SPORTFISHING MAINSTAY THIS WEEK IS
YELLOWFIN TUNA OF ABOUT 35 TO 65 POUNDS

March 18, 2005, Larry Edwards, Cortez Yacht Charters, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

Nice quality yellowfin tuna have been the mainstay of fishing action this past week at Cabo San Lucas, with the fish typically ranging from about 35-65 lbs., with an occasional bigger fish.

Striped marlin fishing at Cabo San Lucas has seriously slowed up, normal for March, and until the water temperatures climb, it's likely to stay that way.

Cabo San Lucas sportfishing boats are reporting lots of giant squid throughout the area, mostly in the 20-25 lb. range and providing good light tackle action for those that enjoy a fine calamari steak.

The overall report for the Gaviota Cabo San Lucas Sportfishing Fleet reflected 5 striped marlin released, 3 dorado, 1 wahoo and 148 yellowfin tuna for 40 fishing days. The "Fish Cabo", reporting for 5 Cabo San Lucas fishing days had 51 yellowfin tuna and the "Juanita VIII", also fishing 5 days reflected 34 yellowfin tuna, also in the 35-65 lb. ranges.

Cabo San Lucas weather was mostly sunny and warm days, cool evenings, 61 degree nights to 83 days. Water temperatures are still cool, 67-68 degrees inshore and climbing to 7l just outside the Jaime Bank and wrapping the Cape at about 20-25 miles offshore. The best Cabo San Lucas fishing area was the Jaime Bank, where much of the tuna was being taken on breezer schools and not associated with the porpoise. Fishing with live bait was best but some fish were taken on on casted swim baits and deeper running artificials. The live bait supply was good, mostly mackerel.