Wide-open tuna fishing continues for San Jose del Cabo pangas

Mexico Fishing News, September 25, 2006

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: This summer's hot, very close yellowfin tuna bite continued for pangas at La Playita last week, with basically unlimited fish available between La Fortuna and the Iman Bank.

Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 52 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 465 yellowfin tuna, 12 rainbow runner, 62 dorado, 2 sailfish, 1 blue marlin, 1 wahoo, 8 dogtooth snapper, 18 pargo, 6 amberjack, 8 cabrilla, and 160 skipjack. The excellent yellowfin tuna action was mainly on fish of 12 to 25 pounds, but with some into the 60-pound class also boated.

"Crowds of tourists continued moderate, normal for late September," Brictson said. "Within a couple of weeks all this will change as southern Baja will be attracting visiting anglers by the thousands from all over the world." YELLOWFIN TUNA BITE CONTINUES FOR PANGAS AT LA FORTUNA AND IMAN BANK.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Species fishing specialist John Snow of San Jose del Cabo reported a short day with Capt. Pata of the La Playita panga Salome due to "too much" tuna action.

"Atun, atun, atun!" Snow said. "We landed 2 hours early. I was done for the day." Species fishing produced one new species, an unknown type of parrotfish with blue stripes, and good sabiki action including 5 chihuil and 3 mackerel on a single drop.

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 said his pangas fishing at the tip of Ensenada's Punta Banda scored good counts of bottom fish and yellowtail every day except Wednesday last week. "Very good this past week," Villarino said. The top yellowtail catch was by anglers Jay Johnson and his friend Debbie who fished Monday on the Vonny I for 7 yellowtail on the aluminum jigs and limits of large red rockcod. Punta Banda weather at the end of the week was partly cloudy in the low-70s, with 10 m.p.h. afternoon winds and water temperatures of 66 to 72 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sergio Susarrey of Sergio's Ensenada Sportfishing Center reported on 15 anglers fishing during the week aboard the charter boats Shir-lee, Quest, and Clipper II, with a catch of: 106 yellowtail, 14 bonito, 2 barracuda, 56 rockcod, 15 sheephead, and 6 red rockcod.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Jacqueline Cabrales of Mike Richardson's Live Bait Ensenada bait barge in Ensenada harbor reported medium sardines and "mini" mackerel available last week. Bonefish mixed with bonito to about 1 pound continued to be caught in the bay. Water temperatures were at the bait barge at 68.3 degrees on Friday.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Alejandro Rosas of Tijuana and Jorge Jimenez fished out of Ensenada at midweek on the charter boat Shir-lee, finding slow action at the north Isla Todos Santos bajo for 2 yellowtail caught by Rosas, included in a boat count by 12 anglers of: 4 yellowtail of about 10 pounds, 8 large barracuda, 12 bonito, and a few bottom fish. "Very few fish," Rosas said. "From what I heard from Sergio, the fish are to the north of Ensenada, a lot closer to San Diego." SLOW PARTY BOAT FISHING DAY AT ISLAS TODOS SANTOS.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Sammy Susarrey of Lily Fleet reported on a midweek run by the charter boat Tamara to a spot 20 miles of Punta Santo Tomas for a catch of 20 medium sized kelp paddy yellowtail, and 2 yellowfin tuna of about 20 pounds plus 1 dorado of 15 pounds in open water. Punta Santo Tomas offshore water temperatures were at 68.5 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: For the previous weekend, Judy Ostberg of the boat Melody out of Ensenada's Marina Coral reported on a run to 69.5 to 70.4-degree water around the Peanut Bank for a catch of: 1 yellowfin tuna of 16 pounds under porpoise, and kelp paddy limits of 10 to 12-pound yellowtail, plus 2 dorado.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Sam Saenz of Puerto Santo Tomas Resort said surface fishing action for bonita and barracuda continued good last week, but only a few yellowtail were caught. Bottom fishing continued excellent for all anglers, including Joe Cortez and his father Luis who returned from Soledad Reef with full limits. "Business has dropped off significantly due to the fall season changeover and the Mexico bad publicity coming from the USA news media," Saenz said, referring to the recent spike in violence along the Mexico-U.S. border. "Regardless of events throughout Mexico we here at this remote site see no evil and hear no evil. Everything is calm and we are awaiting for the presidential power changeover and looking forward to a better Mexico..

