Yellowtail on a rip at San Quintin, Puerto Vallarta hot on football tuna

Mexico Fishing News, June 26, 2006

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Boats fishing at San Quintin's Isla San Martin last week were into wide-open limits of 12 to 20-pound yellowtail plus some fish over 25-pounds. Stan Vath of San Quintin reported hot yellowtail action on Lorenzo Biedebach's boat fishing about a mile north of Isla San Martin in 63-degree water for a steady pick of 15 to 20-pound yellowtail on white and chrome jigs fished off the bottom, plus a 25-pound white seabass.

Vath fished with Jerry Goree of Campo Lorenzo and Goree's son Andrew. "A steady pick all morning until we limited out," Vath said. "Many yellowtail were caught on the drop, and some on the grind, but deep. Jerry caught some on his homemade squid jigs. We were back at the ramp by 1:30 p.m." San Quintin fishing area weather was calm. The total catch for the day was: 20 yellowtail of 15 to 20 pounds, 1 white seabass of 25 pounds; 5 large sandbass, 4 calico bass, and 11 sugar bass.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said 2 boats sent out to the tuna grounds 18 to 20 miles off San Quintin found blue water but no tuna last week, although a couple of kelp paddies produced yellowtail limits of 15-pound fish for anglers Richard Blazick and Ron Lewis, who fished on the Rommy with Capt. Hector. Boats fishing closer in at Isla San Martin found good yellowtail action 125 to 140 feet deep with live bait and jigs. Hillis noted that the new San Quintin launch ramp and pier should allow smooth launching for the tournament on July 22, 2006. "With the improvements made on the pier and ramp behind the Old Mill Hotel, private boats as well as local pangueros should experience a much smoother launch into the bay," Hillis said. SAN QUINTIN NEW RAMP AND PIER.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Fresia Garcia of Don Eddie's Landing reported very good yellowtail action for San Quintin boats. An early afternoon count at the ramp on Friday showed about 257 yellowtail caught from 12 to 30 pounds. Three boats out of Don Eddie's had a total of 67 yellowtail of 14 to 27 pounds. "The yellows are here in good numbers," Garcia said. "Bonitas were also plentiful." San Quintin weather was calm and clear and Don Eddie's boats were fishing about 12 miles off the point. Garcia also noted Don Eddie's "Fourth of July Tournament" with fishing on July 2-3, 2006. "If you are going to reserve rooms for this event please do it as soon as possible," Garcia said. "Rooms will be reserved for a 3-day stay and the fourth day will be optional. There are just a few rooms left for this event." Information: 011-52-616-165-6061, doneddie@hotmail.com.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Gene Allshouse of San Quintin Sport Fishing said boats fishing at Isla San Martin found wide-open yellowtail of 10 to 15 pounds on Friday. "The biggest yellowtail was just over 25 pounds," Allshouse said. "On Saturday the bite died off some with the pressure of all the boats, but there were still quite a few brought in." Allshouse also noted that his new website is at sanquintinsportfishing.org.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin, just back from a hot yellowtail trip out of Casa Diaz at Bahia de los Angeles, reported excellent yellowtail action also in his home waters. "San Quintin is full of yellowtail to 20 pounds right now," Meza said. "There are incredibly easy limits at Isla San Martin."

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Denis Quesnel of Action Lures reported on Friday that Capt. Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing got into wide-open yellowtail action at Isla San Martin. "Kelly just called me and said the yellowtail are 30-pound fish," Quesnel said. "He had 8 fish by 11 a.m. on my squid iron."

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: For the previous weekend, Ben Fesagaiga of Carson, Calif., reported an outing with Capt. Miguel out of Pedro's Pangas, trolling with Rapalas at Isla San Martin and landing 2 yellowtail of about 20 pounds from a triple hookup, plus a steady bite on quality rockcod. "We did well," Fesagaiga said. "We scored on bigger red rockfish all day long. We tried in the afternoon for yellowtail on the northwest side of the island, but nothing."

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Memo Gomez of El Dorado Sportfishing reported on a run to Isla Todos Santos with 2 anglers on Friday by his charter super panga El Dorado for a catch of: 2 yellowtail, 12 bonita, 8 barracuda, 12 lingcod, and 4 calico bass. Ensenada weather was calm and windless with a water temperature of 66.5 degrees and the fish were caught with both bait and jigs. "The fishing and weather were very good," Gomez said. "We had just a few clouds, no wind, and good action at the north point of the island."

