GORDO BANKS PANGAS

June 27, 2020

We saw a limited number of tourists arriving, but at least we are seeing people arrive and this is helping to restart businesses that have been shut down for nearly three months. This will be a slow process, but local population is putting it the extra effort to make the safest environment possible so that people are able to relax and enjoy themselves. The weather was more tropical this past week as a series of tropical disturbances passed off to the southwest, no impact on land being felt, except some cloud cover, humidity and some increased swells. Winds were relatively light, picking up occasionally in the afternoon.

Ocean conditions were changing day to day, off colored and cooler currents pushed in, dropping water temperature down in the lower 70 degree range over the weekend. Large schools of bolito congregated on the fishing grounds north of Punta Gorda. Some larger sized yellowfin tuna seen in the area, though not many were hooked into, as there was limited angler activity. There was one tuna of about 80 lb. reported mid-week.

Most consistent catches were for red snapper (huachinango), amberjack, a few cabrilla and trophy sized roosterfish were patrolling the shoreline, with fish over 50 lb. hooked into. A few late season larger sized sierra in the mix, as well as jack crevalle.

Striped marlin action slowed some due to changing water conditions, though early in the week there were still decent numbers of stripers encountered. As conditions stabilize we do expect action to improve. Soon will be the time when the black and blue marlin move onto local grounds.

Light crowds, good fishing, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

June 21, 2020

As of this week the Los Cabos area has begun the reopening process, we have seen the first tourists starting to arrive since early March. This will be a slow process, following new safety protocols which in are now in place. Sportfishing services are now allowed, many restaurants and other businesses also are reopening, all under strict new guidelines.

Summer weather has arrived, typical warm sunny days, little cloud cover, slight breezes and some increase in humidity. We have not seen any signs of any tropical storms developing yet, still early in the season for this, we are hoping that we are spared of any serious impact this summer, we have already dealt with enough this year.

Only a handful of fishing charters went out this week, mainly past regular clients, anxious to get back out on the water. Best action was found north of Iman Bank, near San Luis and Vinorama, this is where cleaner current were found. Water temperatures are in the upper 70’s, caballito, mullet and ballyhoo were available for bait. Anglers did well on yo-yo jigs as well.

Catches included red snapper (huachinango), amberjack, various cabrilla, dogtooth snapper, bonito, wahoo, dorado and striped marlin. Most numerous were the red snapper, biting best early in the day. Only one or two wahoo reported, others strikes were lost, same for dorado, ocean turned a bit off colored for these species. Striped marlin action remained steady, but not wide open like in past weeks, fish were a bit more finicky.

Some quality trophy sized roosterfish found along the shoreline, this is now peak season for these species, please remember that these prized fighting gamefish should always be released with care so that they can live and reproduce and keep future stocks healthy.

We expect some great action coming up and as we get further into summer the yellowfin tuna should become more active on the local high spots, also soon we will see the black and blue marlin appearing.

Back in business, Eric

GORDO BANKS PANGAS

June 13, 2020

We have heard that on Monday, June 15, authorities will be opening up certain locations and businesses to the public. This will be a slow process, based on a light system, we have been in stage red, will now go to orange, then yellow and eventually to green. Confusing, but at least it is a start, encouraging, finally some beaches and hotels will be opened, then restaurants, marina activities, etc. All with limited capacity at first and under strict health protocols. We believe that within a couple of weeks that sportfishing will be officially reopened.

Los Cabos Hotel Association has received the Safe World Travel Seal from the World Travel and Tourism Council, this is an honored achievement and will most certainly help with the return of tourism to the Los Cabos region.

The limited fishing now being done by locals for personal consumption has been going well, lots of striped marlin off of San Jose del Cabo, water temperatures over 75 degrees, also some quality yellowfin tuna to 90 lb. and a few nice 40 lb. class bull dorado appearing, as well as roosterfish and various bottom species. So things are looking promising, as far as favorable conditions and quality of gamefish, for when we do receive the green light for sportfishing.

Reopening soon, Eric