Striped marlin still swarming off Magdalena Bay;

Puerto Vallarta biggies at offshore banks

Mexico Fishing News, December 11, 2006

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto reported on a trailer boat run off Baja's Pacific coast, fishing out of Magdalena Bay during 3 outings from Puerto Lopez Mateos for a catch including released fish of: 5 or 6 dorado, and 8 striped marlin, including a 139.8-pound striper that won the Puerto Lopez Mateos event in the statewide Baja California Sur Governor's Cup fishing tournament circuit.

Erhardt fished on his boat Soledad around the Thetis Bank in very active conditions. "Schools of striped marlin, sometimes a dozen or so and sometimes many more, were cruising the area," Erhardt said.

"For years I have been reading about the marlin 'pileups' in the fall around the Thetis Bank off Magdalena Bay, but only in the past couple of weeks have I witnessed them firsthand." Fishing water temperatures off Magdalena Bay were still warm at 78 degrees. STRIPED MARLIN WINS GOVERNOR'S CUP FISHING TOURNAMENT.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported Magdalena Bay fishing area weather as cloudy and mostly calm in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 70 to 78 degrees. Offshore fly fishing angler Don Armstrong of Park City, Utah, found "over-the-top" billfish action on the charter boat Mar Gato.

"They hooked multiple marlin on both fly and conventional fishing tackle and have already booked their trip next year," Graham said. Just a few boats fished offshore of Magdalena Bay during the week, but those that did found bird schools holding dorado, many marlin, and a few yellowfin tuna. Fishing in the Magdalena Bay mangrove esteros produced "nonstop" action for grouper, pargo, and some corvina.

