Cabo San Lucas striped marlin fishing party as storm approaches;

Mazatlan dorado finally take a breather

Mexico Fishing News, September 3, 2007

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: With a sharp weather watch out for approaching Tropical Storm Henriette, expected to become a hurricane as it passes about 100 miles west of the tip of Baja, Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet reported a very good week of striped marlin fishing, even by Cabo San Luca s marlin fishing standards, with 93 percent of charters releasing stripers and many high-multiple release days turned in, mostly at the Pacific side Golden Gate Bank.

"To be mentioned this week catches had to be 6 fish or higher," Ehrenberg said. Top outings included 13 and 7 striped marlin release days for the charter boat Bill Collector, and 11 and 8 release days for Ni Modo. The Bill Collector also released a 300-pound class black marlin.

Overall, 100 percent of Pisces boats caught fish during the week, including 75 percent with dorado, and 11 percent catching yellowfin tuna. Billfish catches included 158 striped marlin with 156 released, 1 sailfish, and Bill Collector's 1 black marlin. An exceptional 17 percent of Pisces boats also landed mako shark of 11 to 45 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 31 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo San Lucas charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 71 striped marlin, 47 dorado, 17 yellowfin tuna, and 1 wahoo. "Striped marlin action continues to produce a hot bite for most Cabo San Lucas boats fishing at the Golden Gate Bank," Edwards said. "Most boats are averaging more than 2 stripers per day." Top outings for the week included the charter boat Gaviota VIII with 18 marlin releases in 2 days.

Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was hot, humid, and cloudy in the high-90s as Tropical Storm Henriette approached, with water temperatures on the Pacific side banks at 79 to 81 degrees, and about 81 degrees on the Sea of Cortez side. The best fishing was at the Golden Gate Bank with live bait. "The Golden Gate Bank hot spot is likely to continue for some time with enormous amounts of live mackerel bait available for feed," Edwards said.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter sportfishing super panga Cheer's reported on 6 outings during the week, fishing with a total of 12 anglers, for a catch including released fish of: 1 hammerhead shark, 7 yellowfin tuna from small to 20 pounds, 9 dorado of small to 35 pounds, and 1 yellowtail. The Cheer's fished on the Pacific side of Cabo outwards to about 2 miles, and in 1 slow session along the beach on the Sea of Cortez side, in water temperatures of 78 to 81 degrees. Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was good early in the week, but became rainy and rough later. Anglers fishing aboard the Cheer's included Leonel Tirefort and Christian Perouze of France, Jorge Chalina, Jorge Chalina Jr., Francisco Rivera, Max Picado, Yolanda Soza, Mary Jo Stockton, Claire Stockton, Jack Stockton, Robert Pimentel, and Alfred Pimentel.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 12 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 1 blue marlin of about 400 pounds at the 95 spot, 10 striped marlin, 18 yellowfin tuna of 15 to 60 pounds, and 13 dorado of 25 to 30 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Sergio Martinez of Sylmar, Calif., reported on an outing out of Cabo San Lucas aboard the boat Paulina with his sons Travis Martinez, 10, and Trenton Martinez, 12, for a catch at the Golden Gate Bank including released fish of: 4 striped marlin, 2 dorado, and 1 yellowfin tuna. One marlin died during the fight and was weighed at 187 pounds, and Trenton released his first-ever marlin during trip.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Pete Peters of Redondo Beach, Calif., reported on 5 outings by his group of 7 anglers aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter boats Blue Marlin and Blue Marlin I, fishing in weather that included 3 days of heavy seas for a combined catch including released fish of: 5 striped marlin to 125 pounds, 48 yellowfin tuna to 28 pounds, 4 dorado to 62 pounds, and 1 wahoo to 43 pounds. The fishing was on the Pacific side and south out to about 12 miles. "We lost an additional 2 wahoo, another 60-pound class dorado, and threw bait on 6 additional striped marlin," Peters said. "This was another great August fishing trip to Cabo. If you're willing to take a chance on the chubascos and can handle the heat and humidity, August is the prime month for fishing in Cabo. We haven't been disappointed in the past 8 years."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week, Todd Hochstedler of Got Caught Fishing reported on good action for members of the wedding party of Alan Staley and his new bride with a total of 20 marlin caught and all released by 3 boats, plus a couple of dorado. The groom was so pleased with the fishing, Hochstedler said, that he scheduled another outing on the morning of the wedding. For the week, the charter boats Got Caught, Caught Again, and Fish Dogs had a combined catch including released fish of: 56 marlin, 26 dorado, 1 wahoo, and 8 yellowfin tuna.

