February 20, 2022
Appeared to be more tourists arriving this week into the Los Cabos area, perhaps wanting to escape chilly weather patterns sweeping across northern regions. Still no significant number of serious anglers, as we are a bit in between seasons now, waiting for spring time to arrive. Actually the local climate was ideal, mostly clear sunny days, with high temperatures averaging 75 degrees. Winds have been from the north, actually port authorities closed port activity for Friday morning, was not all that bad, and was reopened at 8 a.m., changed a lot of peoples plans, was a bit choppy in some areas, but not overly dangerous. Over the weekend the conditions calmed down, ocean swells were light and water temperatures were in the 70 to 73 degree range.
The marlin action around the Gordo Banks continued, as these grounds were holding large concentrations of bait fish. The week started off with a strong bite, though by the weekend baitfish were beginning to scatter some and marlin were not as numerous. Marlin were readily striking on live bait, as well as on rigged ballyhoo, lures and even fly anglers were enjoying great success.. Average sized striper was in the 70 to 90 lb. range, with larger fish to over 100 lb. were landed, as well as a few sailfish, hanging in the cooler water. A variety of sharks were now on these grounds, including mako, hammerhead and thrasher.
Dorado were still in the area, but only a few single fish here or there were encountered, sizes to 20 lb., anglers were fortunate to land one. A few smaller sized wahoo were landed as well. This is now off season for these warmer water pelagic species. No tuna to speak of.
Normally this is the season we do more bottom and inshore fishing, not having the normal stand by live sardinas for bait has really hurt this action. Along the shoreline now it has been mainly small sized roosterfish striking on trolled caballito, which should all be released with proper care. Surprisingly few sierra recently, but again their favorite food source is the sardinas, which are not in our area now, these fish typically follow their preferred food. Pacific bonito are being found spread out along inshore regions, striking best on trolled rapalas, smaller fish, most often 4 to 6 lb. , they are feisty and good eating as well, unlike the Californian variety.
Other bottom rock piles produced limited numbers of Pacific tile fish, cabrilla (leopard grouper), pargo, red & yellow snapper and amberjack. This is the time frame where bottom activity usually improves, we hope to see some yellowtail in the fish counts soon, been a few years now since we have seen a good run of these jacks, so we will keep our fingers crossed.
Whale migration is still in its peak, next month these mammals start to return on their northern migration.
Good Fishing, Eric