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A Legend Passes but His Legacy Lives On – East Cape Offshore Kicks Off Bisbee’s 2018 Tournament Schedule

June 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It all started back in 1981, when the owner of a fuel dock and tack business on Balboa Island, Newport Harbor, organized the first Black & Blue marlin tournament in Cabo San Lucas.

His name was Bob Bisbee, and at that first tournament six teams competed for the princely sum of about 10,000 dollars.

Fast forward 25 years into the future, to 2006, and the cash payout had grown to a staggering $4,165,960, then and now the largest in sportfishing history. Over the course of two and a half decades, this once small event had grown to become the most famous in the sport, gathering nicknames along the way like “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament” and “The Super Bowl of Sportfishing.”

Flash forward 12 more years to 2018 and Bisbee’s Black & Blue remains the marquee fishing event in Cabo San Lucas (and beyond), but it’s no longer the only major tournament on the calendar. It’s not even the only major tournament on the calendar for Bisbee’s.

Over the course of its history in the Los Cabos municipality – which not only includes cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, but also the less developed East Cape area – Bisbee’s has steadily built its brand, increasing its prestige through bigger payouts and an extended range of tournament offerings. An East Cape Offshore was added in 2000, a Los Cabos Offshore in 2002.

That trio has comprised Bisbee’s Los Cabos fishing triumvirate ever since.

Each has its own place on the calendar, and each has its own unique personality. The Black & Blue remains very much “The Big Daddy,” while the Los Cabos Offshore has become a more fun-filled, charity-focused alternative.

The East Cape Offshore, meanwhile, is known as the most laid-back of the three events, and as a tone setter, since it’s the first event to take place each year. It kicks off, in effect, the yearly calendar.

In 2018, the ECO is scheduled for Jul. 31 to Aug. 4; the LCO follows, Oct. 18 to 21; with  the B&B headlining Oct. 23 to 27.

July 31st is thus the day Bisbee’s returns to Los Cabos, the day all eyes turn to the municipality’s gorgeous East Cape, a 70-mile coastal arc that stretches from the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles and the Bay of Palms beyond.

The East Cape has long been known for its dirt roads, secluded beaches and off-the-grid communities, but the recent Los Cabos building boom has reached as far as the East Cape’s La Ribera, site of the soon-to-be-open Four Seasons Costa Palmas Resort.

A few miles northwest of La Ribera are Los Barriles and its neighbor Buenavista, the traditional fishing capitals of the East Cape. The two small but picturesque tourist towns host the majority of the region’s tournaments. Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort in Buenavista, for example, is the long-time headquarters for Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, and the site of the post-tournament awards ceremony. This heritage is celebrated by the leaping marlin sculpture which greets guests at the resort’s entrance.

Last year, 64 teams vied for over $590,000 in prize money at the East Cape Offshore. A record 11 of the 64 teams shared in those payouts, following an exciting tournament that saw 136 billfish – including 71 blue marlin and 55 striped marlin – caught in only three days. By contrast, only three dorado and 16 tuna were boated during the same time period.

Capt. Andrew Hughes and his Mi Corazon team finished first overall, receiving over $258,000 for their efforts….not a bad return for a few days spent fishing in paradise. Their winning catch was an impressive 437 lb. black marlin, one of only three black marlin caught during the tournament.

Base entry for this year’s ECO remains $1,500 per team, with $17,000 across the board for entry in all daily jackpots. The base entries are pooled and disbursed at the conclusion of the event, with the majority going to billfish winners, and the remainder earmarked for trophy gamefish like tuna and dorado.

Sadly, Bob Bisbee will not be there to watch it. The man who started it all, the godfather of tournament fishing in Los Cabos, passed away peacefully in his Dallas area home last Thursday, June 14th, at the age of 85.

He will be missed. But his legacy continues, his name forever synonymous with trophy-sized catches and boisterous good times.

For information about this and other events, as well as 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 courtesy of Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore.

Upcoming Event Calendar

June

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament at SUR Beach House – June 30

July

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

 August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

 September

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

 October

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

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

 November

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

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

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

Cabo Fishing Report – June 17, 2018

June 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June 17, 2018

Last week we witnessed the season’s first hurricane develop, named Aletta, gaining category 4 strength, this system moved far to the west and never impacted the Los Cabos Region. Quickly forming Hurricane Bud directly followed Aletta, this storm also reaching category four status as it followed a path directly for land fall at Cabo San Lucas. Fortunately there was strong sheer and cooler currents that contributed to weakening rapidly to a moderate Tropical Storm. Starting Wednesday night and all day through Thursday, TS Bud did pack a powerful punch, as there was a deluge of rainfall dumped, up to six inches or more in isolated areas throughout the Southern Baja. Wind gust to over 60 mph were experienced and quite a bit of flooding occurred in the lower plateau arroyo areas. Some areas lost electricity and water services, but these were mostly restored within 24 hours. There will be some drying out from this storm, but overall we felt fortunate and did enjoy the much needed rainfall, look for the scorched desert mountainous landscape to turn lush green within days.

