second series of concerts occurs during the annual Fiestas Tradicionales in March, when the city’s birth is commemorated by performances throughout the downtown area. The third is the Fiesta de la Musica in June, when well over 100 bands and performers celebrate the power of music as part of an international event that now takes place in more than 120 countries around the globe.

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:  San Jose Jazz Weekend/Plaza del Pescador

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

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

 

 

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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

 

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

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: , , , ,

5 Places to Ring in 2019 in Cabo San Lucas

December 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Few places party harder or more consistently than Cabo San Lucas, a place long famed for its boisterous nightlife and bawdy beachfront cantinas. The Land’s End community’s premier party spots exceed even their own debaucherous standards, however, when it comes to New Year’s Eve, adding a spectacular midnight fireworks show over the bay to an already potent mix of high-octane spirits and high-energy dance music.

Champagne and margaritas will definitely be flowing freely at every bar in town, from hole-in-the-wall dives to elegant hotel lounges…but as a service to discerning destination revelers, here are the top 5 places to ring in 2019 in Cabo San Lucas.

The Cape: A Thompson Hotel

Few places on Earth boast a more picturesque setting than The Cape: A Thompson Hotel. Not only does this surfer chic retro property overlook one of the finest surf breaks in the region (the legendary left-hand Monuments), but it offers magnificent sunset views of the golden sand beaches and evocative granite monuments that form the Land’s End headland. The Capes’ Rooftop Lounge is thus the perfect viewing spot, either for nightly sunset celebrations or the New Year’s Eve fireworks show that takes place annually over Cabo San Lucas Bay. This year’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve dance party is headlined by international DJs Polo & Pan, as well as acclaimed producer Chad Hugo, who along with production partner Pharrell Williams makes up The Neptunes.

Caborey

In Cabo San Lucas, the best parties tend to take place along Médano Beach, since the bars and restaurants there have what are thought to be best views of the midnight fireworks show. Actually, though, the best views are from the bay itself…more specifically, from the gently rolling deck of one of the many party boats offering late night New Year’s Eve cruises.

Caborey, an enormous and luxurious triple-decked catamaran, has long been acknowledged as the king of the local dinner cruisers. It’s so big you can’t even call it a boat…nautical etiquette requires the term ship. No surprise then that this large and elegantly appointed vessel also hosts the area’s premier New Year’s Eve cruise, which lasts from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and features a fine dining style dinner and subsequent floorshow showcasing Latin American singing and dancing (think tango!).

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa

Luxurious beachfront Casa Dorada is probably best known for its superb Saltwater Spa, which features curative treatments and therapies that integrate the mineral rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. For partygoers, the resort is also known for hosting the region’s longest running New Year’s Eve costume gala. Last year, the theme was “Gatsby.” This year, it’s “Back to the Future.” Over 500 revelers are expected to attend the costumed fête, with festivities that range from fireworks to an open bar and deluxe buffet from onsite restaurant El Rincón Culinario.

ME Cabo/Blue Marlin Ibiza

Casa Dorada’s neighbor on Médano Beach, the hip Art Deco style ME Cabo, also hosts a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration. But whereas Casa Dorada charms with themed costumes and family-friendly atmosphere, ME Cabo turns up the adults-only energy level by hosting an ever-changing array of celebrated international DJs at its onsite nightclub, Blue Marlin Ibiza. The latter is the site of some of Los Cabos’ biggest social events, including the annual White Party originally started by its ME Cabo based predecessor, Nikki Beach. The star of this year’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza at ME Cabo/Blue Marlin Ibiza is French house music DJ extraordinaire Bob Sinclair.

María Corona

Downtown restaurant María Corona prepares food the old-fashioned way, from Mexican Revolution era recipes to hand rolled tortillas and homemade salsas. Given the attention to detail and nostalgic romanticism it’s little wonder that María Corona also knows how to throw a great, old-fashioned New Year’s Eve party, pairing a generously portioned five-course Mexican dinner with live music, party favors and colorful pyrotechnics. At midnight, diners can even indulge in the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes, which is meant to ensure good luck during each of the next 12 months. The headliner for this year’s New Year’s Eve shindig is Alfa Band, which brings its exuberant talent all the way from Mexico City.

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:  Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa

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 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: , , , , , ,
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