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's Camp said he had 18 charter boats fishing at Erendira for the week, for a good spread of surface and bottom fish species including many red rockcod, lingcod, sandbass, calico bass, yellowtail, bonito, barracuda, and a few white seabass. "The yellowtail are biting well," Castro said, "but the white seabass slowed down, although we're still getting some." Weather and sea conditions were good off Erendira, with very clear water at 65 to 67 degrees.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Sarai Garcia of Don Eddie's Landing said 2 boats had good white seabass catches during the week while fishing to the south at Socorro, Arroyo Hondo, and La Pinta. Roberto Juarez and Glen Miyake of Santa Monica, Calif., landed white seabass of 25 and 35 pounds with Capt. Francisco Berrelleza on the charter boat Panchita, and Josh and Keith Liberty of San Diego caught 5 white seabass of 37.5 to 64 pounds. Other boats fishing locally had bottom fish limits and some yellowtail to 27 pounds. San Quintin fishing area weather was in the low-80s, with light winds and water temperatures around Socorro at 65 to 66 degrees. WHITE SEABASS KEEP CROAKING FOR DON EDDIE'S BOATS.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas said few anglers were in the San Quintin area last week. "Only 6 boats fished this week," Hillis said. "Most boats opted for local fishing at the 240 and 6 fathom spots for limits of large rockcod and lingcod and a good calico and sandbass bite at the island." All boats were out fishing over the weekend.