This turned out to be a shortened week for sportfishing, moderate crowds of anglers were in town, but we were only able to launch Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, before Red Flag conditions closed all Port Operations. There were scores of world class surfers in San Jose Del Cabo for the International Pro Event annually held at Costa Azul and even this contest had to be postponed due to heavy storm swell conditions of up to fifteen to twenty feet.

This week started out much the same for anglers, with the striped marlin action being the most consistent bite being found, this was near the Iman and Desteladera Banks where large schools of batfish congregated on these same grounds, mainly sardineta, with a small percentage of mackerel mixed in. This frenzy had kept the billfish on these grounds for a couple of weeks now. Fleets were arriving in big numbers from all directions to get in on the action. Sizes of the striped marlin ranged from 60 lb. to 150 lb. These fish were striking best on bait, either while slow trolling or drifting. Though by Tuesday the bait schools seemed to all but vanish and it proved much harder to find the stripers, though many were hooked into, they appeared to be spreading out in search of their food supply. We also heard more stories of sea lion and shark factors.

We saw no yellowfin tuna, dorado or wahoo action to speak much about. A handful of small football sized tuna were found while open water trolling, there were also scattered reports of tuna being encountered with moving porpoise further offshore  of Cabo San Lucas, mainly smaller fish and proving to be hit or miss. Before the storm arrived there was a flurry of missed wahoo strikes on trolled lures reported, some lost right near gaff. Dorado were absent as well. Maybe this new storm surge has pushed in a new group of gamefish, with weather now settling we will find out this coming week, could take some days for water temperatures to warm back up.

The week started off with sporadic shallow water bottom catches, increasing swells and currents made this option more difficult, though a few quality specimens were accounted for, including one 60 lb. Broomtail grouper, as well as barred pargo to a 15 lb. and leopard grouper to over 20 lb. A mix of yellow snapper, pompano and surgeonfish rounded out the structure bite. Inshore there were limited number of roosterfish found, changing daily, maybe we will see a later than normal season on these gamefish. Early this week though we did have charters that released roosterfish that were in the 75 lb. range. These were found near el Cardon. Some nice sized amberjack were seen close to shore on these same grounds, only to have hook ups lost to the rocks. We look for the next few weeks to bring big opportunities for roosterfish, dogtooth snapper and amberjack.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 28 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 22 striped marlin, 3 yellowfin tuna, 13 yellow snapper, 7 surgeon fish, 18 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 2 amberjack, 11 roosterfish, 1 broomtail grouper, 12 barred pargo, 8 pompano,18 jack crevalle, 5 sierra and 25 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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

“Red” Alert! Dates Set for Sammy Hagar Birthday Bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina

June 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Some things get better with age. Some people do, too.

That’s certainly the case with Sammy Hagar. “The Red Rocker” has been going strong for over 70 years now, and will celebrate year 71 on the planet with a series of birthday bashes at Cabo Wabo Cantina on Oct. 9, 11 and 13.

The “birthday bashes” are a perennial highlight of the autumn event calendar. Hagar has been hosting them at Cabo Wabo since the year benchmark Cabo San Lucas nightspot opened, and over the past few decades there have been guest appearances and cameos from a virtual who’s who of rock n’ roll.

But getting tickets has never been easy. Random drawings for ticket eligibility are par for the course, with luckless “Redheads” camping out in front of Cabo Wabo when select first come, first serve dinner show tickets are released in early October.

Little wonder that the competition is fierce. Hagar is rock n’ roll royalty, after all, and has been a star since he first joined Montrose in 1973. He eventually went solo, charting hits like There’s Only One Way to Rock and I Can’t Drive 55 before cycling through a series of supergroups, from Van Halen to Chickenfoot.

Hagar is also Los Cabos royalty, the celebrity figure most associated with life at Land’s End.

That wasn’t always true, however. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was the first rock star to put Cabo San Lucas on the map, garnering publicity for the area when he married supermodel Patti Hansen at Hotel Finisterra in 1983. Bandmate Mick Jagger, even more famous than Richards, was best man.

