HOT AND HUMID WEATHER VACATION TRAVELERS

June 3, 2004, Pam Bolles, Baja Big Fish Company, Loreto, Mexico fishing:

Last night was hot and very humid and with little wind during the first portion of the night.

Loreto Offshore, Dorado, Billfish & Yellowtail: We are seeing a tapering off on Yellowtail fishing now, but that's probably because folks who come to Loreto in June and over the Memorial Day vacation weekend expect Dorado to be the main catch not Yellowtail.

As the water warms up, the yellowtail will go deeper and deeper to feed as they prefer cooler water. Most conventional anglers prefer to troll because of the breeze that's created as the boat is moving. Since its so hot, many folks don't want to fish for YT and the other deep water species as much now. So we're seeing less Yellowtail.

But that doesn't mean there are fewer of them. There are Yellowtail for those who want to sit and sweat. Most of the captains in Loreto know where to take you. Buy live mackerel over the smaller caballitos, or use 3 oz jigs.

The Billfish are moving in closer and closer to Loreto's fishing zone and are ahead of the Dorado. The largest, "scout fish" Dorado are swimming among those Billfish.

Few Loreto sportfishing boats went out yesterday and those that did returned so early that I didn't have a chance to have a look at what they landed. The way the flight schedule is into Loreto dictates how many boats go out on certain days. Thursday is an in-out day with one large flight leaving and two coming in, so weekends tend to be more busy with fishermen.

Loreto Inshore & Structure Fishing/Yellowtail: There are lots of Cabrilla of just about every size, from 5-10 pounders which are perfect for light tackle, to larger 20-50 pounders in the deep holes that are secrets of the local captains.

Loreto Marina: There are Barracuda and some small Pargo in the early morning (before 6:45 a.m.) Use chrome spoon type lures or live sardinas or cut squid to get them.

Loreto Beaches/Shorelines: The Roosterfishing is better than for what we're used to in Loreto. The best beach and shoreline fishing is takes place from Isla Coronado and all the way to the north end of town. Usually late spring the jetties in front of the Whales Inn also get good action on Pargo, Roosterfish and Jack Crevalle. Other than that, the shorelines that are accessible on foot in the immediate Loreto area, are pretty dull.

Loreto Bait: The Loreto marina bait sellers are still selling out of the large baits very quickly so if you're planning on buying bait, get there before 5:00 a.m. There are plenty of sardinas available. Website of the Loreto Bait Union: Carnaderos y Pescadores de Loreto, SCL.

Loreto Dorado Conditions: We need about 86 F for optimum Dorado conditions and with the consistent 80-83 degree water we have now, and the storm system from the south pushing even more warm water towards us, it seems as though we won't have much longer to wait. There are scum lines and sargasso paddies offshore and with today's and yesterdays winds, even more seaweed will hit the surface. We are looking prime for Dorado.

(See "Mexico Fishing News" online for current fishing reports, photos, weather, and water temperatures from Loreto and other major Mexican sportfishing areas. Vacation travel articles, fishing maps and seasonal calendars, and fishing related information for Loreto may be found at Mexfish.com's main Loreto page.