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Juanchys Aguilar of La Bocana on Baja's central Pacific coast announced the winners of $10,000 in prize money from the recent state-supported sportfishing tournament for Punta Abreojos-La Bocana. Fishing categories for 126 anglers on 43 boats were for black sea bass, grouper, yellowtail, and a special beach fishing category for children. Winners in the black sea bass category were: first, Ignacio Zuñiga, 185.8 pounds, $2,000; second, Carlos Rodriguez, 183.4 pounds, $1,500; and third, Santos Mendez, 171 pounds, $1,000. For yellowtail, the winner of the first three places took home $1,500, $1,000, and $500. The children's beach fishing category paid $500, $300, and $200. No grouper were caught. The next tournament was scheduled for Oct. 29th and there is no entry fee, although contestants are required to have a valid Mexican fishing license. Information: KAROL_36@MSN.com. Supporters of the tournament included Baja California Sur Governor Narciso Agundez Montaño and Baja sportfishing industry leaders. $10,000 PRIZE MONEY FOR PACIFIC SIDE BAJA FISHING TOURNAMENT.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said Magdalena Bay offshore fishing reports included large schools of billfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado from the Thetis Bank inwards to the San Carlos entrada. "Boats seem to be arriving at Magdalena Bay earlier and earlier to search for the fish pileup that often is found offshore here in the fall," Graham said. Inshore fishing produced a few small yellowtail at the entrada and halibut on the Punta Belcher flats. Magdalena Bay weather was partly cloudy in the low-80s, with water temperatures of 64 to 78 degrees. OFFSHORE FISHING FOR MARLIN, TUNA, AND DORADO.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said Los Cabos sportfishing area weather was slightly cooler and less humid as the fall season opened, with northwesterly breezes, some small chop, and water temperatures of 83 to 84 degrees on the Pacific side. The Sea of Cortez side was calmer, with the water temperature at 86 to 87 degrees. Landrum said he ran up to the tuna bite off San Jose del Cabo and caught some tuna of 15 to 25 pounds, but then got broken off when a big one hit. "We had a nice bite on a fish we guessed at well over 100 pounds," Landrum said, "but we were using 30-pound line. After a fight of well over an hour, and with the fish within 100 feet of the boat, something large, probably a shark, came by and spooked the tuna. We were almost spooled with only 10 yards left when we thumbed the spool and broke the fish off." A tuna of 112 pounds was also landed by the Fly Hooker during the week on the Pacific side at the Jaime Bank.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Donald Rubi of Duarte, Calif., reported on 2 days of panga fishing out of Cabo San Lucas with partner Ishmael Valladares and Capt. Jose on the charter boat Choyera, finding 4 dorado the first day on the Pacific side and 14 dorado of 6 to 20 pounds the second day while slow-trolling skipjack strips and caballito baits. Good concentrations of sea life were present in Cabo waters. "We found all of the dorado beneath floating debris, remnants from Hurricane John the weekend before," Rubi said. "We observed a jumping striped marlin, leaping manta rays, giant sea turtles sunning, and a shark measuring about 6 to 8 feet that was chomping on our caballito." POST-STORM SEA LIFE ABUNDANT OFF CABO.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet said 51 percent of charters landed billfish during the week, 60 percent caught dorado, 30 percent had yellowfin tuna, and 91 percent had all species combined. Blue marlin caught during the week included a 400-pound class fish by Patrick Neville on the charter boat Tracy Ann. Striped marlin still outnumbered blue marlin, 20 to 6, and 8 sailfish were also released. STRIPED MARLIN STILL LEAD CABO BILLFISH COUNTS.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 79 charter boats, with a catch including released fish of: 4 blue marlin, 16 striped marlin, 4 sailfish, 52 yellowfin tuna, 10 skipjack, 209 dorado, 6 wahoo, 4 roosterfish, and 4 boats with no luck.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 12 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 3 blue marlin of 180 to 350 pounds, 2 striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 39 yellowfin tuna of 20 to 40 pounds, and 38 dorado of 15 to 25 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 28 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 2 blue marlin, 4 sailfish, 7 striped marlin, 54 yellowfin tuna, and 79 dorado. "It was good fishing scattered over a wide area." Edwards said. "No particular area was best for billfish." Cabo San Lucas sportfishing area weather was hot and sunny in the high-90s, with water temperatures stable on both sides of the arch at 85 to 87 degrees. Bait supplies were returning to normal after a shortage following rough tropical weather.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said, "If tuna are your thing, this was a great week to be at East Cape. Tuna schools were just a few miles offshore from La Ribera all the way to below Las Frailes." Dorado were also present on weeds and rain debris very close to shore, and Graham said, "Anglers who failed to have their rods rigged when they left the dock took more than a little heat when the boats skidded to a stop close to the hotel. Locals predict some extraordinary East Cape sportfishing as conditions settle down in the next few weeks."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 129 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 384 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 332 yellowfin tuna, 193 dorado, and 4 blue marlin, 9 striped marlin, 10 sailfish, 2 wahoo. East Cape fishing area weather was mostly calm at about 90 degrees, with water temperatures of 80 to 89 degrees. EAST CAPE SPORTFISHING ROUNDUP.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the previous week ending Sept. 14, 2006, Moyers reported on 215 charter boats with 645 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 17 striped marlin, 431 dorado, 956 yellowfin tuna, and 6 wahoo. East Cape weather was mostly calm, with water temperatures of 81 to 90 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero reported most fleet boats limiting on tuna and dorado in southern waters 2 to 4 miles offshore from Punta Colorada to White Cliffs. "All boats making the trip are limiting out," Ireland said. Dorado to about 15 pounds were biting within 200 yards of the beach in clearing post-storm water still loaded with debris. "We're still waiting for the bottom to clear up, and when it does, watch for the roosterfish, pargo, and jack bite to return," Ireland said. East Cape fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 86 to 89 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Eddie Dalmau of Van Wormer Resorts reported on 376 East Cape anglers fishing on charter boats from Hotels Palmas De Cortez, Playa Del Sol, and Punta Colorada, with a catch including released fish of: 6 blue marlin, 45 striped marlin, 8 sailfish, 640 yellowfin tuna, 306 dorado, 22 roosterfish, 6 wahoo, 6 cabrilla, 8 pompano, 24 pargo, 60 bonita, and 2 yellowtail.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport East Cape diving service at Buena Vista said fewer visitors were in the area after recent tropical storms but diving was excellent on the Cabo Pulmo coral reef. "Diving is off the chart and the fish are biting," Rayor said. Sea life sightings included "huge grouper and snapper, free swimming moray eels, big lobster walking in the open, and huge schools of colorful reef fish everywhere," plus a 10 to 12-foot tiger shark spotted on one dive. "It has become quite common to see them in the marine park but this one was a big boy," Rayor said. "When I first sighted it I thought it was a small whale shark." Ash Pickering of Vista Sea Sport reported water temperatures inside the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park at 82 to 84 degrees at depth, with visibility at 70 feet.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported La Paz fishing area weather in the mid-90s, with the water temperature at 90 degrees and "one-stop shopping" available for yellowfin tuna and dorado. "If you wanted tuna, the yellowfin were a football field in front of the old Hotel las Arenas using chunked giant squid for bait," Roldan said. "If you wanted big dorado, fishing out of La Paz east or west of Espiritu Santo Island put you on trophy dorado with some bulls going 40 to 70 pounds."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing reported an excellent week of fishing for his pangas on the Las Arenas side, with very good weather and good fish counts at Isla Cerralvo and Ensenada de los Muertos. Fishing action was mostly for yellowfin tuna of 20 to 40 pounds, plus dorado of 25 to 40 pounds caught south of Ensenada de los Muertos. "We still have a big quantity of sardina bait at Isla Cerralvo," Hernandez said, "plus squid bait north of the island and at El Sargento, as well as off Ensenada de los Muertos." Las Arenas side weather was basically calm in the mid-90s all week long except for some wind on Saturday morning, calming again in the afternoon. Las Arenas water temperatures were in the mid-80s.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Patty Zapata of Loreto's historic Hotel Oasis said very few anglers were in the area last week. Just 2 pangas fished out of the hotel during the week, finding full limits of dorado of 17 to 19 pounds at the San Bruno reef. "We had west winds and they could not go too far from Loreto," Zapata said. "Loreto weather has been sunny, but with choppy waters." Anglers fishing with Capts. Martín and Antonio Davis Castro during the week included Lisa Schoettlin, Barry Blue, David Smith, and Ethel Johnson.