That property, since rebranded as Sandos Finisterra, has memorialized the legendary nuptials by preserving the palapa beneath which the couple were married, and opening an onsite nightclub and Brit themed lounge called The Stones Club.

Hagar first heard of Los Cabos when he was reading about Richards’ marriage in a music magazine, and he began making plans for his own club soon after his initial visit. He opened Cabo Wabo Cantina with his then Van Halen bandmates in 1990, famously premiering the new Land’s End bar and restaurant with a massive promotional assist from MTV. The Van Halen partnership eventually dissolved – both musically and in Cabo Wabo – even as Hagar steered the venture toward enormous success.

In 1996, Cabo Wabo spun off its own house brand of tequila, likewise known as Cabo Wabo. A scant 11 years later, Hagar was able to sell 80% of his stake in the spirit to the Campari Group, cashing out with a cool $80 million.

The cantina has also proved popular, so much so that additional locations have been opened in Las Vegas, Hollywood and Lake Tahoe. The upshot of this continued success is that Hagar is now as much a business magnate as famous musician, recently adding rum and branded beach bars to his ever growing portfolio.

But Cabo Wabo Cantina is the place that started it all, and it’s where Hagar has celebrated his birthday for 27 of the past 28 years (Hurricane Odile in 2014 resulted in the shows being moved to Las Vegas).

Luckily for seasonal visitors, it’s not too late to sign up for the ticket drawing. Registration for the random drawing is currently underway, with the deadline coming this Friday, June 15, at 1 p.m. EST. To enter, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1hAKjGfat7OJCjff2RzzetGLPCCuhZMxTDE3FCrACMjv1Ag/viewform.

Winners will be selected randomly and informed via email on Monday, June 18th. Those chosen will be emailed ticket links to complete the purchase. Don’t abandon hope, however, if you’re not among the lucky few. As is customary, a limited number of first come, first serve dinner show tickets will be made available in October.

This year’s ticket price? $71 dollars, of course.

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 courtesy of Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Upcoming Event Calendar

June

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament at SUR Beach House – June 30

July

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

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

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – June 10, 2018

June 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June 10, 2018

Tropical storm season has arrived this week with the formation of Hurricane Aletta, which presently is tracking some three hundred miles off to the west of Manzanillo and forecast to continue on a more north westerly path. This is a major storm, predicted to reach category four strength before encountered cooler ocean conditions where it will quickly weaken. This first storm of the season is not threatening the Los Cabos region by making any land fall, but we are feeling higher humidity and most notably seeing larger ocean swells build to over ten feet throughout the weekend. We are more preoccupied now watching closely the formation of a second system right behind Aletta which is forecast to move directly in the direction of the Southern Baja California Peninsula, so all eyes will be closely watching this and preparing accordingly.

This week started off with winds out of the south pushing back in cooler Pacific currents in the direction of San Jose del Cabo and to Los Frailes. Inshore water turned greenish and cooled off into the low 70s, this in turn shut down most of the inshore and shallow water structure fishing, though outside of the Iman Bank and to the north, water temperatures were warmer, in the 74 to 76 degree range and also cleaner. Here on the Desteladera Bank is where the best action of the week was found, huge concentrations of baitfish, including sardineta, mackerel, chihuil, skipjack and bolito were found, this in turn made for very good striped marlin action, many charters accounted for three, four or more billfish per morning. Sizes of these fish were impressive, not all the smaller sized striped marlin we were becoming more used to seeing, this week many of the fish hooked into were in the 100 to 140 lb. class. Sportfishing fleets were arriving from all directions to get in on this frenzy.

The yellowfin tuna action faded out completely as the ocean currents changed last Sunday, same with the dorado, very few of these fish were seen. Not much going on presently besides the marlin action. Strong currents made it tougher to target bottom species, though there was some sporadic success found for the anglers that did target the bottom structure, most common species were yellow snapper, leopard grouper, surgeon fish, barred pargo, triggerfish, with a few amberjack and pompano also encountered.

With surf action now heavy, also cooler green water covering the first couple miles inshore, this has made inshore action come to a standstill. We are still seeing large schools of mullet, particularly now inside of the marina, so we do expect to see some of the larger roosterfish, dogtooth snapper and amberjack to arrive once conditions settle down. So far the roosterfish season has gotten off to a slow start, spotty action and not as many large size fish as we would normally expect to see, it is still early in the month, so a lot and change in a matter of a week or two this time of year.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 62 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 84 striped marlin, (majority released), 5 dorado, 6 yellowfin tuna, 32 yellow snapper, 12 surgeon fish, 14 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 10 huachinango (red snapper), 7 amberjack, 6 roosterfish, 1 sculpin, 7 barred pargo, 5 pompano,12 jack crevalle, 11 sierra and 60 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: , , , , , ,

Swinging into Summer – June Parties & Events in Los Cabos

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June is an exciting time in Los Cabos, thanks to a slate of seasonal events that range from art and music

focused fiestas to outdoor adventures and prestigious sporting competitions.

