BAJA YELLOWTAIL FISHING UP-AND-DOWN DEPENDING ON WIND

Dec. 23, 2005, Pam Bolles, Baja Big Fish Company, Loreto, Mexico Sportfishing, Baja California Sur:

Yellowtail are biting well near Loreto, but the bite varies from day to day and getting out there depends on the wind.

La Cholla, at the westernmost point of Isla Carmen, has been where the Yellowtail have been biting for the last two weeks. Last week the yellowtail moved off La Cholla and we found them off Isla Coronado, but they've since moved back. The yellowtail are taking live mackerel or bigeye or jigs from off the bottom, 200 feet, and have been in the 30 to 40 pound range.

Bait has been easy to catch two miles east of the marina and off the lighthouse at Isla Coronado. Fish at La Cholla first and watch the other boats. If none is hooking up, move to Isla Coronado and you'll likely find the yellowtail there. These fish are moving back and fourth between these two areas. We haven't fished further north at San Bruno or Pulpito because we have a good consistent bite closer to Loreto and fuel cost.

The Baja's southern Sea of Cortez winds have been a problem at Loreto most of the week, but now that the moon has dimmed the winds seem to be laying down again.

Fishing along the shorelines expect plenty of Pargo and Cabrilla to keep light tackle anglers busy. Use live sardinas for these, or troll a Rapala type lure. We're still catching some Little Tunny, or Skipjack Tuna, which are a treat because their white meat is very tasty.

At the launch ramp at Nopolo we're still getting the small roosterfish and sierra mackerel. Sierra are being caught before first light. Some Sierra Mackerel are also being caught off the marina in Loreto. Elsewhere the roosterfish has been elusive for most of us trying to get at them but sometimes there's an exceptional day.

There are plenty of sardinas inside and around the Loreto marina. Prime time for netting them these days is about 6:45 a.m. If there is cloud cover the sardinas will rise a bit later in the morning.

As for larger bait, if it is windy at night the Loreto baitsellers probably won't be out there catching it. Also if demand is low the baitsellers won't bother to go out and catch it. If you plan to fish New Year's Day be ready to catch your own bait (and drive your own boat!) as most of the men in this town will still be celebrating.

Loreto Water Surface Temperature Range: 63-72 degrees.

(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.