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet reported Punta Banda weather partly cloudy in the mid-70s, with light breezes, 2 to 4-foot ocean swells, and water temperatures at 64 degrees. Vonny's Fleet charter pangas fishing at Punta Banda scored steady limits of bottom fish all week, including whitefish, lingcod, and rockcods, plus surface calico bass, barracuda, and 1 yellowtail of 35 pounds caught at the end of the week. PUNTA BANDA PANGA FISHING.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sergio Susarrey of Sergio's Ensenada Sportfishing Center reported on 233 anglers fishing aboard the charter boats Ensenada Clipper, Shirlee-too, Shirlee, Cazador, Quest, and Clipper II, with a catch of: 132 yellowtail, 399 bonito, 35 barracuda, 6 calico bass, 52 sandbass, 32 white seabass, 1 halibut, 1 yellowfin tuna, 1 bluefin tuna, 15 bigeye tuna, 39 albacore, 209 lingcod, 234 rockcod, 54 whitefish, 1 salmon grouper, 2 sheephead, and 6 red rockcod.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sammy Susarrey of Lily Fleet reported on a midweek offshore outing by the charter boat Trobin Robin with 2 anglers, for a catch at GPS 31.39 117.00 of albacore of 20 and 40 pounds, 2 bluefin tuna of 20 pounds, and 3 yellowtail of 12 pounds on kelp paddies. The tuna were found about 12 miles out of Marina Coral and they hit dark Zuker feathers on the troll. "Dark black-red and dark black-green got the fish," Susarrey said. Ensenada offshore water temperatures were at 66.7 degrees.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Glenn Sugiki of Pomona and a fishing partner drove into Puerto Santo Tomas Resort and fished from a panga 2 days with Capt. Marcos for limits of red rockcod, lingcod, and mixed bottom species. They fished north of the resort at Soledad Reef, about 150 to 200 feet deep, with hooks and jigs tipped with squid. Sugiki noted that services were good at Puerto Santo Tomas. "Sam stayed at the resort while we were there just to ensure everything went all right," Sugiki said. "The service was beyond par and they treated us like family." PANGA FISHING OUT OF PUERTO SANTO TOMAS RESORT.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's Camp said he had 21 boats fishing during the week out of Erendira, in mostly good weather, with light breezes from the northwest and just a few clouds. Fishing was very good for red rockcod, whitefish, lingcod, calico bass, and sandbass. Surface action also picked up last week. "On the way to the bottom fishing, we're trolling lures and catching bonitas, barracuda, and we also got 1 small yellowtail," Castro said. Clear blue water at 61 to 63 degrees was in the main fishing areas 6 to 8 miles from the coast, with no red tides, and lots of bait. Many large Humboldt squid were also caught the last 3 days of the week.

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Juanchys Aguilar of La Bocana on the Baja Pacific coast reported on this year's 11th annual Punta Eugenia yellowtail tournament, with 84 anglers fishing 1 day for a total weighed catch of: 76 yellowtail, and 45 calico bass. Winning yellowtail were caught by: First place, Johny Camacho, Bahia Tortugas, 39.9 pounds; Second place, Arturo Lopez Jr., Guerrero Negro, 38.8 pounds; Third place, Frank Olachea, Isla Natividad, 38.5 pounds; Total fish caught, Jose Lopez, Chula Vista, Calif., 246.3 pounds. "Although we didn't win a prize, we had a great time at the tournament with lots of good food and live music," Aguilar said. Water temperatures at Punta Eugenia were at 62 degrees, with calm, clear water.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: At La Bocana, Aguilar reported continued rough seas on the open Pacific and the fishing outside mainly for cabrilla, whitefish, and calico bass. Inside Laguna la Bocana, fishing was very good for halibut of 15 to a high last week of 39.3 pounds. PUNTA EUGENIA YELLOWTAIL TOURNAMENT REPORT.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Earlier, Gabriel Jimenez said his father Javier Barrera of Gardena, Calif., fished with Capt. Lee "Librado" Moreno at Calamu, on the Baja coast just north of San Quintin, for a great catch of 2 white seabass of 55 and 57 pounds, plus a big count of sandbass averaging about 3 pounds. Jimenez said they fished on Moreno's panga about 1.5 to 2 miles offshore.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported lots of smaller grouper, spotted bay bass, and pompano caught in the Magdalena Bay mangrove channels from San Carlos north to Puerto Lopez Mateos. The San Carlos entrada continued with some action for surface firecracker yellowtail and bonito. Offshore of Magdalena Bay a few scattered reports came in for marlin, dorado, and yellowfin tuna in continued unseasonably cool water temperatures. Magdalena Bay weather was in the high-70s, with water temperatures at 61 to 66 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said Cabo San Lucas had a temporary spell of cold, very green water and slower fishing last week. "The fishing went downhill for all species unless you went 40-plus miles out," Landrum said. "The California Current kicked in strong and cold, and green-brown water wrapped around the cape as far north on the Cortez side as the Gorda Banks. On the June 21st I recorded water at 64 degrees at the arch and it was almost pea soup green. By Friday, we had 82 degrees and it was getting blue again."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 46 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 25 striped marlin, 15 dorado, 1 roosterfish, and 51 yellowfin tuna. "Greenish water wrapped the cape and the water temperatures fell to about 65 degrees," Edwards said. "Sportfishing catches were down and live bait was very difficult." TOUGH FISHING CONDITIONS AT CABO.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 117 Cabo San Lucas charter boats, with a catch including released fish of: 36 striped marlin, 13 yellowfin tuna, 16 dorado, 1 wahoo, 1 mako shark, 12 sierra, 16 roosterfish, 1 jack crevalle, 2 bonita, and 24 boats with no luck.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jorge Narro of Pisces Fleet reported "one of the slowest weeks so far" for fleet boats at Cabo, with 42 percent of boats releasing billfish, 19 percent landing yellowfin tuna, 18 percent with dorado, and 66 percent with all species combined. Fleet boats fished mostly on the Cortez side in water temperatures warming from about 71 degrees up to as high was 86 degrees by the end of the week. Cabo San Lucas sportfishing area weather was sunny at 100 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 10 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 6 striped marlin, 16 yellowfin tuna of 20 to 25 pounds, 7 dorado of 20 to 25 pounds. Fishing was slow during the week. Describing Tuesday's action, Dillon said, "Of the 25 boats that go out of Dock #3, only 1 boat caught 1 fish.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week, Jane and Jerry Muszynski of Walnut, Calif., fished a day on the Aby's Sportfishing charter boat Charley V for a catch about 6 to 15 miles south of land's end of 1 striped marlin and 2 dorado. "We worked 5 striped marlin, with 1 hooked and landed," Jerry Muszynski said. Cabo San Lucas weather was windy and swelly, with water temperatures at about 78 degrees. Muszynski said he also fished the Pacific side surf 3 days, looking for roosterfish but not finding them. "Zero sightings and luck," he said. "I was told via Jansen Surf Fishing that there was action in the Sea of Cortez on the East Cape."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Kent Rodriguez of Fresno fished at Cabo San Lucas in mid-June and reported a substandard experience with a hotel booked boat. "We booked a trip through our hotel," Rodriguez said. "Very disappointed. We hooked 2 fish and the deckhand lost both at the boat. A wahoo of about 70 pounds was lost when he grabbed the leader and snapped him off. A 30-pound dorado that he gaffed dropped overboard while taking the lure out. To top it off, the captain returned 2 hours early with no explanation."