The first month of summer, for example, sees the start of peak surf season on the Sea of Cortez side beaches of Los Cabos; most notably at Costa Azul, where Zippers surf break is ground zero for the area’s only World Surf League sponsored professional event: The Los Cabos Open of Surf.

June also ushers in the season for Los Cabos municipality’s yearly roster of cash-rich fishing tournaments, with two high-profile competitions.

We take a look at these events and more in our regular monthly preview of the region’s upcoming attractions….

San José del Cabo Art Walk  (June 7, 14, 21, 28)

The historic Distrito del Arte in San Jose del Cabo takes center stage each Thursday evening during high tourist season – November through June – when residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll its cobblestone streets and peruse the many eclectic fine arts galleries. Art Walk hours are 5 to 9 p.m, when the neighborhood comes alive with wine, cheese and guided tours, as well as colorful street artists and strolling mariachis.

This season’s Art Walk has been the biggest and best yet; and there is still time to enjoy the event before it goes on hiatus:  four more Thursday evening celebrations are scheduled before the end of June.

For those unable to experience this festival of sights, sounds and flavors before then, don’t worry. Art Walk returns at the beginning of November each year, with all new art and, traditionally, personalized altars as part of Day of the Dead remembrances throughout Mexico.

5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament  (June 7 to 9)

 

Pelagic, a Newport Beach based company, is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to lifestyle apparel and high-performance gear associated with watersports like fishing, boating, diving and surfing. So it’ll come as no surprise that the 5th annual Cabo Summer Slam, slated for June 7 – 9, offers some high stakes prizes and jackpots. Over $200,000 is on the line in 2018, meaning it’s the biggest Cabo San Lucas based tournament until Bisbee’s big money competitions in October.

 

This is a bet big, win big scenario. General entry is $2,500 for tournament teams, or $12,500 to cover base entry plus all daily jackpots. Participating fishermen will be targeting the usual suspects: marlin (blue, black and striped), sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo; but prizes are spread across four divisions.

 

Prizes will be given to teams that catch and release the most aggregate billfish points, and to those weighing the heaviest two-fish total of each gamefish species – tuna, wahoo and dorado – during the two-day tournament. As with most local tournaments, however, the biggest money is paid out in jackpots.

 

Los Cabos Open of Surf  (June 11 to 17)

 

There are two World Surf League sponsored surfing events held annually on the Baja California peninsula: one is a Big Wave Tour event off Todos Santos Island near Ensenada; the other is the Los Cabos Open of Surf, hosted each June at Zippers point break off Playa Costa Azul in San José del Cabo.

 

When it premiered in 2013, the Los Cabos Open of Surf was a 6-star men’s event under the ASP (the forerunner to the WSL). Women joined the fun in 2014, and since 2015, the LCOS has been a QS 6000 event solely for women and junior men and women.

 

The 2018 competition is scheduled for June 11 – 17, and like events in previous years, will be a celebration of all aspects of surf culture, from beach parties and culinary fetes to nightly entertainment featuring DJs and live musical performers.

Fiesta de la Música in San José del Cabo  (June 23)

In 1982, the first Fete de la Musique was held in Paris, where it was scheduled to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Flash forward 36 years, and the Fete de la Musique is no longer solely a French celebration, but a worldwide phenomenon that takes place annually in over 450 cities in 12o countries around the globe. For the past 10 years, that list of cities has included San Jose del Cabo, where the celebration is known by its Spanish name, La Fiesta de la Musica.

This summer symphony is free and open to all musicians who’d like to participate, from amateurs to professionals, across all musical genres. The only prerequisite for participants and spectators – for whom admission is also free – is a love for music, a passion that’s so pervasive internationally that music is often referred to as the universal language. The art form’s universality, in fact, provides the context for the event’s local motto: “la fiesta de todos y para todos” (“the party from all and for all).

Over the past decade, the Fiesta de la Musica has become so important and so beloved by the local community that it’s now considered the premier music festival in Los Cabos. Certainly, it’s the most robustly attended, drawing over 25,000 people annually. The 2018 edition is slated for Saturday, June 23 – 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. – with some 100 or more bands and musical acts expected to perform throughout the city’s historic downtown area.

