Cabo San Lucas striped marlin are biting on the Sea of Cortez side

Mexico Fishing News, May 29, 2006

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet reported a good count of 86 percent of charters releasing striped marlin last week, but only 22 percent landing just a few dorado, and yellowfin tuna very slow at 10 percent.

All 133 striped marlin landed by Pisces Fleet were released, Ehrenberg said, including a pair of 8-release days for Ni Modo and a 6-release day for Tracy Ann. "We had a fabulous week for striped marlin," Ehrenberg said. "There were plenty of boats with quadruple marlin days." Pisces boats fished mostly on the Cortez side from Chileno to Punta Gorda, under clear Cabo San Lucas fishing area skies, but with very rough conditions on the Pacific side.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week, Ehrenberg reported 73 percent of boats releasing striped marlin but action also very slow on yellowfin tuna and dorado with only 10 percent of boats landing those species. Top outings for the week included 3 boats with triple release days: Adriana, La Brisa, and Rebecca. "The boats fished the area of Destiladeras which is the day charter limit up the Sea of Cortez, the Gordo Banks, and areas closer to Cabo such as the 1150 spot and Red Hill," Ehrenberg said. "Not all boats met with success, but all saw marlin and at least threw bait to them."

Ehrenberg also noted that 29 boats fished 3 days in the inaugural World Championship Billfish Release Tournament, with first place taken by Bad Company with over 30 billfish released. "Unfortunately, the tournament did not receive enough promotion and didn't get much exposure," Ehrenberg said, "but with a million dollar prize for most fish released, this event is sure to attract a lot of attention next year."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 51 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 62 striped marlin, 37 yellowfin tuna, 20 dorado, 1 wahoo, and 3 skipjack tuna. Fleet boats found the best early week action around the 1150 spot, but later moved to the Pacific side off Cabo Falso. "This change shortened up the run and lengthened fishing time," Edwards said. Cabo water temperatures in excellent sea conditions at the end of the week were at 65 degrees on the Pacific side and up to 81 degrees on the Cortez side at the Gordo Banks.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 117 boats, with a catch including released fish of: 91 striped marlin, 67 yellowfin tuna, 7 yellowtail, 13 dorado, 2 wahoo, 3 toro, 14 skipjack, 1 mako shark, 15 bonita, 4 jack crevalle, 4 roosterfish, 4 cabrilla, 45 sierra, and 15 boats skunked.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 11 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 21 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 27 yellowfin tuna of 15 to 35 pounds, 3 dorado of 25 to 30 pounds, 1 jack crevalle of 20 pounds. The top day for the fleet was Wednesday, with 8 stripers released, including a 5-release day for El Budster.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing reported rough, green water on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, in some places up to 17 degrees cooler than up the Cortez side, last week that kept boats fishing to the east. "At the end of the week we had a cold spot right of 63 degrees in front of Cabo while the water on the Cortez side maintained an 80-degree presence," Landrum said. "Offshore on the Cortez side was bouncy, on the Pacific side it was unthinkable for a charter. The action was concentrated within 5 miles of shore on the Cortez side, off of Chileno Beach and the San Jose del Cabo area. The bite was either very early in the morning or late afternoon with the high tide. Almost all the boats were finding a couple of dozen fish a day and with luck 20 percent of them were biting."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Grant Hartman of Baja Anglers reported 2 recent outstanding fly tackle catches at Cabo San Lucas. Jeremy Stott of Colorado landed and released a 55-pound roosterfish with Baja Anglers on a 10WT rod. Morten Svendsen of Denmark also landed a potential record 35-pound cubera snapper with an 11WT rod. "We never applied to the IGFA, but we did keep it and it made incredible fish tacos," Hartman said. "The inshore fishing over the last few weeks has been inconsistent at best. On the good days we are teasing over 50 big roosterfish to the boat, and on the off days, we are lucky to see 4 or 5."

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Judy Ostberg of the boat Melody out of Ensenada's Marina Coral reported no bait at either Gordo's or Mike's on Friday and slow fishing in 5 to 6-foot swells during a run south to the Colonet area, finding some bonito and 2 yellowtail on the troll only. "We managed to find some paddies but had no success with the iron," Ostberg said. We started trolling and had triple and quadruple jig strikes of bonito, nothing of any size but all you wanted. Further on south we caught yellowtail on the troll, about 10 to 12 pounds. We were about 49 miles south of Ensenada when one engine quit. Not a good report. No one that I know fished out of the Coral on Saturday."

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet said he canceled trips several days last week due to wind and swells around the tip of Punta Banda, but some pangas did launch and anglers scored decent catches of bottom fish. Brian Foley fished with Capt. Beto on the Vonny I for a catch of: 5 lingcod, 15 sugarbass, 6 red rockcod, and 4 calico bass, and other anglers scoring similar counts with Capts. Beto and Hector during the week included Cesar Bermudez, Tom Paul, and Kellen Mitchell. At the end of the week Villarino said, "The water is starting to get very rough. We're canceling trips for Friday and Saturday." Ensenada fishing area weather at Punta Banda was clear in the low-70s, with afternoon winds of 9 m.p.h. and ocean swells of 4 to 5 feet.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: For the previous weekend, Sergio Susarrey of Sergio's Ensenada Sportfishing Center reported on 96 anglers fishing locally on the charter boats Ensenada Clipper, Shir-Lee, El Cazador, and Quest, with a catch of: 1 yellowtail, 5 bonito, 62 barracuda, 220 lingcod, and 375 rockcod.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the boat Bad Dog at Marina Coral reported on an offshore outing Saturday, May 20, 2006, on Tom McInally's boat Wide Open, running a total of 225 miles for some bonito and 2 yellowtail caught on a kelp paddy but no albacore. "The further we went west the worse it got," Ross said. "Not a paddy or one single bird the whole morning. No albacore, no signs of albacore. If it wasn't for the one paddy we found all day, the trip would have been a disaster. That was our first action as we trolled back from being over 80 miles west of Ensenada. I caught the only 2 yellowtail on the boat as Tom watched "The Poseidon Adventure" on his DVD." Four bonito to 10 pounds were also caught while fishing at sunset about 50 miles off Ensenada, Ross said.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Sam Saenz of Puerto Santo Tomas Resort said few visitors were in the area during the Memorial Day holiday period. One panga fished 3 days around Soledad Reef, Punta China, and Rancho Viejo about 100 to 150 feet deep for an assortment of mixed bottom fish including lingcod, rockcod, and whitefish, but no surface action. Local anglers averaged about half-a-sack of small perch and miscellaneous species as high swells arrived in the Puerto Santo Tomas fishing area on Thursday. In an event that was bound to happen sooner or later, James Christensen landed a 5-pound lingcod while fishing from the terrace of his room at Puerto Santo Tomas Resort, which sits directly above kelp beds that come right to shore, Saenz said.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's Camp said he had 32 boats fishing out of Erendira south of Ensenada during the week, in one of his best weeks ever, for continued very heavy counts of mixed bottom fish, but slower action on yellowtail, bonita, and barracuda on the surface. Water temperatures off Erendira were at 60 to 63 degrees, with very clear color in the main offshore fishing areas. Erendira weather had some rain on Sunday night and northwest winds through Wednesday, but boats were able to fish all week. Winds were calming on Sunday, and heavy volumes of bait continued to be seen in the area.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing reported on an offshore run out of San Quintin looking for albacore or tuna with anglers Chris Pierce and Dave Brown that produced yellowtail limits on fish of 12 to 15 pounds instead. "As we got out to 20 miles we got into yellows on paddies and some breezers as well," Catian said. "We trolled feathers and cedar plugs but caught only more yellows. The water was 65 degrees and purple-blue!" Shorter outings by K&M Offshore Sportfishing charter boats found good counts of red rockcod and calico bass, but no white seabass. "Memorial Day weekend brought some weather with it but our new Parkers make it a comfortable ride," Catian said. "We went south to look for the whites but it was not happening. Isla San Martin's southwest side is active with lots of bait and birds. Calicos were wide-open at times, mixed with a few yellows and barracuda." Water temperatures at Isla San Martin were at 58 to 63 degrees.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said winds blew most of the weekend in the San Quintin fishing area, but died down Sunday morning as boats headed out to look for yellowtail at Isla San Martin. "This will be our first chance to get to the island so I am not sure if the yellowtail are still there or not," Hillis said. Most San Quintin boats fished the 210 spot, about 3 to 4 miles off the point, for limits of smaller rockfish, whitefish, and a few sheephead.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin reported on an offshore run by his boat Santa Monica for no tuna, in 60.4-degree water, but a huge school of yellowtail found in open water about 13 miles out of San Quintin that yielded 15 forkies to 18 pounds on the surface. "Yes, on top of the water," Meza said. "The biggest volume of yellowtail I have seen in my life, taking everything. I called my cousin Paco who was fishing 14 miles south and he came up and landed 12." Other fishing around San Quintin was slow on halibut and white seabass, but good for mixed bottom fish.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: John Ryan of Brea, Calif., fished offshore out of San Quintin 2 days the previous weekend with Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing on their 25-foot Parker charter boat, running 25 to 30 miles the first day for 1 yellowtail of 14 pounds on the troll, plus a lot of lingcod and calico bass. "There were a lot of paddies," Ryan said, "but no fish under them." On the second day, Ryan said they ran south of San Quintin looking for white seabass, but settled for a fair catch of sandbass and red rockcod. San Quintin fishing area weather was good, with the offshore water temperature at 62.5 to 63 degrees.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported Magdalena Bay fishing area weather clear in the high-70s, with water temperatures of 60 to 69 degrees. A few boats ran out to the Thetis Bank during the week but had no action in cool seas still stirred up by recent winds. "Local shark fishermen also are reporting very little on the way out to their buoys west of the San Carlos entrada," Graham said. "The entrada itself is still producing fair action under bird schools for small yellows, bonito and an occasional sierra." Some grouper and pargo were caught just outside the Boca de Soledad opening near Puerto Lopez Mateos, and the Magdalena Bay mangrove channels at Devil's Curve produced some small snook, corvina, and leopard grouper.

Diana Hoyt of Mag Bay Outfitters at Puerto Lopez Mateos said water temperatures were at 66 degrees over the weekend, and the commercial scallop fishing season was to begin on Monday.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 86 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 52 striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 9 yellowfin tuna, 42 dorado, 5 mako shark, 4 roosterfish, 12 pompano, 18 pargo colorado, 11 dog snapper, 11 cabrilla, 16 sierra, 6 amberjack, 48 jack crevalle, and 112 bonito. Sardina live bait was scarce in the San Jose del Cabo sportfishing area and most boats used mullet, plus some mackerel caught offshore, as well as plentiful bolito and skipjack on the Gordo Banks. "Several roosterfish weighing up to 30 pounds were reported by surf anglers. The next two weeks is the time that roosterfish action breaks wide-open off San Jose de Cabo," Brictson said. "We hope that supplies of mullet remain adequate. With no sardinas available, it was not practical to target other inshore species such as pompano, sierra, or dogtooth snapper."

Brictson noted changes coming soon to the La Playita area when the new marina is completed this fall. "After the marina is completed the pangas will not be launching off the beach," Brictson said. "They are slated to be docked in an area that is located in front of La Playita Hotel. It is not a large area and will be very crowded for even 50 pangas. June 1 is when the Mexican national holiday of 'Dia de la Marina' is celebrated. The village of La Playita traditionally has the largest fiestas in the area. With the Puerto Los Cabos marina project now nearing completion, this might be the last year that this event is held in traditional fashion."

San Jose del Cabo fishing area weather had light breezes with local water temperatures at 77 degrees.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Grimes of San Jose del Cabo said he fished 2 days at the Inner Gordo Bank early in the week with Dave Grimes and Tim Gunther, finding very slow action but seeing whale sharks in the area just under the surface. "The whale sharks are still there," Grimes said. "I heard that a boat sank after hitting one of them. You can't forget that whale sharks swim just under the surface and are very hard to see. You have to go slow on the bajos when they are around." Grimes said wetsuits were needed for swimming at San Jose del Cabo because of the many jellyfish in the area. Kayak fishing near shore produced a sierra and a small dorado, plus some pargo and roosterfish seen.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported plenty of windy fishing conditions at East Cape last week. "The weather threw a wrench in the works here at the East Cape," Graham said. "First we had strong north winds that chewed up the beaches. Then the south winds kicked up for the last 3 days. Today the wind came up again and many boats were forced back inshore." Tom Bie fished the beaches in wind and had some chances on big roosterfish, but got no bites. Despite the wind, Homer Tollenaere and his wife Jenny had good action on roosters, jacks, and ladyfish from the Spa Buena Vista panga Mosca I. Graham said, "Offshore, the billfish continued to provide the best action along with tuna and even some dorado. Water temperatures are continuing to creep up which should attract more fish as we slide into the summer." East Cape fishing area weather was in the mid-90s, with water temperatures of 68 to 79 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Tammy Gaussoin of Rancho Buena Vista reported on 25 boats, with a catch including released fish of: 23 striped marlin, 1 blue marlin, 4 sailfish, 6 roosterfish, 14 dorado, and 1 wahoo.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero reported wind outside most of the week, but calmer conditions inshore where most boats were catching roosterfish, jack crevalle, pompano, pargo, grouper, and cabrilla. "The strong bite and calmer water have kept most boats closer to shore for the last few days," Ireland said. "There are lots of pargo and a strong roosterfish bite mixed with jacks and pompano everywhere." Boats making the run offshore found billfish and tuna very spread out and dorado action improved on fish to 40 pounds. East Cape fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures at 78 to 80 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Kevin Facius of San Diego fished inshore 3 days out of Hotel Punta Colorada on the cruiser Pez Gallo with Capt. Cayo and deckhand Ramon for good reef action around Los Frailes on pargo, cabrilla, triggerfish, jack crevalle, fortune jack, and 1 grouper. "Awesome reef fishing," Facius said. "There was plenty of sardina bait available, but few mackerel. We had calm seas everyday, and sunny days with a good breeze in the afternoon. Another fabulous trip to Punta Colorada in the East Cape."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Ash Pickering of the Vista Sea Sport dive service at Buena Vista reported water temperatures at depth reaching the 82-degree mark at the Cabo Pulmo coral reef last week, but with variable visibility due to winds. "Unfortunately we've had a bit of wind blowing the vis around, giving us days from about 30 feet up to a max of about 70 feet," Pickering said. Whale shark had not shown up last week, but sea life sightings included dolphin, rays, nudibranchs, guitarfish, and jewfish up to 6 feet long.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the previous week, Axel Valdez of Buena Vista Beach Resort reported on 44 boats, with 132 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 46 striped marlin, 24 sailfish, 12 dorado, 36 yellowfin tuna, 14 roosterfish, 44 snapper, 1 amberjack, 2 ladyfish, 9 triggerfish, 3 cabrilla, 1 skipjack tuna, and 6 sierra. East Cape fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 75 to 79 degrees. "The bait situation was better this week," Valdez said, "but it can't be called good. We wish we had a little more bait.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the week ending May 18, 2006, Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 171 charter boats from combined fleets including Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, Punta Colorada, Buena Vista Beach Resort, Rancho Leonero, and Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, with 504 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 202 striped marlin, 65 sailfish, 68 dorado, 78 yellowfin tuna, 59 pargo, 8 amberjack, 1 cabrilla, and 5 roosterfish. East Cape fishing area water temperatures were at 72 to 83 degrees, with light winds in the afternoons.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Bill Woods of Las Tinas, just north of Punta Pescadero, noted that his catch in the area using trolled MirrOlure 111MR plugs has included many large jack crevalle and most recently a 13-kilo yellowtail hooked half-a-mile south of the Hotel Punta Pescadero. The same colors of Jointed Rebels, gold-orange and blue-silver, are still favorites for sierra in the early morning off our beaches," Woods said.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International called last week's wind "darned snotty." Some fish were caught by soaked anglers on the Las Arenas side, but they definitely struggled. "One day at Las Arenas, it looked like Victory at Sea," Roldan said. "I felt badly for the gamer guys who still fished. They caught fish, but it was pretty gutty." La Paz fishing area waters were warming to 80 degrees, though, and dorado were beginning to show in the 20 to 30-pound class, plus a 47 pounder landed by Roger Goldwaite of Los Angeles. Other fish brought in by boats at Ensenada de los Muertos included jacks to about 20 pounds, bonito of 10 to 15 pounds, a few pargo still hanging around, and some larger roosterfish south of the bay. "Most folks are concentrating on the dorado now," Roldan said. "Marlin are in the waters too. Several were raised, but none stuck on the hook."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Dos Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said La Paz fishing was steady on the Las Arenas side last week, but with few boats going out in stiff wind from the south. Pangas moved to the Punta Arena launch area due to south winds, and were able to find bait close by, especially a good volume of sardina at Barco Varado, but also near the beach at Ensenada de los Muertos. "This helped us," Hernandez said, "since we didn't have to run out to Isla Cerralvo for bait in the wind." Las Arenas fishing action was variable, with some larger dorado (also mahi-mahi or dolphinfish) caught on some days and other days with all boats skunked. A moving school of yellowfin tuna was seen about 20 miles off Punta Perico, but no fish could be hooked. Marlin and sailfish, plus some dorado, were seen off the south point of Isla Cerralvo, but fishing at the island was slower overall, except for good numbers of pargo lisa in the shallows, of which many were hooked and some landed.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Patty Zapata of Loreto's Hotel Oasis said boats fished all week despite some windy days, especially on Wednesday. Seven outings from Monday through Saturday with Capts. Antonio Monzon Jr., Isidro Mendoza, Poncho Susarrey, Servando Davis, Antonio Monzon, and Federico Javier Martinez produced a combined catch at Punta Lobos, Punta Choya, Punta Perico, and Isla Coronado that included: 17 dorado of 4 to 42 pounds, 3 yellowtail of 18 to 28 pounds, 1 pargo of 45 pounds, and 1 sailfish. "On Wednesday, Mary Ann Altaffer with skipper Poncho Susarrey decided to go fishing even though it was a really windy morning," Zapata said. "Only a few boats went fishing this day. Her captain advised that the water was safe and it turned out to be a great day for her. At Punta Perico near 'Las Casitas' on Carmen Island, she got a 45-pound pargo with 25-pound test line."

LORETO, MEXICO: Pam Bolles of Baja Big Fish Company reported Loreto offshore action bouncing back on Saturday after being knocked out by wind most of the week. "Saturday morning started out chilly with wind from the north as early as 4 a.m., so we didn't expect much," Bolles said. "But boats returned as early as noon with nice dorado, billfish, yellowtail, and big cabrilla. The fishing came back!" Dorado, sailfish, and marlin were caught north of Loreto at Bajo de Mercenarios and also at La Vaca off the north end of Isla Carmen.

Earlier, Loreto fishing was thin and scattered due to wind and rough seas most of the week. "Two cold fronts passed over us," Bolles said. "Boats tried to fish anyway. Inshore was decent, but really, it was the only place to keep out of the wind. Fishing remained poor up through Friday."

Bolles also noted that she would be setting dorado buoys out this week. "We'll set one at Bajo de las Boyas and another over the 50 spot just off Punta Lobos," she said. "Each one costs approximately $200 so I sure hope folks appreciate them! We plan on setting some more closer in as we've found some new bajos with the depth sounder.

"The sardinas being netted right now are of poor quality and size and we're hoping the larger ones will move back into shallower water. The sardineros say that there are no large game fish to chase them in so they can be netted. Perhaps all that gill netting is taking a toll."

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos reported Santa Rosalia fishing area weather variable with some strong north winds to 20 knots, heavy fog at midweek, air temperatures to the mid-80s, and water temperatures at 70 to 73 degrees, with 20 to 23 feet of visibility around the islands, and 73 to 76 degrees with blue color and over 40 feet of visibility offshore where small dorado were caught.

Three late-week outings with Alan Lewis, Kevin Ward, Doug Moranville, and Mike Herman produced a catch of: 19 yellowtail, 1 leopard grouper, and a lot of goldspotted bass, plus an unusual sighting of a whale shark in the channel off San Lucas Cove. "Out in Craig Channel, I noted an abundance of sea life," Kanzler said. "Whales, dolphin, manta ray, squid, acres of sardines, and birds. Then I saw a big shark-like fin. Whale shark! I've only seen 2 others in 14 years here."

Kanzler noted that $3,000 was raised for local children by this year's Yellowtail ShootOut Tournament, with over 20 boats fishing and over 70 fish caught on May 20-21, 2006. Prizes for the best 2-day catch went to: First Place, Charley Hause, top 2 fish, 58.213 pounds total; Second Place, Howard Guzman, 2 fish total, 51.124 pounds; and Larry Sovern, 2 fish total, 50.838 pounds. Prizes for biggest individual fish went to: Raul Lyle, 32.915 pounds; Raul Zuñiga, 31.151 pounds; and Ray Tiller, 28.880 pounds.

Tournament sponsors included: The COMSA gypsum mining company of Isla San Marcos; ProGear Reels; Alan Lewis of San Lucas Cove R/V parks; the Pegasus and H&M Landing, San Diego; the Searcher and Fisherman's Landing, San Diego; Hotel Caracoles, Guerrero Negro; Bob's Custom Rods, Huntington Beach; Rick Barber, MCT Mulege; Brenda Goodson, Las Casitas Hotel, Santa Rosalia; Mario Angel, Isla San Marcos; and the Isla San Marcos Comunidad de Estudiantes.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Andrea Velez of Baja Sportfishing, Inc., reported on a 6-day Midriff Islands trip by the panga mothership Erik, returning to San Felipe on May 25, 2006, with 18 anglers charter mastered by Mike Karayan and a catch of: 370 yellowtail, 18 to 35 pounds; 210 cabrilla, 6 to 22 pounds; 18 pargo; 1 white seabass, 37 pounds; 3 grouper, 20 to 47 pounds; 10 sierra, 15 pounds; 348 miscellaneous species fish; and giant Humboldt squid used for bait. "Bait was very good," Velez said. "The weather was beautiful, a little windy but it didn't affect fishing on the pangas. Fishing south of Snake Island was still poor. It should get better in the next few weeks. Fishing was great at Snake Island, San Bernabe, Punta Refugio, Punta Diablo, San Luis Gonzaga, Ensenada Grande, and the Golden Reef."

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Kat Hammontré of Sanfelipe.com.mx reported on a 6-day Midriff Islands trip by the panga mothership Jose Andres, returning to San Felipe on May 26, 2006, with a catch of: 155 yellowtail, 18 to 33 pounds; 2 pinto bass, 20 to 33 pounds; 9 white seabass; 150 cabrilla; 22 red snapper; 11 sheephead; 116 spotted bay bass; 1 shark; and 44 miscellaneous fish. Midriff Islands fishing weather was windy at the beginning of the trip, but calming later in the week. "A lot of 3-wheelers are going insane at San Felipe," Hammontré said on Saturday. "Great weather. Simply the best."

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Bill Molden of San Carlos reported plenty of wind last week. "Saying it's been rough this week would be a major understatement!" Molden said. "Three to 6-foot seas have been the norm and it's been for the most part out of the northwest, lowering water temperatures by 5 degrees." A few dorado were still reported by San Carlos fishing boats. "The 100 percent release Ladies International Fishing Tournament is going on this weekend," Molden said. "Next weekend is the Rescate/San Carlos Yacht Club Tournament. Let's hope the seas lay down a bit."

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 6 Mazatlan inshore super pangas with a catch of: 113 baqueta including many releases, 7 red snapper, and 25 miscellaneous species fish. "The inshore action remains very good and fast and the baquetas took center stage this week," Edwards said. Seventeen offshore Aries Fleet boats fishing out of Mazatlan's Marina el Cid, reported a catch including released fish of: 24 striped marlin, 3 sailfish, 1 dorado, and 8 yellowfin tuna. "The lack of sailfish and dorado action is very unusual at this time of year," Edwards said. "The fleet is having several shots at the stripers everyday, but only an occasional dorado or yellowfin tuna." Mazatlan fishing area weather was sunny at 90 degrees, with water temperatures at 80 degrees inshore, and 82 degrees in the main offshore fishing area 20 to 25 miles southwest of Marina el Cid. Most offshore fish were caught on rigged mullet baits and some on petrolero colored lures.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Quinonez of PV Marlin Sportfishing said the dorado run off Punta Mita took a break early in the week and his Puerto Vallarta charter boat Lorena settled for mostly bonita until more dorado moved in on Saturday. "Finally on a 10-hour trip Saturday we found the dorado again and Steve Hass and crew landed 10 of them, 6 small ones and 4 good size," Quinonez said. The Lorena fished 3 times during the week and also took time off for maintenance. "Not a whole lot happening for us this week, but we needed some time off for general maintenance," Quinonez said. "No sign of the tuna yet, but with the water temperature in the mid-80s outside the bay, it should be soon."

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said, "As I predicted, the warm water current moved in from the south and the fishing improved." The Ixtapa Zihuatanejo sportfishing fleet averaged about 5 combined blue marlin per day. Capt. Santiago of the panga Gitana released 7 sailfish early in the week for angler John Wilkinson of Michigan, and had release days of 6, 5, and 5 sailfish on following days with anglers John and Ben Fuller of Boston. Inshore fishing around Ixtapa also improved in 82-degree water. "The best action is still 30 miles south near Papanoa, but in the next couple of weeks all the traditional roosterfish areas should have good populations of fish," Kunze said. Ixtapa fishing area weather was in the low-80s, with thunderstorms and a water temperature range of 78 to 84 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Paul Phillips of the Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament said Capt. Santiago's 4-day catch including released fish was 23 sailfish. "Roosterfish are starting to show," Phillips said, "mostly to the south at this time but they should move in shortly. There are very few boats out, but they are the best captains that are fishing."

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters relayed reports from Abel Cortez of Zihuatanejo saying blue water was 7 to 9 miles out with improved fishing both inshore and offshore. Cortez' charter boat Grand Jefe fished 3 days with live and rigged baits for a catch of: 1 blue marlin, 6 sailfish, 36 bonito, 18 rainbow runner, and 3 jacks. The charter fishing panga Dos Hermanos I reported a 2-day catch including released fish of: 3 sailfish, 11 dorado, 14 bonito, 8 sierra, and 30 mixed jacks. Ixtapa fishing area weather was cloudy and humid at 90 degrees, with clear water in all fishing locations at 84 to 85 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Anglers Gregg Bosnak and Jadey Chin of San Francisco fished on the charter boat Dos Hermanos with Capt. Adolpho Espinoza and mate Jesus for a 3-day fly tackle catch of: 1 yellowfin tuna of 20 pounds; 22 jack crevalle, also called "yellowtail jacks," of 15 to 20 pounds; 5 large needlefish; 12 greenjack landed and 2 released; and 2 released ladyfish at 4.5 and 5.8 pounds that would have qualified for 20-pound tippet records. One sailfish was also caught during the trip. "What great fights and great pictures," Bosnak said. "Great fishing inshore for us. What started out as a honeymoon turned her into a fisherwoman. What a lucky guy!"

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR CANCUN

CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 17 El Cid Caribe fleet boats fishing out of Puerto Morelos near Cancun, with a catch including released fish of: 8 sailfish, 5 white marlin, 28 dorado, 4 barracuda, 2 tuna, and 1 wahoo of 30 pounds. Angler Tony DeCicco of Pennsylvania fished on the 28-foot cruiser Pescadora I for his first-ever marlin release, 4 dorado into the 40-pound class, and a large dorado lost at gaff. El Cid Caribe boats were fishing from 2 miles outward, in light winds and stable water temperatures at 82 degrees throughout the Cancun fishing area. Rigged ballyhoo baits were used.

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Photo 1 Cabo San Lucas Fishing Photo 2

CABO MARLIN MAGIC--Mike Curran of Petaluma fished out of Cabo San Lucas on the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Cabo Magic in mid-May to celebrate his 50th birthday and he released 5 striped marlin, plus landing some yellowfin tuna and some small dorado thrown back. At right, one of Curran's stripers comes to the boat with its fins on fire. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Photo 3

CABO FLY BIGGIES--Two lucky anglers fishing recently with Grant Hartman of Baja Anglers at Cabo San Lucas scored a couple of awesome catches on fly tackle. Here's Jeremy Scott's 55-pound roosterfish landed on a 10WT rod and, below, Morten Svendsen's 35-pound cubera snapper caught with an 11WT. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRANT HARTMAN.

Cabo San Lucas Fishing Photo 4

Morten Svendsen's 35-pound cubera snapper caught with an 11WT fly rod, while fishing with Baja Anglers at Cabo San Lucas. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT HARTMAN.

San Quintin Fishing Photo 1 San Quintin Fishing Photo 2

SAN QUINTIN ACTION--An offshore run produced yellowtail limits about 20 miles out of San Quintin for anglers fishing with Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing. At right, plenty of bottom fish were also caught during outings closer to shore and south of the bay. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY CATIAN.

San Quintin Fishing Photo 3

SAN MARTIN CALICO--John Ryan fished with Capt. Kelly Catian of San Quintin's K&M Offshore Sportfishing and landed a lot of lingcod and calico bass including this one off the south end of Isla San Martin. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN RYAN.

Magdalena Bay Mexico Fishing Photo 1

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REMOTE BAJA BEACH FISHING--Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said his clients have been fishing out of Puerto Lopez Mateos at Magdalena Bay along the remote Pacific beaches of Isla Magdalena, while staying with Mag Bay Outfitters. Anglers can fish from Mag Bay Outfitter's boats, or cross by ferry from Puerto Lopez Mateos to the island for "old Baja" surf fishing action on jacks, snappers, snook, and even white seabass that can be seen cruising along the faces of the waves. Info: bajafly@bajafly.com. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARY GRAHAM.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

PASSING SCENE--Gordo Banks Pangas' Capt. Tony at La Playita beach with a 50-pound class wahoo caught at the Gordo Banks off San Jose del Cabo for angler Pat Walsh last week. The traditional beach launching of pangas at La Playita will come to an end with the completion of San Jose del Cabo's new Puerto Los Cabos marina project scheduled this fall. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LOS FRAILES FORTUNE JACK--Kevin Facius of San Diego fished 3 days inshore with Capt. Cayo out of East Cape's Hotel Punta Colorada and found great action on mixed reef species including this nice fortune jack, 1 of 2 caught during the trip. The rare fortune jack is often misidentified as a young amberjack. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN FACIUS. FISH IDENTIFICATION COURTESY OF JEFF RUMBLE.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

THEY'RE ON THE WAY--Dorado were beginning to show at La Paz last week, and Scott Kendall of Van Nuys ripped this nice bull on live bait while fishing out of Ensenada de los Muertos on the Las Arenas side with Capt. Archangel of Tailhunter International. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Loreto Mexico Fishing Photo 1

PICK YOUR SIZE--Loreto weather was definitely windy last week, but Deanna and John Clicker snuck out with the Hotel Oasis' Capt. Francisco Javier Martinez for a nice mixed catch of dorado to 45 pounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY ZAPATA.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BEAUTIFUL BAJO DAY--Doug Moranville and Mike Herman with a couple of quality yellowtail caught with Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos at the 110 bajo off Santa Rosalia. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 2

SMOOTH GLIDER--Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos found Santa Rosalia waters full of sea life last week, including this whale shark in Craig Channel near San Lucas Cove, only the third that Kanzler has seen during his 14 years in the area. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 3

YELLOWTAIL SHOOTOUT TOURNAMENT--Boats return to Isla San Marcos during the recent 2006 Yellowtail ShootOut Tournament that raised $3,000 for area children. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 4

WEIGH-IN TABLE--Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos mans the weigh-in scales during the recent Isla San Marcos 2006 Yellowtail ShootOut benefit tournament. Over 20 boats completed in the event off Santa Rosalia. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

San Felipe Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BIG CORTEZ HAMMERHEAD--This large scalloped hammerhead shark was caught last week at San Felipe by a local commercial fisherman and photographed at the marina by Kat Hammontré of Sanfelipe.com.mx. "He snuggled up next to it to show the size," Hammontré said. "I asked him to put his arms around it, and he laughed and hopefully headed for the shower." PHOTO COURTESY OF KAT HAMMONTRE.

Sea of Cortez Midriff Mexico Fishing Photo 1

MIDRIFF GOLDIE--Kenny Gonzalez' Midriff Islands catch aboard the San Felipe panga mothership Tony Reyes this month included this 15-pound class golden grouper, or golden phase leopard grouper, also called "cabrilla," that Gonzalez hooked about 6:30 p.m. at Punta Final on a sardina bait. "It was the only golden grouper caught on the trip," Gonzalez said. PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNY GONZALEZ.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FLYING AT IXTAPA--San Francisco fly tackle anglers Jadey Chin, right, and Gregg Bosnak fished out of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo on the charter boat Dos Hermanos with Capt. Adolpho and mate Jesus for a big load of mixed species, including this nice jack crevalle, also called "yellowtail jack" locally, and 2 released ladyfish that would have qualified for 20-pound tippet records. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGG BOSNAK.

Bahia Agua Verde Mexico Fishing Photo 1

KING OF THE MOON--Tim O'Brien of the Bluefish Bed & Breakfast at Harwich Center, Cape Cod, Mass., caught this rainbow over the beach at Bahia Agua Verde, south of Loreto. The same area, renamed "Caleta Agua Amargosa," was the 1960s setting for the award winning Baja novel King of the Moon. PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM O'BRIEN.

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