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Fishing Report for San Jose del Cabo, Baja
Capt. Eric Brictson
February 17, 2007
San Jose del Cabo - Saltwater Fishing Report
February 17, 2007
Anglers -
As moderate crowds of tourists continue to travel to Los Cabos they have been greeted by the typical late winter unpredictable weather, otherwise known as transition time, changing daily, a mix of warm sunshine, cool cloud cover, chilly early mornings, but comparatively very pleasant conditions compared to anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. Last week anglers reported that the bite was improving steadily with each passing day, all this changed over the weekend, by Sunday afternoon the wind really kicked up out of the south, howling to over 20 miles per hour, this pushed in cooler and greener Pacific waters and had fishing fleets searching throughout the area for signs of activity.
Water temperatures averaged 69 to 71 degrees, which is about average for this time of year. Everyone is optimistic that with some steady warm weather that the conditions will turn more favorable quickly. Baitfish have remained plentiful, mainly a mix of sardinas and mackerel, at times the baitfish had to be searched for, but most of the time sufficient supplies were available. For the most part sportfishing fleets having been fishing in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, this is where the striped marlin action has shifted and where the all around offshore action has been most productive.
Local panga fleets have concentrated their efforts from the Inner Gordo Banks and north to the Iman. The most common daily catch has been yellowfin tuna, weighing in the 20 to 40 pound range. At times there have been large schools of tuna seen feeding in these areas, but the fish have not always been eager to cooperate with anglers offerings. The commercial pangueros have reported excellent success on afternoon outings for the last several days, with catches per panga averaging from 150 to 300 kilos of fish, which are all sold to local markets in the whole at the rate of about one dollar per pound. The actual daily catch for panga sport anglers has been more like one of two tuna and possibly a mix of few different bottom species, which have included amberjack, pargo, cabrilla, bonita and grouper. The yellowfin have been striking best on fresh sardinas, either dead or alive, while chumming and drifting over the high spots and lighter fluorocarbon leaders have proved to be more successful.
Dorado were still being found throughout the area, but the numbers were limited, as can be expected when the water temperature is near 70 degrees. Surprisingly, of the dorado that have been boated, most of them were weighing 15 pounds of over, including some bulls topping 30 pounds. Striped marlin action moved further offshore, this is where cleaner water was being found, so this was primarily for cruisers that were able to handle the rougher ocean conditions.
Perhaps the most significant event to report for this week was the construction progress on the Puerto Los Cabos Marina, the entire project has regrouped and is now working over time in order to meet extended deadlines, reach goals and be able to actually have the marina open and operational within a matter of weeks. It seems almost unbelievable that this seemingly never-ending project will finally be nearing completion. For the panga fleets still based on the beach of La Playita their operations are becoming more cramped and difficult with each passing day and everyone is hoping for the project to progress and finish as quickly as possible.
Inshore fishing has remained limited, with a scattering of sierra being found by early morning shore anglers, there were some small to medium sized roosterfish accounted for as well. Commercial shrimp boats have invaded local waters, resting inshore during the daytime and dragging their gear at night. Whale watching continues at its peak, predominately humpbacks, but also some gray whales mixed in.
Local La Playita panga fleets launching from La Playita reported approximately 64 charters for the week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 2 sailfish, 9 striped marlin, 134 yellowfin tuna, 42 dorado, 28 pargo, 18 amberjack, 16 cabrilla, 12 hammerhead shark, 22 bonito and 365 black skipjack.
Good Fishing, Eric
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