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Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 23, 2018

April 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

April 22, 2018

Lighter crowds continued, as well as unpredictable and rapidly changing weather patterns. Ocean conditions which had turned over are now rebounding, cleaner currents are pushing back in and the water temperatures have warmed back up in to the 71 to 75 degree range.

Through the first half of the week there was no surface action going on, with the only action being found being off the bottom for a variety of species, but also hit or miss from spot to spot. The highlight was a few grouper up to 40 lb., yellowtail to 30 lb. and amberjack to 50 lb. They were using various baits and some yo-yo style jigs. Some days the winds made it tougher to reach the more productive fishing grounds.

On Thursday conditions started to improve, with a handful of yellowfin tuna to over 40 lb. being accounted for, they were found between San Luis and north of Vinorama. Using sardinas was the best deal. Most days these batfish were available, On Friday the tuna bite was even better, the best spot was near San Luis Bank. The yellowfin were in the 20 to 40 lb. class, most all charters that targeted the tuna were landing at least a few fish, some charters had as many as ten tuna.

We did not see any dorado, besides a few small fish, though some wahoo were seen and even hooked into, but they were not landed. There were still quite a few whales being spotted, despite it being late season now for these mammals. Early in the week there was some form of krill hatch going on and the whales and big groups of manta rays were seen getting involved in this feeding frenzy.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 70 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 3 striped marlin, 6 dorado, 46 yellowfin tuna, 2 broomtail grouper, 30 yellow snapper, 22 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 15 huachinango (red snapper), 2 dogtooth snapper, 82 bonito, 9 amberjack, 4 yellowtail, 14 barred pargo, 2 roosterfish, 8 jack crevalle, 14 sierra, 18 flag cabrilla, 4 surgeon fish, 55 spotted rose snapper and 110 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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

Los Cabos Fishing Report – April 15, 2018

April 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

April 15, 2018

We did notice lighter crowds this past week. Visitors were greeted by cooler weather patterns, which started with winds switching from out of the south last Sunday, continuing through the first part of the week. This pushed in cold Pacific currents which turned over the ocean as far north as Los Frailes, green colored water and dropped water temperatures into the 67 degree range. Of course this did not help the surface fishing action much at all, basically shutting down the tuna and marlin bite, though the all-around climate was nice, lows of about 60 degrees and highs up to 80 degrees. Typical spring time conditions during this transition period.

Anglers found that sardinas were scattered as well, some of the clear type of sardinas which are used for dead baits, also some rigged ballyhoo, a few caballito. The best action found was for shallow structure species, using various baits, as well as more fish starting to strike on yo-yo jigs, particularly the bonito and leopard grouper, a few amberjack and yellowtail.

Last Sunday the yellowfin action was very good north of Vinorama and a few were caught on Monday as well, these were fish in the 30 to 60 lb. class. Since then the cold green water has shut this action down and now we are waiting patiently for the conditions to rebound. In the meantime the best bet has been to concentrate on bottom species over the various rock piles. The red crabs also were less active, but the fish were starting to strike the yo-yo jigs better. Several yellowtail up to 30 lb. were accounted for, a handful of amberjack, a variety of snapper and pargo and quite a few leopard grouper in the 5 to 18 lb. range. All very good eating fish.

Along the shoreline there were sierra, jack crevalle and an occasional roosterfish, this action was spotty though, but if you were at the right place at the right time there were some nice fish found.

Billfish, dorado, wahoo were not in the picture at all, with the exception of a few striped marlin and dorado early in the week before conditions completely changed.

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: 2 striped marlin, 5 dorado, 18 yellowfin tuna, 32 yellow snapper, 20 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 42 huachinango (red snapper), 125 bonito, 7 amberjack,  9 yellowtail, 22 barred pargo, 6 roosterfish, 10 jack crevalle, 35 sierra, 1 halibut, 12 grunt, 15 flag cabrilla, 7 island jack, 6 surgeon fish, 65 spotted rose snapper 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

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Pelagic Sponsors 5th Annual Cabo Summer Slam This June

April 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Fishing in Los Cabos is a year-round proposition. There is no bad time to cast into the local waters, just variability in terms of what one might expect to catch.

But what might be called the Cabo fishing tournament season – the period when visiting anglers are not only seeking fish, but also cash money and valuable prizes – begin in early June and continues through early November. This five-month stretch sees a host of tournaments, large and small, and not coincidentally comes during the time of year when huge billfish like blue and black marlin are most abundant.

