April 13, 2019

Anglers –

Waves of spring break vacationers are arriving, many family groups, only a limited numbers of serious hard core anglers, as most know that it is now in between peak seasons for many of the more popular gamefish. Weather patterns were typical for early spring time, we felt crazy cool low temperatures later in the week, actually down to 52 degrees, this before the sun came up and mid-day high temperatures reached the upper 80s. Winds were a bit unpredictable as well, most mornings were calmer, but we saw some afternoon and evening wind gusts to 20 mph plus. Ocean water temperature was in the 71 to 74 degree range, clarity was a bit greenish closer to shore due to stirred up afternoon windy conditions.

Various baitfish were available, including moonfish, caballito, limited sardinas and some ballyhoo and slabs of squid. Anglers were also catching a variety of species while using yo-yo style jigs. One nice wahoo was hooked into on a blue/white yo-yo off of the Iman Bank, we did not hear of any other wahoo taken. Dorado were not found this week either and only a handful of yellowfin tuna were reported, most of these from La Fortuna to San Luis, ranging to 50 lb., but very few were landed, even though on some days they were seen breezing on the surface.

Billfish action was not happening much either, at least off of the local San Jose del Cabo grounds, some striped marlin were spotted, but not interested in any offerings. Increased numbers of sea lions were noticed on the local high spots, making it difficult to land fish at times.

The most consistent action now was working the various rock piles, from Palmilla Point, Red Hill, Gordo Banks, Cardon, La Fortuna, Iman and San Luis. A mix of great eating species were found, most numerous were the Eastern Pacific bonito, also red snapper, amberjack, leopard grouper and a few broomtail grouper One amberjack of 70 lb. was accounted for, others in the 15 to 30 lb. class. The majority of this bottom action was found while using the yo-yo jigs, some on whole and cut baits.

Along the shoreline there were some smaller sized roosterfish and a few sierra, but nothing going as far as any wide open near shore action at this time.

The combined sportfishing fleet out of the panga area from Puerto Los Cabos Marina reported an estimated 66 charters for the week and anglers reported an approximate fish count of: 4 yellowfin tuna, 1 wahoo, 15 leopard grouper, 2 broomtail grouper, 170 bonito, 48 red snapper, 5 barred pargo, 3 African pompano, 4 yellow snapper, 18 amberjack, 12 golden eyed tilefish, 4 glasseye snapper, 2 sierra, 12 roosterfish and 75 triggerfish.

Good Fishing, Eric