GOOD WINTER MARLIN FISHING AT THE TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

Jan. 12, 2007, Cortez Yacht Charters, Larry Edwards, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

Cabo San Lucas fishing weather had a sun-cloud mix for most of the week with air temperatures from unusually cool nights at 54 degrees to daytime highs at 79.

Sea conditions off Cabo at the tip of Mexico's Baja peninsula had some westerly winds with wind chop going up the Pacific side to the Golden Gate Bank, but for most of the week, the Cabo fishing area was very fishable, with water temperatures that ranged from 76 degrees at Golden Gate Bank and falling to 71 degrees on the Sea of Cortez side at the Gordo Banks.

Billfish action continues to be the center of attraction for Cabo San Lucas anglers as charter boats continue to produce an average of 2 striped marlin per boat, per fishing day.

High boat for the week was the "Fish Cabo", fishing 4 days and releasing 12 striped marlin that included one 5-marlin release day. Combined overall counts for the Fish Cabo and Gaviota Fleet boats reflected 57 striped marlin, 57 releases, 23 dorado, 1 mako shark, 1 yellowfin tuna, 1 roosterfish, and 12 sierra.

The best Cabo San Lucas fishing area this week was split, with the Golden Gate Bank continuing to produce the best striped marlin action, but the Cabo Falso ridge was also producing stripers in good numbers, too, albeit, the sportfishing boat traffic was much heavier at Cabo Falso.

Live bait was in good supply, mostly mackerel, with opportunities to replenish the supply at the Pacific banks.

Live bait continues to be best for fishing off the tip of Baja but artificial lures, especially those in the mackerel colors were proving to provide good action, too.