22nd Annual Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament  (June 28 to July 1)

The 22nd edition of what amounts to the complete Cabo lifestyle experience – fishing, golf, music, food and drinks, beach days, and more – is scheduled to return June 28.

The fishing tournament has proved to be most enduringly popular part of Stars & Stripes. It launches from beautiful Chileno Bay, with participating anglers vying to bag the biggest tuna, dorado, wahoo, sailfish, and blue, black and striped marlin. For 2018, start times have been pushed back to allow a more vacation-like approach.

But golf, too, is a major draw. Participants this year have the choice of nine or 18-hole tournament outings at Puerto Los Cabos, which currently boasts 27 spectacular holes from champion golfers Jack “The Golden Bear” Nicklaus and Greg “The Great White Shark” Norman. Nine of the holes at Puerto Los Cabos are brand new, so tournament entrants will be among the first to play them.

Nightly musical entertainment is also a distinguishing feature of Stars & Stripes. In past years, rock stars like Sammy Hagar, The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, and Kenny Loggins have played their biggest hits. This year the headliner is Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, and a co-writer of the iconic song Hotel California. Plenty of other acts are also on tap, including The Downtown Band, and the festivities will once again be hosted by Shawn Parr, AKA “The Ambassador of Country Music”.

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 courtesy of the Los Cabos Open of Surf.

Upcoming Event Calendar

June

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – June 3, 2018

June 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

June 3, 2018

This week we again saw more numbers of tourists arriving, many of these being family groups. Weather was ideal, progressively becoming warmer, but still in the comfortable range, highs in the mid to upper 80s. Ocean swells were light, winds minimal and fishing action also showed all around improvement. Ocean temperatures were ranging in the upper 70’s in the direction of San Jose del Cabo and to the north, this is also where the most consistent fishing action has been found

Supplies of sardinas have remained sufficient, though it is the time of year when these smaller baitfish migrate out of the area, so that could happen very soon. Sizeable schools of mullet are now in the area, as well as caballito. Offshore more bait activity was also found, chihuil, skipjack, sardineta and even some mackerel.

The striped marlin bite that had scattered last week was now again going strong on the Desteladera Bank, this is where concentrations of baitfish are congregated. Charters are reporting multiple chances for stripers daily, mainly while drift fishing baits, but also trolling. Sizes ranged from 70 lb. up to about 130 lb.

After being dead for nearly a week the yellowfin tuna were once again found, having moved from La Fortuna and Iman Bank to the Vinorama area, a long ride north for local fleets, though these yellowfin were located within one mile of shore. Striking best on sardinas, either slow trolling or drifting. Lots of black skipjack on these same grounds as well, recently not too bad for sea lion or shark issues. The tuna found on these grounds were ranging from about 15 lb. up to 70 lb., also proved to be finicky, striking best on 30 to 40 lb. leaders, so you must play out these larger fish for up to an hour to land them. Charters were accounted for up to five fish per boat, though the majority were fortunate to land one or two.

A few more dorado seen this week, though very spread out and most of these were under ten pounds, this Sunday is the local annual Dorado Tournament, we will see how that plays out. No wahoo to speak about yet.

Inshore action was mainly for roosterfish and jack crevalle, most of the roosters were in the 15 lb. to 25 lb. range, though a few much larger were accounted for, We expect the largest roosterfish to appear in the next three weeks.

Other action included a mix of shallow water structure species, more pompano were seen, as well as yellow snapper, amberjack, leopard grouper and others.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 45 striped marlin, (majority released), 28 dorado, 2 yellowtail, 86 yellowfin tuna, 44 yellow snapper, 28 surgeon fish, 1 sculpin, 18 spotted rose snapper, 25 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 13 huachinango (red snapper), 12 amberjack, 11 barred pargo, 1 pargo colorado. 21 pompano, 46 roosterfish, 16 jack crevalle, 8 sierra, 12 flag cabrilla, 5 Island jack and 150 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: , , , ,

Making a Splash: Diving into the Summer Pool Party Scene in Los Cabos

May 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos is blessed with a sunny tropical climate and temperate year-round temperatures, so there is never a bad time to go to the beach. Winter, for instance, sees flocks of snowbirds escaping frigid conditions up north, spring sees college students on holiday, and summer too sees crowds of visitors converging on the area’s many beautiful playas.

The summer spike is partly a result of perfect conditions for surfing (summer is the surf season on the Sea of Cortez side) and warm temperatures and superb visibility for snorkeling and diving; and partly too because kids are out of school and families can travel together to a resort destination like Los Cabos for some well-earned rest and recreation.

