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Fishing Report for San Jose del Cabo, Baja
Capt. Eric Brictson
February 24, 2002
San Jose del Cabo - Saltwater Fishing Report
Anglers -
February 24, 2002
This week was typical for the month of February, with unpredictable weather, dominated by gusty and very dry Santa Ana type winds that blew out of the north for several days before residing over the weekend. High temperatures reached the 90 degree mark and signs of spring were in the air. Water temperatures were ranging from 68 to 71 degrees and the clarity varied from murky green close to shore, while further out there was clear blue water found. Out of San Jose del Cabo the indiscriminating gillnetted has continued in full force and has limited catches close to shore, especially the sierra, which have been the main commercial target species.
Panga fleets have concentrated their efforts mainly in the areas north of Punta Gorda for a variety of bottomfish. There were sardinas available off the beaches near Palmilla but more of the quality fish were hitting on yo-yo style iron jigs, color combinations of brown / yellow, blue / white and chrome / blue were most productive. Most common catches included bonita, skipjack, amberjack, cabrilla, grouper and red snapper (huachinango). This was the first week when the huachinango really were taken in good numbers, with sizes ranging from 5 to 12 pounds, San Luis Bank was the most consistent area. One amberjack of 60 pounds was reported and a few of the grouper ranged up to 30 pounds. The majority of the pangas were accounting for daily catches of 15 fish or so in combination, which was improved over the previous week, when it was about half of that. The most prevalent fish were the bonita, which were of the good eating variety, light meat, similar to albacore, running 5 to 12 pounds and not the same species taken off of Southern California.
Cruiser fleets reported some improved action offshore for dorado, trolling lures 10 to 15 miles out, near the Gordo Banks, fish were ranging up to 30 pounds, still in limited numbers, but some boats did report more than a half of dozen during a days trolling. Also there were some yellowfin tuna found and striped marlin, though these were not as cooperative. A few dorado were also found close to shore, off of Punta Gorda, by anglers trolling small lures for sierra, one 25 pound female dorado hit on a rapala just outside of the surf line.
Whale watching continued to be a major attraction, but the numbers off of San Jose were now less and it appeared that the northern migration was starting. We expect to have similar conditions for the next month or so, before the official spring season arrives and brings in some warmer water.
Good Fishing, Eric
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