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: 37 striped marlin, 22 roosterfish, 18 dorado, 32 tooth snapper, 66 purple surgeonfish, 86 yellowtail snapper, 4 hammerhead shark, 11 colorado snapper, 16 cabrilla, 8 pompano, 6 amberjack, 18 sierra, 26 jack crevalle, 145 Mexican bonito, and 55 triggerfish. Los Cabos fishing area waters were clearing and warming to 82 degrees and overall conditions were improving. Roosterfish of 30 to 50 pounds were caught along beaches south of Punta Gorda. LA PLAYITA PANGA FISHING REPORT.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Lewis of San Jose del Cabo reported cold, green water around the Los Cabos fishing area, with 64 degrees at the Cabo San Lucas marina, up to about 70 degrees farther out. "I fished yesterday on my boat Dos Gueros and saw nothing at all," Lewis said. "We heard radio reports of green water out 25 miles but blue after 30 miles. Very few reports of fish caught." The previous week, Lewis' son Austin landed his first marlin, about 25 miles south of Cabo San Lucas. "He fought for about 45 minutes on 40-pound test," Lewis said. "My friend kept the fish to feed his employees so we did not release, but it was not wasted meat."

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero reported hot fishing on Saturday, with all boats limiting on tuna of 30 to 60 pounds, with some wahoo mixed in, about 26 miles straight out from the hotel. During the week, East Cape anglers fished close in from Punta Pescadero south to Los Frailes for continued good action as boats averaged more than 1 marlin and about 2 dorado and 2 yellowfin tuna per outing. Most dorado and tuna were 10 to 15 pounds, plus some larger fish mixed in, including tuna to 70 pounds and dorado to 45 pounds. The Little One Marlin Tournament turned in a count of 50 marlin released for 40 fishing days. Inshore fishing continued good for roosterfish mixed with amberjack and cabrilla on all beaches south to Las Barracas. East Cape weather was mostly calm, in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 83 to 85 degrees. RANCHO LEONERO EAST CAPE FISHING.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Axel Valdez of Buena Vista Beach Resort reported on 91 boats fishing at East Cape, with 305 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 3 blue marlin, 80 striped marlin, 11 sailfish, 139 dorado, 76 tuna, 1 wahoo, 33 roosterfish, 1 shark, 22 snapper, 14 jack crevalle, 1 bonito, 5 ladyfish, 5 pompano, 4 cabrilla, 9 skipjack tuna, and 2 sierra. "Our fleet was going a little farther than week," Valdez said. "As the Cabo Pulmo bite slowed down a little, they were going out from La Ribera to Los Frailes." Angler Togo Gradson lost an estimated 150-pound broadbill swordfish 6 feet from leader after a 3-1/2 hour fight on 30-pound line.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 324 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 956 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 6 blue marlin, 193 striped marlin, 7 sailfish, 318 dorado, 551 yellowfin tuna, 23 pargo, 3 wahoo, 3 amberjack, 4 pompano, and 15 cabrilla. East Cape fishing area weather was in the low 100s, with calm mornings, afternoon wind chop, and water temperatures of 74 to 87 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport diving service at Buena Vista and the charter boat Jen Wren reported a 101-pound yellowfin tuna caught by angler Randy Aroz, his first tuna over 100 pounds, while fishing in "Tidy Bowl blue," 83-degree water about 30 miles straight out from Buena Vista on Tuesday. "The fish ate a live sardine on 50-pound test line about 10:30 a.m. and the battle lasted 4-1/2 hours," Rayor said. "This toad jumped completely out of the water chasing Randy's sardine. I knew we were in trouble when he ate it. The boys stayed up late that night canning tuna and filled 4 cases of pint jars."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Steve Crouch reported 25 anglers and 7 boats fishing out of Hotel Rancho Buena Vista for 3 days during the 18th annual Crouch/Roberts No Kill Billfish Tournament June 3-7, 2006, for a combined total of 20 marlin released. Crouch's Tag & Brag team, with himself, Jim Jenks, and Tim Roberts, released 6 marlin for first place, and also caught a 53-pound yellowfin tuna for first place in the tuna division. Most fish were caught south off Cabo Pulmo. "The fishing was good, not great, but good," Crouch said. "Once again the tournament produced numerous releases and not one dead marlin reported. For the first time in 17 years the tournament was changed from a July date to a June date. June is now the new month for the Crouch/Roberts."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: At Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, Marisol Verdugo said fishing was good for yellowfin tuna last week, with good numbers brought in by Verdugo's boats and some larger fish as well. Dorado action was only fair for mostly small to medium fish, although 1 fish of about 60 pounds was caught. Fleet boats were very busy and fishing daily.