MULEGE FISHING REPORTS

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MULEGE, MEXICO: Gary Thomas of Escalon, Calif., returned from a trip to Mulege and reported that both the local SAGARPA office and the port captain said there was no ban on boating or fishing in local waters. Post-storm dorado fishing lived up to its reputation. "The dorado fishing is so good it's just crazy," Thomas said. One short outing from the Hotel Serenidad ramp produced 14 dorado to 32 pounds in a total trip time of about 4 hours. Yellowfin tuna were also seen but could not be hooked due to interference from the dorado. Mulege weather was perfect, in the mid-80s, with water temperatures at about 83 degrees. FISHING FOR DORADO AFTER THE STORM.

MULEGE, MEXICO: Fly-in angler Ron Grant of Crestline, Calif., made a trip to Mulege and gave a comprehensive report at midweek of the town's rapid recovery following recent catastrophic flooding from Hurricane John. "The Mulege lighthouse is on an island with channels on both sides," Grant said. "Stores are cleaned up and fully stocked. Electricity and water are on in almost all areas. Telephone service is still out but cell phone service is working fine. We have to give the Mexicans credit." Very few boats were fishing. "The co-op buildings on the south side of river, where most of the pangas work out of, went under water," Grant said. "The commercial fisherman are busy getting their own property in order and have not started fishing as yet." The Hotel Serenidad landing strip was dry and in excellent condition. MULEGE STORM RECOVERY REPORT.

MULEGE, MEXICO: Diana Johnson of Mulege's historic Hotel Serenidad said local commercial fishermen began limited operations out of temporary camps again on Friday. "The weather is cooling off. Nobody from town is fishing yet, but the weather is excellent and October is going to be great," Johnson said.

MULEGE, MEXICO: Fishing reporter Rick Barber of Mulege said he and his family are recovering from the flooding that wiped out his house. "We should have mom and dad's house fixed up enough to stay there until we either complete Lucia's house or start construction on top of the hill where we have some property," Barber said. "I'm opting for the higher location. Better view and Lucia's house did get some water in it from the flood, about a foot-and-a-half." Barber said his boat Barquito hasn't fished lately because it is still stuck in his aunt's rose bushes. "It floated up, back a bit, then settled down on top of some of her flowers," Barber said. "No damage to either the boat or motor. I even managed to save the plumbing parts for the live well I'm going to install. Look out fish."

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos said that after years of being asked, he's finally launched a website about his fishing activities in the Santa Rosalia area: www.islasanmarcos.com. Santa Rosalia fishing was slow during the week, but with good sierra action around local spots. One outing around Isla San Marcos and Isla Tortuga produced a catch of: 6 leopard grouper, 1 sawtail grouper, and some goldspotted bass, all caught on caballito live baits found off San Lucas Cove. Santa Rosalia fishing area weather was hot and humid in the mid-90s, with clear water at 83 to 84 degrees. NEW WEBSITE FOR MIKE KANZLER'S ISLA SAN MARCOS FISHING.