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet reported good sea conditions and lots of sun for his pangas fishing at Ensenada last week as anglers continued to catch limits of bottom fish and bonita, plus some yellowtail. Jay Johnson fished 3 days with Capt. Beto Zamora for 2 yellowtail, a 10-pound sheephead, lots of bonita for the Vonny's Fleet fish smoker, and limits of mixed bottom fish. Ensenada fishing weather was sunny over the weekend in the high-60s, with light breezes, ocean swells of 1 to 2 feet, and the water temperature at Punta Banda at 59 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Greg York of Costa Mesa, Calif., reported details of his early December panga outing with Vonny's Fleet, fishing off Ensenada's Punta Banda with Capt. Beto Zamora and family members Angela York and Peter Dean "Pete" York for some nice lingcod and limits of red rockcod, rockfish, and big bonito. "Beto even thought one of the bonitos was a yellowtail," York said.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Sam Saenz of Puerto Santo Tomas Resort said he had beautiful weather all week until rough seas developed on Saturday morning, with continued sunny skies but the sea very turbulent due to high swells and surf. On Saturday, Dave Bautista and his friend "Mando" went panga fishing and found bottom action slow due to strong currents, but surface fishing excellent for 14 bonita caught in about 45 minutes just a quarter-mile out, plus 1 halibut, and several calico bass.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's Camp at Erendira south of Ensenada reported on 11 charter boats fishing during the week, for continued very good bottom action on red rockcod and lingcod, plus bonita on the surface. Some new schools of bait fish were seen along the coast. Erendira weather had some rain on Saturday night, and some northwest winds, but boats fished daily during the week. "This has been one of our best Decembers," Castro said.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin reported on several outings by his boat Santa Monica with sightings of mako shark each trip, and an estimated 300 pounder lost at gaff. "This fish came to the boat following a hooked bonito," Meza said. Fishing last weekend with Paco Pinones and father-in-law Miguel Barba, Meza's boat landed 4 yellowtail of 14 to 16 pounds and lost another yellowtail to sea lions. San Quintin fishing area water temperatures were at 62 degrees, with some days very windy. YELLOWTAIL AND MAKO SHARK FISHING.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said, "San Quintin fishing weather has definitely changed to cooler temperatures." Sunday morning had 2 hours of rain followed by clearing skies and calm seas. Pedro's sent 4 boats fishing out of San Quintin during the week, all for bottom fish limits at the 240 spot including large rockcods and lingcod. One private boat fished at the 15 spot on Saturday afternoon and caught 10 yellowtail of about 18 to 22 pounds.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing reported ice-chest filling catches of rockcod and lingcod, plus a good bite on yellowtail of 13 to 18 pounds at Ben's rock using yo-yo iron and live mackerel baits. "We got about 22 total yellowtail plus sheephead and calico bass," Catian said. "We got into yellowtail again at the 15 fathom spot down at 90 feet on the edge of the reef and taking jigs." San Quintin fishing water temperatures were at 64 to 65 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing reported pleasant Cabo San Lucas weather in the low-80s, with water temperatures at 73 to 76 degrees on the Cortez side, and about 78 degrees on the Pacific side. "Overall, Cabo water temperatures seemed to have dropped several degrees, but they can change at any time," Landrum said. Striped marlin fishing was slower on the Pacific banks as the fish moved southwards toward Cabo San Lucas. "The mass of fish seems to have moved closer to home and there are now fish being caught daily off the lighthouse ledge using deep live bait and drifting across the holding area," Landrum said.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 87 Cabo San Lucas charter boats, with a catch of: 1 blue marlin, 45 striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 44 yellowfin tuna, 60 dorado, 4 wahoo, 2 roosterfish, 6 sierra, 4 bonita, 4 cabrilla, 3 pargo, and 3 boats with no luck.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter super panga Cheer's reported on 4 local fishing trips with a total of 6 fly fishing and conventional tackle anglers and a catch including released fish of: 9 dorado, 3 ladyfish, 5 roosterfish, 1 needlefish, 11 sierra, 2 skipjack, and 1 jack crevalle. The Cheer's fished as close as 15 or 20 feet from shore and out to about 3 miles in very calm seas and good weather, with local near shore water temperatures averaging about 81 degrees. LOCAL FLY FISHING ABOARD THE CHARTER SUPER PANGA CHEER'S.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Mike Connolly of the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Falcon said fishing was slow at the Finger Bank. "This year has been a disappointment," Connolly said. "Many Cabo San Lucas fishing boats have returned recently with no marlin at all and few of any other species. It's a long run, 52 miles." Fishing was steadier at the Golden Gate Bank as Cabo boats averaged about 2 striped marlin per day, plus a few dorado and yellowfin tuna into the 30-pound class. Cabo San Lucas fishing area water was in the low-80s, with good sea conditions. MARLIN FISHING SLOW ON THE FINGER BANK.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 9 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 5 striped marlin, 13 yellowfin tuna of 20 to 40 pounds, and 7 dorado of 15 to 45 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 48 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 49 striped marlin, 20 yellowfin tuna, 55 dorado, and 3 wahoo. "The Golden Gate Bank continues to be the hot spot for billfish," Edwards said. "For those that wait it out, the catches have been 1 to 3 per day. We saw no blue marlin this week for the first time in many months, which reflects a change in water conditions for the Cabo San Lucas fishing area." Cabo San Lucas weather was sunny in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 77 to 80 degrees in all directions. Mackerel and caballito live bait was plentiful.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jorge Navarro of Pisces Fleet reported 75 percent of charters releasing billfish, 46 percent landing dorado, and just 11 percent with yellowfin tuna. Striped marlin fishing was up-and-down during the week, but with some outstanding days including the charter boats Ni Modo with 10-releases, Tracy Ann with 6 releases, and El Gallo with 7 releases. Of 129 striped marlin landed, all but 5 were released. "The Golden Gate Bank again was the hot spot with a couple of catches also made on the Sea of Cortez off San Jose del Cabo," Navarro said. Inshore fishing produced some roosterfish, grouper, and small dorado.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Chris Littleton of Medford, Ore., reported a 5-striped marlin release day at the Golden Gate Bank while fishing aboard the Gaviota Fleet charter boat Gaviota VIII with his son Brian Littleton and Gaviota VIII Capt. Juan Dominguez. "We had a great day," Littleton said. "There were about 30 boats on the scene over a large school of mackerel. We soaked baits about 100 feet deep, moving with the school, and had a triple and a double hookup. There was lots of action with boats hooking up right and left. It was sunny and warm with just a light breeze. All in all, a fantastic trip."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 69 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 32 yellowfin tuna, 64 dorado, 7 striped marlin, 185 sierra, 8 sailfish, 28 roosterfish, 190 skipjack, 24 cabrilla, 5 amberjack, 135 triggerfish, 16 pompano, and 82 pargo. San Jose del Cabo fishing area weather was at 80 degrees with some north winds bringing green water and slower fishing to the area and the water temperature at 74 to 78 degrees. "The number of fish caught was less than 2 weeks ago," Brictson said, "not unexpected for the annual transition from the fall to winter fishing season." WINTER FISHING CONDITIONS ARRIVING AT LOS CABOS.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said mid-December fishing was still producing dorado and billfish for East Cape boats last week. "On the nice days there is a fair concentration of both dorado and billfish outside Punta Pescadero, which is a good direction if there's a wind line outside," Graham said. "On calm days, the East Cape sportfishing fleet has also found dorado and billfish outside of Rancho Leonero and down to the Punta Arena lighthouse." Humboldt squid were caught just off the hotels and were being used for chum. Inshore sierra were biting early in the morning. East Cape fishing area weather was sunny in the high-70s, with water temperatures of 72 to 78 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the week ending Nov. 30, 2006, Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 20 charter boats from combined fleets including Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, Punta Colorada, Buena Vista Beach Resort, Rancho Leonero, and Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, with 58 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 7 striped marlin, 28 dorado, and 20 yellowfin tuna. East Cape weather was windy in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 75 to 83 degrees. "The fishing picked up ever so slightly," Moyers said, "but we're seeing more and more of those pesky north winds. Baitwise, we've got sardinas and limited mackerel."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the previous week, Moyers reported on 50 boats, with 148 anglers, and a catch including released fish of: 2 blue marlin 2 striped marlin, 14 sailfish, 36 dorado, 80 yellowfin tuna, 12 pargo, 1 wahoo, 35 sierra, 5 pompano, and 28 roosterfish. East Cape fishing area weather was windy in the afternoons, in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 75 to 86 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Beach-launched aluminum boat angler Torrance Eddy of Buena Vista said East Cape north winds were lessening by the weekend. On Saturday, Eddy said, "Within a few hours the weather changed. It was slightly better on Thursday, and great yesterday and today." A short fishing session from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. produced 4 sierra of 22 to 23 inches plus 2 small cabrilla-like fish while trolling 5.5-inch blue-silver and black-silver jointed Rebel Fastracs about half-a-mile offshore from Buena Vista south to Rancho Buena Vista and Piedras Gordas.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Brad Meister reported a windy fishing session for 19 sierra caught out of La Ribera, and also the reappearance of commercial fishing gill nets on East Cape beaches. "Some nets were out right near the beach near Punta Colorada," Meister said. "No bueno. I thought they were banned."

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said strong north winds knocked out fishing on the Las Arenas side early in the week, but boats were active again on Friday and Saturday around Punta Perico for good results on pargo, cabrilla, sierra, and some dorado on Saturday. Bait was available at Isla Cerralvo. "We have had good fishing, even though the seas have been rough on the days with lots of wind," Hernandez said. LAS ARENAS FISHING HANGS IN BETWEEN WINDS.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported continued strong north winds and even some rain in the La Paz fishing area last week. "The wind was the worst part," Roldan said. "It made it almost impossible to fish with any consistency and made it hard to get bait." The week's best fishing action was for boats inside Bahia de La Paz where unlimited sierra were biting. "If they could get out across the channel, they also had a shot at some of those larger dorado still hanging out at Isla Espiritu Santo," Roldan said.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Bill Currie of Long Beach, Calif., reported on 2 days of Loreto fishing during a windy week long stay ending on Dec. 6, 2006. "I could only fish 2 days, 5 hours each day due to high winds," Currie said. "If there are Santa Ana winds in Southern California, Loreto tends to get blown out. The two days I did fish, I was the only boat to go out." Currie fished with Capt. Valente aboard the charter panga Katy for a catch of 6 yellowtail to 18 pounds, and 12 cabrilla his first day, and 2 yellowtail to 14 pounds, 10 cabrilla, and 1 pargo his second day, all caught just east of Loreto's Isla Coronado. Sardina and small caballito baits were easily netted. Loreto weather was windy by 11:30 a.m., with the water temperature in the high-70s. "A slow trip, but Loreto is always fun," Currie said.

