WARM WATER TEMPERATURE BREAK FORMS OFF THE TIP OF BAJA

Dec. 24, 2004, Larry Edwards, Cortez Yacht Charters, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

A dramatic change in Cabo San Lucas water temperatures from the past week should create an upswing in the fish counts in short order. There is a hard water temperature break from 72-73 to 75-76 degrees just outside the Golden Gate and Jaime Banks on the Pacific side and again at Boca del Tule on the Sea of Cortez side, with everything in between warmer at about 76 degrees.

While Cabo San Lucas is full of people, there are not too many anglers in the vacationing crowd and the daily fishing boat activity is a bit slow.

The "Fish Cabo", reporting for 3 Cabo San Lucas fishing days reflected 4 stripers released, 2 dorado and 8 yellowfin tuna; and the "Juanita VIII", reporting for 2 fishing days, reflected 3 stripers released and 3 dorado.

The largest Cabo San Lucas fish for the week, a 580-pound blue marlin, was taken by angler Mr. Mark Crubud, San Diego, CA, fishing aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter fishing boat "Gaviota II", with Captain Arnulfo Garcia.

Overall Gaviota Fleet catches reflected 1 billfish per boat day, reporting for 23 days, with 23 stripers, (20 released) 1 blue marlin, 13 dorado and 19 yellowfin tuna.

Cabo San Lucas Climate: The Jet Stream is over the top of Cabo and the area is partly cloudy and cool, with temps ranging from a very cool 56 nights to 79 daytime highs.

Cabo San Lucas Sea Conditions: Temps are stable and excellent, holding well at 75-76 degrees.

Best Cabo San Lucas Fishing Area: Billfish are not overly concentrated but the better bite has been just off the Cabo Falso Ridge and out to the south from 3-10 miles.

Best Lure/Bait: Live Bait is very important. Many billfish being baited but not overly eager to bite.

Live Bait Supply: Lots of Pacific Greenback Mackerel are available throughout the Cabo San Lucas area.