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 said, "It is not summer anymore." L.A. Bay weather was in the high-80s, down to the low-70s at night, with green desert vegetation and some mosquitos still around. Fishing around Bahia de los Angeles was still good for dorado up the coast at Remedios and Bajo Guadalupe, plus yellowtail on the bajo and around local islands and reefs. "There is also the chance of a lost sailfish or big roosterfish," Vazquez said. Water temperatures were in the low-80s and very few visitors were present. "It is absolutely a ghost town here now," Vazquez said. "It is kind of weird to hear the radio in total silence since nobody is going out. There are lots of bugs at the moment because of the recent rain."

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Josh Schwartz of El Cajon, Calif., and Darrin Mroz of Crest, Calif., fished 2 days with Capt. Igor Galvan of Bahia de los Angeles, scoring a catch of: dorado limits along the coast to the north, 2 yellowtail, 20 grouper to 10 pounds, and 2 roosterfish exceptional for the area weighed at 59.8 and 54.5 pounds. The big roosterfish were caught on live mackerel baits while fishing in about 30 feet of water south of Bahia de las Animas. "This was very unusual for that area," Schwartz said, "possibly due to hurricane pressure pushing the fish north." TWO BIG ROOSTERFISH CAUGHT SOUTH OF BAHIA DE LAS ANIMAS.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Tom Ward Jr. of The Longfin Tackle Store reported on 6-day Midriff Islands fishing trips by the Tony Reyes Fishing Tours panga motherships Jose Andres and Tony Reyes, returning to San Felipe on Sept. 22, 2006, with a catch of:

Jose Andres, with 17 anglers: 127 yellowtail to 27 pounds; 110 cabrilla to 14 pounds; 22 dorado to 19 pounds; 16 red snapper to 20 pounds; 4 sheephead to 12 pounds; 96 spotted bay bass; and 25 miscellaneous and released fish.

Tony Reyes, with 27 anglers and charter master Dan Leimel Sr.: 255 yellowtail to 22 pounds; 215 cabrilla to 12 pounds; 16 dorado to 16 pounds; 79 Humboldt giant squid to 15 pounds; 1 grouper, 100 pounds; 1 golden grouper, 15 pounds, released; 6 red snapper to 8 pounds; 175 spotted bay bass to 4 pounds; 4 sheephead to 8 pounds; 5 broomtail grouper to 20 pounds; and 25 miscellaneous and released fish.

Midriff fishing area water temperatures were at 76 to 82 degrees.

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

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ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Ollie Peltier of Rocky Point said he had another slow fishing trip on his boat Dos Borrachos, running out with 4 anglers in very good conditions to the "bruja," or "witch's hat" fishing bajo about 41 miles out for a catch of: 1 small skipjack, 5 medium and small dorado, and 2 small calico bass. "I had a very difficult time trying to anchor," Peltier said. "Anchoring is a must here. The rock is about 242 feet on top and the bottom drops sharply to over 300 feet in every direction. That is why the call it the 'witch's hat.'" SLOW FISHING AT THE ROCKY POINT BRUJA SPOT.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Craig Collins of Rio Rico, Ariz., reported rough water and slow fishing at San Carlos for his boat No Sniveling. "Nada nada," Collins said. "The water got rough and No Sniveling made it out 29 miles, and had to head back to San Carlos. The dorado were out at 32 to 35 miles." The 56-foot boat Dealmaker fished outside and scored on 10 dorado of 25 to 45 pounds.

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: For the previous week, Manuel Gerhardus of Guasave, Sinaloa, launched his boat Mamanina at Las Glorias south of Topolobampo and ran across the Sea of Cortez to Loreto for a catch including released fish of: 2 sailfish, 1 striped marlin, 1 blue marlin, and 7 dorado to 30 pounds. Fishing with Gerhardus on the trip were Jorge Gerhardus, Horacio Penuelas, Diomedes Reyes, and Pedro Gallardo.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 13 offshore outings at Mazatlan by Aries Fleet out of Marina el Cid, for a catch including released fish of: 5 sailfish, 21 dorado, and 11 yellowfin tuna. Four inshore super panga trips had a catch of 31 dorado at the buoys. "Billfish catches have tapered following the summer storms," Edwards said, "but look for a rebound as the dark of the moon approaches and the tropics begin to settle down." Mazatlan weather was mostly cloudy in the high-80s, with calm seas and water temperatures stable at 85 degrees. Offshore boats fished west and southwest about 22 to 29 miles out.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Tadeo Hernandez of Mazatlan's Flota Bibi Fleet said all his boats were saved during recent Hurricane Lane by keeping them in the mangrove channels deep inside the navigation canal. "Our fishing boat crews stayed there for two nights watching the boats and taking all necessary measures," Hernandez said. "Many Mazatlan people were unaware of the strength of the storm. People went out for Independence Day thinking it was another false alarm." Prior to the storm, Flota Bibi Fleet sent out 3 boats, for a catch including released fish of: 1 sailfish, 2 dorado, and 11 skipjack tuna. BIBI FLEET FISHING BOATS UNHARMED BY STORM LANE.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Marisela Hernandez of Chelita Sportfishing said the Puerto Vallarta charter fishing boat Chelita was pulled for maintenance during part of the week but fished 2 days at Roca Corbeteña and El Banco for a catch including released fish of: 4 sailfish, 1 small yellowfin tuna of about 40 pounds, and 1 dorado of about 30 pounds. Puerto Vallarta offshore fishing water was blue at 86 degrees.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Keith Williams of Redondo Beach, Calif., and Eric Binz fished 3 days out of Puerto Vallarta on the PV Marlin charter boat Lorena with Capt. Felipe, finding no yellowfin tuna action at El Banco all 3 days, but scoring on a black marlin and blue marlin, taped respectively at 611 and 368 pounds. "During the 3 days fishing out there, we didn't see 1 tuna jump from the water," Williams said. "Both marlin were caught on the same rod, a Cal Star 760H given to me for Christmas by my girlfriend Ida Cohen. Every other trip I used the rod on, we were skunked. Ida's also real happy." Puerto Vallarta fishing water at El Banco was calm at 85 degrees, with some rain, thunder, and lightning all 3 days. BLUE AND BLACK MARLIN CAUGHT WHILE FISHING AT EL BANCO.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Quinonez of PV Marlin Sportfishing reported on his 3 runs to El Banco during the week, finding plenty of bait and birds but slow tuna action. The first 2 days produced just 1 dorado, and the third day found the 2 large marlin caught by Keith Williams and Eric Binz. "I think one of the boats got a 200-pound plus tuna, but that was all we heard of," Quinonez said. "Some of the boats at Corbeteña got some smaller tuna. The tuna are late this year, but we know they are coming."

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Gomez of Dhamar Sportfishing said his super panga Dhamar didn't fish last week, but he crewed during 2 outings by the charter boats Marla II and Arca de Noe, for good mixed species action at El Banco and Roca Corbeteña on Wednesday and Friday for dog snapper to 65 pounds, many rainbow runner, 1 almaco jack, 2 yellowfin tuna of about 35 pounds, 1 sailfish, and 1 dorado of about 35 pounds. Puerto Vallarta fishing waters were blue with large bait balls and big fish seen.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: In early August, Tony Bykerk of Loreto and Mission Viejo ran his boat Magic on a 500-mile plus trip from Loreto to Puerto Vallarta and fished the El Banco area 4 days for a good catch of: 2 yellowfin tuna taped at 328 and 240 pounds, dog snapper in the 50-pound class, 6 blue marlin of about 300 and 650 pounds, amberjack, rainbow runner, and a sailfish hooked on a butterfly jig. "It's a world class fishery," Bykerk said. "I call it Jurassic Park." Fishing with Bykerk aboard the Magic were anglers Sheila Rood and Will Block. Puerto Vallarta offshore water was blue and flat at 89 degrees, with daily rains and lots of runoff debris. GOOD FISHING FOR BIG TUNA, MARLIN, AND MIXED SPECIES.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported almost no boats fishing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. "It's so slow for customers that most of the boats are in the maintenance mode, painting and fixing for the fishing season just around the corner," Edwards said. Offshore action was good for the only Ixtapa charter boat reporting in, the Vamonos, with a catch including released fish of 7 sailfish for 2 outings. Ixtapa fishing area weather was party cloudy in the low-90s, with scattered rain squalls and stable water temperatures at 83 degrees throughout the fishing area.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said the El Cid Caribe fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun had just 2 short outings last week, fishing mostly inshore for a catch of: 4 barracuda, 2 sierra, and 3 red snapper. "It is the time of year when the Cancun area suffers from a lack of anglers," Edwards said. