This is always a busy week for the local population, as March 19 is the official San Jose del Cabo Day, climaxed by the week long fiesta and carnival rides situated downtown, adjacent to the baseball field. Makes for some major congestion, as streets are blocked off and normal traffic routes altered. Weather patterns are quickly turning around, spring time has definitely arrived, daytime highs now up to 85 degrees, early morning low in the 60s and north winds are much less of a problem. Actually perfect climate now, if it could only stay like this.
Anglers found bait situation similar, though more schools of sardinas this week than last, limited caballito and then the mainstay of ballyhoo and slabs of squid. Most charters are now working the grounds from the Gordo Banks to Cardon, La Fortuna, Iman and to San Luis Banks.
Numbers of dorado were down this past week, only seeing a handful for the combined fleet each day, most of these smaller in size. We have seen a couple of wahoo appearing, every few days or so one being landed. Water temperature is up to 70 degrees, with warmer currents morning in from outside of Iman to San Luis.
Yellowfin tuna action is very limited as well, though a few tuna in the 30 to 60 lb. range have been taken off the Iman Bank, there were nice sized yellowfin seen jumping on various grounds, including the Gordo Banks, but quickly disappearing as fast as they had shown. It is the time of year when things can quickly change, major transition period, every season being a bit different.
Main bottom species has been the white bonito, hanging over the various high spots and striking best on yo-yo jigs, sizes up to 10 lb., most between 3 and 5 lb. This week we did see a few more leopard grouper, red snapper, whitefish, triggerfish and others. Highlight off the bottom were some quality yellowtail to over 30 lb. Sporadic action, but these powerful are in the area now and ready to do battle. Live bait over the high spots was best, if you could get a hold of chihuil for bait even better.
The yellowtail were found on the Gordo Banks and Iman. Sharks were a problem at times and these yellowtail also once they were hooked knew exactly where the closest sharp rock out cropping was and if given the chance would quickly reach the structure and cut lines.
Not much going on for billfish now, just an occasional scattered striped marlin, but actually we did see more of the stripers this week over last. Same deal inshore, limited action for sierra and a few smaller sized roosterfish reported.
Good Fishing, Eric