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the Ensenada boat Bad Dog at Marina Coral reported on an offshore run Friday for triple and quadruple football tuna jig strikes at the 295 spot and a late afternoon blue marlin caught in clear 72.8-degree water on a Sevenstrand Carrot Top jig. "The marlin was verified to be a blue by Cabo captains who viewed the catch at Mike's Live Bait, Botes Juanitos, and Marina Coral," Ross said. The marlin was hooked at about 4:30 p.m. at GPS 31.33 117.14.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet said his Ensenad a charter pangas fishing at the tip of Punta Banda had continued good summer fishing during the week for "lots" of bonita, lingcod, mixed bottom fish, and an occasional yellowtail into the 20-pound plus class. Anglers scoring good mixed catches in the beach launched pangas Vonny I and Vonny III with Capts. Beto and Hector included Darin Taylor and Jack Taylor of Abilene, Texas, Brian Foley of Campo La Joya, David Veron and his family, and Arturo Avalos who had his bonita and yellowtail smoked for a party with family and friends. "The weather is perfect," Villarino said. "Not a bad week." Ensenada fishing area weather was mostly sunny in the high-70s, with light wind, ocean swells at 3 feet, and the local area water at Punta Banda averaging 65 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sergio Susarrey of Sergio's Ensenada Sportfishing Center reported on an outing by the charter boat Cazador, fishing locally with 5 anglers for a catch of: 20 bonito, 2 lingcod, 5 rockcod, and 15 miscellaneous fish.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: For the previous week, Emerald Argonza of Matador Sportfishing reported on an offshore outing from Ensenada's Marina Coral by the charter boat Matador, blanking with 3 anglers at the 238 and 295 spots but scoring a triple yellowfin tuna strike about 15 miles southeast of the 235 spot in 65-degree water, plus 12 bonito of 15 pounds off Punta Banda on the return trip. The charter pangas Wahoo 1 and Wahoo 2 also fished during the week for a catch of: 2 yellowtail to 22 pounds, 6 calico bass to 5 pounds, 1 rockcod, and 15 bonito. "They fished the Punta Banda area and caught the yellows on the troll using Rapalas," Argonza said. "The calicos were caught using sardines, and the bonitos using mackerel patterned Tady 45s and also on the troll."

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Tere Castro of Castro's Camp said 31 boats fished during the week for very good action on the usual heavy bottom fish mix, plus halibut, white sea bass, yellowtail, barracuda, and bonita. Castro's Camp boats fished in good weather all week. Water temperatures averaged 66 degrees in the main fishing area about about 5 miles off the Baja coast at Erendira.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said 25 boats fished during the week, finding calm seas, no wind, and hot mid-afternoon air temperatures off San Quintin, with good fishing for sandbass, calico bass, mixed bottom fish, rockcod, lingcod, and barracuda at the 240 and 6 spots. Boats fishing south at Socorro were still averaging about 2 to 3 combined yellowtail and white seabass per outing. On Sunday morning, 3 boats were looking offshore for tuna and dorado.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Marita Melville of Don Eddie's Landing said the week's fishing, including a canceled Don Eddie's Landing Labor Day Weekend Fishing Tournament, was disrupted by long delays for tourists attempting to cross the U.S. border caused by a teachers' union demonstration. "We had a huge number of calls letting us know that they would not be able to make it," Melville said. "Don Eddie’s Landing apologizes to all our customers and friends for this regrettable incident."

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: John Ryan of Brea, Calif., reported on 2 days of fishing out of San Quintin with Capt. Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing for a combined count of 6 white seabass including a 58 pounder, 1 yellowtail, and some calico bass. "I was fishing with Kelly on his 25-foot Parker," Ryan said. "We were fishing right outside the bay. The big fish was caught on a green-chrome Krocodile that had a live mackerel on it."

