EXCELLENT RED ROCKCOD FISHING AT SAN JOSE REEF SOUTH OF ENSENADA

Jan. 22, 2005, Capt. Mark Gillette, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Fishing:

This last Monday and Tuesday I fished with one of my crew members, Jordan Souza, and we had excellent fishing for red rockcod in the San Jose area. It was some of the best red fishing, if not the best red fishing I have ever seen.

Since we got bored of catching reds, and had our limits, Tuesday we ran out to the 1140 finger and did manage to see 2 spots of albacore. But these fish were 1 to 5 pounders. I almost thought they were bonito, but as we watched the fish puddle, we could see their pectoral fins as they rolled. We did not hook any.

Sea conditions were flat calm and tropical. Sea surface water temperatures were 60.5 to 62.8 degrees. I fished between 18 and 26 fathoms, just outside Punta San Jose. The fish bit live baits. We fished two hook ganions and 6 ounces of weight, with live anchovies and sardines. We primarily caught reds. I think the fish are roaming around in schools, not stationary to structure. Therefore look for these fish to move up or down the coast. In addition to the reds, we caught chuckleheads, lingcod--all released, 2 very nice sheephead, and a handful of sugar bass. We had little drift. Bait is small, and in great condition. Bait from Mikes' Bait in Ensenada.

Conditions on the 1140 finger were flat, calm, and hot. Water 60.5 to 63 degrees. Two small spots of small albacore, in streaky colored water. Clean, but streaky. The further west we pushed water was of better color and steadier.