May 2, 2021

Now into to a new month, weather patterns continues to be slightly cooler than during a normal year, transition period is taking longer than we would expect. It has been a slow process waiting for water conditions to warm and clean up, as well as for winds to become less of a factor. At this time the ocean water temperature has ranged from 72 to 74 degrees. Clarity has fluctuated, it seems just as we see blue water moving in there is a setback as currents push in off colored currents again. Conditions can change very quickly at this time of year, so as days become progressively warmer we expect to see offshore surface action pick up accordingly.

The main offshore species now has been the striped marlin, these billfish are striking on trolled lures and on cast or dropped back baits, mainly caballito at this time. The marlin are being found scattered throughout the zone, at times as close as a few miles from shore. They became a bit more finicky during the recent the full moon, as well as with fluctuating conditions, though most charters are having at least a chance or two while targeting these fish, with some accounting for multiple catches. Not many dorado were seen in recent days compared to last week when we did see a few of them.

Only an occasional yellowfin tuna were being found, these tuna were taken while drift fishing with bait on grounds from Iman to Vinorama, the fish we did see ranged to over 80 lb. So they are still in the area, just need the conditions to improve a bit more to their liking. Also a handful of wahoo were seen on these same grounds, but they were very shy to striking any offerings.

The most common catches have been various species found off the rock structure, such as bonito, cabrilla, red snapper, fortune jack, amberjack, yellowtail, triggerfish and others. Anglers reported mixed success depending on which area they targeting and how favorable the conditions were on a given day.

Along the shore the best action we saw was reported from areas to the south of Puerto Los Cabos, nice sized sierra were accounted for, some as large as 13 lb., also a mix of jacks and of course more triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric

April 25, 2021

The spring season continues to be unpredictable, conditions changing daily, overall climate is great, highs in low 80s, crowds of tourists remain light, slowly transitioning ocean has anglers scattering in all directions searching for productive action. Water temperature has ranged from 70 to 73 degrees, depending where you are, warmest currents being found from the Gordo Banks towards Los Frailes. Ocean clarity is improving, though on and off north winds continued to slow this process. Swells increased some this week, coinciding with the full moon cycle.

Local bait supplies remained steady for caballito, also a mix of sardinas being found, slabs of squid and ballyhoo have been other options. The majority of the limited numbers of charters going out have found the most consistent action working the bottom structures near La Fortuna, Iman and San Luis Banks. Drift fishing over these high spots while using yo-yo jigs and a mix of baits produced a variety of species. Most common catch was the Mexican bonito, though there were some quality red snapper, cabrilla (leopard grouper) and amberjack also being accounted for, average catches per boat was in the 8 to 15 fish range, so overall the bite did improve some over the past week.

There were more yellowfin tuna seen this week, sizes ranged from 15 to 90 lb. These fish were taken off of the similar grounds where bottom action was found, the tuna hit on strips of squid mainly, but also some were taken on the yo-yo style jigs. So this is encouraging news, even though numbers were not great, one boat did have four tuna in one morning, at least we are seeing more than we have recently and this action should only improve as conditions continue to warm, winds settle and water clears.

There have been reports of decent billfish action being found offshore near the 1150 spot, also a few nice dorado being found on the same grounds, where water has been blue and warmer. With the weather still a bit hit or miss and with only being small numbers of anglers in town, we have not had many boats going farther offshore, most opting to fish closer in where numbers and variety were decent.

Inshore action was limited to mainly an on and off sierra bite, depending where the fish happen to be on a certain day, also a few nice sized jack crevalle and an occasional pompano or pargo colorado.

Good fishing, Eric

April 18, 2021

This month started off with us seeing more numbers of tourists and visiting anglers arriving, a little flurry during spring break. Now mid-month we are seeing very limited numbers of anglers showing up, even though we have had more interest with people asking about reservations for the coming fall season. It looks as though this will be a slow spring and summer season for local fishing businesses. As Covid vaccines are becoming more readily available, even to local residents at this time, people seem to still be more hesitant to travel internationally. The weather recently is very pleasant, ideal climate, light scattered early morning marine layer cloud cover, lighter winds and high temperatures of about 85 degrees. Great time to visit, with the lighter crowds and excellent climate.

Ocean conditions have been slow to transition this season, but water temperature is now in the 72/73 degree range and cleaner water is slowly pushing back closer to shore. In the meantime anglers have found the most productive fishing action to be off the bottom rock structure and along the shoreline. Most common species being the Mexican bonito, which has been the case for the past month now. An occasional yellowtail, amberjack, grouper or red snapper mixed in. Main bait source has continued to be caballito, no sardinas to speak of, except some of the softer clear type that are only used as dead bait. We did see one or two tuna through the week, caught off the same areas where anglers were bottom fishing. As temperatures improve, warmer and cleaner water appear in the coming weeks we do anticipate surface activity to break open.

Along the shoreline the main action was for sierra and jack crevalle, as water warms up we should see more roosterfish move in. Normal patterns usually see the end of April as a major turning point for water conditions becoming more attractive to the popular gamefish, so we are anxious to see this happen. We are also optimistic that once anglers see that fish reports are greatly improved that they will decide to visit.

Good fishing, Eric