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Russ Fritz of La Ribera fished 4 days during the week on his panga Soplado and reported marlin, dorado, some wahoo, and a few tuna all within 3 miles of the beach. "Big tuna have been taken 30 miles offshore, or more, but we've not taken the ride, with so many fish close to the beach," Fritz said. Scott Williams of Phoenix fished on the Soplado and released a sailfish and a marlin, and also landed a 35-pound tuna and a nice dorado.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said fly fishing action backed off at Cabo Pulmo last week, but billfish counts improved for striped marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish. "Sailfish, striped marlin, and then there is the ultimate, a blue marlin," Graham said. "Land one of these and you will be a member of a very exclusive club." Roosterfish action for fly fishing anglers continued spotty on the beaches, but offered some very good action. "If one is at the right place you may have some good shots at roosters," Graham said. "Our guide Lance fished the beach with Larry McGrath, of Grass Valley, California, and had a number of pez gallo charge the teaser. Sometimes as many as 5 or 6 at a time. As usual, it took a well-placed and perfectly timed cast to be in the game." East Cape weather was clear in the high-90s, with water temperatures of 74 to 85 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chip Shapley of Rancho Leonero fished twice last week on his super panga Buena Fortuna and on both trips landed an unusual type of billfish that appeared similar to the Atlantic longbilled spearfish, Tetrapturus pfluegeri. The first was caught my Shapley's son Andrew and weighed about 45 pounds. "After releasing it, I was still a bit unsure of the species, but now think it might have been a longbilled spearfish. Its dorsal fin is clearly different than any marlin or sailfish, and its dorsal fin and lack of stripes are consistent with a longbill spearfish's description," Shapley said. Later in the week, another specimen of the unusual billfish was caught, with the same dorsal fin, longer and higher than a striped marlin but lower than a sailfish, and a long bill similar to a striper. The fish was released within 2 miles of Rancho Leonero in blue, 82-degree water.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Earlier, Torrance Eddy of Los Barriles fished with panguero Elias, and found a nice pod of marlin but no hookups while trolling from mid-bay northwards to Punta Pescadero. "Sometimes, there are fishing experiences when nothing is boated or even hooked, yet it is considered a great day of fishing. I had just such an experience, today," Eddie said. "We trolled for 3-1/2 hours without getting near the fish we did see. Elias had fished all night and was nodding off at the tiller, so he let me drive. I spotted a fin 100 feet in front of the boat. More fins kept appearing. I saw at least 5 and Elias counted 8. After about 20 minutes of trying every color feather in existence, we lost them." Panguero Elias had fished commercially during the night for a catch of about 40 kilos of red snapper and 3 Mexican lookdowns, Eddy said.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported continued good action for La Paz anglers on both sides of the hill. "The fishing only seems to be getting better," Roldan said. "While you could still have an off-day, not only did the dorado continue to provide constant action for both our Las Arenas and La Paz fleets, but yellowfin tuna, football-sized, also finally showed up at Las Arenas. The tuna were off Punta Perico just outside Muertos bay close to shore." Billfish action was also good as some pangas scored double, triple, and even quadruple hookups on marlin and sailfish. "Marlin were swimming around the pangas eating anything thrown in the water as if they were 10-pound dorado competing for chum!" Roldan said.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said his boats fished in good weather on the Las Arenas side last week and found good action on dorado of 30 to 40 pounds, striped marlin, blue marlin, and roosterfish. "We basically caught all the major fish species," Hernandez said. "The better fishing for dorado has been north of Punta Arena, between El Sargento and Las Cruces." LAS ARENAS SIDE PANGA FISHING.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Andrea Tomba of Desea Adventures reported on 2 outings on the La Paz side with good results. El Ganador caught 6 dorado and released 1 marlin, and Black Magic landed and released an estimated 800-pound black marlin after a 6-hour fight. "The nicest news is that the beast was released after high-fives and is out and about," Tomba said. "Most of the best fishing action that we've been seeing is north of El Bajo."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Stan Vanagunas reported on a disappointing fishing trip off El Sargento and La Ventana, with poor results for dorado and tuna during the week ending June 18, 2006. "Dorado was very spotty and when encountered the fish were more in pods than schools," Vanagunas said. "Surprisingly and for the first time we had trouble finding barrilete, a fine sport fish normally super abundant and lots of fun to catch. Sardines that some years back would line the shores of Ventana bay in their thousands were comparatively few. Pargo and Cabrilla fishing was fine."