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Jim Anderson of San Lucas Cove just south of Santa Rosalia said yellowtail fishing on the bajos north of Isla San Marcos was good on Saturday after a period of stiff winds and rough water that kept boats ashore for over a week. "The weather has been the absolute pits," Anderson said on Saturday. "Today was the first day that San Marcos Island has been fishable for over a week, but things happened with a real boom. The yellowtail were up on the surface and ready to bite." Anderson's run to the bajos produced 4 yellowtail of 27 to 31 pounds caught on flylined bait and surface iron, plus another 4 yellowtail missed. "It is worth waiting for the wind to stop if you get rewarded with fish like that," Anderson said. "Weather reports predict more wind, so I guess we go through the next cycle and wait on the beach expectantly." Santa Rosalia fishing area water temperatures were at 66.2 degrees. About 15 rigs and 10 boats were staying at the campground. "Business is way off this year," Anderson said. "There are even front row spaces which is very unusual. I think the violence scare is having some effect."

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos returned from a trip north to the U.S., and noted that very strong winds had broken his mooring line and caused minor damage to his boat. "Nothing that can't be fixed," Kanzler said. Santa Rosalia weather was favorable over the weekend, in the high-70s, with water temperatures of 68 to 70 degrees at Isla San Marcos. Yellowtail fishing was inconsistent, as an outing with his son Michael produced just 1 fish of 27 pounds at the 110 bajo. "At least the kid got it," Kanzler said.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of San Felipe's Title Company Bookstore reported cool weather at 76 degrees on Sunday morning. Two Christmas season parades were held during the week, including San Felipe's annual Parade of Lights. Meders also noted that San Felipe now has a Ford dealership. "There is a brand new Mustang in the window," she said. "Wow! Good-bye little town of San Felipe." COOLER WEATHER AND A NEW FORD DEALERSHIP IN TOWN.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Katherine Hammontré of Sanfelipe.com.mx confirmed that the 230-foot Green Peace boat Esperanza visited the waters at San Felipe last week during a Sea of Cortez information gathering trip. "We were able to meet with them and board the ship," Hammontré said. A photo of the Esperanza and an article were posted on the Sanfelipe.com.mx website.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Craig Collins of Rio Rico, Ariz., and the boat No Sniveling at San Carlos reported the catch-and-release of a large croaker family fish hooked while shore casting at San Carlos on Saturday night. The fish, weighed at 28 pounds, was tentatively identified as a large orangemouth corvina due to the convex curve of its tail and the orange color of its mouth. It hit a 5-inch chartreuse swim bait on 17-pound line. "All I know is, it is the biggest thing I have ever caught casting from shore!" Collins said.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said about 70 percent of Aries Fleet boats fishing out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid caught marlin last week, mostly stripers but also including a couple of late season blue marlin and arriving cool water sierra. "The hot new fish this week was the sierra, with easy limit fishing for the inshore super pangas," Edwards said. Offshore boats reported a catch including released fish of: 17 sailfish, 2 striped marlin, 2 blue marlin under 300 pounds, 5 dorado to 50 pounds, and 1 mako shark. Twelve inshore super pangas had a catch of: 51 red snapper, 14 triggerfish, and 170 sierra. Mazatlan fishing area weather was partly rainy in the mid-80s, with water temperatures stable at 83 degrees. Offshore boats fished about 25 to 29 miles southwest of Marina El Cid. Inshore boats found the best sierra fishing along the beaches north of the marina.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Josh Temple of Prime Time Adventures said his Puerto Vallarta boats continued to score good offshore catches of big marlin and yellowfin tuna last week. Fishing 6 days with a group of anglers from Thailand produced a catch that included: 2 tuna of 235 and 261 pounds, many more tuna between 150 and 200 pounds, 1 tuna of 175 pounds caught with spinning tackle, 5 blue and black marlin releases in the 500-pound class, many sailfish, and "just enough dorado to keep things interesting." Puerto Vallarta offshore fishing water was deep purple at about 85 degrees. PRIME TIME SPINNING ROD TUNA.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing reported continued good action for his charter boats fishing offshore at El Banco and Roca Corbeteña. "The tunas are nailing any live bait we throw in the water," Osuna said. "We are doing the kite fishing and the tunas are nailing it." Anglers Scott Wickstrom, Terry Woods and John Durke fished on the charter boat Marla III with Osuna at El Banco for a catch of 6 yellowfin tuna and 1 pargo. Capt. Scott Osuna took divers to El Banco and Roca Corbeteña and reported many tuna seen around the pinnacles. Puerto Vallarta fishing area weather was mostly calm, with light breezes from the north and the water temperature at 85 degrees.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Marisela Hernandez of Chelita Sportfishing said the charter boat Chelita was back in the water and fishing again after being pulled for maintenance and upgrades. Two offshore charter trips to Roca Corbeteña produced a catch of: 1 blue marlin released and another lost, 1 yellowfin tuna of about 50 pounds lost at the boat, and 1 dorado of 30-plus pounds. Fishing for large yellowfin tuna on Friday was slow for the Chelita at Roca Corbeteña as the crew tried trolled skipjack baits, cedar plugs with feathers, and caballito baits on the balloon and kite. CHARTER SPORTFISHING BOAT CHELITA BACK IN THE WATER.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Daniel Gomez of Dhamar Sportfishing said few anglers fished aboard his charter super panga Dhamar last week, but Puerto Vallarta offshore action continued good for tuna, marlin, and sailfish at Roca Corbeteña. "On Wednesday, we released 1 sailfish, lost a big dorado, and caught a tuna of 89 pounds," Gomez said.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Murry Vaughn of Bend, Ore., fished 4 days off Puerto Vallarta aboard the Marla's Sportfishing charter boats Marla II, Marla III, and Arca de Noe, for a catch including released fish of: 3 sailfish, 2 blue marlin, 3 dorado, several large pargo, and 5 yellowfin tuna hookups on 14 takedowns, including a 170 pounder kept and another tuna estimated at 260 pounds released. Vaugh fished with Marla's captains Danny, Scott, and Alonso Osuna. "You cannot beat fishing with the Osuna's," Vaughn said. "Great folks who are there to get you fish." Puerto Vallarta weather was mostly flat, with water temperatures at 87 degrees. FISHING ON ALL 3 MARLA'S SPORTFISHING BOATS.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said some inshore boats found good fishing on light tackle last week and boats running 15 to 18 miles out of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo were averaging about 2 sailfish per day, plus a few dorado. Eleven mixed offshore and inshore outings by the charter boats Dos Hermanos I, Dos Hermanos II, Secuestro de Amor, and Gran Jefe produced a catch including released fish of: 12 sailfish, 1 dorado, 1 yellowfin tuna, 32 jack crevalle, 11 sierra, 34 bonito, and 2 pompano. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area weather was mostly sunny in the low-90s, with water temperatures stable at 83 to 84 degrees inshore and offshore. "The blue water begins about 12 miles out, and from about 13 to 17 miles out has produced good sailfish catches," Edwards said.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said, "The roosterfish action was hurt by the full moon. The bait fish are scattered. There are still plenty of small jacks and black skipjack in the 2 to 5-pound range." The charter panga Gitana with Capt. Santiago fished 3 days with angler Charles Sterling of Michigan for a catch including released fish of: 6 roosterfish, 2 sailfish, several small jack crevalle, sierra, black skipjack, and a 35-pound dorado.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on variety species fishing action for the El Cid Caribe fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun. Ten boats out of Puerto Morelos had a catch including released fish of: 1 sailfish, 3 dorado, 1 king mackerel, 3 sierra, 15 barracuda, 1 wahoo to 25 pounds, 2 black grouper to 30 pounds, and 1 dog snapper. Cancun fishing area weather was partly rainy in the mid-80s, with calm seas and water temperatures even at 81 to 82 degrees. El Cid Caribe boats used ballyhoo baits rigged with plastic skirts.

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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MEXICO: David Burns of the Restaurant El Manglar in Tecolutla, Vera Cruz, Mexico, said, "This week's fishing report is more of a bad weather report than anything else. A norte blew in a week ago and was replaced with yet another norte this Friday." Commercial Mexican fishermen working the coast at Tecolutla got out for 2 days at midweek and missed on the hoped for peto or king mackerel, but had good catches of huachinango, boquilla, and anchoa, a fish similar to shortfin corvina but shorter and thicker. "Captain Guzman says that anchoa is definitely not corvina. It is slightly off-white and is somewhat oily but makes no croaking noise," Burns said. "The fish, as we all know, are sensitive to changes in the weather and as a result many lanchas returned with coolers full." River fishing was also good for tilapia and cutlassfish. Burns noted that the Restaurant El Manglar was printing new menus, including a new dish, Camarones Mariposa, butterflied jumbo shrimp stuffed with bacon and cheese and then breaded and deep fried. "We anticipate a healthy holiday season this Christmas and New Year's," Burns said. "This week we had a visitor from Denver who has been following my reports on Mexfish.com. Unfortunately the weather was not suitable for fishing but he did enjoy a shrimp lunch and promises to return for some laguna fishing."

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CABO LOCAL--Mixed species inshore fishing out of Cabo San Lucas was good last week for anglers aboard the charter super panga Cheer's with Capt. Ramon Druck. During the week, the Cheer's scored on ladyfish, roosterfish, needlefish, sierra, skipjack, and several nice dorado including this one photographed at the Cabo San Lucas arch for client "Sr. Bill." At right, Capt. Ramon shows off a ceviche-perfect Cabo sierra caught aboard the Cheer's. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 1

TIO BETO--Vonny Fleet's well-known panga fishing guide Capt. Beto Zamora lends a helping hand to angler Peter Dean "Pete" York during a trip to Ensenada's Punta Banda with Pete's family from Costa Mesa, Calif. Fish caught by the York family during the outing included limits of red rockcod, rockfish, and big bonito. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG YORK.

San Quintin Mexico Fishing Photo 1

AMONGST THE MAKOS--San Quintin's Julio Meza has seen mako shark for several fishing trips by his boat Santa Monica, and he lost an estimated 300 pounder at gaff. Here's Meza's father-in-law Miguel Barba with a yellowtail also caught last week off San Quintin. At right, Barba with a nice calico bass caught on Meza's boat at Isla San Martin. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIO MEZA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 3

FIVE-RELEASE DAY--One of 5 striped marlin released during a great fishing day at the Golden Gate Bank north of Cabo San Lucas by Chris Littleton and his son Brian Littleton of Medford, Ore. They soaked mackerel baits about 100 feet deep with Capt. Juan Dominguez aboard the Gaviota Fleet charter boat Gaviota VIII. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS LITTLETON.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 4

MAGIC STRIPER RELEASE--First mate Efra brings a striped marlin in for the release aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Cabo Magic last week. The striper was 1 of 3 released by anglers Rick Bishop and Jon Phillips of Clearwater, Fla., who also landed a dorado and a yellowfin tuna for the day. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 5

ODDBALL CABO MARLIN--An example of the small marlin variant with an unusually long dorsal fin sometimes seen in southern Baja fishing waters is brought aboard the Cabo San Lucas boat Phoenix on Nov. 23, 2006, during an outing at the Finger Bank with anglers John Mooers Jr., center, who landed the fish as his first-ever marlin, and Jim Weidler of Newport Beach, Calif. Also shown are Phoenix crewmen Luis, left, and David. At right, Weidler with another view of the rare marlin variant, which is sometimes called a "white marlin" by Baja anglers, due to its resemblance to the East Coast billfish of that name. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM WEIDLER.

Los Cabos Mexico Fishing Photo 1

TUNA COMEBACK--Yellowfin tuna had been on a week-long vacation at San Jose del Cabo this Saturday as angler David Goodard fished with Gordo Banks Pangas' Capt. Chame Pino at the Inner Gordo Bank and they discovered the sushi fish biting actively on sardina baits again. Here's Goodard with a nice rack of tuna plus a dorado at Gordo Banks' La Playita Beach fillet palapa. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LINGERING LA PAZ GOLD--The "summer" marathon dorado bite on the north side of La Paz refused to quit last week even though it's December. Here's Steve Clarence of Menlo Park, Calif., with a nice bull dorado taken on a super panga with Tailhunter International. It was Steve's first trip to La Paz and first time fishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 2

LAS ARENAS PANGA--Ryan West of Yorktown, Va., with a beautiful 43-pound dorado hooked on La Paz' Las Arenas side last week while panga fishing with Tortuga Sportfishing's Capt. Rigoberto Lucero. "An incredible dorado for December!" said Tortuga's Gerardo Hernandez. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

AFTER THE WINDS--Calm weather returned to Baja's Santa Rosalia fishing area at the end of the week, and Michael Kanzler of Isla San Marcos got to make a quick trip to the 110 bajo north of the island with his dad Mike Kanzler. At right, a nice 27-pound yellowtail that hit Michael's flylined bigeye scad, or caballito, bait. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

San Carlos Mexico Fishing Photo 1

SAN CARLOS SURPRISE--Craig Collins was beach fishing Saturday night at San Carlos, Sonora, when he caught-and-released this real big 28-pound orangemouth corvina on a 5-inch swimbait. PHOTO COURTESY OF CRAIG COLLINS.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

VALLARTA TUNA RUN--Anglers Scott Wickstrom, Terry Woods, and John Durke with a great day's catch of 6 yellowfin tuna plus a nice dog snapper caught at the El Banco fishing spot off Puerto Vallarta aboard the charter boat Marla III with Capt. Danny Osuna. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY OSUNA.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 2

PRIME TIME COWS AT VALLARTA--Angler "EK" from Thailand and his group fished 6 days with Prime Time Adventures at Puerto Vallarta for good big tuna and marlin action including this 261-pound yellowfin. At right, Prime Time Adventures' Josh Temple, left, and Thai angler "Stan" with a 235 pounder caught on conventional tackle. During the week, Stan also landed a 175-pound tuna on spinning tackle. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSH TEMPLE.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 4

VALLARTA SUPER PANGA--Not too many anglers fished last week aboard the Puerto Vallarta charter super panga Dhamar, but action at Roca Corbeteña continued for sailfish, marlin, and yellowfin tuna, including this 89 pounder on the dock with the Dhamar's Capt. Danny Gomez. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY GOMEZ.

Tecolutla, Vera Cruz, Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ATLANTIC MEXICO ANCHOA--This fish species, looking something like a short, fat shortfin corvina, is called an "anchoa" by fishermen at Tecolutla on the Atlantic coast of Mexico near Veracruz. David Burns of Tecolutla's Restaurant El Manglar reports the fish does not make a croaking sound and local fishing captain Guzman says the anchoa is "definitely not a corvina." PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BURNS.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES