December 19, 2021

One week before Christmas Holiday, fairly quiet in town this past week, noticeably less tourists, during the holiday and through New Year we do expect to see larger crowds. Weather remains very pleasant, highs near 80 degrees, scattered light clouds, burning off early and then plenty of warm sunshine. On and off winds predominantly from the north, though was not much of a factor most days, anglers would have to adjust plans on where they could comfortably fish. Ocean temperatures are still in the 77 to 79 degree range.

Schools of mackerel, chihuil and sardinetas are now moving in on the grounds off of San Jose del Cabo. This has brought the striped marlin run along as well. Great marlin action now being found straight off of the hotel zone anywhere from 3 to 8 miles. Sizes ranged up to occasional 100 lb. plus fish. Most all charters targeting these billfish were having multiple chances per morning. In fact it was now easier to hook into a marlin compared to other species such as wahoo, tuna and dorado. A handful of dorado were mixed throughout the region, some as large as 25 lb, the average more like 10 lb. Though they are not consistent from day to day, and are not being found in large schools.

Yellowfin tuna action has been out of range of most daily charters, being found associated with moving porpoise an average of 30 miles or more offshore. For the few that have ventured out, mainly on private boats, they have reported nice quality fish of 25 to 50 lb., even a few larger. We are hoping that these fish  come closer into our normal range soon. Of course the commercial purseiners have now found these schools as well. It is a shame this area never had been simply designated as a sportfishing only zone, with restrictions of such commercial activity.

Wahoo action slowed down dramatically for rod and reel anglers, even though conditions appear to be ideal, as far as clarity, water temperature, etc… as the main area where wahoo were now found schooling was close to shore off of Punta Gorda and the spear fishermen have literally taken over this area. Harvesting way too many of these sought after gamefish. This heavy pressure has made these already spooky fish that much more finicky as for actually chasing down a lure or striking a bait. Wish they would enforce some kind of quota for these spearos and give the conventional anglers a chance.

Not much going along the shore or of the bottom, a mix of mostly smaller species, again we are missing not having the sardinas for bait. At least some mackerel and sardineta are showing up, they will open up some more options for anglers.

Good Fishing, Eric