For those who are single, on the other hand, or for younger couples without children, the place to be is not exactly on the beach, but nearby at one of the cape cities’ rollicking pool parties. No, we’re not talking about a volleyball game in the pool at your average all-inclusive, or some classic rock blaring from the speakers at the swim-up pool bar. We’re talking about world-class DJs playing trance-inducing dance music – not all night, but all day – and a poolside scene as likely to feature fashionable resort clothing as bikinis, and as likely to see guests reclining in luxurious daybeds with Champagne as splashing about in the pool itself.

This sort of upscale party atmosphere does not exist at every resort. In fact, it is only a few trendy properties have reimagined the pool party concept, transforming it into an entertainment showcase and must-see social event.

The first place in the area to really explore the possibilities of the pool party as social event was Nikki Beach Club, a glorious mecca of conspicuous poolside consumption and effervescent atmosphere set poolside at the ME Cabo resort on Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. Once upon a time, bon vivants and style conscious scene makers would fly in from Los Angeles and Los Vegas solely for the chance to attend the Nikki Beach White Party, a harbinger of the summer season held annually over the Memorial Day weekend. Sadly, Nikki Beach never reopened after Hurricane Odile in 2014, but in its wake a whole new generation of poolside party meccas have appeared, ready to take the region’s splashiest party scene to an entirely new level.

Here are three places to experience Los Cabos’ new look poolside party scene this summer.

OMNIA Dayclub – The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Los Cabos

In April 2016, Vidanta signed a partnership with worldwide hospitality brand Hakkasan, who agreed to invest $150 million dollars into Vidanta’s collection of Mexican resort properties. The goal: to create new concept beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife venues. The first showplace for this partnership was the new entertainment district that opened at Grand Mayan in San Jose del Cabo in February, where three of the world’s most famous DJs – Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – performed to christen the beachfront OMNIA Dayclub. OMNIA is one of four new bars and restaurants in the entertainment district, but it’s unquestionably the headliner, with a magnificent poolside atmosphere featuring everything from private cabanas to two-story VIP bungalows with their own plunge pools. Spring Break crowds set the standard for the newly minted poolside scene, turning it in to Los Cabos’ most talked about dance venue. The regularly featured DJ talent is off-the-charts, despite the fact that it really is a “dayclub, closing by 8 p.m.

Blue Marlin Ibiza – ME Cabo

Blue Marlin Ibiza took over the poolside spot at ME Cabo formerly occupied by Nikki Beach Club and has carried it forward, even continuing the summer starting White Party tradition started by its predecessor. Legendary English trance DJ Paul Oakenfold will perform during the May 26th festivities, which as always include all-white attire, VIP bottle service and a spectacular fireworks show over Medano Beach. Special events like the White Party are generally scheduled only on weekends, but the party atmosphere prevails on a daily and nightly basis. Large format bottles of Champagne are always a popular choice at Blue Marlin Ibiza, but guests may also order things like top-shelf bottles of vodka, 24 piece platters of sushi, Wagyu beef burgers and sorbet.

Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa

Breathless doesn’t make a habit of bringing in famous DJs like OMNIA and Blue Marlin Ibiza, but its poolside scene is special nonetheless. The property opened in December 2015 in one of the most spectacular locations in Cabo San Lucas, at the juncture of the marina and Medano Beach. The hip all-inclusive made the most of its picturesque setting, installing huge infinity pools that look out in both directions. The marina view pool is a quiet meditative place for resort guests to relax. The beach view pool, on the other hand, is a party hearty haven with music, dancing and tropical cocktails that not only draws resort guests, but locals and guests fom competing resorts in on a “day pass.” Prices can vary for day passes, but they’re generally good from 9 to 5 p.m. daily. Night passes, meanwhile, will gain visitors access to the rooftop nightclub Purple, home to themed bashes like toga parties and other costumed soirees.

 

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 courtesy of Omnia Dayclub Los Cabos.

Upcoming Event Calendar

May

483rd La Paz Foundation Festival – May 3 – 5

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

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

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

3rd Annual Paella Contest at Sheraton Grand – May 19

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

White Party at ME Cabo and Blue Marlin Ibiza – May 26

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – May 30 – June 2

June

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

Pelagic Triple Crown: 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam – June 7 – 9

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 23

Stars and Stripes Golf & Fishing Tournament – June 28 – July 1

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 21

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 30 – Aug. 4

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Jul. 31 – Aug. 4

August

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 25

September

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

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 14 – 18

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 18 – 21

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 23 – 27

25th Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Oct. 28 – Nov. 10

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

November

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 7 – 10

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 14 – 18

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

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

December

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

Virgin of Guadalupe Feast Day – Dec. 12

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

 

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Los Cabos Fishing Report – May 20, 2018

May 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

May 20, 2018

We saw slightly larger crowds of tourists arriving this past week. Weather patterns were now on a warming trend, though still very comfortable, barely cold at all in the early morning, with clear sunny skies and highs averaging 85 degrees. Winds from the north have resided, more breeze now on the Pacific, also much cooler and greener water to below 70 degrees on that side of the Peninsula, while off of San Jose del Cabo and towards the East Cape the ocean currents are now in the 76 to 78 degree range, also this is where the clear blue water is, concentrations of baitfish and in turn the more productive fishing opportunities.

Supplies of sardinas remain steady, schools of these baitfish are now back in close range, just north of the Puerto Los Cabos Marina jetty. Other bait options were mullet and caballito, as well as rigging ballyhoo or finding bait offshore, such as skipjack and chihuil. Overall this past week showed promising signs for options close to shore, off the bottom structure and offshore.

The yellowfin tuna bite has been concentrated near the La Fortuna or the Twenty-Five spot, just inside of the Iman Bank. Drift fishing with sardinas for bait has been the best bet for this, though these yellowfin remain finicky, often they can be seen coming up and feeding on the free chum, but getting them to bite is another deal, anglers have been fortunate to land one or two of them, many hook ups were lost to sea lions or sharks as well. Average sizes for the tuna we have seen recently was in the 20 to 60 lb. class. Only an occasional dorado even being seen, a handful of wahoo strikes also reported, with more baitfish activity seen on these grounds and the favorable ocean conditions we expect the wahoo bite might develop.

Shallow water rock piles are now holding a variety of species, best bite did seem to be earlier in the day. Amberjack up to 30 lb. were encountered coming to the surface, not a normal action for these jacks, but it is the time of year it can happen. Quite a few yellow snapper being found, some over ten pounds, island jack, surgeon fish, leopard grouper, barred pargo, rose spotted snapper, sierra and pompano were also accounted for, so basically a smorgasbord of quality eating fish. We saw one sierra of 12 pounds, end of the season for these members of the mackerel family, time of year when the big ones show up.

With more mullet now moving into local inshore beach stretches we are also seeing increasing numbers of roosterfish arriving, the majority are still under 20 pounds, though larger specimens were reported. During the next few weeks is usually when we see peak action locally for the larger grade of roosterfish. Remember that these fish should always be released with care, as they are not known for their eating qualities, rather they are a true gamefish, known to be very powerful fighters and grow to over one hundred pounds, having a limited habitat, Southern Baja California being one of the few regions in the world where they can be found.

The action for striped marlin broke wide open through this week, particular so the later part of the week, with the best action being found from the Gordo Bank’s north to Desteladera Bank. Once the word spread the fleet converged, as far away as Cabo San Lucas and even the East Cape. Marlin were coming up on and feeding on balled up baitfish and boat battles ensued, with the first few charters arriving to the scene hooking up and then everyone waiting for the stripers to come back up on another bait ball. Also many marlin were striking on trolled lures, though the higher percentage of hook ups were from live baits such as caballito, chihuil or skipjack, as well as rigged ballyhoo. The majority of the charters targeting this action were reported multiple chances, some boats landing as many as seven or more fish in one morning. Sizes ranged from 60 lb. to 130 lb.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 83 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 78 striped marlin, (majority released), 5 dorado, 37 yellowfin tuna, 2 wahoo, 65 yellow snapper, 9 surgeon fish, 45 spotted rose snapper, 42 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 16 huachinango (red snapper), 11 bonito, 36 amberjack, 19 barred pargo, 6 pompano, 52 roosterfish, 12 jack crevalle, 32 sierra, 18 flag cabrilla, 14 Island jack, 1 tiger shark (released) 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: , , , , ,
May 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

May 13, 2018

We continue to see lighter than normal crowds of tourists for this time of year. As we move closer towards the summer season the weather patterns are now progressively warming, mostly clear sunny skies, with some marine layer offshore at times, average morning lows of about 70 degrees with the highs in the mid to upper 80s. Actually great climate now, plenty warm, but not overwhelming, as it can become during peak summer time. With light crowds, ideal weather and a variety of fishing options it is now the perfect time to visit.

As usual we are dealing with unpredictable and rapidly changing ocean conditions during this transition period. Ocean currents have been sweeping in from different directions, at times turning the water a bit greenish, but this is the common scenario in May. Ocean temperatures have ranged from 67 degree on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, up to 78 degrees in the direction of Los Frailes. Winds were moderate this past week, picking up a bit stronger late week, but overall much nicer than the previous week.

Anglers were able to obtain sufficient supplies of sardinas, also some caballito, mullet and chihuil baitfish being used. The most productive fishing grounds locally continue to be from La Fortuna to Iman Bank. This is where both the sporadic bottom action for various snapper, pargo species were found, as well as yellowfin tuna on the surface, tuna bite was dead to start off the week, picking up again on Thursday and Friday. The yellowfin were striking mainly on the sardinas, using 40 to 50 lb. leaders, some boats landed up to three fish in the 15 to 55 lb. range. Only a handful of smaller sized dorado were seen and reports of a few wahoo seen or possible missed strikes, none actually landed that we heard about, except from East Cape charters fishing closer to Los Frailes.

There was a day or two early in the week when there were reports of amberjack and some yellowtail found feeding near the surface off of Palmilla Point, but that action disappeared as fast as it had developed. For the most part the better bottom action was found from the Gordo Banks, where if you could chum up some chihuil baits, these were working well off the high spot for leopard grouper and others, if the sea lions were not too aggressive. Closer to shore off of Cardon and La Fortuna anglers found good early morning action for yellow snapper, with some leopard grouper and an occasional amberjack mixed n. Most of this bottom action was on bait, only limited success now on the yo-yo jigs.

Billfish action was scattered, only a few striped marlin being found scattered offshore, no particular hot spot. Inshore there were more numbers of smaller sized roosterfish showing up, also good action on sierra closer to the Pacific and of course some jack crevalle actively patrolling the shoreline. In the coming weeks we do expect to see greater concentrations of mullet to show and this in turn attracts the trophy sized roosterfish, as well as other pargo, snapper and jack species.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 66 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 3 striped marlin, 4 dorado, 26 yellowfin tuna, 45 yellow snapper, 7 surgeon fish, 28 spotted rose snapper, 23 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 15 huachinango (red snapper), 12 bonito, 9 amberjack, 5 yellowtail, 11 barred pargo, 34 roosterfish, 8 jack crevalle, 8 sierra, 15 flag cabrilla, 8 grunt 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

https://cabosanlucasblog.info/2849-2/

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report May 6, 2018

May 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

May 6, 2018

Lighter crowds of tourists now, the climate has been very pleasant, though we are dealing with spring season transition period. Which can see rapidly changing weather patterns move in and out of the region. Last week we had great ocean conditions and the yellowfin tuna action on the Iman Bank was very good, many quality fish in the 30 to 70 pound class were landed, with even some reaching the 100 lb. mark;

This week began just fine, with some nice yellowfin tuna still being landed off of the Iman Bank, even a couple of yellowtail over 30 lb. Though by Tuesday the north winds kicked up and continued through most of the week. This stirred up conditions, pushing in off colored currents, though water temperatures still remained in the 74/75 degree range. With the wind there was also more ocean swell and this made it a bit more challenging for the commercial pangeros to net sardinas off of the shore near Vinorama, though overall they were able to find sufficient supplies. Other bait options were caballito out of the marina area, still no signs of the annual migration of mullet or moonfish showing up.

With the tuna bite coming to a standstill the charter boats were now scouting out other options, which proved to be limited at this time. Offshore there was only sporadic reports of marlin being seen. The better option seemed to be working shallow rocky reefs for a mix of bottom species, though most of these were smaller sized fish in the 2 to 15 lb. range. All good eating, just not consistent from spot to spot. Most common were yellow snapper, bonito, leopard grouper, spotted rose snapper, barred pargo and an occasional yellowtail or amberjack. A mix of yo-yo jigs and bait were used off the bottom, but bait was a bit more productive most days.

Close to shore there were just a few smaller sized sierra found, a handful of small roosterfish and jack crevalle. We do expect that after this weather front moves though this weekend that conditions will rebound and the all-around action will improve. It is not uncommon to have these type of patterns during this time frame. It keeps the climate very comfortable, but does not help the fishing stay on track.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 2 striped marlin, 3 dorado, 16 yellowfin tuna, 38 yellow snapper, 22 spotted rose snapper, 25 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 11 huachinango (red snapper), 58 bonito, 6 amberjack, 83 yellowtail, 18 barred pargo, 2 roosterfish, 6 jack crevalle, 16 sierra, 22 flag cabrilla, 6 surgeon fish, 6 grunt and 80 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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