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Don Bear of Loreto said dorado action improved last week, with mackerel and squid bait abundant in local waters averaging about 80 to 81 degrees. "Dorado fishing at Loreto this past week has continued to be hit-or-miss," Bear said, "but with a few more 'hits' than 'misses.'" Striped marlin were also abundant in Loreto waters, in hot, humid, and mostly windless summer weather at 100 degrees. Bear noted that anglers at Loreto should observe Mexican bag limits and make sure their boat permits are in order. "On Friday a U.S.-owned boat and a panga were confiscated by local authorities as they were loaded onto their trailers at the end of the day," Bear said. "The former did not have the proper boat license, while the latter brought in 9 dorado for 2 fishermen." LORETO DORADO FISHING AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT.

LORETO, MEXICO: Patty Zapata of Loreto's Hotel Oasis reported charter pangas with steady dorado from medium size into the 30-pound class while fishing mostly around Punta Lobos and Punta Perico on Isla Carmen and east of Isla Coronado. Twelve pangas fishing on Friday and Saturday, including 5 with fly fishing clients, had a combined catch including released fish of: 22 dorado of 16 to 41 pounds, 15 triggerfish, 2 pargo of 4 pounds, 4 sailfish, 4 marlin, and cabrilla. Loreto sport fishing area weather was mostly excellent with water temperatures at 80 to 85 degrees.

MULEGE FISHING REPORTS

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MULEGE, MEXICO: Rick Barber of Mulege reported dorado "thick as fleas" in 79.8-degree water last week. "I bagged 8 dorado in a little over 2 hours and kept 2," Barber said. "These 2 dorado weighed in at 28 and 24 pounds." Other Mulege anglers scoring good counts of dorado included Mike Banchiol, Kenny Faulkenstrom, Del Lehr, and guide Capt. Mateo Apodaca, who also found a marlin for his clients. Panguero Chichi Meza found commercial fishing good for 30 kilos of triggerfish fillets in one outing. JUNE DORADO ACTION AT MULEGE.

MULEGE, MEXICO: Ron Grant of Crestline, Calif., returned from a fly-down trip to Mulege, reporting hot weather, good dorado fishing, and few anglers in the area. Grant also noted that the new aviation fuel truck service at Don Johnson's Hotel Serenidad at Mulege is on hold due to a government anti-drug trafficking restriction on loading aviation fuel into any type of container, including trucks. "Johnson cannot buy aviation fuel for the truck until he can get some kind of waiver," Grant said. MULEGE AVIATION FUEL TRUCK REPORT.

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos reported Santa Rosalia fishing area weather hot at 90 degrees, but with continued relatively cool water temperatures of about 77 degrees around the island. "Offshore water temperatures were lower too, due to big tidal flow, and the color was also dirty and green," Kanzler said. Fishing at the 110 bajo north of the island was very good for yellowtail into the high 20-pound class. One trip with anglers James Holdsworth, Alex Bisbee, Andrew Cappello, and Jim Tortorelli produced 11 yellowtail with a 10 a.m. return to the dock. "These guys caught 5 to 7 yellowtail per day," Kanzler said, and the fishing also included good limits of dorado, plus sawtail grouper, red snapper of 15 to 18 pounds, and a 25-pound white seabass. SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORT.

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

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BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Abraham Vazquez of Camp Gecko at Bahia de los Angeles reported yellowtail "going crazy" inside the bay on Saturday. "They are wide-open," Vazquez said. "All boats are catching yellowtail limits, on live bait, dead bait, jigs, and Rapalas. Everything seems to be working." Most boats were fishing the northwest corner of Isla Smith, near Isla Coronadito, for yellowtail of mostly 10 to 18 pounds, but with some to 30 pounds. Bait fish and squid were plentiful. Bahia de los Angeles water temperatures were warming at 74 to 77 degrees, and the weather was mostly calm in the mid-90s. Fewer than normal anglers were in the area, Vazquez said. The road from Mex 1 was in excellent condition, gas was available at the Pemex station, and work continued on the new main boulevard through the village.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin reported on trip to Bahia de los Angeles to fish with Antero "Chubasco" Diaz and Capt. Chato out of Casa Diaz, fishing at the south end of Isla Angel de la Guarda for lots of firecracker yellowtail and then running to La Vibora where they landed yellowtail limits on fish to 38 pounds with bait and surface iron. Cabrilla limits and a 16-pound barred pargo were also caught with trolled Rapalas.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Chuck Decker of Tucson reported on a 2-plane fly-in trip to San Francisquito south of Bahia de los Angeles for excellent surface action on yellowtail that produced about 35 fish over 34 pounds for 2 pangas fishing for 2-1/2 days. Bait was very concentrated and hindered the bite, Decker said, but they still scored big counts by casting to birds quickly. "The yellows only bit on the surface and only for a very short period and they would just shut off in minutes," Decker said. "We spent most of the time just waiting for the birds to start working and cast into the frenzy in hopes of a yellowtail." SAN FRANCISQUITO HEAVY YELLOWTAIL AND BIRD ACTION.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Guillermo Galvan of Guillermo's at Bahia de los Angeles said he's launched a new website and email address. Information and reservations: guillermospanga@starband.net, guillermos.net.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Kat Hammontré of sanfelipe.com.mx reported on a 6-day Midriff Islands trip by the Tony Reyes Fishing Tours panga mothership Jose Andres, returning to San Felipe on June 23, 2006, with a catch of: 96 yellowtail, 18 to 35 pounds; 2 grouper, 30 to 55 pounds; 1 black sea bass, 75 pounds; full limits of cabrilla to 17 pounds; 17 red snapper, 14 to 18 pounds; 3 sheephead, 12 to 14 pounds; 40 spotted bay bass; 1 shark, 35 pounds; and 45 miscellaneous fish. Hammontré said San Felipe weather on Sunday was cloudy and hot at 100 degrees.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Bob Castellon of Sea of Cortez Sportfishing reported on a 6-day Midriff Islands trip by the panga mothership Celia Angelina, returning to San Felipe on June 24, 2006, with a catch of: full limits of yellowtail and cabrilla; 4 grouper under 25 pounds released; 41 pargo; 38 giant Humboldt squid for bait; 69 spotted bay bass; and 120 miscellaneous fish. Tom Marquez of Wilmington, Calif., was charter master for the trip. The Celia Angelina fished in mostly good weather, with some wind the final day of the trip, from Roca Partida north to the Enchanted Islands. Midriff weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures at 80 to 82 degrees.

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: John Tillander of Punta Bufeo south of San Felipe reported near-perfect weather last week, with no strong wind, daytime highs in the mid-90s, and water temperatures at 93 degrees at the beach and 83 degrees over the reef between Punta Bufeo and Isla San Luis. No yellowtail or sierra were found while fishing around Islas San Luis and Puma, but lots of good-sized triggerfish were caught by trolling and jigging Krocodiles. "We did pick up a couple of yellowtails trolling over the reef south of Isla San Luis and hung and lost several 3 to 4-foot sharks while we were jigging on the reef," Tillander said. "There are also lots of spotted bay bass."

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

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ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Ric Felder of Phoenix fished 2 days out of Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) on his boat End of the Line, for a catch of: 5 gulf grouper of 14 to 32 pounds, and 4 leopard grouper of 10 to 17 pounds. Felder fished with grunt and spotted bay bass baits on several reefs from 13 to 16 miles out of Cholla Bay, in some wind and surface water temperatures of about 80 degrees. ROCKY POINT GULF AND LEOPARD GROUPERS.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported easy dorado limits for Aries Fleet offshore charters out of Marina el Cid, some sailfish, blue marlin, striped marlin, and yellowfin tuna, and the largest fish of the week a 300-pound class blue marlin landed by the charter boat Aries VI. "Abundant dorado are serving as a buffer for boats that strike out on billfish," Edwards said, "allowing them to make a couple of passes for limit fishing before returning to the docks." Mazatlan sportfishing area weather was mostly calm in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 86 to 86 degrees. EASY DORADO LIMITS AT MAZATLAN.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing said big yellowfin tuna and marlin were still picky last week, but fishing was excellent for football tuna. Free divers at Roca Corbeteña and El Banco also scored good catches including a yellowfin tuna of 179.6 pounds speared. "We are nailing football-sized tuna," Osuna said. "We caught 22 fish today. Right now there is a lot of action on tuna mixed with spinner dolphin. The tuna are biting everything you troll behind the boat." Anglers also caught rainbow runners and large dog snappers into the 80-pound class. Puerto Vallarta fishing area weather had light breezes, with blue water at about 86 degrees. Osuna also noted that Marla's Sportfishing has launched a new website at marlasportfishing.com. PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING AND FREE DIVING.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Quinonez of PV Marlin Sportfishing said the charter boat Lorena fished at El Morro and Roca Corbeteña last week for good results on smaller yellowfin tuna to about 35 pounds, sailfish, and 1 big blue marlin missed. "It was another good week for fishing here at Puerto Vallarta," Quinonez said. "Capt. Michael Meza and crew got into a bunch of small tuna. Some boats on longer trips to El Banco did pretty well on cow tuna. We haven't seen one yet, but it won't be long." The Lorena fished in some rough conditions early in the week, calming down later with the water temperature in the mid-80s.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Travis Tuberg, Keith Hulme, and Shawn Tuberg fished at Roca Corbeteña on June 17-18, 2006, aboard the Puerto Vallarta Fishing charter boat Totoaba with Capt. Lalo and first mate Jose, for a catch of 2 yellowfin tuna of 20 and 25 pounds, plus a large black marlin caught on the second day that measured 12 feet 4 inches long. "It was exhausted by the fabulous fight that it put up, and unfortunately it expired as we were trying to free it," Tuberg said. "We had planned to catch and release, which Puerto Vallarta Fishing had suggested, but it wasn't to be. Most of the meat was donated to the crew." PUERTO VALLARTA BIG BLACK MARLIN CATCH.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said, "Big swells made it difficult to fish tight to the beach. Blue water is found at 12 miles out and water temperatures are 84 to 85 degrees throughout the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area." Abel Cortez, owner of the charter boat Gran Jefe reported on 3 outings that produced a catch of: 3 sailfish, 5 jack crevalle, 11 bonito, 2 Spanish mackerel, and 1 rainbow runner. Most fish were caught on rigged baits.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Stan Lushinsky of Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters said high tides and swells made fishing difficult, with Ixtapa Zihuatanejo weather in the high-80s. A combined 16 offshore and inshore outings by local charter boats including the Gran Jefe, Janeth, Secuestro de Amor, Leydy, Dos Hermanos I, Dos Hermanos II, and La Bamba, had a catch including released fish of: 13 sailfish, 17 jacks, several bonito and skipjack tuna, 2 sierra, 1 rainbow runner, 6 dorado, 1 dorado lost, 16 roosterfish, and 1 tuna.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said Ixtapa fishing area water temperatures were at 84 to 85 degrees, with blue water about 3 miles out. Sailfish and marlin action was slower, but inshore fishing for roosterfish was very good, with most boats catching 3 or 4 per outing. Capt. Adolpho of the charter panga Dos Hermanos scored 3 roosterfish in the 70-pound class that used up his fishing time as each fish required 1-1/2 hours to land. IXTAPA FISHING REPORT.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 7 outings by El Cid Caribe fleet boats fishing out of Puerto Morelos south of Cancun, with a catch including released fish of: 2 sailfish, 5 dorado, 6 barracuda, and limits of smaller snappers. Cancun sportfishing area weather was hot and humid in the low-90s, with water temperatures holding at 84 to 85 degrees. CANCUN FISHING.

San Quintin Mexico Fishing Photo 1

AT ISLA SAN MARTIN--Plenty of boats got into the hot yellowtail bite at San Quintin's Isla San Martin last week, as Andrew Parkes, Stan Vath and Campo Lorenzo resident Jerry Goree scored with white and chrome jigs in 63-degree water. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN VATH.

San Quintin Mexico Fishing Photo 2

WIDE-OPEN FORKIES--San Quintin anglers Matt Speaker, Richard Speaker and Mike Baker of Redding, Calif., fished with Capt. Jaime Garcia on the charter panga La Pinta last week, and they racked up a great catch of yellowtail with blue-white jigs about 12 miles west of the point. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRESIA GARCIA.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ENSENADA OFFSHORE OPENER--Kiley Rodriguez of Woodland Hills, Calif., fished with Lily Fleet on his first trip to Ensenada and started off with a great catch of albacore of 20 to 40 pounds, 2 bluefin tuna, and 3 yellowtail. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMMY SUSARREY.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 2

FISH OF THE WEEK--Bottom fish limits were caught daily by Vonny's Fleet pangas at Ensenada last week, but yellowtail were hiding except for this beautiful 35 pounder caught on Friday by Jeff Hartman, left, of Hollywood, with Capt. Hector on the Vonny III. PHOTO COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

Castro's Camp Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CASTRO'S BAG TIME--Bill Pittsford's group from Hesperia, Calif., fished out of Castro's Camp at Erendira south of Ensenada last week and racked up a grand total of about 300 deep bottom fish for the ice chests. PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNANDO CASTRO.

Punta Eugenia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

REMOTE PUNTA EUGENIA--An impressive 84 anglers turned out for the 11th annual Punta Eugenia yellowtail tournament on the remote Baja Pacific coast. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUANCHYS AGUILAR.

Punta Eugenia Mexico Fishing Photo 2

PUNTA EUGENIA TOURNAMENT--Capt. Juanchys Aguilar, left, of La Bocana, and Luis Silverio Arce of Punta Abreojos show off the 3 winning fish, caught by other boats, in the recent 11th annual Punta Eugenia yellowtail tournament. The biggest yellowtail caught weighed 39.9 pounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUANCHYS AGUILAR.

Camalu Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CAMALU CROAKERS--Javier Barrera of Gardena fished with Capt. Lee "Librado" Moreno at Camalu and caught a bunch of big sandbass, plus 2 white seabass of 55 and 57 pounds. PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIEL JIMENEZ.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CABO ACTION--First mate Juan, left, of the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Cabo Magic assists Russell Clark of Cypress, Texas, on his way to a 2-day catch of wahoo, striped marlin, and dorado with fishing partner Scott Clinesmith. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 2

CABO MARLIN ACTION--Jerry Muszynski, right, and his wife Jane fished out of Cabo San Lucas with Capt. Ernesto, left, of Aby Charters for a great day on 5 marlin seen, 2 baited, and 1 landed. PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY MUSZYNSKI.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

MARLIN NUMERO UNO--Austin Lewis, 16, fished off Los Cabos last week with his father Bob Lewis on their boat Dos Gueros and landed his first-ever marlin on 40-pound test in about 45 minutes. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB LEWIS.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 1

JEN WREN TUNA--East Cape fishing last week on Vista Sea Sport's boat Jen Wren included a 101-pound yellowfin tuna for Randy Aroz, left, of San Juan Capistrano, his first-ever over 100 pounds. Also fishing on the Jen Wren were Bill Kastner, center, of Napa Valley, and Don Oser of Lake Tahoe. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK RAYER.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 2

WITH JESUS ARAIZA--Frank Williford of Los Angeles and his family fished out of Buena Vista Beach Resort with East Cape's legendary Capt. Jesus Araiza on the charter boat Eclipse for a catch including this nice wahoo. PHOTO COURTESY OF AXEL VALDEZ.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 3

SUMMER PANGA DAYS--Russ Fritz of La Ribera at East Cape fished 4 days last week on his panga Soplado, for a good action close to shore including this nice dorado caught by Scott Williams of Phoenix. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUSS FRITZ.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LAS ARENAS BIGGIE--Greg Covello, second from right, and Tailhunter International's Capt. Yofo, second from left, needed some help to heft their big black marlin caught on La Paz' Las Arenas side. The big fish was foul hooked in the belly and was landed after a 2-hour fight on 50-pound line. It died 50 yards from the boat and was donated to the people of the villages of Agua Amarga and San Pedro. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Loreto Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LORETO DORADO--Doug Knecht, center, and his sons fished out of Loreto's Hotel Oasis on Friday, and scored on dorado to 25 pounds with Capt. Francisco Martinez Sr. about 5 miles east of Isla Coronado. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY ZAPATA.

Mulege Mexico Fishing Photo 1

MULEGE KEEPERS--Rick Barber of Mulege at his father-in-law Chichi Meza's house, with dorado of 24 and 28 pounds, 2 fish kept of 8 caught in a little over 2 hours last week on his boat Barquito. PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK BARBER.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

WHIPSAWING AT TORTUGA--Andrew Cappello, James Holdsworth, and Alex Bisbee fished at Isla Tortuga off Santa Rosalia with Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos last week and they got into a triple hookup on 3 very nice sawtail grouper. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Sea of Cortez Mexico Fishing Photo 1

DAWN BIRDS LOCO!--An early morning view last week from the bar of the San Francisquito resort, showing very heavy bird action on bait close to shore. Fly-in angler Chuck Decker said, "I don't know how these birds did not crash into each other diving at dark or even how they could see the bait." PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK DECKER.

Bahia de los Angeles Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FISHING WITH CHUBASCO--Julio Meza of San Quintin fished at Bahia de los Angeles with Antero "Chubasco" Diaz, shown, of Casa Diaz, for a great catch of yellowtail, cabrilla, and this hefty 16-pound barred pargo. PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIO MEZA.

San Francisquito Mexico Fishing Photo 1

HEAVY MIDRIFF YELLOWS--Showing off a catch of quality yellowtail at the Caleta San Francisquito dock for their 2-plane fly-in group last week are, from left, Tim James, Austin Seal, and Chuck Decker, with Jim Bunck in the background. A total of 35 yellowtail of 34 to over 45 pounds were caught in 2-1/2 days of fishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK DECKER.

Rocky Point Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ROCKY POINT GROUPER--Rick Felder, left, fished out of Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) with Neil Hartman and his daughter Charissa on his boat End of the Line, and their catch of leopard grouper and gulf grouper included this fish with a big lower jaw and very short upper jaw. At right, a Jeep accidentally left parked below the high tide line in front of JJ's Cantina at Cholla Bay. Said Felder, "It is not uncommon for someone to park their vehicle on the sand and rock area in front of JJ's at low tide and then go to the bar or take off in a fishing boat or jet ski and not return for hours, only to find their vehicle partially or completely submerged." PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICK FELDER.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FOOTBALLS AT PUERTO VALLARTA--Heavy football yellowfin tuna action on spinner dolphin was found by Puerto Vallarta charter boats last week. Here's Jerry Dodson of San Francisco with part of the day's catch aboard Marla's Sportfishing's charter boat Marla II. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY OSUNA.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 2

TUNA ZONE--A school of tuna-holding spinner dolphin being chased by the Marla II. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY OSUNA.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 3

VALLARTA BIG BLACKIE--Anglers, from left, Shawn Tuberg, Travis Tuberg, and Keith Hulme fished 2 days at Roca Corbeteña off Puerto Vallarta on the Puerto Vallarta Fishing charter boat Totoaba for a couple of school-sized yellowfin tuna their first day, and then this hefty black marlin on their second day. PHOTO COURTESY OF JS TOURS AND TRAVEL.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 4

WHAT IS IT?--Chip Shapley of East Cape's Rancho Leonero with an unusual billfish, one of 2 caught on his boat Buena Fortuna last week. Shapley said the fish seemed to match descriptions for the longbilled spearfish. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHIP SHAPLEY.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 2

LAS ARENAS GALLO--Dale Howe, left, of Tucson fished with Tortuga Sportfishing's Capt. Hugo Lucero and had good luck on tuna, dorado, and roosterfish on the Las Arenas side south of La Paz. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES