Cabo San Lucas fishing boat scores 700-pound winter blue marlin

Mexico Fishing News, January 9, 2006

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Mike Connolly of Cabo San Lucas reported a 700-pound class blue marlin caught on his boat Falcon with fellow angler Greg Miller while fishing on Jan. 2, 2006, in flat, slightly off-color, 75-degree water outside the 95 spot with Capt. Manuel Romero.

"We used a Penn 50 with 60-pound," Connolly said. "The big fish used itself up and came to gaff in 40 minutes...The fish took a Moldcraft lure, purple-pink, short corner, took three shots at it."

Later in the week, Connolly said the ongoing super-hot striped marlin bite slowed at the Finger Bank as counts dropped to about four releases per day: "Early in the week, Cabo San Lucas boats had 15 or 20 marlin releases per day, but after that it was much slower...The Summertime, owned by Paul Bender and skippered by local captain Martin Vigil, had 173 marlin releases in four days in mid-November." CABO SAN LUCAS JANUARY BLUE MARLIN AND FINGER BANK REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet also had reports of slower action at the Finger Bank after weeks of wide-open striped marlin in the area: "We are hearing that the Finger bank is now shut down. We will have a more accurate picture in a few days." On Jan. 3, 2005, Blue Thunder had fished the Finger Bank and released 21 stripers. Marlin action closer to Cabo was also in transition: "There was a marked difference in catches this week, with the area by the lighthouse slowing completely down and slim pickings for most Cabo San Lucas charter fishing boats as the fish spread out and were not easily located." Overall, 45 percent of Pisces boats released billfish, 40 percent landed yellowfin tuna, and 24 percent scored on dorado. CABO SAN LUCAS SPORTFISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing reported good sea conditions and Cabo water temperatures at 73 to 74 degrees on the Pacific side, and up to 78 degrees south of the arch. Striped marlin action at the Finger Bank "dropped way off with a lot of boats making the trip with no results to show for it," Landrum said, as the most of the fleet was soaking bait off the lighthouse for one to three fish per day. Yellowfin tuna were the most reliable quarry, from the 95 spot to the San Jaime Bank area and outwards about 35 miles for mostly school-sized fish. Inshore fishing for sierra was still up-and-down. CABO SAN LUCAS SPORTFISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 106 boats, with a catch including released fish of: 78 striped marlin, 58 dorado, 140 yellowfin tuna, two wahoo, 83 sierra, six skipjack, three bonita, and 12 Humboldt squid. CABO SAN LUCAS SPORTFISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Benjamin Ortega of Solmar Fleet reported on 63 boats, with a catch including released fish of: 42 striped marlin, 39 yellowfin tuna, 30 dorado, and 27 bonito. Solmar's top boat for the week was the Solmar I with Capt. Federico Marron and a five-outing catch including released fish of: 16 striped marlin, 21 yellowfin tuna, and 14 dorado. SOLMAR FLEET REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 51 outings by Gaviota Fleet, the Fish Cabo, and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 32 striped marlin, 95 yellowfin tuna, and 20 dorado. The best fishing area was on the Cortez side, Edwards said: "The fish...are starting to stack up pretty well outside of Chileno, which is closer to Cabo San Lucas than running to the Golden Gate. Cabo San Lucas weather was sunny by the weekend, with water temperatures from 72.5 degrees on the Pacific side, and to 77 degrees outside the 95 spot. CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: T.J. Depietro of Valencia reported on two early week outings for 15 yellowfin tuna to 35 pounds south of the arch by the Caught Again, and six released striped marlin at the Finger Bank on the Pacific side by the Got Caught. Of the tuna run, Depietro said, "We were the only boat out in that direction...More flags than any other boat in the harbor that day!" CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT.

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet reported on four pangas fishing at Punta Banda during the week, with the catch limited to bottom fish until a nice yellowtail bite broke out on Saturday and three boats caught a total of 12 forktails of 20 to 25 pounds. Anglers scoring yellowtail on Saturday included Jay Johnson, Rick McEven, Dora Quiñonez, Gary Orwiq, and Mark Thomas. ENSENADA YELLOWTAIL BITE REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Judy Ostberg of Ensenada reported on a Saturday outing with husband Mel Ostberg and Andres Montes to the Banda bank by the Ostberg's boat Melody, for a catch of 10 nice red rockcod, nine whitefish, and seven sugar bass, in 57-degree water. Earlier, Ostberg reported on a New Year's Day trip out of Marina Coral on the Melody, looking for "first albacore of the year" honors, but finding 15 yellowtail instead while fishing just west of the lower 500 spot. "The yellowtail were between 10 and 12 pounds," Ostberg said. "We had flat calm seas and headed back in happy with our day." The water temperature was 62 degrees, and no bait was available in the harbor. MELODY NEW YEAR'S DAY FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the boat Bad Dog at Marina Coral reported on an overnight run for broadbill swordfish to the lower 500 spot, for one swordfish seen early Saturday morning, but the catch consisting of seven Humboldt squid to 39 pounds, many blue shark to 60 pounds, and some rockcod at the Banda bank on the way home. "We set up two large squids off the outriggers," Ross said. "At 0400 Saturday morning, a large swordfish flew by the boat showing us what we were looking for...At sunrise we began trolling for nada and gave up..." ENSENADA SWORDFISH TRIP REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ross also reported on the most effective tackle for Bad Dog's 2005 fishing year, including leaders, gaffs, lures for various species, rigging, and the Mustad 7732 6/0 hook that was used for Bad Dog's seven jig strike marlin in 2005: "The 7732 was almost 100 percent, with flawless hook sets in the upper roof of the mouth each time and buried into the barb." BAD DOG OFFSHORE TACKLE PICKS.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sammy Susarrey of Lily Fleet reported on a run to San Jose reef by the Tamara, finding 58-degree water, some bottom fish action on red rockcod and lingcod, and two yellowtail of about 20 pounds. Fishing three miles farther south, the Tamara found a spot with big sheephead, Susarrey said. LILY FLEET ENSENADA FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Donald Rubi of Duarte, Calif., reported on a full-day run south of Ensenada by the Sergio's Sportfishing Center party boat Shir-Lee, for a good assortment of bottom fish including red rockcod, olive rockfish, salmon grouper, and larger whitefish in the 3 to 5-pound range. Big swells made fishing in about 300 feet of water difficult, Rubi said: "My arms were dead tired. The anglers on board were happy though, with each bagging about 12 fish each on average." SHIR-LEE ENSENADA FISHING REPORT.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Don Fagan of the Ensenada Luhr Jensen fishing tackle manufacturing plant reported that the operation has been bought by Rapala and "they're moving the whole thing to China." The Ensenada plant will continue production until April to complete its present orders, Fagan said, and after that his plans include setting up an independent Ensenada tackle production facility of his own: "I am not going anywhere...I'm starting up my own company, packaging and manufacturing....Several people have asked for bids on jigs and lures...I'm optimistic that I'll be able to find enough clients to keep busy." Contact: dvfagan@telnor.net.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Dan Fleming of Puerto Santo Tomas reported that paving of the road off Mex 1 between Colonet and Camalu to the Meling Ranch and the Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Martir is nearly complete, with new guard rails and "only a short dirt stretch left."

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas reported boat cancellations at San Quintin due to winds during the week. "The winds...finally died down by the weekend but the damage was done," Hillis said. "Boats that did go out fished Monday at the 15 fathom and 240 spots for limits of large rockcod and lingcod." San Quintin weather was in the low-70s, with water temperatures at 57 to 59 degrees. SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORT.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: For the previous week, Hillis also reported few boats fishing at San Quintin due to winds and high surf conditions. Three yellowtail of 15 to 20 pounds were caught at the 15 spot and bottom fishing continued excellent for rockcods and lingcod.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing reported on a surfing trip out of San Quintin in excellent conditions. "The waves were so good there was no way we could leave so we camped out and awoke...with the sound of set waves peeling across the reef," Catian said. "I used to wonder what I'd be doing when I was a "grown-up" and now I know...I would be a kid again!" SAN QUINTIN SURFING REPORT.

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Juanchys Aguilar of La Bocana on the semi-remote Pacific coast of Baja reported no fishing since Dec. 19, 2005, due to big seas from the northwest: "This is a normal occurrence for this time of year...We hope this passes soon so we can return to good fishing." La Bocana weather was warm and partly cloudy, with water temperatures stable at 69 to 70 degrees. LA BOCANA FISHING REPORT.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: John Carroll of Chula Vista reported on a trip to Punta Rosarito on the Baja Pacific coast for very good calico bass action in rough surf conditions: "The fishing was world class...No fish were caught under two pounds and most were three to four pounds..From the beach in the surf on the high tides in the morning and right at sunset...We fished 6 to 10-pound tackle...All in front of our camp 30 yards away. This went on for three days in a row." Rough surf prevented fishing and diving for the halibut that frequent this Baja area, Carroll said. PUNTA ROSARITO CALICO BASS REPORT.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported no boats getting out through Boca de Soledad at Puerto Lopez Mateos due to big surf: "The same big surf condition that has been pounding the California coastline for the past several weeks found its way down to Magdalena Bay...It has been impossible to even get out of Boca de Soledad...most Magdalena Bay fishing boats are staying closer to home." A few boats fishing in the mangrove channels found good action on spotted bay bass, corvina, and smaller halibut. Magdalena Bay weather was clear in the mid-70s, with water temperatures of 68 to 73 degrees. MAGDALENA BAY FLY FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS), MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 88 combined La Playita fleet pangas, with a catch of: 420 yellowfin tuna, 300 skipjack, eight striped marlin, 46 dorado, one wahoo,, 28 pargo, 14 cabrilla, six pompano, 22 sierra, six roosterfish, and 12 triggerfish. San Jose del Cabo (Los Cabos) weather was calming at 80 degrees after winds earlier in the week, with murky water close to shore, and water temperatures of 69 to 74 degrees. The active yellowfin tuna bite was centered from Chileno to Cabo San Lucas. Although shore fishing was slow, notable catches during the week included a 45-inch snook caught on cut shrimp bait in front of Coral Baja Resort by Len Benko that was estimated to weigh about 45 pounds. Eight-year-old Brian Brictson caught a 14-pound dorado while fishing with his father Eric off La Laguna, and they also landed 15 skipjack plus a sierra and were back on the beach at 10 a.m. SAN JOSE DEL CABO PANGA FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS), MEXICO: Bob Lewis of San Jose del Cabo reported on a fishing run by his boat Dos Gueros from Cabo San Lucas to the Iman Bank area, in flat seas and water temperatures of 74 to 75 degrees, for nine yellowfin tuna and two dorado. "We left them biting," Lewis said. "Bait was hard to come by, and small portions, but the fish were eager to bite until we ran out." Two outings in a 13-foot aluminum boat produced a total of five sierra and two roosterfish on trolled hoochies. SAN JOSE DEL CABO FISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Axel Valdez of Buena Vista Beach Resort reported on 13 boats, with a catch including released fish of: one broadbill swordfish, five striped marlin, 23 dorado, 25 tuna, and three Humboldt squid. The broadbill swordfish was caught by the resort's Felipe Valdez with Capt. Ramon on the charter boat Hakuna Matata. The Dusty B III with Capt. Vicente Cosio and anglers R.E. Hazard and Mr. and Mrs. Falovolito fished 40 miles south and scored a good catch of yellowfin tuna of 50 to 90 pounds. "Early in the week we were fishing south to Punta Arena," Valdez said, "but as the week got a little windy, our fleet started to go up north from South Point of Cerralvo Island to Punta Pescadero." EAST CAPE SPORTFISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House compiled a three-year fish catch summary of East Cape sportfishing fleets for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005, including Hotel Palmas de Cortez, Hotel Playa del Sol, Rancho Leonero, Hotel Buena Vista, and Hotel Rancho Buena Vista. Records showed 2005 to be a slow year, partly due to a low dorado count, for a fish-per-angler average of 0.97 for 2005, compared to 1.45 for 2004, and 1.60 for 2003. Moyers noted that although his figures show an increase to 34,011 anglers fishing during the year, as compared to 26,344 in 2004, and 15,904 in 2003, that apparent increase is due partly to better reporting coverage. EAST CAPE THREE-YEAR SPORTFISHING SUMMARY.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Roy Baldwin of Rancho Leonero reported warming weather in the mid-80s, with water temperatures at 69 to 71 degrees and continued striped marlin action centered 20 to 24 miles north off Isla Cerralvo. Yellowfin tuna were near the beach at the Punta Arena lighthouse, and boats going north also averaged two the three dorado per day in the 10 to 25-pound class. Sierra were present off most beaches, but few boats were fishing for them. EAST CAPE SPORTFISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported East Cape winds on-and-off, in the low-70s, with water temperatures at 69 to 73 degrees. Of the broadbill swordfish caught by Buena Vista Beach Resort's Felipe Valdez, Graham said, "The swordy must have made a New Year’s resolution to inhale the first mackerel thrown at it...One cast, one bite, and Felipe’s first swordfish 25 minutes later." EAST CAPE FISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Russ Fritz of La Ribera reported on a close tuna encounter from the beach at Punta Arena by his son Dan and daughter-in-law Sonya: "Dan and his family went camping...at Punta Arena. They awoke to a school of tuna pushing bait on the shore. Both...were spooled on their first hookup. Dan reported seeing fish to 30 pounds within 10 yards of shore." Winds kept most East Cape boats on the beach, with morning air temperatures as low as 44 degrees, and water temperatures near shore at 70 degrees. Winds calmed on Saturday, Fritz said: "...Tomorrow will be a fishing day for those of us with a will to live, or at least the wish not to die in the pounding surf." EAST CAPE FISHING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport dive service said East Cape water temperatures were down to 68 degrees at depth with visibility at 30 to 40 feet: "For...the East Cape that is not the best, but divers coming from colder environments are smiling...There is loads to see." Sea life sightings at Punta Pescadero included schools of cownose rays, electric rays, nudibranchs, and yellowtail chasing bait fish. "Soon, huge schools of amberjack should show," Rayor said. "...The diverse sea life at East Cape keeps my interest until the water starts to warm." EAST CAPE DIVING REPORT.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Earlier, Jorge Bergin of East Cape reported a sharp drop in water temperatures off La Ribera on New Year's Day, and a corresponding drop in fishing action: "Yesterday...everyone was having good success, but everything changed...Water temperatures dropped very quickly in the last 40 hours or so, from 74 degrees to 67...My neighbors put 50 miles on yesterday without seeing a fish, not one bite or ripple on what looked like a lake." EAST CAPE FISHING REPORT.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported slightly warmer water on both sides of the hill at La Paz, and continued action on some tuna, dorado, and marlin. "We're not into them like last week," Roldan said, "but perhaps 5 to 8 miles southeast of Los Muertos Bay...we're still hitting the occasional warm water species...Tuna, dorado and marlin...usually have no business in our neck of the woods this time of year, but no one is complaining." Inshore boats did well on snappers and sierra to 12 pounds. LA PAZ SPORTFISHING REPORT.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Arturo Susarrey of Arturo's Sportfishing reported only two days of fishing during the week due to winds, but calm weather on Sunday. Yellowtail fishing was generally slow, but some anglers at Isla Carmen and Punta Perico reported two to six fish of 15 to 20 pounds per boat. Cabrilla averaged six fish per boat. No roosterfish were reported. LORETO SPORTFISHING REPORT.

