SPORTFISHING BOATS RUNNING FAR FOR DORADO AND BILLFISH

July 9, 2004, Pam Bolles, Baja Big Fish Company, Loreto, Mexico Fishing Report:

Dorado and Billfish: Once again most boats went out a long way to get to the fish. The fishing for dorado and Billfish was slow. Loreto water temperatures were high and the surface was off-color with a lot of "green and murky churned up surface color".

The fishing on Friday was slightly better. Most were trolling live mackerel or bigeye and going for Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin. All three species were being caught. Limits were attained by most of the anglers who went out. Sargasso was scarce as were sardinas and live bait in general.

There was one very large Blue Marlin caught yesterday offshore east of the bajo de Punta Perico. Captain Chanto saw the fish hooked from another boat and estimated its size to be over 400 pounds. After about 20 minutes on, it broke off. Most of the fishing took place over the bajo de Punta Perico yesterday, while on Thursday most fished near punta Pulpito. The captains are following the current and temperature breaks that are made visible by changes in color and texture of the water's surface.

According to the satellite sea surface temperature charts, the offshore water in our area is heating up very quickly. I'm seeing readings up to 88 degrees (F) and that's too warm for the Dorado, Marlin and Sailfish. This is probably part of the explaination to the slower fishing we've been experiencing.

Note: Bag limits are being enforced very seriously here right now. On Wednesday two boats came in seriously over their limits, I heard something like 10 fish per person. Those two boats are being held in impoundment right now and their owners are working to get them out after their fines are paid. Don't mess with the law. The limit on Dorado is TWO per person and always has been. Fish and game wardens have been checking fishing permits and catches in the fish holds. Yesterday and on Tuesday they were stationed on the beach at the Hotel La Pinta and check all boats that landed there. They first checked for fish limits, then they asked to see the fishing licenses of everyone. Make sure you have your permit handy when going out as they can also check you on the water.

Rosalia the secretary at the PESCA office handles all the fishing licenses.

Water Temperature: 81-88 (F).

(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.