February 7, 2021
As we start the new month of February there are light numbers of tourists arriving, this is mainly due to ongoing Covid pandemic and the new requirements being put in place for travelers. We are hoping that by spring season we might see an improvement of this situation. The Los Cabos area relies entirely on tourist trade for the local economy and without this income people cannot support themselves and families.
We have felt a warming trend this past week, we saw high temperatures up to 80 degrees, mostly clear sunny skies. Winds were still unpredictable, though the forecast for the coming week looks very calm, favorable to help stabilize ocean conditions. Ocean temperature has been in the 70 to72 degree range, clarity was changing daily with the strong currents that have been pushing through. Overall the water was appearing cleaner on the grounds near the Iman Bank. This is where in recent days the majority of the light crowds of charters have been concentrated.
Every day we were seeing a handful of yellowfin tuna landed, anglers were fortunate to land one of these tuna, some charters even reported a couple of these fish. The yellowfin were very finicky, but could be enticed with persistence and patience using a combination of sardinas, caballito, strips of squid or skipjack. Average size of the tuna were in the 50 to 80 lb. class. On these same grounds and on other rocky high sports anglers found a mix of bottom species. Though the bottom bite with the strong currents running was not consistent, more bonito and black skipjack than anything else, a few varieties of pargo/snapper, an occasional cabrilla, amberjack or yellowtail. Strong currents were a problem this past week, we do anticipate this pattern to change and should help improve the all-around action. Also in recent days red crabs were starting to appear on the surface, these can be used for red snapper bait, with calmer conditions this could develop into something.
Other options were found closer to shore, mainly in the southern zone towards Cabo San Lucas, where sierra, skipjack and triggerfish were the main species encountered, still spotty from day to day, no consistent hot spot now. A few dorado are still hanging around in the cooler waters, found scattered in small schools, most of these smaller sized fish.
Lots of whales throughout the region, peak season will continue for at least another month. Sea lions, turtles and manta rays also providing sightseeing entertainment.
Good fishing, Eric