GORDO BANKS PANGAS
August 18th, 2024

We continue to see small crowds of anglers at our marina. This time of year, many visiting tourists opt out of fishing due to the heat and humidity that can be experienced out on the water. We are closely monitoring weather forecasts, which is a priority during this peak season time frame for tropical storm development. We had no issues with weather this week and it seems like it will continue clear for the next week and a half.

The highlight this week was a 447-pound Black Marlin caught on one of our 26ft super pangas. This fish was caught on “The Killer II” with Captain Maury. The fish was hooked at around 7:30 am at the inner Gordo on a small live skipjack. They were fishing the bottom for a chance at a dogtooth snapper. They thought it was a big shark or yellowfin at first since it didn’t jump for the first 2 hours. We encourage catch and release for all billfish; unfortunately, this fish tired out and died after a long battle. They landed it at around 11:30 am. This marlin fed a big part of the community. Other than this marlin, we heard reports of 2 other Black Marlin hooked and lost in between the inner and outer Gordo.

Throughout the surrounding areas of both Gordos, the 1150 Bank, and Cabrillo, we continue to hook into striped and small blue Marlin. Most of these Blue Marlin are averaging between 150 and 200 pounds. Within the same area, there is a chance of hooking into a few dorado. Not a lot of numbers reported at this time for Dorado. You might get lucky to catch a couple.

Many of the local pangeros and private boats are focusing on chasing porpoise offshore. Most reports were potting schools of porpoise 30-45 miles out, within the surrounding areas of 1150 and Cabrillo. We did hear of a few schools coming closer to outer Gordo. A few lucky boats were able to catch their tuna limits, others were not so lucky putting in long days for 1 or 2 fish. Most of these yellowfin are averaging 25-35 pounds, with a handful of 50-80 pounders in the mix.

Not a lot of action at Vinorama, Iman, and La Fortuna. Some boats have tried jigging and drifting bait on different rock structures, though the current and green waters have not been favorable. A few yellow and red snappers were caught on the jigs early in the morning. Most of the boats that tried this area transitioned into trolling lures offshore.

Good Fishing, Brian