Much of the summer tournament action is centered around the Los Cabos municipality’s beautiful, less developed East Cape, but Cabo San Lucas is always a focal point when it comes to the biggest sponsors and most lucrative payouts. That’s certainly true of what qualifies as the first major tournament of the 2018 season, the Cabo Summer Slam, AKA the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing.

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. Numbers will be announced at the post-tournament awards ceremony, which along with the after-party will be held at Baja Cantina on the Cabo San Lucas Marina.

The Cabo Summer Slam is the first of five major tournaments in Los Cabos this summer. The others are the Stars & Stripes (Jun. 28 – Jul. 1), which pairs fishing with golf, music and beach days to benefit charities for children; the East Cape Dorado Shootout (Jul. 21) and East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot (Aug. 25), which both give away new fully-loaded automobiles, among other prizes; and Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore (Jul. 31 – Aug. 4), the first of Bisbee’s annual trio of cash-rich tournaments in Los Cabos, which culminate with the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue in October.

In addition to its seriously large payouts, the Cabo Summer Slam also offers an opportunity to test one’s mettle against some of the finest game fish in the world. Blue and black marlin are the gold standard of Los Cabos fishing, with the biggest specimens caught locally weighing out at around 1,000 pounds. Sailfish, by contrast, rarely weigh more than 200 lbs., but they too are a magnificent test, as at top speeds of 68 mph they are faster through the water than a cheetah on dry land.

Wahoo are also fierce fighters and delicious to boot, nearly as good to eat as dorado and tuna, the signature Los Cabos food fish. Dorado, better known as mahi-mahi (West Coast) or dolphinfish (East Coast) in the U.S., are a true local delicacy – one splashed across the menus of all the best local seafood restaurants – and yellowfin and much rarer bluefin tuna are prized not only by local fishermen but local sushi chefs as well.

Discounts are available for those who register for the Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing – Cabo Summer Slam by May 1st. 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 Pelagic.

Upcoming Event Calendar

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Chocolate & Cocktails Festival at Café des Artistes – April 5 – 15

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

Sabores de Baja Festival in Miraflores – April 15

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

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

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 – April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018 by Leave a Comment

April 8, 2018

As spring break now winds down we have noticed that crowds of tourists are lighter. Great time to visit now, as weather conditions are ideal, clear sunny skies, light winds, with high temperatures up in the 85 degree range. Early mornings were still a little chilly, down to 59 degrees, warming quickly as the sun rose. Still quite a few whales being seen, despite now being late in the season for them.

Most local sportfishing charters are now concentrating on the fishing grounds from La Fortuna, Iman Bank and towards Vinorama. Supplies of sardinas have become more scattered, with the other type of clear sardina being more common, these do not stay alive well, but do work dead for the yellowfin tuna and other species. In recent days the yellowfin tuna action was very spotty around the Iman Bank, the tuna could be seen often breezing and feeding on the surface, but were very finicky, the few yellowfin that were actually landed weighed in the 25 to 50 lb. class. There were some new reports of some charters heading further north, past Vinorama and finding some more cooperative tuna on those grounds.

Dorado were also much scarcer this past week, though we did see a couple of fish up in the 20 lb. range. Water temperature was averaging about 73 degrees and clarity was up and down, with very strong currents moving through, one day it could be more greenish, and then it would clear backup on others.

Striped marlin were still being found, but they have moved further offshore searching for their favored food source. Rigged ballyhoo, lures and skipjack were being used with varying results.

Perhaps the highlight of the week was the pelagic red crabs making a strong showing on local grounds, from the Gordo Banks to Iman Bank. Appearing on the surface in masses and being scooped up and in return used for baiting up the red snapper, or locally referred to as the huachinango, prized eating, the true Pacific red snapper, ranging in sizes up to 12 lb. Scrappy fighters on light tackle as well. A very popular and valued commercial species, so everyone is now out in force taking advantage of this event as long as it continues. This is a deal that can end on any given day.

Other bottom action included a mix of amberjack, leopard grouper, yellow snapper, barred pargo, surgeon fish, bonito and triggerfish. More reports of action being found on yo-yo jigs, as well as drift fishing with bait. Though strong currents made this type of fishing much more challenging, will be much improved when these swift currents do slack up.

Inshore action was limited, not many sierra and a few mostly smaller sized roosterfish. No sign of the annual migration of mullet yet, still a little early in the season for that.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 81 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 18 striped marlin, 13 dorado, 68 yellowfin tuna, 22 yellow snapper, 23 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 310 huachinango (red snapper), 95 bonito, 14 amberjack, 4 island jack, 9 surgeon fish, 15 barred pargo, 4 broomtail grouper, 14 roosterfish, 16 sierra and 155 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 – April 1, 2018

April 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

April 1, 2018

Busy week locally, spring break is now for Mexico, schools are in recess for two weeks, This weekend is the popular holiday when people all head to various beaches, wherever they can find room, many of these families go for extended camping excursions. Many local businesses shut down to take time off, hard to find too many people who work this weekend. Also we saw quite a few tourists arriving, many of them tried to book late notice sportfishing charters.

First half of the week was plagued by stiff north winds, though for the weekend conditions calmed down, early mornings once again were down into the low 50s, but as the sun rose into clear skies, temperatures quickly warmed up close to 80 degrees, excellent all around climate now. The main choice for bait now has been sardinas, they are being found schooling near Palmilla, Cabo Real and the north near San Luis, surf was a little higher earlier in the week and this made it harder to get the bait off of the beaches to the north. On some days the pelagic red crabs were found drifting to the surface and these crustaceans were being used for various pargo and snapper species. Though this was a sporadic deal from day to day. Ocean water temperatures ranged from 71 to 74 degrees. Still some whales being sighted each day, likely the final couple week period now for this, as these mammals will be all heading north soon.

The main concentration of sport fishing charters were fishing the La Fortuna, the twenty-five spot, just on the inside of Iman Bank, this is where the yellowfin tuna are now schooling. These fish have been at this spot for several weeks now, seem to become more finicky each week, between the crowds of boats, pesky sea lions and the plentiful natural food source these yellowfin are very leery to strike any batfish with a hook, anglers are using 20 to 30 lb. leaders to enhance their chances, so once a fish is hooked it is a delicate battle to be able to land it. The average sized tuna being landed are in the 20 to 50 lb. range, though even larger sized yellowfin were reportedly seen feeding on the free chummed sardinas. Individual charters were doing well to land one or two tuna during a morning trip, other charters worked hard without ever even having any opportunity.

These same grounds produced a mix of bottom structure species, not many large monsters, mostly fish in the 5 to 15 lb. class, leopard grouper, yellow snapper, bonito, triggerfish, huachinango, amberjack, island jack, barred pargo and others. The best technique proved to be with fresh sardinas, with a few fish also taken on yo-yo jigs.

The striped marlin bite was good now, a bit more scattered this week, as the balls of baitfish that were being found dispersed and the marlin were found more moving onto to different grounds. The striper’s ranged nicer sized, up to150 lb., striking on trolled lures, rigged ballyhoo, bolito, skipjack and chihuil. With most of the billfish action coming within 3 to 8 miles from shore.

Numbers of dorado were down this week, though there still were some of these gamefish hanging around, we saw fish up to 15 lb. accoutered for. Even a chance at wahoo, though not many were landed, more of these fish should start biting when the water temperatures warms up, as it does the later part of April.

Not much talk of inshore action now, a few roosterfish and sierra, but no numbers and actually more anglers are now targeting the more prevalent offshore species.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 84 charters for this week. Anglers reported a fish count of: 3 wahoo, 37 dorado, 42 striped marlin, 36 yellowfin tuna, 38 yellow snapper, 29 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 32 huachinango (red snapper), 35 bonito, 4 amberjack, 6 island jack. 16 barred pargo, 2 dogtooth snapper, 5 roosterfish, 23 sierra and 135 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

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Destination Golfers Rejoice! Six New Courses are Coming to Los Cabos

March 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

We know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t Los Cabos already have an incredible collection of world-class golf layouts
from a who’s who of prestigious course designers?

The answer is yes. In just over 30 years, since the first modest 9-hole muni was built at Punta Sur, Los Cabos has amassed one of the world’s finest collection of championship-level courses, with over a dozen stunning tracks from the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and Tom Weiskopf.

It’s a golfing portfolio any region in the world would be proud of; in fact, in Golf Digest’s recently released rankings, Los Cabos boasts four of the world’s 100 best international courses. Golf Magazine has three of its 15 currently operating courses rated among the 100 best in the world, period.

What’s truly amazing, however, is that Los Cabos appears to be just getting started. As many as a half-dozen new courses are expected to open in the next few years, including challenging new layouts from Woods, Nicklaus, Norman, Fred Couples and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Here is a brief overview of the glories destination golfers can look forward to in coming years…

Expanded Course Offerings at Puerto Los Cabos

Puerto Los Cabos already is home to what since 2008 has been the world’s only composite course between Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The “Shark Meets the Bear” at this luxurious development outside San Jose del Cabo, which not only features golf, but high-end resorts, restaurants, a marina, a beautiful beach, and superb sculpture and cactus gardens. But one course – even with a front nine by Norman, and a back nine by Nicklaus – was never the goal. The idea was that eventually the two big-name golfers and designers would return and add to their original designs, giving PLC two full 18-hole courses: a private course from Norman, a public course from Nicklaus. Nicklaus’ second nine opens later this month, but since Norman’s is still years away, PLC will in the near-term showcase a 27-hole concept similar to that used by Palmilla Golf Club. Golfers can build their 18-hole experience from any of the three available 9-hole offerings.

The First Fred Couples Design in Los Cabos

Fred Couples only captured one major championship – the 1992 Masters Tournament at Augusta National – but his sweet, seemingly effortless swing and consistent play translated to over 60 total wins, and better than two decades of stardom on the PGA Tour. Now he’s coming to Los Cabos, designing the highly anticipated Twin Dolphin Golf Club. If the name Twin Dolphin sounds familiar, it’s because it is:  it was the name of a pioneer resort which originally opened in the Los Cabos tourist corridor during the 1970s. The reincarnated version will accompany Montage and Maravilla, two new resort and residential projects overlooking Bahia Santa Maria. Play is expected to begin later this year.

A New Greg Norman Course at Rancho San Lucas

Solmar Group is not only one of the premier Los Cabos hospitality brands, but a legacy company whose history is inextricably tied up with the growth of tourism in Cabo San Lucas. The group’s founder, Don Luis Bulnes Molleda, was the manager of the Land’s End community’s cannery before he partnered with Luis Coppola on Finisterra, and then opened his own Hotel Solmar in 1974. Rancho San Lucas is Solmar’s ambitious new resort and residential development on Cabo San Lucas’ Pacific Coast. It joins a portfolio that already includes Solmar Resort, Grand Solmar and Playa Grande, and will be centered around an 18-hole golf course from Norman that is expected be open by late 2018 or early 2019.

A Second Jack Nicklaus Course at Quivira

When legendary champion Jack Nicklaus kick-started the Los Cabos golfing boom in the early 1990s, his natural canvases were found at tourist corridor properties like Palmilla and Cabo del Sol. Now, with the success of Diamante and Nicklaus’ first magnificent effort at Quivira, the golf focus has shifted to the Pacific Coast. Quivira Golf Club opened in 2014 and has climbed the world rankings in near record time, so reports that Nicklaus is returning to design a second course for the Pueblo Bonito affiliated development counts as big news. Groundbreaking on the new layout is expected to happen next summer.

A Second Robert Trent Jones Jr. Course in Los Cabos

Robert Trent Jones Jr. is one of the least heralded Los Cabos course architects. There’s no secret why. He’s one of the few that has never won a major championship. Then again, he is the son of the most prolific designer ever, and a man who has designed over 270 courses around the world during his own acclaimed 50-year career. Jones helped put Los Cabos on the golfing map when television cameras caught whales breaching near a seaside green during a 1996 PGA Senior Grand Slam event at his Cabo Real course. Now he’s returning to design a second local loop, this time for luxury brand Four Seasons at their new Costa Palmas resort on Los Cabos’ gorgeous East Cape. Expect the new golf course to open in mid to late 2019.

A Third Tiger Woods Course at Diamante

Diamante ushered in the second wave of the Los Cabos golf boom with Davis Love III’s majestic links style Dunes Course, which has been showered in accolades ever since it opened in 2009. The Dunes may be the showpiece, but the star at Diamante is now 14-time major champion Tiger Woods, who has already designed two courses for the resort and residential development north of Cabo San Lucas – the parkland El Cardonal and the 12-hole Oasis short course – and has another in the development stages. Woods, who has made news recently with a return to form following years of back and knee-related injuries, will be a favorite at next month’s Masters Tournament. Groundbreaking on his third Diamante offering, a lush layout in the style of Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, is expected to begin in 2019.

 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 Diamante Cabo San Lucas.

Upcoming Event Calendar

March

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

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

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

June

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

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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 – March 4, 2018

March 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

March 4, 2018

Well the unpredictable month of February is now finally over, we anticipate that the new month will bring more stable conditions, as it normally does, warmer days should be arriving soon. Though the start of this week we saw a cold wave sweep in from the north, gusty winds mid-week which finally resided for the weekend. High temperatures were barely reaching up to 70 to 74 degree mark, early mornings were chilly, down in the 50s. Crowds of tourists appeared to be lighter than usual, with Spring Break just around the corner we should see more people arriving.

Ocean temperatures were ranging from 70 to 74 degrees, with the warmest area now being around the Jaime Banks off of Cabo San Lucas. Off of San Jose del Cabo and to Los Frailes the water averaged 70 degrees, despite strong north winds earlier in the week the water still was fairly clean. We are now also in the full moon phase and this can often impact feeding habits of certain species of gamefish. The main baitfish now being used has been sardinas, the bait netters had been finding these off of the stretches near San Luis, but higher swells made this tougher and once again the majority of the bait is being found along the rocky shore line from Palmilla to Cabo Real, but they took longer than usual to obtain enough bait to supply the fleet sufficiently, but it was worth the wait, because these sardinas are what the yellowfin tuna are hitting on.

The bite for the tuna has mainly been off of Vinorama, some fish were also found on San Luis Bank and near Iman. Last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the action was good for fish averaging 20 to 50 lb., with one yellowfin tuna of 93 lb. weighed in. Fish were finicky and line shy at times, anglers were using 30 to 40 lb. line with best success, sporting tackle for tuna of this grade. The gusty weather shut the action completely down on Wednesday and Thursday, before the bite rebounded on Friday, with charters averaging two five tuna each. Considering this is now off season for yellowfin tuna this action has been a welcome bonus.

Billfish action was limited to sporadic action on the Pacific, no striped marlin now on the grounds off of San Jose del Cabo. Dorado continued to be found daily, though in fewer numbers and most of these fish are small juveniles in the five pound range, with a rare ten pounder mixed in. When the ocean temperature dips down near the 70 degree range species such as dorado generally head on a southern migration, following the wahoo, which have already moved out of the area.

With most charters waiting longer time in order to obtain sardinas and then heading far north towards Vinorama to target the tuna, there was not a whole lot of bottom action even being targeted. Though we did see a mix of yellow snapper, huachinango, leopard grouper, even a couple of broomtails and of course a few bonito and triggerfish. No yellowtail or amberjack reported, nor did anyone report seeing pelagic red crabs, so the red snapper bite was very limited, just one or two fish here or there.

There were some sierra found along inshore beaches from Palmilla to Chileno, but not in the numbers we would expect considering that this is now their peak season. With the colder water we did not find any roosterfish or jack crevalle either. Still plenty of whales in the region, they should be around all of this month.

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: 105 yellowfin tuna, 112 dorado, 2 broomtail grouper, 16 yellow snapper, 19 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 26 huachinango (red snapper), 16 bonito, 32 sierra and 26 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 February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 23, 2018

This past week we saw a slight increase in the amount of anglers arriving. As we have become accustomed, the month of February continues to produce a wide range of unpredictable weather patterns. We felt a cold wave sweep in, starting with a couple of days we felt scattered rain, mostly sprinkles, some areas reported a bit heavier precipitation, much cloud cover and daytime highs reaching only into the low 70s. More wind from the north, though it was on and off and not so strong that charter boats had to abort plans. Despite the cooler conditions, the ocean has remained relatively warm, now averaging 70 to 74 degrees, very clean and blue close to shore, strong current running though. Lots of jelly fish in the area now, as there was continued large presence of whales and of course those pesky sea lions, which have been robbing their share of the catch.

Sardinas continue to be the main bait being used, found schooling off of the beaches from Palmilla to Cabo Real, as well as they are now being once again found off of the rocky beach stretches north near San Luis, these being a larger grade of these baitfish. Other options have been slabs of squid as well as on some days varying quantities of mackerel were being jigging up on sabiki rigs, mainly off of Punta Gorda.

The highlight this week was that the yellowfin tuna which had really faded out last week, rebounded this week as water conditions actually improved despite the cooler weather patterns. Fleets found decent action near Vinorama for yellowfin that were ranging in sizes to over 50 lb., quality tuna considering that this is never known as a favorable time frame for this pelagic species. The fish were striking on sardinas, strips of squid, as well as on mackerel, when they were able to be found. Boats were averaging from one or two to five or six fish per morning. Another common fish being found were dorado, most of these were under ten pounds, but we did see some larger fish, included a true 25 lb. bull dorado, which we had not seen for some time. Many people are releasing the small sized dorado, especially the females, remember to practice this conservation of these juvenile fish to help maintain future stocks.

Not much in the way of billfish action now off of San Jose del Cabo, better chances on the Pacific now, we heard of a blue marlin being landed, though most common is the striped marlin this time of year. Bottom action was limited, not much besides a scattering of cabrilla (leopard grouper), pargo and triggerfish, though swift currents made this tough and most charters were going after the tuna and dorado, or fishing for sierra along the beaches.

As long as ocean water conditions remain favorable we do expect that these yellowfin tuna will stay in the area. Hard to predict, but typically in the next few weeks we start to see weather patterns with warming days and less persistent winds. It has been a bonus that supplies of sardinas have held up and seem to be sustainable for the time being.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 59 charters for this shortened week due to weekend travels. Anglers reported a fish count of: 112 yellowfin tuna, 135 dorado, 2 amberjack, 8 yellow snapper, 4 island jack, 8 barred pargo, 11 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 14 huachinango (red snapper), 94 sierra and 18 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: , , , , , , , ,

Catch Them if You Can: A Guide to Los Cabos Fishing Tournaments in 2018

February 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos as a tourist destination was built on big-game sportfishing, and truth be told there is no bad time to cast a line into the local waters. But some times are definitely better than others, especially for those who not only want a trophy-sized catch, but the sort of trophy-sized check that’s handed out to winners at the area’s premier fishing tournaments.

Here’s a look at the most prestigious and prize money packed tournaments on tap in 2018, both in Cabo San Lucas, and on the Los Cabos municipality’s gorgeous East Cape…

East Cape Dorado Shootout  (July 21)

The rules are simple for the 14 edition of this East Cape classic:  catch the biggest dorado on Saturday, July 21st, and you win a brand new, fully loaded, 2018 4×4 Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck. There will also be great prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, as well as for the largest tuna and largest wahoo caught. This year’s entry fee is $500. After the tournament, Palmas De Cortez will host the award ceremony, which is unlike any in Baja. In addition to dinner and music,  over $30,000 in raffle items will be given away.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore  (July 31 – Aug. 4)

The East Cape Offshore is one of three Bisbee’s sponsored fishing tournaments that take place in Baja California Sur each year. The ECO is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2018 series on July 31st. 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 additional fees for 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.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament  (Oct. 14 – 18)

Just as September is El Mes de la Patria, the “the country’s month,” in México, October is the month of the fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas. Bisbee’s two cash-rich tournaments – the Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue – get most of the publicity, but the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament also sends out a siren call to big-game fishermen eager for big-money prizes and jackpots. The three tournaments combined last year to pay out over $4,735,000 to the winners. The 20th annual LCBT has three entry levels:  a $5,000 base entry for each 6-person team; daily jackpots for the largest tuna, wahoo and dorado; and daily billfish release jackpots. Optional marlin only jackpots are available to teams that paid base entry.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore  (Oct. 18 – 21)

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of money are always donated to local causes. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $17,000 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue  (Oct. 23 – 27)

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.).

WON Tuna Jackpot  (Nov. 7 – 10)

The Western Outdoor News has a long history with Los Cabos, dating back to the 1950s, when Baja columnist Ray Cannon’s rave fishing reviews helped put the area on the destination travel map. The WON Tuna Jackpot is one of the larger fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas, a fixture of the autumn sporting calendar that follows hard on the heels of the Los Cabos Billfish and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore and Black & Blue Tournaments. Last year’s event, the 19th edition, saw 147 teams competed across 11 events for over $677,000 in prize money. Even bigger things are expected this year.

 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 WON Tuna Jackpot.

Upcoming Event Calendar

 February

Baja Hog Motorcycle Rally – Feb. 21 – 25

Vidanta Los Cabos Grand Opening Featuring Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki and Zedd – Feb. 23 – 25

 March

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

Todos Santos Historic Homes Tour – March 4

Todos Santos Film Festival – March 7 – 11

Baja Shakespeare Festival – March 9 – 11, 14 – 17

Wine & Cheese Festival at Sheraton Grand Hacienda del Mar – March 10

El Triunfo Festival Artesanal – March 11

East Cape Arts Festival – March 18

Traditional Fiestas in San Jose del Cabo – March 14 – 19

El Ganzo Music Presents: Jenny & The Mexicats – March 24

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March 25 – 31

Rancho Pescadero Yoga, Surf & Nutrition Retreat – March 28 – April 1

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – April 5, 12, 19, 26

Paws n’ Claws Golf Tournament and Dinner – April 8

NORRA Mexican 1000 – April 20 – 26

Los Cabos Culinary Awards – April 25

2018 Taco Fest Los Cabos at Casa Dorada – April 28

 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

Gastrovino Food & Wine Festival – May 19 – 20

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

June

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

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 11 – 17

Fiesta de la Musica – June 21

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

July – August

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

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

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

IRONMAN 70.3 Latin American Tri Club Championship – Nov. 4

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: , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Fishing Report – February 18, 2018

February 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

February 18, 2018

This week began with light crowds of visiting anglers, ended up being very busy, particularly on Friday, when everyone decided to go fishing. Weather patterns were a little up and down as well, some wind early in the week , then laying down, before picking up swiftly again from the north on Friday. Water conditions are now more stable in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, cooler greenish water has steadily been pushing in the from the north, water temperature ranging from 67 to 74 degrees.

The majority of the fishing action centered from off of Santa Maria, to Palmilla and north to San Luis. The yellowfin tuna action slowed down progressively throughout the week, early on there were decent reports of yellowfin being encountered with moving porpoise, at times within a few miles of shore, then they moved further offshore and were hard to even find and often when the porpoise were found there were no tuna associated with them, that type of action can often prove to be sporadic. Most of these yellowfin that were found weighed in the 20 to 30 lb. class.

These fish were striking best on various baitfish. The sardinas became a bit more scattered, but these baitfish were still being netting near the rocky beaches from Palmilla and to the south. Mackerel also proved to be a good option, these had to be jigged up off of the San Jose del Cabo hotel area, several miles offshore, not a guarantee with the sabiki’s, though at times proved to be the more productive bait.

Dorado numbers were down, as can be expected for this time of year, scattered fish in small schools and many of these were very juvenile, under  five pounds, should really be released if at all possible, just an occasional dorado now being landed that are over ten pounds. Did not hear of any wahoo, which is also expected during this out of season period.

Only a handful of striped marlin being found on the local grounds, surprising since their favored food source, the mackerel, are present. Not much action being found offshore now, most charters are having more success closer to shore for species such as sierra, pargo, snapper, cabrilla, island jacks, triggerfish, etc…Not a lot of trophy sized fish now, but there has been a variety of smaller good eating specimens to be had. Soaking bait off the bottom, produced, as well as yo-yo and casting jigs. No yellowtail to report, it is the time of year we should start to see some of these fighting jacks, there have been some smaller sized amberjack found and the highlight off the bottom rock piles have been leopard grouper, ranging in sizes up to 20 lb. Drift fishing with live mackerel proved to account for the best chances for these prized eating cabrilla. Other bottom action included miscellaneous yellow snapper, bonito, triggerfish, island jack, barred pargo and surgeonfish. We did not hear of any red crab activity recently, hard to predict when these crustaceans will drift to the surface.

The better sierra numbers came from Palmilla to Chileno, sardinas and casting small jigs worked for these, average weight was 2 to 4 lb. Lots of whale activity continues, as we are now in peak season for these migrating mammals.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 5 striped marlin, 18 yellowfin tuna, 85 dorado, 9 amberjack, 24 yellow snapper, 12 island jack, 6 surgeonfish, 12 barred pargo, 16 Eastern Pacific bonito, 135 sierra, 25 cabrilla (leopard grouper), 65 huachinango (red snapper) and 55 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

—

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

Eric Brictson / Operator

619 488-1859

Los Cabos (624) 142-1147

e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com

WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

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