Los Cabos Fishing Report

May 25, 2014 204_Grouper

The month of May is always a great time, with an all around climate, steadily warming days, increasingly tropical feeling and many opportunities for anglers, from offshore, bottom structure to trolling close to shore. All this to take advantage of, crowds are now moderate, as people remain busy, finishing school semesters, graduations, not to mention that this is a very popular time for marriages.

Perfect time to head south and visit the Los Cabos area, in another month the weather is much warmer and the humidity rises. Recent daytime highs have been hovering around 90 degrees, scattered cloud cover, at times quite tropical, on Thursday we even had some rainfall, did not amount to much, but this was unseasonable and combined with the gusty winds from the southwest, resulted in many anglers canceling charters for that morning, even though by mid morning the front had moved through and the conditions ended up just fine. Crazy weather patterns this whole year, seems like a possible El Nino current has been developing, ocean temperature are now in the 80 to 82 degree range off of San José del Cabo and towards Los Frailes, even warmer outside near the Cabrillo Seamount.

Bait sources remained as they have been, live moonfish and on some days limited caballito have been available, along with ballyhoo for rigging. On the fishing grounds more schools of skipjack and bolito were reported and this will be another option opening up for anglers targeting larger sized gamefish. This is also the time we should see migrations of mullet appearing in local waters. We have heard no good news on any resources of sardinas being found anywhere in the Southern Baja, will be interesting to see if we have a fall run for these sardina baitfish.

The steady bite for striped marlin which was within a couple of miles of the marina channel entrance, slowed way down, this is where the billfish were feeding on smaller sized squid, apparently this food source must have moved elsewhere. Now the main action for striped marlin was 15 to18 miles straight outside of San Jose del Cabo, in the vicinity of the 1150 Spot. Large concentrations of marlin were found, feeding, tailing, free jumping, striking more often on baitfish, either slow trolled, or drift, with sinkers down deep, or fly lining  near the surface. Many charters Accounted for multiple billfish, even four, five or six stripers per day was not uncommon. Sizes ranged from 80 to 130 pounds. There were quite a few thrasher sharks on these same grounds, most weighing in the 70 to 150 lb. range and giving anglers their best workout for their money in battling these powerful fighters to boat side.

We have heard of the yellowfin tuna action that has developed in the Los Frailes area, tuna ranging to over 100 pounds were found associated with porpoise, finicky to bite at times, but consistent trolling has been producing decent numbers for charters based out of the East Cape. Though this action is still out of range for San Jose del Cabo charters, we are hoping this activity shifts towards the south, to our normal San Luis, Iman and Gordo Banks grounds. This is the time of year when anything could happen on any given day.

Dorado remain scattered, some days there have been a handful found on the same marlin grounds and to the north where panga fleets have been working the various high spots, there have been schooling dorado encountered, mostly smaller sized. Hard to say what is going on with the dorado, we have heard reports of larger concentrations found off the East Cape as well, this can be the typical pattern, then the action moves our direction. Some anglers found wahoo between San Luis and Vinorama, trolling ballyhoo and rapalas seem to have taken the majority of strikes, still lucky to get one of these elusive fish, sizes ranged from 15 to 40 lb. Several wahoo hit on yo-yo jigs while anglers were drifting over high spots, targeting amberjack, snapper and grouper, which proved very hit or miss, a handful of quality specimens were accounted for the anglers that were persistent.

Roosterfish action was found along the coastal inshore stretches, but with the lack of any concentrations of mullet, this meant that the roosters were scattered and the action varied from day to day where they could be found, most of the roosterfish that did strike on trolled baits weighed in the 20 to 40 pound class.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 90 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 7 thrasher shark, 4 yellowfin tuna, 52 striped marlin, 14 wahoo, 2 sailfish,12 amberjack,9 cabrilla, 4 jack crevalle, 8 sierra, 44 dorado, 2 dogtooth snapper, 75 bonito and 72 roosterfish.

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report

May 11, 2014
206_JoeClarin
Perhaps the perfect weather conditions have attracted more crowds of tourists, as this past week we have noticed an increased number of visitors. Early in the week there were some unusually gusty winds sweeping through from the north, though after this front moved through conditions settled nicely and anglers were greeted with great ocean conditions. Air temperatures were nearing 90 degrees, some marine layer, scattered cloud cover created a semi tropical feeling. Everyone is enjoying the wonderful climate now, if only this could last through the summer. Ocean water temperatures fluctuated more, with cooler currents on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas now in the upper 60s, while outside of the Gordo Banks water ranged into the upper 70s, most of the zone where anglers were now fishing was in the 74/75 degree range.

The winds during the early week stirred up ocean conditions and dropped water temperatures by a few degrees. Striped marlin continue to be the most prevalent species found offshore, the big bite that had been going on very close to shore, off of the Puerto Los Cabos Marine entrance, within one mile of shore, this action tapered way off, though a few scattered striped marlin are still being landed each day from this area. It seems the main concentration of marlin has moved further offshore, as far as 18 miles out, scores of stripers were seen riding the surface swells, many of them not interested at all in feeding on the available bait source of moonfish, jacks or ballyhoo, though a percentage of the marlin would strike and some charters were accounting for multiple billfish days. Some charters reported seeing many marlin on the surface but not be able to draw a strike for anything, this can happen when the fish get a taste for a certain food source that is abundant at a particular time, fish just are not hungry for anything else.

Dorado were more scattered even than were the marlin, only an odd fish here of there, no schools found, maybe one dorado landed for every five charters. Weights of the few dorado accounted for ranged up to 20 pounds. Wahoo were in the area, though only a handful were actually caught, most of these were found north of Punta Gorda and towards Vinormama, various rigged baits and Rapalas both produced fish, which averaged from 20 to 30 pounds.

Mid week a significant sized school of yellowfin tuna in the 20 to 30 pound class came up and was feeding on the surface near the Outer Gordo Bank, no one reportedly could tell what type of baitfish they were attacking and all of this activity was over as fast as it appeared. It was an encouraging sign to show that these fish were at least in local waters and hopefully a bite will develop soon. There were 10 to 20 lb. yellowfin landed on trolled lures, but that was it in the way of tuna. The bonito are still prevalent on the various high spots, but not in the number they had been, striking on yo-yo jigs. A few pargo, amberjack and cabrilla rounded out the bottom action, which was basically limited, some days better than other. Most charters are doing a mix of a little bottom structure fishing before trying their luck for surface species or drifting baits offshore for marlin, which had been one of the more productive techniques recently.

Inshore we have seen some larger sized roosterfish up to forty pounds moving in, no big numbers to speak of, but a great option for anglers wishing to target these powerful gamefish. Slow trolling the caballito, jacks or moonfish was the best method to entice a strike, some large sized jack crevalle were also patrolling the shoreline.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 90 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 3 sailfish, 8 yellowfin tuna, 29 striped marlin, 11 wahoo, 2 yellowtail, 18 amberjack, 18 huachinago, 2 grouper, 11 cabrilla, 22 jack crevalle, 8 sierra, 20 dorado, 3 yellowtail, 5 dogtooth snapper,112 bonito and 26 roosterfish.

Good fishing, Eric

619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Cabo Fishing Report

May 4, 2014 207_GaryWahooAmber

With pristine paradise like weather now creating the ideal climate for vacationing to the Los Cabos region, we are seeing only moderate crowds, always seem to be a slack period right after spring break and IRS Tax dead lines. It is now a great time to make the trip, time to get out on the water and enjoy the perfect weather, warm sunshine in the mid 80s and also an opportunity at world class fishing action.

With ocean water temperature in the upper 70s, anything could happen at any time. Striped marlin has been the main deal offshore, spread throughout the area, particularly abundant off of San Jose del Cabo, at times within a couple miles of shore, nicer sized fish were encountered this week, with many of the stripers ranging to 150 pounds or more. Often schooling marlin were found feeding on congregated baitfish schools, mixed with monster sized jack crevalle, this produces the method of “pickup and run billfish battles”, as the scores of charter boats were racing towards feeders, first to arrive and get their baits in the water had the best percentages of hooking up. The marlin were also striking on bait being drift fishing at varying depths, fly lining or with sinkers down deeper. With the lack of caballito or mackerel available, the bait of choice as been moonfish and other jurelitos (jacks) as well as rigged ballyhoo. Many charters were accounting for multiple marlin per morning, this action became a bit more scattered during the later part of the week.

Dorado continued to be found in limited numbers, being scattered from inshore to offshore, in small groups, with sizes up to 25 pounds, anglers might catch a couple of these gamefish, or you could also not see one all day. Same with the elusive wahoo, they are in the area, but only one or two, here or there, is actually being hooked and landed. Gary Weis was visiting from Santa Monica, Ca. and caught a very impressive 66 lb. wahoo while slow trolling a moonfish for bait off of Palmilla Point, he was on a Gordo Banks super panga. Gary also caught a whooper 84 lb. amberjack, this fish hit right after the wahoo did.

Panga charters were working the San Luis Bank for bonito, and an occasional snapper, amberjack or cabrilla, but sea lions are becoming an increasing frequent problem, forgot to mention the over abundance of pesky needlefish. This is one of those crazy times, when it is actually easier to catch a marlin than it is a snapper, yellowtail, dorado or tuna. Jack crevalle showed more of a presence, found closer to shore on the roosterfish grounds, as well as further offshore, feeding with the striped marlin. Many of these jacks were in the 30 pound class. A few nicer sized roosterfish, up to 30 pounds, are now being encountered while trolling baits close to shore.

We have not heard of any local yellowfin tuna reports, should be time we start to see signs of these fish to appear, conditions are just too favorable, though more offshore baitfish activity could help to attract these pelagic species.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 56 striped marlin, 3 wahoo, 4 yellowtail, 34 amberjack, 12 huachinago, 15 cabrilla, 58 jack crevalle, 15 sierra, 28 dorado, 94 bonito and 22 roosterfish.

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report

April 5, 2014 211_NathanYellowtail

Spring break tourist activity seemed to have slowed some, even though the actual local Easter Holiday week does not begin until mid month. Weather has been nearly perfect, highs in the low 80s, there has been scattered cloud cover, burning off as the days progressed. Winds were moderate, mostly from the east and switching from the south, ocean temperature now averaged in the 70 to 75 degree range, a slight drop from last week, but still warmer than normal for early April. Quite a few whale sightings continue, despite this now being late season for these mammals, the majority have already began their northern migration.

Offshore , anglers found hit or miss action for the billfish, spread out, no concentrations of baitfish to attract any big numbers of striped marlin, fish were found further offshore some days and then as close as two miles to shore on others, clarity of water varied with the flowing currents. Dorado were found every day, though only in small groups, more of these fish were within several miles of shore, this is where half beak schools (ballyhoo) have been schooling. Weights averaged 10 to 15 pounds.

No yellowfin tuna to speak of, except an odd fish up to 30 pounds, being hooked into while working high spots with yo-yo jigs, from Iman to San Luis Bank. The most common catch were the Eastern Pacific bonito, striking readily on the iron jigs, ranging 3 to 10 lb. There was more porpoise activity now being seen offshore, though not many yellowfin were being reported. Early morning proved to be the best time for fishing over the rock piles, mixed in with the feisty bonito, were a handful of quality snapper, amberjack and cabrilla. Yellowtail action has been very spotty, most of the fish we have seen were nice 25 to 35 lb. A couple of these hogs were even hooked into while drifting live baits just outside of the Marina Jetty entrance.

This whole year has been abnormal, with warmer winter weather and ocean water temperature, enough so, where tropical pelagic species such as wahoo and dorado have remained in local waters throughout the winter and into the spring. Everyday there have been reports of wahoo being either hooked into, seen free swimming, or actually landed, most of this wahoo action was found from Punta Gorda and north along the ledges, towards Vinormama. A couple of fifty pound plus wahoo were accounted for, most of the ‘hoo landed were in the 20 to 30 pound class.

Close to shore there were lots of powerful jack crevalle moving in, also some juvenile sized roosterfish and sierra. This action could be wide open with sardinas, but none of these smaller baitfish have been available in recent months, with the main bait source now being either live caballito or rigged ballyhoo. We did see one 12 pound snook caught right off of the panga dock area, this fish hit on a live bait.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 84 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of:  6 striped marlin, 9 wahoo, 6 yellowfin tuna, 8 yellowtail, 17 amberjack, 80 dorado, 28 jack crevalle, 48 sierra, 22 roosterfish, 580 bonito, 15 cabrilla and 32 misc. pargo.

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Cabo Fishing Report

March 30, 2014 212_Wahoo

Vacationing tourists continue to arrive in soaring numbers, as spring break season is now in full swing. Weather has been very pleasant, prevalent winds were gusting early in the week, with ocean conditions being quite comfortable late week. Ocean water temperatures were ranging in the upper 70s towards the Gordo Banks and further north, while currents were in the lower 70s on the Pacific grounds. Day time highs were in the low 80s, feeling a bit more like summer than spring. Whales are vanishing from the area rapidly, headed on their long migration towards the rich feeding grounds of the Bering Sea.

The striped marlin action off of the San Jose del Cabo area started back up with a flurry, feeding marlin were seen in concentrations, anywhere from 2 to 8 miles from shore, moving quickly at times, seen free jumping and tailing on the surface as well. Striking on lures as well as live caballito or rigged ballyhoo, many charters reported having multiple chances for stripers per outing. With inshore and bottom action being sporadic, much of the week anglers found that there was actually a better chance at finding marlin than any of the other smaller gamefish closer to shore.

There was a variety of other species now in local water, though it seemed that none of them were really abundant, or consistently biting on a day to day basis. Yellowtail were occasionally being hooked into on the various rocky high spots, some of these jacks were found close to shore on the ordinary roosterfish and sierra grounds. Yellows were holding on the Outer Gordo Bank, though only handful of people are landing them, all nicer sized 30 to 35 lb. fish, just no consistent action and many hammerhead sharks to sort through. Rounding out the fish counts were, cabrilla, pargo, amberjack, bonito, dorado, sierra and wahoo, all being reported daily in limited numbers.

Wahoo are being seen in schools off of Punta Gordo and to La Fortuna, though are finicky, striking baits, yo-yo’s and trolled jigs when they became aggressively in the mood for striking, strange do even have these fish hanging around at this time of year, this is a result of the warmer than usual water temperatures. Dorado are being encountered in smaller sized schools, the majority of this action closer to shore, rather than on the offshore grounds, sizes averaged 5 to 20 pounds.

Bottom action has never really turned into a steady productive option this season, the action for surface species proved more consistent than were the reef dwellers. We would normally expect to see a trend develop in the coming weeks, of less wind, warming days and more options for anglers off the structure and inshore stretches. Nice time of year coming, ideal weather, not too warm and not too cool.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 91 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of:  33 striped marlin, 17 wahoo, 3 mako shark, 4 yellowfin tuna, 12 yellowtail, 15 amberjack, 84 dorado, 15 jack crevalle, 28 sierra, 42 roosterfish, 95 bonito, 18 cabrilla and 14 hammerhead sharks (released).

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report

March 22, 2014 213_ChameCabrilla

The majority of the dorado being encountered recently were found closer to shore, this is where concentrations of half beaks (ballyhoo) were schooling. Trolling various baitfish was the most successful for these gamefish, though some anglers did report catching dorado on lures as well. Sizes were averaging 5 to 15 pounds, with a handful of larger specimens accounted for. Most charters were fortunate to average about one dorado per day.

No action on yellowfin tuna being reported, only a few fish reported, mixed in with bonito off the high spots from Iman to San Luis Banks, Yellowfin have been holding in this region through the winter, though with the lack of sardinas to entice them, we have not seen any consistent action on these tuna since the Fall. The only live baitfish that has been plentiful has been caballito, rigging fresh dead ballyhoo has been another option.

Off of the high spots, where anglers were jigging over the structure, bonito was the most common species being landed; these feisty fighters were running in the 4 to 8 pound class. Only an occasional amberjack or yellowtail is being hooked into, most of these striking on yo-yo style jigs and ranged from 20 to 35 pounds. There are big yellowtails now on the Outer Gordo Banks, lots of bonito on these same grounds, striking on the iron jigs, drifting live caballito down deep can be productive for the big yellows, though a problem has been there are many hammerhead sharks lurking down deep on these grounds, hard to stay away from them while trying for the jacks. These rock piles also produced some cabrilla and snapper, though that massive red snapper run during the red crab bloom of previous week has not redeveloped, need these winds to reside for that to happen. We are in transition time now, still unpredictable as to what can happen with the weather conditions from day to day.

With the water temperatures holding a bit warmer than normal, baitfish migrations are off and so are typically gamefish patterns. Wahoo have been found though the winter, they are still being hooked into practically daily, though a bit sporadic, most of this action was reported on the inshore grounds from Punta Gorda to La Fortuna, water depths from 100 to 150 ft., strong winds last week turned over this water some and anglers found varied success.

We are still seeing numerous whales, though surely these will be the final weeks of this activity, many of these mammals have already begun their northern migration.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 78 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 8 striped marlin, 5 wahoo, 2 yellowfin tuna, 9 yellowtail, 16 amberjack, 395 bonito, 6 jack crevalle, 7 sierra, 42 dorado, 24 roosterfish, 18 cabrilla and 12 hammerhead sharks (released).

Good fishing,


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Los Cabos Fishing Report

March 9, 2014 215_MartinCatch

As the first wave of spring break travelers continue to arrive in Los Cabos, they are being greeted with absolutely beautiful pristine weather conditions, with high temperatures hovering near the 80 degree mark, clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine. Winds have been light and anglers enjoyed very pleasant days on the ocean. Swells were slight and we have seen warmer currents sweeping in, with water temperature now averaging 72 degrees on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas and increasing to 74/78 degree in the direction of the Sea of Cortez and the Gordo Banks, just outside of these grounds is where the warmest water is now located.

The Golden Gate Banks has continued to be the hot spot for finding striped marlin, also fair numbers of dorado reported from the Pacific grounds. While the billfish action in the direction of San Jose del Cabo was very spotty, with the lack of offshore baitfish concentrations, the stripers are scattered. More numbers of dorado were encountered close to shore, at times actually seen chasing half beaks (ballyhoo) directly on to the sandy beaches, at least one dorado was hooked and landed inside of the Puerto Los Cabos Marina Channel.
Most of the dorado now seen have been in the 5 to 15 lb. class, with a few exceptions of larger specimens up to 25 pounds accounted for.
Despite the warmer water temperatures we have seen fewer dorado this past week, as well as only a few wahoo, though we have heard of big wahoo bite now going on off of Cerralvo Island, which is out of our local charter range.

Inshore action was now producing many roosterfish in the 5 to 15 lb.
range, trolling with live caballito was the best bet for this, remember these are rapidly growing gamefish, not known for good table fare and should be released with care, in order to mature and enhance the future fishery. Sierra numbers were down, warmer waters and lack of sardinas contributing to this situation.

The most exciting event this past week has been the season’s first massive run of pelagic red crabs, particularly on the high spots north of the Gordo Banks. Masses of these small crabs drifted to the surface, turned the sea a reddish color and this in turn was attracting the humpback whales, whale sharks and of course the Pacific red snapper (huachinango. This occurrence is always unpredictable, when conditions are just right these pelagic crustaceans swarm, normally happening sometime during the March to May time frame, though in local waters we have not seen such a run for several years. These red crabs are a favorite food source for many species, especially so for the red snapper, also one of the most popular and valuable commercial catches. All of the local commercial pangeros are now working overtime to catch as many kilos of these prized snapper as they are capable of while this bite lasts. These are the true Pacific snapper and average from 4 to 12 pounds in weight, scrappy fighters on light tackle and at times they are found schooling near the surface.

Other action included lots of Eastern Pacific Bonito and some early season amberjack, the bonito (3 to 10 lb.) were striking yo-yo jigs or trolled Rapalas over the high spots and the ambers, which ranged to over 30 lb., were hitting best on the yo-yo style jigs or by drifting live caballito off of the structure. There were lots of yellowfin tuna in the 20/25 lb. class seen breezing on the grounds north of Punta Gorda, but only a handful of these tuna were hooked into, very finicky, as they normally do become when they acquire a taste for these same red crabs.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 77 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
1 striped marlin, 3 wahoo, 8 yellowfin tuna, 2 yellowtail, 19 amberjack, 355 bonito, 18 jack crevalle, 18 sierra, 55 dorado, 135 roosterfish, 6 pompano, 28 yellow tail snapper, 14 cabrilla.and 640 red snapper (huachinango).

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Cabo Fishing Report

March 2, 2014 216_Gregcatch

Spring break seems to have started early this year, as increasing crowds of tourists were arriving to take advantage of the ideal weather conditions and the many outdoor activities available. With the month of February now over, we can say that it has lived up to its reputation, being a bit crazy and unpredictable. We witnessed some chilly mornings, with windy days and then just like that there were very pleasant calm and almost summerlike conditions. Still many whales in the area, but with warming days, we will see these mammals heading back towards their northern feeding grounds soon.

On the Pacific side, the Golden Gate Bank has been the hot spot to find wide open action for striped marlin, with marlin also being found in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, but more spread out, as there have not been the same concentrations of baitfish to find the billfish schooling up, as on the Pacific. Even a few sailfish were found in the mix this past week, a bit strange for this time of year. Ocean water temperatures ranged from 70 degrees on the Pacific, to an average of
74 degrees off of San Jose del Cabo and north to Los Frailes. The more consistent all around fishing action is being found in the direction of the warmer waters.

Dorado never left local waters this winter and they normally do, these fish are still being caught daily, from inshore to offshore, fish were striking lures and various baits, rigged ballyhoo and live caballito.
Sizes were ranging from 5 to 25 lb. Still no sardinas being found in local water, basically all season we have not seen these smaller baitfish, larger baits and using lures has been the main deal. Number of dorado were not huge, though some charters were catching up to five or six. Surprisingly there were also wahoo hanging around in certain areas as well, most of these fish were found from Punta Gorda to La Fortuna, and within a mile of shore, again no big numbers, one or two, here or there, sizes in the 15 to 25 lb. Class. The wahoo were striking on trolled baits, rapalas and yo-yo jigs.

Other action now included the Eastern Pacific Bonito, spread throughout the zone, striking on rapalas and jigs, sizes 2 to 10 pounds, fun action on light tackle, also a good eating species. This past week we saw more numbers amberjack being accounted for, hitting off the bottom structure, on yo-yo jigs and caballito. Sizes ranged up to 40 pounds, with some charters catching three or four of these powerful fighting jacks. An occasional cabrilla to 25 pounds was found off the same rock piles. Only a handful of yellowtail so far this season, though these were nicer sized 20 to 30 pound fish, in recent days several big yellowtail were hooked into while trolling very close to shore, where juvenile sized roosterfish and sierra wee being targeted. We must also mention the presence of some hog sized jack crevalle that will test inshore angler’s endurance.

Only a handful of yellowfin tuna were found, most from the La Fortuna to San Luis Banks, drift fishing with fresh dead sardinas is what enticed this action, though with the lack of this bait source and the combination of swift currents, this was a very hit or miss option.
When the tuna did come up to the chummed bait, a few tuna in the 20 pound class were accounted for.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 102 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
3 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 13 wahoo, 14 yellowfin tuna, 5 yellowtail, 27 amberjack, 242 bonito, 13 jack crevalle, 34 sierra, 146 dorado, 48 roosterfish, 10 pompano, 18 yellow tail snapper and 9 cabrilla.

Good fishing, Eric


GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM

Catholic Churches in Los Cabos

If you enjoyed our recent post about Carnaval in Los Cabos, this information might of interest to you as well. Carnaval is a celebratory time leading up to mission-of-san-jose-delsomber Christian season of Lent. During this 40-day long period, religious individuals often choose to abstain from a particular item, such as chocolate, or a particular habit, like smoking, in order to remember daily the sacrifice that Christ made for them. Mexico is a traditionally Catholic nation, so religious traditions are an important part of the culture that you will be exposed to during your Cabo vacation.

If you plan to be in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas during Carnaval, you may want to extend your trip through March 5. This date marks Ash Wednesday, or Miercoles de Ceniza, in 2014. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and there are a variety of traditions that go with it. Churches throughout Los Cabos will be hosting services on that day. Even if you are not a religious person, you might want to attend to learn more about the culture of the Los Cabos region. Many tourists find it fascinating to learn about the religious beliefs and conventions that exist in the regions to which they travel.

If, on the other hand, you do subscribe to the same religious leanings as many Los Cabos residents, you may find it comforting to spend Ash Wednesday with a congregation of like-minded persons. In San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, there are a number of Protestant churches and Catholic parishes that observe Ash Wednesday.

You can learn more about Ash Wednesday’s history here: http://www.eventsloscabos.com/event/ash-wednesday-miercoles-de-ceniza/2014-03-05/  If you are interested in going to an Ash Wednesday service, you will need to contact individual churches that are located near your Los Cabos vacation rental.

Los Cabos Fishing Report

February 9, 2014 818_Coble_Dorado

The month of February can be quite unpredictable, locals have a saying, Febreo loco y Marzo otro poco, conditions can feel like spring time one day, but then cooler weather fronts can swept back through, feeling more wintry. Last week we had temperatures reach the mid 80s, though this week it felt more like winter, with cooler mornings, down to 55 degrees and on a couple of days the high temperatures only reached in the low 70s. Despite this trend, there were mostly clear sunny skies and it felt like paradise compared to the freezing cold temperatures that has swept once again across the United States. Ocean water temperatures actually warmed up some, now ranging from 70 degrees on the Pacific to 75/76 offshore of San Jose del Cabo. More north winds this past week and this contributed to stirring up the clarity, anglers reported finding mixed up conditions, swift currents pushed in greenish water, but in other areas the water remained clear and blue, seemed to vary each day.

Baitfish remained scattered, as were most of the gamefish, though in recent days baitfish schools have begun to congregate on the traditional grounds off of the San Jose del Cabo’s Hotel Zone, two or three miles offshore, mainly sardinetas now, with a few mackerel mixed in. This a favorable sign, hopefully this will continue to develop, should start seeing more striped marlin on these same grounds. Anglers found porpoise activity offshore, hit or miss for smaller sized yellowfin tuna, most of these fish were found 20 plus miles outside of Cabo San Lucas, at other times jack crevalle and hog sized black skipjack dominated the offshore bite.

Dorado action has been good this winter season, though this past week the bite dropped off, some charters had trouble finding even one dorado, while others were more fortunate and accounted for up to a half of dozen, these fish are scattered from inshore to offshore and running in small schools, most of the fish were in the 5 to 15 pound class. Striking on trolled lures and rigged ballyhoo baits. Earlier in the week a few wahoo were found, though this is not the normal season where you would expect to catch these elusive gamefish, there is still a chance at hooking into one of these prized eating fish. A handful of football sized yellowfin tuna were landed while drift fishing on the Iman Bank, fresh dead sardinas was to key to this action, these baits were sold in limited quantities at the dock area, then you had to try to stay away from the skipjack, bonito and pesky sea lions, another factor were the gusting northern winds, making it almost impossible on certain days.

Sierra continued to dominate the inshore action, striking on various whole and cut baits, as well as hoochies and small rapalas, which all worked for these fish, average sizes ranged 2 to 4 pounds. Some jack crevalle and juvenile sized roosterfish were also encountered. Surf fishermen reported catching a few much larger sierra taken at first light, this is always the time when these members of the mackerel family are more aggressive.

Bottom action produced mainly Eastern Pacific Bonito, a handful of pargo, cabrilla and triggerfish rounding out this action. Should be the time when we start to see some yellowtail showing up in the fish counts. There were a couple of nice grouper landed off of the Palmilla Point area, this is the time frame when these rock piles start to hold more of the structure species.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 68 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
6 striped marlin, 4 wahoo, 21 yellowfin tuna, 135 bonito, 14 jack crevalle, 115 sierra, 76 dorado,12 roosterfish,18 pargo, 28 triggerfish, 90 black skipjack, 2 grouper and 10 cabrilla.

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