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Fishing Report for San Jose del Cabo, Baja
Capt. Eric Brictson
January 28, 2007
San Jose del Cabo - Saltwater Fishing Report
January 28, 2007
Anglers –
The skies cleared after last weeks rain, recently there were scattered clouds and moderate winds from the north, but temperatures continued to be a bit cooler than normal. Mid-week there were a couple of early morning that dipped down to 45 degrees and the daytime highs were maybe reaching the lower 70s. Ocean conditions varied from location, the water temperature continued on a cooling trend and ranged from 67 to 71 degrees throughout the region. The clarity of the water was cleaner in the direction of Cabo San Lucas, though sportfishing operations were fishing in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, as well as the Pacific where the billfish action was still concentrated. Schools of mackerel were found in various locations, anglers were able to jig for them in the mornings or purchase them from the local pangueros. Supplies of sardinas were very
limited and spread out, though on most days they were available.
Crowds of anglers were light, perhaps a combination of factors contributed to this. First being the new United States passport regulations, also the recent increase of Mexican fishing licenses could be discouraging, which now cost a steep $ 13 for a one-day license and then we have the wintry weather.
The panga fleets launching from La Playita found the most consistent action in the vicinity of the Gordo Banks and anglers found that there were not many other options since no consistent production was found either off the bottom or along the shoreline. Yellowfin tuna dominated the bite on the Gordo Bank, the fish seemed to be picky at times, but then again at times would go on a frenzy. The quality was very impressive, as the average tuna encountered was in the 25 to 50 pound class. Catches per boat ranged from one or two fish, up to a dozen. Anglers had success with live and dead sardinas, as well as mackerel, but overall more fish were hooked while using chunk bait from freshly caught skipjack, which were on the same fishing grounds.
Dorado were caught in good numbers earlier in the week, most them medium sized fish, with some exceptions, but as the water cooled off, these fish became less active over the weekend and most likely are migrating further south. The majority of the dorado caught hit on trolled or drifted bait, but schools of fish also found by trolling lures.
Billfish action was best on the Pacific side of Cabo, but the striped marlin are also being found off of Chileno and towards the Gordo Banks, following their bait supply. We look for larger concentrations or marlin to move in the direction of the Sea of Cortez in the coming weeks.
Whales are now in their peak migrations, with high numbers of both Grey and Humpbacks being seen throughout the area. Giant squid are being found outside of Cabo San Lucas, to over 40 pounds and quite a few mako sharks are being hooked into as well, they also show up when the mackerel are plentiful.
So far this season has proved disappointing for inshore action, there have been surprisingly low numbers of sierra being found along the beach stretches of San Jose del Cabo, we can just hope that these popular gamefish are behind schedule and will show up in force soon.
The combined panga fleet from La Playita sent out approximately 49 charters for the week, with anglers catching a total of: 1 sailfish, 11 striped marlin, 12 mako shark, 135 skipjack, 115 yellowfin tuna, 42 dorado, 52 pargo, 9 cabrilla, 15 sierra and 6 amberjack.
Good fishing, Eric
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