January 26, 2014
Anglers –

Natural instincts are sending people traveling in southern direction during this winter season and in turn bringing many visitors to Los Cabos. Local weather conditions have been great, some scattered cloud cover, burring off normally by mid day and high temperatures reaching into the low 80s. This week we actually felt spring like weather patterns, it was feeling like the days will only become nicer in the coming weeks, though we all know that the month of February can be unpredictable. North winds have been persistent this year, though now seem to have tapered off and not so relentless, perhaps the worst is past and we will now see more stable patterns.

Water temperatures are holding in the 70/74 degree range, fluctuating currents and overall the clarity has improved, with clean water found in close proximity to shore. Baitfish schools continue to be scattered. Anglers found limited options now available, primarily caballito, moonfish, ballyhoo or skipjack. Mackerel and sardinas have not been regularly obtainable.

Sportfishing fleets have spread out in all directions, more concentrations of striped marlin on the Pacific, though we have also seen the billfish shifting in the direction of Sea of Cortez as well, with the baitfish being scattered, so have been the fish. Most of the marlin being seen now have been in the 80 to 120 pound range, striking on deep drifted baits, as well as on the surface lures and rigged ballyhoo.

Dorado are being found in limited numbers, as this is never the peak season for these gamefish. They have been found throughout the zone, inshore to offshore, the majority have been juvenile sized fish, there were some reports of larger bulls to 25 pounds being accounted for. Still some late season wahoo hanging around, most of them encountered closer to shore, a handful were landed, striking on various baits, yo-yo’s or trolled lures, ranged in sizes up to 40 pounds.

Yellowfin tuna have been seen in different locations, some traveling with porpoise 20 or more miles offshore of Cabo San Lucas. Though the high spots from La Fortuna, Iman and San Luis Bank also were holding yellowfin, only a few are actually being hooked, some on trolled hoochies or yo-yo jigs, ranging to 20 pounds, without sardinas it is hard to entice these schooling tuna.

Bottom fishing has produced more numbers of bonita than any other species, striking on yo-yo jigs, an occasional pargo, cabrilla or amberjack in the mix. This is now the season when we should start to see a greater variety of fish congregated over the rocky structure.

We are still seeing lots of whale activity, as well as manta rays, sea lions and some turtles for added entertainment.

The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 12 striped marlin, 7 wahoo, 16 yellowfin tuna, 165 bonito, 34 sierra, 8 roosterfish, 82 dorado, 4 amberjack,14 pargo and 35 triggerfish.

Good fishing, Eric