LORETO, MEXICO: Mitchell Rose of Loreto reported on an early week outing by his boat Helena with Capt. Pedro Davis, fishing as far north at Punta Pulpito for slow action, no yellowtail, but some bottom fish for tacos. "Capitan Pedro Davis said the water color was not right," Rose said. "Still it was great to be out on the water." Loreto sea conditions were rough with few boats fishing and the water temperature about 70 degrees. Rose said this year's Fishin' for the Mission benefit tournament has been scheduled for July 20-22, 2006, information at fishinforthemission.com. LORETO FISHING REPORT.

LORETO, MEXICO: Earlier, Bob Meyer of Loreto reported windy conditions and generally slow fishing over the New Year's holiday, but an excellent outing during a break in the weather by his boat Mi Suerte with sons Chris and Elliot on Dec. 26, 2005, for seven yellowtail of 28 to 36 pounds caught north of Isla Coronado. Meyer also fishes with Capt. Rigoberto Davis, who has a super panga, Arantxa, 011-52-613-135-0481: "...A fishermen in Loreto all his life...Knows his stuff...great sense of humor, never gets ruffled." LORETO FISHING REPORT.

LORETO, MEXICO: At Villas de Loreto, Wendy Wilchynski reported calm winds on Saturday, but still no anglers fishing out of the hotel during the week: "It has been very windy for the past few days, but now it's calm and beautiful."

MULEGE FISHING REPORTS

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MULEGE, MEXICO: Rick Barber of Mulege reported plenty of wind to keep boats off the water, but local anglers still getting out on some days and scoring on yellowtail into the 40-pound class on live baits and lures, plus leopard grouper and snappers to over 25 pounds on baits and trolled jointed Rebels and MirrOlures. "During the winter, when the water is cooler, the 'tails tend to hang out a bit higher in the water column and are highly vulnerable to trolled lures," Barber said. "The leopard grouper appear to prefer slowly trolled lures..Get them down in the rocks and you'll score." Mulege water temperatures were in the low-70s, with some water cloudiness due to winds. MULEGE SPORTFISHING REPORT.

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Jim Anderson of San Lucas Cove reported Santa Rosalia area water temperatures at 61 to 63 degrees, and winds keeping the tin boat fleet at home for most of the week. On Saturday, boats pounded north to get bait and then fished the Isla San Marcos yellowtail bajos after conditions flattened out at sunrise: "You know we have been on the beach too long when you pound against the waves for 7 to 8 miles to make the bait hole...The yellowtail are spread out over a large area and everyone manages to hook a few." Both iron and bait worked on scattered fish, and the most productive method was "slow troll a live bait in the general area until you had a hookup." SANTA ROSALIA SPORTFISHING REPORT.

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Syd Lindsay of San Lucas Cove reported the road north of Santa Rosalia in generally good condition, except for potholes around San Ignacio. Two new Pemex stations were under construction at Santa Rosalia, one two miles north of town, and the other at the canneries. At Jesus Maria, Carmelita la Famosa, was selling her burritos and tacos as usual: "Carmelita is still the happiest lady in town. We just love her." SANTA ROSALIA ROAD AND TOWN REPORT.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES (L.A. BAY) FISHING REPORTS

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BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Harry Beckous of Huntington Beach and Pat Kilber fished two days in late December with Capt. Igor Galvan for a catch of 15 yellowtail of 15 to 37 pounds their first day at the south end of Isla Angel de la Guarda, and one grouper of about 70 pounds their second day at a location 30 miles north, plus more surface yellowtail on the way in. Beckous said bait was scarce and it took a couple of hours to catch sardinas and mackerel. Bahia de los Angeles water temperatures were at 62 degrees and sea conditions were calm. BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES FISHING REPORT.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Chris Pennington and his wife Jean of San Diego fished about 200 to 250 feet deep at Los Machos out of Daggett's Camp and loaded up on six good-sized yellowtail, a nice cabrilla, and some triggerfish and sculpin at Isla Coronado on the way in. Bait was scarce along shore, but was easy to make on the west side of Isla Piojo, Pennington said. The action at Los Machos was hot: "There were lots of fish down there. Almost every boat was hooked up as we made pass after pass over the sweet spot...We were rigged with 50 and 60-pound outfits and still lost three fish along with our precious weights!" Bahia de los Angeles weather was in the high-70s with lows in the 50s. LOS MACHOS YELLOWTAIL FISHING REPORT.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: John Carroll of Chula Vista reported on a trip to Punta la Gringa by his family group of 13 people, with surf board and kayak fishing productive for spotted bay bass plus some giant jawfish and barracuda: "I took the kids out numerous times on the kayak and they absolutely killed it on small spotties. They really had the time of their lives...I am stoked at how much fun they have down there with no TV or their friends. Baja is a magical place because of the bonds that it creates between family and friends." PUNTA LA GRINGA PADDLE BOAT FISHING REPORT.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Earlier, Brian Benson of San Diego and his fiancee fished out of Guillermo's in glassy conditions at Bahia de los Angeles and caught two yellowtail of 15 pounds and a 46-pound black sea bass while fishing north along the Baja coast opposite Los Machos on Isla Angel de la Guarda. "We attempted to make bait that morning but had no luck, so we used jigs and frozen mackerel," Benson said. "We got all fish across from Los Machos near the shore of the main peninsula. I think they called it "Bolstador." BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES SPORTFISHING REPORT.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Baja author-adventurer Graham Mackintosh reported from Bahia de los Angeles that he was waiting for winds to subside before taking a panga to Bahia Humbug on the west shore of Isla Angel de la Guarda, where he plans to spend two months camping and exploring this winter. "I'm taking 45 or 50 gallons of fluids, mostly water," Mackintosh said. "...I'll have enough food for two months, especially as I'll be fishing most every day." Mackintosh will be hiking around the island and will monitor VHF channels 16, 68, and 72. ISLA ANGEL DE LA GUARDA TWO-MONTH TRIP REPORT.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of the Title Company Bookstore overlooking the bay reported good winter weather at San Felipe, with Sunday morning at 65 degrees and sunny. San Felipe was very quiet following the holidays. SAN FELIPE TOWN REPORT.

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

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ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO), MEXICO: Ryan Jenkins of Glendale, Ariz., fished two days from shore at Sandy Beach, just west of Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) and reported: "There was a boat with no lights on that appeared to be netting not far off shore. Fishing probably wasn't going to be that great...Well, we caught the following fish during the entire weekend. Halibut 0, Spotted Bay Bass 0, Pompano 0, Corvina 0, Triggerfish 0, Leopard Grouper 0." Fishing almost exclusively with small artificials, Jenkins did loose a possible large leopard grouper, and used squid bait at another spot to catch the only fish of the trip, a 1-pound gulf opaleye. Jenkins personal favorite lures for the Rocky Point area are the very small-sized Matsuo "Shallow Seeker" and the Rapala "Husky Jerk": "I catch more on those two crankbaits then all others combined...In fact the huge bite that broke me off was on a Shallow Seeker." PUERTO PENASCO SHORE FISHING REPORT.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Fernando Almada of Guaymas-San Carlos reported on a Saturday run to Punta San Antonio by his boat Fish Stalker, for a catch of three yellowtail in 61-degree water, including first time ever yellowtail for anglers Gustavo Dominguez and Alexis Gutierrez. "We were trolling Magnums on wire," Alamda said. "Green was the color of the day for us. There were lots of San Carlos boats fishing at San Antonio Point." PUNTA SAN ANTONIO YELLOWTAIL FISHING REPORT.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 15 offshore Aries Fleet boats out of Marina el Cid, with a catch including released fish of: 25 striped marlin, one mako shark, and one dorado. Inshore boats concentrated on bottom fishing for good action on baqueta, snappers, cabrilla, triggerfish, and mojarra. Sierra were also present in a wide-open bite but most anglers opted to fish deep. Mazatlan weather was mostly calm in the low-80s, with water temperatures at 72 degrees inshore, and 74 degrees offshore in the best area for billfish about 25 miles southwest of Marina el Cid. MAZATLAN SPORTFISHING REPORT.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Bill Heimpel of Star Fleet at Mazatlan reported a good concentration of striped marlin about 15 miles out. Marlin, with the biggest landed during the week at 185 pounds, were feeding on small squid and sardines in 65-degree water and calm sea conditions.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing reported on a run to Roca Corbeteña by the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Arca de Noe, for a 35-pound dorado, some pargos, and a first-ever sailfish for angler Diego Bravo of Mexico City. Osuna said yellowfin tuna were also seen "crashing all over" in the area. The boats Marla II and Marla III were also busy but fishing more inshore and doing whale watching trips. Puerto Vallarta weather was flat, with clear water at 77 degrees. PUERTO VALLARTA SPORTFISHING REPORT.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Josh Temple of Prime Time Adventures reported 80-degree water and improving conditions for the active but slow-biting yellowfin tuna of the past several weeks at Puerto Vallarta: "...The water is over 80 degrees and there and plenty of cows out there, and despite their current pickiness I know it's only a matter of time before the tunas realize that it's okay to eat a hook-bait again...I have a feeling it's time to put the big boys out there again. I'm stoked to fire up those tubes tomorrow morning." PUERTO VALLARTA YELLOWFIN TUNA REPORT.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Paul Phillips of the Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament said, "We have had a small invasion of striped marlin." About 20 percent of boats were scoring on marlin, 50 percent on dorado in the 25 to 35-pound class, and 100 percent on multiple sailfish.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze of Zihuatanejo reported Ixtapa Zihuatanejo offshore sportfishing boats averaging about three or more sailfish per day, plus some blue marlin, dorado, and striped marlin. "Actually, the striped marlin are somewhat unique for this area," Kunze said, "but this last week has seen a bunch of them taken." Capt. Santiago on the charter boat Gitana released 26 sailfish during the week, including eight releases on Saturday. Inshore action was also good, as Capt. Adolpho on the Dos Hermanos ran 45 miles south to Papanoa and scored on four roosterfish and 15 large jack crevalle. The local fleet averaged a combined two to three blue marlin brought in per day. IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO SPORTFISHING REPORT.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Stan Lushinsky of Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters reported an increase in sailfish action last week, as few boats opted to fish inshore due to the hot bite farther out. Capt. Candelerio of the charter boat Leydy fished five days and landed 23 sailfish, two blue marlin, eight dorado, and 25 bonito. IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO SPORTFISHING REPORT.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported Ixtapa Zihuatanejo weather as clear in the mid-80s, with water temperatures at 80 to 84 degrees, and winds south-southwest at 6 knots.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Lure manufacturer and marketer George Kellar of Corning, New York, reported that he has had molds made and expects to begin production soon on the small out-of-market metal jigs once manufactured as the "S&G VK3" and described earlier in Western Outdoor News as the "Luis Maciel Mystery Tuna Jig." Kellar said he plans to make hammered gold versions of the slender, curved jig as well as chrome versions. "The first ones are due to go to the plater next week," Kellar said. Information: gkellar@stny.rr.com.

HUATULCO FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR HUATULCO

HUATULCO, MEXICO: Eric Weissman of Explore Fly Fishing reported water temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees off his San Agustinillo charter fishing location near Huatulco, with good numbers of fish present, including skipjack tuna, black skipjack, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, marlin, sierra, and red snapper to 20 pounds. "There are lots of whales, sea turtles and porpoises," Weissman said. "Giant red snapper are being caught on the hand lines." Huatulco weather was rough with heavy seas that prevented boats from fishing at the end of the week. SAN AGUSTINILLO, HUATULCO SPORTFISHING REPORT.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 1

BIG WINTER BLUE MARLIN--Mike Connolly (second from left) and Capt. Manuel Romero (left) landed a 700-pound class off-season blue marlin at Cabo San Lucas' 95 spot while fishing aboard Connolly's boat Falcon. Photo courtesy Mike Connolly.

Mexico Fishing Photo 2

FLAG SHOW TIME--Maria Reader fished on the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Caught Again and she and T.J. Depietro scored on 15 yellowfin tuna to 35 pounds while fishing south of the arch. Depietro said they later enjoyed tuna prepared four different ways in a local restaurant. Photo courtesy T.J. Depietro.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 3

BIG SQUID TRIP--Steve Ross (center) took his boat Bad Dog out of Ensenada's Marina Coral on an overnight broadbill swordfish trip with Marinero Alex Ruiz (left) and Juan Lu Cardona-Sepulveda, and while they didn't score on a swordie, they ran into a big haul of Humboldt squid near the lower 500 spot. Photo courtesy Steve Ross.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 4

PUNTA BANDA YELLOWS--Rick McEven (center) of Lake Forest and Dora Quiñonez of Tijuana (left) fished on Saturday at Ensenada's Punta Banda and they landed these four yellowtail of 20 to 25 pounds, plus some bottom fish, on the beach launched panga Vonny III with Vonny's Fleet's Capt. Hector Zamora. Photo courtesy Ivan Villarino.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 5

QUINTIN SURFING--Big waves continued at San Quintin last week during an overnight outing by K&M Offshore Sportfishing's Kelly Catain. Photo courtesy Kelly Catian.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 61

BACK TO THE BEACH--Eight-year-old Brian Brictson fished off San Jose del Cabo with dad Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas, and they caught this nice 14-pound dorado, a sierra, and 15 skipjack tuna on trolled strip baits, and had their panga back on the beach at 10 a.m. Photo courtesy Eric Brictson.

Mexico Fishing Photo 7

BROADBILL SURPRISE--Buena Vista Beach Resort's Felipe Valdez was out fishing for some East Cape sierra on the hotel's charter boat Hakuna Matata when he spotted this broadbill swordfish on the surface and landed it with a cast mackerel. Photo courtesy Axel Valdez.

Mexico Fishing Photo 8

AT ISLA CERRALVO--Twelve-year-old Wade Johnson of San Luis Obispo fished with light tackle off La Paz's Isla Cerralvo and caught small snappers and roosterfish, plus this nice jack crevalle, with Tailhunter International. Photo courtesy Jonathan Roldan.

Mexico Fishing Photo 9

SPOTTY BUT GOOD--Bob Meyer of Loreto and his sons Chris and Elliott fished with Loreto's Capt. Rigoberto Davis over the New Year's holiday and found the action generally "spotty," but they still scored on these seven yellowtail of 28 to 36 pounds. Photo courtesy Bob Meyer.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 10

L.A. BAY BIGGIE--Pat Kibler (shown) and Harry Beckous of Huntington Beach fished two days with Capt. Igor Galvan of Bahia de los Angeles, and they scored on 15 yellowtail at Isla Angel de la Guarda, plus this nice 70-pound class grouper on their second day. Photo courtesy Harry Beckous.

Mexico Fishing Photo 11

LA GRINGA KID'S STUFF--John Carroll (left) of Chula Vista found hot spotted bay bass fun for daughter Katie (center) and friend David during a 13-person trip to Punta la Gringa just north of Bahia de los Angeles. Photo courtesy John Carroll.

Mexico Fishing Photo 12

GUILLERMO GARROPA--Brian Benson fished north of Bahia de los Angeles with Guillermo's, and scored on this grouper, or garropa in Spanish, at a spot called "Bolstador" against the Baja shore opposite Los Machos on the big island. Photo courtesy Brian Benson.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 13

TOUGH COMPETITION--On his last trip to fish from shore at Rocky Point, Ryan Jenkins (shown) reported a commercial boat working the area and a catch of: "Halibut 0, Spotted Bay Bass 0, Pompano 0, Corvina 0, Triggerfish 0, Leopard Grouper 0." Photo courtesy Ryan Jenkins.

Mexico Fishing Photo 14

GREEN RAPALA POWER!--Green Rapala Magnums trolled on wire scored on these nice yellowtail for (left to right) Gustavo Dominguez, Alexis Gutierrez and Fernando Almada who fished on Almada's boat Fish Stalker at Punta San Antonio near San Carlos, Sonora. Photo courtesy Fernando Almada.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 15

ON NOAH'S ARC--Diego Bravo of Mexico City fished at Puerto Vallarta and landed his first ever sailfish on the Marla's Sportfishing charter boat Arca de Noe (Noah's Arc). Photo courtesy Danny Osuna.

Mexico Sportfishing Photo 16

ZIHUAT ON THE FLY--John Ring of Lodi, Calif., fished midweek at Zihuatanejo with Capt. Renee Morales and local fly fishing guide Ed Kunze, and scored on this sailfish aboard the charter boat Vamanos II. Photo courtesy Ed Kunze.

Mexico Fishing Photo 17

MYSTERY JIG REPRODUCTION--George Kellar's prototypes of the out-of-production S&G VK3 tuna jig (second and fourth from top), described in Western Outdoor News as the "Luis Maciel Mystery Jig," shown along with two originals. Photos courtesy George Kellar.

Mexico Fishing Photo 18

DOWN SOUTH CHRISTMAS--Eric Weissman of Explore Fly Fishing with a nice jack crevalle caught on fly tackle the day after Christmas at Playa Ventanilla, near Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. Photo courtesy Eric Weissman.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES