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Fishing Report for San Jose del Cabo, Baja
Capt. Eric Brictson
December 17, 2006
San Jose del Cabo - Saltwater Fishing Report
December 17, 2006
Anglers –
As the Christmas Holiday approaches there were still only slight crowds of tourists traveling to Los Cabos, we expect the numbers of vacationers to increase in the next couple of weeks. The wind was not as strong this past week and for the most part anglers encountered comfortable conditions on the ocean. Skies were clear, lots of sunshine, with high temperatures close to 80 degrees, ideal conditions compared to reports across the United States, though early in the morning it has dipped into the upper 50s and low 60s, so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing.
Sportfishing fleets are fishing in a wide area, from El Faro to the Golden Gate on the Pacific, to the Gordo Banks in the direction of the Sea of Cortez. Striped marlin, dorado and yellowfin tuna were the most common species being found offshore, while closer to shore there was a mix of sierra and roosterfish, off the bottom it was mostly triggerfish and smaller pargo. Live bait that was available consisted of mackerel out of the Cabo San Lucas marina and sardinas for the panga fleets out of San Jose, early in the week the sardinas became scarce, smaller in size as well, located along the rocky beaches from Palmilla to Santa Maria. The water clarity improved a bit, but was still a little greenish and off colored off of San Jose, with the warmer and cleaner water now being found off of Cabo and towards the Pacific. Water temperatures ranged from 74 to 78 degrees, with the coolest areas being found from Los Frailes and to the north.
The action for striped marlin was excellent for anglers fishing off of the old light house on the Pacific, best bet was soaking live mackerel down deep, it was common for charters to catch several or more marlin per day, sizes averaged from 80 to 130 pounds, a few marlin were also found from Red Hill to Santa Maria, though not nearly in the numbers as on the Pacific.
Wahoo were virtually nonexistent off of San Jose, but a handful of them were reportedly striking on lures in the bluer waters outside of the Cabo San Lucas Arches and further around the corner on the Pacific.
Dorado counts were scattered last week, with some boats landing as many as 2 to 4 fish in the 8 to 25 lb. class, the majority of boats did not account for more than an average of one or two dorado, many of the fish being found were closer to shore where the baitfish were now congregating.
Yellowfin tuna were found offshore traveling with schools of porpoise, as far as 20 to 30 miles out and once found would readily strike on trolled lures and bait, tuna ranged in sizes to over 50 pounds. There were also schools of yellowfin found close to shore over structure, but this bite was not consistent from day to day, some days the tuna would come up to feed early in the morning and then on other days they would not bite until mid-day. The Inner Gordo Banks continued to hold yellowfin tuna, though these fish have had a mind of their own and were very moody, biting when they feel like it, for most of the week anglers had the best success while drift fishing over the high spot with fresh dead sardinas, while actively chumming with a smorgasbord of various baits. Pangueros reported seeing giant squid on the bank, one big squid was found flapping on the surface and was free gaffed. Tuna were also hooking into on strip of giant squid and chunks of cocinero and skipjack. For most of the week these fish were wary and anglers were lucky to land one or two per morning, though over the weekend the bite did improve, with some pangas landing over half of dozen fish.
On Saturday, December16th, there was a local fishing tournament organized out of Palmilla beach, this was an event in a series of Government Cups being held through Baja California, free entry fee, only a fishing license required and exclusively for smaller boats and pangas. This latest event had over 60 pangas entered with the top prize being a brand new 22 ft. panga and motor, second prize of $ 2,000, with other prizes including new rods with Penn International reels offered through tenth place. The tournament targeted all gamefish with the exception of striped marlin. Local La Playita skipper Tony Miranda on his new panga “ Hooker” proved that skill and a little luck can be the right combination, as Tony took home both first and second place honors with a 51 ˝ pound and 50 ˝ pound yellowfin tuna, taking home the new panga with motor and an extra $2,000 in cash, just in time for Christmas! Hugo Pino captured third place with a 50-pound dogtooth snapper that weighed ounces less than Tony’s second place yellowfin.
The annual migration of humpback and gray whales is now arriving in the Los Cabos region and this is offering additional entertainment for anglers and sightseers alike.
Off of La Playita there were approximate 43 total pangas launched this week, with anglers catching a total of; 3 sailfish, 33 striped marlin, 58 yellowfin tuna, 125 skipjack,
44 dorado, 33 pargo, 65 triggerfish, 12 amberjack, 16 cabrilla, 2 grouper, 15 roosterfish and 66 sierra.
Good Fishing, Eric
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