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Sal Pilato of San Pedro, Calif., reported white seabass limits for his group while fishing off the Baja north Pacific coast at Camalu north of San Quintin on a panga with Capt. Lee Moreno. "There was so much mackerel and small bait all over the bay all you had to do was look for the birds and the white seabass was there," Pilato said. "We used blue-and-white jigs this time." Camalu fishing area weather was foggy in the morning. Fishing with Pilato were Bob Morris and Emerson Holden.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Jeff Williams of Costa Mesa, Calif., and his group of 8 anglers fished out of Camalu on 3 pangas with Capt. Lee Moreno for good counts of bonito, barracuda, sandbass, bottom fish, large mackerel, yellowtail to about 18 pounds, and white seabass to 57 pounds. "We spent a great weekend in Baja," Williams said. "We enjoyed dinner at the hotel on Friday night and arose early Saturday to fish with Lee. We had a $160 jackpot with 50 percent of the winnings to go to the captain of the boat that put his group on the largest fish of the day. The winning boat got 5 white seabass."

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Bob Lewis of San Jose del Cabo reported on a Baja coastal yellowtail outing from San Diego to the Coronado Islands, fishing flylined sardines aboard a 38-foot charter boat with Capt. Dave Bernatz and 4 other people on board for a catch of 9 yellowtail plus a couple of others lost to seals on 20-pound line. Also on board were: Mike "Reebs" Ryba, Vinnie Fox, and Austin Lewis. A second outing around the 425 and 371 spots and south to Ensenada produced just 1 jig strike dorado of 18 pounds in blue 76-degree water. "We heard scattered reports of yellowfin tuna and yellowtail, but a lot of complaining too," Lewis said.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto trailered is boat Soledad across the Baja peninsula, accompanied by Barry Wilkerson with his boat Rocket, to launch over the beach at Magdalena Bay and exit 2 days from Boca de Soledad for fishing on the open Pacific on the Ridge high spots and at the Thetis Bank for scattered dorado, barrilete, some yellowtail, 1 sierra, and a hot session on yellowfin tuna near 3 commercial seiners and a helicopter at the Thetis Bank on Thursday. "It was nonstop action on the huge school of yellowfin," Erhardt said. "Hookup followed hookup without time between to get the rod in the rod holder." The largest tuna were about 12 pounds and the largest dorado about 20 pounds. Magdalena Bay offshore water temperatures ranged from 75 to 80 degrees at the Thetis Bank, with scattered kelp paddies holding dorado.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported good fishing action outside Magdalena Bay during the week, with dorado consistent and yellowtail caught near Cabo San Lazaro. "Magdalena Bay estero fishing took a back seat this week with the great action outside the boca," Graham said. At Puerto Lopez Mateos, Diana Hoyt of Mag Bay Outfitters said more marlin were seen and several were released. The local segment of the statewide Baja California Sur Governor's Cup fishing tournament was reported canceled at the last minute. "This was much to the disappointment of the locals who had been pre-fishing all week," Graham said. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was partly cloudy and humid in the low-90s, with water temperatures at 64 to 76 degrees.

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 71 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 310 dorado, 205 yellowfin tuna, 1 blue marlin, 9 striped marlin, 11 wahoo, 4 hammerhead shark, 8 sailfish, 5 dog snapper, 12 cabrilla, and 55 pargo or snapper species. "Just like clockwork the tropical storm season is becoming more active," Brictson said. "People in southern Baja are closely following Tropical Storm Henriette, which is predicted to bring rainfall on Monday and Tuesday and high surf possibly of 10 to 12 feet."

A few pangas and cruisers were coming sporadically inside the newly opened channel of the Puerto Los Cabos marina but Brictson said, "The panga fleet is vulnerable to southern swells that pass through the jetty opening as though there was nothing there to stop them. Hopes are that the marina will be at least operational for the coming fall season." San Jose del Cabo fishing area conditions were variable with mixed water color and water temperatures of 80 to 85 degrees, as good counts of dorado of 10 to 40 pounds came in from the Gordo Banks to Iman and tuna to 50 pounds were caught in scattered bites. Wahoo to about 30 pounds were hooked on trolled lures from La Fortuna to Iman, but Brictson said, "As usual more of these fish were lost than were actually landed."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Grimes of San Jose del Cabo reported on an outing to the Inner Gordo Bank on Friday with his son David Grimes for 2 small yellowfin tuna and 1 small dorado, all released. "About 10 pangas were fishing at the Inner Gordo Bank," Grimes said. "Many were catching small dorado and tuna, but most of the fish were very small. One panga got lucky with 2 wahoo on Saturday." Reports at East Cape's Rancho Leonero were for big counts of small dorado off Los Frailes and La Ribera. The local newspaper El Sudcaliforniano reported continued fishing for dorado and other species reserved for sportfishing by commercial Mexican boats.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said anglers in the East Cape fishing area were keeping a watchful eye on the progress of Tropical Storm Henriette up Mexico's Pacific coast. By Sunday, the storm was centered about 100 miles off Puerto Vallarta and expected to pass well to the west of the Baja California peninsula. "Baja eyes are looking to the south as the usual procession of September storms begins their march up the west coast of Mexico," Graham said. "Hopefully, they will continue out to the west and miss the Baja peninsula." East Cape fishing was centered on marlin and school-sized yellowfin tuna off La Ribera and a few smaller dorado farther to the south. East Cape weather was mostly cloudy and very humid in the mid-90s, with water temperatures of 78 to 87 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the week ending Aug. 23, 2007, Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 229 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 671 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 29 blue marlin, 133 striped marlin, 22 sailfish, 140 dorado, 386 yellowfin tuna, 59 pargo, 2 wahoo, and 1 pompano. East Cape fishing area weather was cloudy with some rain, in the high-90s, with water temperatures at 78 to 88 degrees. Blue marlin action was found in all directions, from Cabo Pulmo to the south, to La Ribera, and northwards to the 88 Bank off the east side of Isla Cerralvo. Yellowfin tuna were still small in the 10 to 15-pound range, with a few fish to about 30 pounds in the mix.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Eddie Dalmau of Van Wormer Resorts reported on 289 East Cape charter fishing boats from Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, and Punta Colorada, with a catch including released fish of: 57 blue marlin, 206 striped marlin, 26 sailfish, 356 dorado, 456 yellowfin tuna, 69 roosterfish, 26 wahoo, 8 cabrilla, 62 pargo, 70 triggerfish, 1 mako shark, and 23 skipjack. "There never has been a week for wahoo like this," Dalmau said. "This is double the average." Dalmau also noted the possible rough weather ahead from Tropical Storm Henriette. "Let's pray Henriette turns away from Baja," Dalmau said. "We took a beating last year and we deserve a hurricane-free year."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero reported hotel anglers scoring on a variety of fish species including yellowfin tuna, dorado, striped marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, some wahoo, and pargo and roosterfish inshore. "It was the best week this year for dorado," Ireland said. "Quality-sized fish are finally schooling." Dorado concentrations mixed with tuna were found 2 to 4 miles offshore from Punta Arena southwards, with tuna best off Los Frailes on fish averaging 12 pounds. Billfish counts were down slightly as more boats targeted dorado and tuna. East Cape fishing area weather was sunny in the mid-90s, with the water very flat and clear at 81 to 84 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Don Anderson of Newport Beach, Calif., reported on 3 days of fishing out of Hotel Playa del Sol with Capt. Martin Collins on the charter boat Petunia and Capt. Tony on the boat Rosa for a catch of 6 striped marlin, all released, plus several shots at blue marlin. "Most of the fish were caught on bait," Anderson said. "For those that fished inside waters, there were plenty of small dorado and yellowfin tuna, especially off Punta Colorada. The blue water was 25 miles out. We fished from Los Frailes to Punta Pescadero. We covered a lot of water."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport East Cape diving service said diving conditions were variable during the week, with bottom temperatures at the Cabo Pulmo corral reef ranging from the mid-70s to the low-80s and visibility from 20 to 50 feet. "The wide swings have not seemed to effect sea life," Rayor said. "Huge schools of bigeye jacks, manta rays, free swimming eels, and clouds of colorful reef fish have been easy to sight." Simon Cazaly of Vista Sea Sport said sea life sightings during the week were made of many species including: sergeant major, squirrelfish, cardinalfish, rainbow wrasse, parrotfish, scissortail damsel, graybar grunt, green moray eel, jewel moray eel, longnosed butterflyfish, blue chromis, guinea fowl puffer, balloonfish, moorish idols, and nudibranchs.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said heavy weather and rain that arrived in the La Paz fishing area during the week was compounded on Saturday by a strong earthquake that knocked out communications and had local residents nervous. "No injuries were reported," Hernandez said. "But you can feel the concern in all the streets as people are trying to get news of their close family members." Before wind and rain arrived on Thursday, fishing for Tortuga fleet pangas on the Las Arenas side of La Paz produced some excellent action centered around the 88 Bank for dorado into the 60-pound class and yellowfin tuna of about 25 pounds. The south end of Isla Cerralvo was good for marlin and wahoo. Hernandez noted that more rough weather was possible for the following week as tropical systems moved north up the Mexican coast. "We would like anglers to be aware of this weather situation for the coming period," Hernandez said.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International said Saturday's quake, measured at 6.4 on the Richter scale and located about 50 miles north of La Paz, was strong enough to be felt on the beach and under water. "Clients around Isla Cerralvo said there were big rock slides," Roldan said. "Divers underwater said it sounded like a sonic boom and every fish in sight immediately went down into the rocks and they could feel increased pressure underwater. Clients in beach chairs were jiggling away." La Paz fishing during the week was interrupted by brief periods of strong rain as anglers found scratchy action for yellowfin tuna on both sides of the hill. A weather watch was out for approaching Tropical Storm Henriette, expected to pass off the west coast of Baja California in a few days.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Dean Mitchell of San Diego, Calif., reported an unusual, shark-like fish caught in early August while fishing 430 feet deep with cut cocinero bait at Roca las Animas north of La Paz. "At first, we thought it was a lingcod, but it definitely was a shark once we got a better look at it," Mitchell said. Many marlin were also seen in the area. "We chartered a sailboat out of La Paz and explored Islas San Jose, San Francisco where we almost got shipwrecked in a storm, Cerralvo, and my new favorite place, Rocas las Animas. We called it 'Marlin Camp' because we saw lots of marlin right near our anchorage. The snorkeling was the best I’ve ever seen. However the fishing was spotty because we didn’t have live bait." Some dorado were caught on stripped cocinero baits and angler Hans Grouper landed a first-ever marlin off Punta Coyote on the Baja mainland coast northeast of La Paz. Mitchell noted that the mystery shark caught at Roca las Animas might possibly have been a swell shark.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto reported on 2 days of fishing aboard his boat Soledad, with continued slow action for the summer season producing a total catch around the east and south sides of Isla Carmen of: 1 striped marlin released, and 2 small dorado. "Fishing conditions were great both days if only the fish had cooperated," Erhardt said. Loreto fishing area water temperatures ranged to 91 degrees off Isla Carmen as Erhardt launched at Puerto Escondido and fished with Don Lindeleaf on Saturday.

LORETO, MEXICO: Pam Bolles of Baja Big Fish Company reported variable conditions in the Loreto fishing area including periods of stormy seas mixed with periods of flat glassy water. "Currently conditions are good as they have been for the past several days," Bolles said at the end of the week. "Loreto may experience more storm activity from the south so this is expected to change." Loreto weather was over 100 degrees, with high humidity, offshore water temperatures of 83 to 90 degrees, and inshore water at 79 to 81 degrees. Dorado fishing produced scattered catches of 15 to 20-pound fish, plus a few larger, mostly to the north about 20 to 40 miles out. "Dorado are scattered and not being found in large schools," Bolles said. "We're having better luck all-around with sardinas over mackerel or bigeye bait." Some billfish were caught, including striped marlin, black marlin of 100 to over 250 pounds, and sailfish up to 140 pounds. Marlin were most concentrated around the outside of Isla Carmen and southwards to Islas Monserrate and Catalana, while sailfish, dorado, and mixed marlin were found to the northeast. Inshore pargo, roosterfish, and cabrilla fishing continued good with trolled Rapala-type lures and live sardina bait.

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Syd Lindsay of San Lucas Cove said very few visitors were present in the Santa Rosalia fishing area and no tourists at all were at the San Lucas Cove RV park. "There is nothing going on here," Lindsay said. "Oly and I are the only ones in the camp. We still get the cool breeze in the summer from the east. We're looking forward to seeing the regulars return for the winter." Lindsay said the Mex 1 bridges just south of Santa Rosalia and halfway to Mulege were open. "They beat the bad weather. I'm really proud of them. They did a great job," he said. Lindsay also commented on continued reports of rip-offs at the infamous old Pemex gas station at Santa Rosalia. "Use the station next to the marina and across from the mine ruins. I'm having very good luck there. Stay away from the old station," he said.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Lalo Muñoz of San Carlos said his charter boat Sueltame fished on Friday for good marlin action with anglers Bryan Repogle and Ryan Hicky including 2 releases, 1 break-off, and 2 misses, in 89.5-degree water 17 miles out on a heading of 180 degrees. San Carlos fishing area weather was good all day, with offshore winds staying below 10 m.p.h. Muñoz said his boat Sueltame is now available for charter fishing trips out of San Carlos. Information: gerardo5256munoz@hotmail.com.

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Fernando Almada of Catch-22 Sportfishing reported on an outing Sunday with friends Pepe Ramirez his wife Lily, and Gaby Hurtado aboard the charter boat Catch-22 Rubina for a catch including released fish of: 2 sailfish, 4 dorado including a nice bull, and another sailfish lost. The Catch-22 Rubina fished in water temperatures of 85 to 88 degrees, 18 to 20 miles out on a heading of about 225 degrees. With the San Carlos Labor Day fishing tournament underway over the weekend, over 30 boats were reporting very few dorado landed.

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Regular San Carlos angler Craig Collins of Rio Rico, Ariz., commented on photos of dead billfish published on Mexfish.com and in particular a recently published photo of a 62-pound blue marlin. "We do our best to educate the locals in San Carlos about the irreversible damage done by 'old school' charter fishing where everything is killed and brought to the docks as an advertisement," Collins said. "There can be no excuse for bringing a fish to hang on the 'company gallows.' We've had a lot of heated arguments with the Mexican charter captains in San Carlos about killing fish. One boat killed 4 out of 5 marlin on a trip 2 weeks ago and that one came close to blows! The October Cantina Cup is the first 'circle hooks only' tournament ever in San Carlos and has been accepted by IGFA as a qualifier event."

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Fernando Almada of Catch-22 Sportfishing added, "I totally agree with Craig. It is sad to see captains killing their very own livelihood! We promote releasing every day, and we do it even if it costs us a few clients. On the other hand, it brings back more, happier, and better clients too. Actually San Carlos has a very good release culture. There are just a few charter operators left who kill their billfish. We at Catch-22 as well as some other charter services operate as 100 percent release on billfish."

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 21 Aries Fleet offshore charter boats out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid, with a catch including released fish of: 5 blue marlin, 2 striped marlin, 9 sailfish, 3 dorado, and 59 yellowfin tuna to 80 pounds. The summer's longstanding wide-open dorado action finally took a break as dorado limits continued but required at least some effort by the angler. "It has taken a little more skill during this full moon period," Edwards said. Bottom fishing produced 10 triggerfish and 8 red snapper. Mazatlan fishing area weather before the arrival of rough weather due to Tropical Storm Henriette was humid and mostly cloudy at 90 degrees, with a long swell, light tropical breezes, and the water temperature at 86 to 88 degrees. Offshore boats fished about 22 to 28 miles southwest of Mazatlan.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Mike Borden of El Cajon, Calif., reported on a family fishing cruise during August from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta aboard his boat Fish Magnet, for a catch including yellowfin tuna of 15 to 60 pounds found with flying fish and porpoise south of Isla Maria Madre of the Tres Marias island group north of Puerto Vallarta, a 175 pounder landed by Borden on 30-pound standup tackle, another large tuna lost by Austin Borden at gaff, and another big one lost about 20 miles south of the islands by Beth Borden. Also on the trip were Brooke, Cierra, and Dean Borden. Another large tuna was landed by Mike Borden during a run to El Banco on Aug. 28, 2007. "We were greeted by a wolf pack of cows launching after schools of skipjacks," Borden said of his big El Banco tuna. "We greeted them with a full-size skippy bridled up which it inhaled on the stern literally as soon as it hit the water. The fish had 5 skipjacks in his stomach." Tuna action slowed down on following days, but a 35-pound wahoo was speared at El Banco by Borden, and other boats fishing at Roca Corbeteña had good action for sailfish and blue marlin.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: For the previous week, Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle reported on an outing to Punta de Mita by the Puerto Vallarta charter super panga Bella del Mar for a release catch of 7 roosterfish and 18 dorado in the 25-pound class. "Most of the fish were released," Gabruk said. Fishing with the Bella de Mar's Capt. Hector and first mate Alejandro Osuna were anglers Chris Collier, Brian Frasnelly, and Leif Eiesland.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said no independent Ixtapa Zihuatanejo sportfishing captain reports were received during the week. "The fishing I presume to be difficult, especially due to the full moon conditions and the rain and wind throughout the area this past week," Edwards said.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said heavy weather last week due to the offshore passage of Tropical Storm Henriette was actually much less intense than expected at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. "The storm bypassed us," Kunze said on Saturday morning. "We had some heavy rain last night, but nothing like what I was expecting, only four inches. The port is still closed and will not open until late today." Fishing earlier in the week produced fewer sailfish but at least 3 blue marlin per day for the combined 10-boat fleet. Ixtapa fishing area weather was cloudy and unsettled with rain, at 90 degrees, with the water temperature at 80 to 84 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Paul Phillips of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo's Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament said local sportfishing Capt. Santiago Valdovinos of the charter boat Gitana recently made a trip to British Columbia's Fraser River where the action with Hans Sobirk and Fred Helmer included a 9-foot long sturgeon estimated at about 280 pounds. It joined 36,000 more that have been tagged and released in the lower Fraser," Phillips said.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR CANCUN

CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said the El Cid Caribe sportfishing fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun was still out of the water following the recent passage of Hurricane Dean. "I talked with fleet manager Mario Anzoategui the other day and he said it would be another week before they got the boats back in operation," Edwards said.

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MEXICO COASTAL AREAS

MEXICO: Fishing locations all along Mexic o's Pacific coast and both sides of southern Baja California were on weather alert at the end of the week as Tropical Storm Henriette worked its way northwards with hurricane strength winds expected to be reached about 100 miles off the south tip of Baja by Monday or Tuesday. Six fatalities were reported during torrential rains and winds of about 65 m.p.h. at Acapulco.

Cabo San Lucas Marlin Fishing Photo 1

CABO RELEASES--Sergio Martinez of Sylmar, Calif., and his sons Travis, left, and Trenton released 3 striped marlin while fishing at the Golden Gate Bank aboard the charter boat Paulina with Capt. Saul and deckhand Jaime, and they also kept this 187 pounder that died during the fight and could not be released. Trenton, 12, caught his first-ever marlin during the trip that also produced 2 dorado and a tuna. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERGIO MARTINEZ.

Cabo San Lucas Wahoo Fishing Photo 1 Cabo San Lucas Dorado Fishing Photo 1

CABO WAHOO SINGLETON--Dick Selway with the lone wahoo caught off Cabo San Lucas during 5 days of fishing aboard the charter boats Blue Marlin and Blue Marlin I with Pete Peters' group that also produced striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, and dorado. At right, Gary Kraus with one of 48 dorado landed during the 5-outing trip. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETE PETERS.

Cabo San Lucas Panga Dorado Fishing Photo 1 Cabo San Lucas Panga Tuna Fishing Photo 1

CABO LOCAL--Christian Perouze, left, and Leonel Tirefort of France fished out of Cabo San Lucas aboard the charter panga Cheer's for a good catch with Capt. Ramon Druck of 2 yellowfin tuna and a pair of these 30-pound plus class dorado landed on the Pacific side in 79-degree water. At right, Yolanda Soza of Los Angeles, Calif., with 1 of 3 yellowfin tuna caught aboard the Cheer's during an outing with fishing partner Max Picado. They also landed 2 dorado while fishing on the Pacific side. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 1

VONNY'S FLEET PANGA--Darin Taylor, left, and his father Jack Taylor of Abilene, Texas, fished at Ensenada on the Vonny's Fleet beach launched panga Vonny III with Capt. Hector for a good mixed bag summer catch of 1 yellowtail, plus lingcod, bonita, and the usual mix of bottom fish. The yellowtail was caught on one of Vonny's Fleet's special aluminum jigs. PHOTO COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

Camalu Mexico Fishing Photo 1 Camalu Mexico Road Photo 1

LEE MORENO FISHING--Darrin Flores made a Baja run down to Camalu north of San Quintin with Jeff Williams' group to fish on Capt. Lee Moreno's pangas for catches including this 57-pound white seabass, bonito, sandbass, yellowtail to 18 pounds, and mixed bottom fish. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF WILLIAMS.

San Quintin Mexico White Seabass Fishing Photo 1

SAN QUINTIN WHITE SEABASS--John Ryan's 2 days of fishing with Capt. Kelly Catian, right, of San Quintin's K&M Offshore Sportfishing produced 6 white seabass to 58 pounds. This big croaker was hooked just outside the bay on a green-chrome Krocodile and live mackerel combo. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN RYAN.

Camalu Mexico White Seabass Fishing Photo 1

CAMALU BAJA FISHING--Capt. Lee Moreno, second from right, of Camalu, took Sal Pilato's group out panga fishing off the Baja Pacific coast for limits of white seabass last week. Fishing with Pilato, right, were Emerson Holden, left, and Bob Morris. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAL PILATO.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

STORM SEASON DORADO--With warm local water temperatures and a tropical storm coming up the Mexican coast, dorado fishing was productive around southern Baja last week in good weather conditions. Here's Sandy Fleming of Visalia, Calif., with a great rack of dodos landed aboard the San Jose del Cabo charter super panga Katie with Gordo Banks Panga's Capt. Jesus Pino. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LAS ARENAS SIDE--On the beautiful panga launching beach at Punta Arena de la Ventana on the "Las Arenas side" of La Paz, Cody Rawson, front left, helps to show off a nice dorado caught during an outing with Tortuga Sportfishing. The dorado was landed at the 88 Bank outside the south end of Isla Cerralvo. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

Isla Cerravlo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CERRALVO MORNING--A big sailfish hooked off the south end of Isla Cerralvo near La Paz during a panga outing with Tailhunter International by Jeff Ott of Utah. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Loreto Mexico Tin Boat Fishing Photo 1

LORETO TIN BOAT MARLIN FISHING--Diane Lindeleaf battles a striped marlin as husband Don maneuvers the boat while fishing out of Puerto Escondido during an August outing this summer. Despite generally slow fishing at Loreto this summer they managed 11 striped marlin, 1 black marlin, and 1 sailfish near shore off Isla Carmen on their 18-foot tin boat during a 2-month stay at Nopolo. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ERHARDT.

Loreto Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

SLOW LORETO DORADO SEASON--This year's summer dorado run has been sluggish but some good catches have been made. Here's Steve Heseltine with a nice one landed in mid-August with Loreto's Baja Big Fish Company. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAM BOLLES.

Sea of Cortez Mexico Fish Photo 1

WHAT IS IT?--Dean Mitchell caught this unusual shark-like fish about 430 feet deep while fishing at Roca Las Animas north of La Paz. It hit on cut cocinero bait, and Mitchell said he feels it might have been a type of swell shark. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEAN MITCHELL.

San Carlos Mexico Marlin Fishing Photo 1

SAN CARLOS SUELTAME--A striped marlin comes in for release aboard the San Carlos charter boat Sueltame, or, "Let me go," in Spanish. Lalo Muñoz, owner of the Sueltame, said his boat is now available for sportfishing trips. Information: gerardo5256munoz@hotmail.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF LALO MUNOZ.

San Carlos Mexico Charter Fishing Photo 1

CATCH-22 RELEASE--Anglers, from left, Pepe Ramirez, Lily Ramirez, and Gaby Hurtado with 1 of 2 sailfish released during an outing out of San Carlos, Sonora, with Capt. Fernando Almada aboard the charter boat Catch-22 Rubina. Fishing about 20 miles out also produced 4 dorado in water temperatures to 88 degrees. At right, Almada and Gaby Hertado with a nice San Carlos bull dorado caught aboard the Catch-22 Rubina. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FERNANDO ALMADA.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

VALLARTA CRUISE TUNA--Mike Borden and his family cruised from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta on their boat Fish Magnet and found yellowfin tuna action at the Tres Marias island group including good counts of 15 to 60 pounders, this 175-pound beauty landed by Borden on 30-pound tackle, and a couple of other big tuna lost at the Marias and El Banco. At right, Beth Borden at work on a Puerto Vallarta tuna biggie aboard the Fish Magnet. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE BORDEN.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Panga Fishing Photo 3

VALLARTA SUPER PANGA--The Puerto Vallarta Master Baiter's charter super panga Bella del Mar with Capt. Hector scored a mostly release catch of 18 dorado and 7 roosterfish inshore at Punta de Mita for anglers, from left, Chris Collier, Brian Frasnelly, and Leif Eiesland. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN GABRUK.

Mexico Guide Sturgeon Fishing Photo 1

SANTIAGO DEL NORTE--Capt. Santiago Valdovinos, left, of the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo charter boat Gitana made a trip north to British Columbia last week and is shown here with Hans Sobirk, Fred Helmer, and a 9-foot sturgeon caught and released on the Fraser River. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL PHILLIPS.

Tropical Storm Henriette Graphic

MEXICO SUMMER STORMS--On Sunday, the offshore center of Tropical Storm Henriette was expected to reach hurricane strength as it followed its predicted path about 100 miles off the tip of Baja California on Monday and Tuesday. NOAA GRAPHIC.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Mismaloya Beach Photo 1

PUERTO VALLARTA VACATION--Delfina Sanchez takes a break at Puerto Vallarta's beautiful Mismaloya Beach during a vacation trip by Antonio Sanchez' family of Tijuana that also including local fishing for dorado, orangeside triggerfish, flag cabrilla, and Mexican giant needlefish. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES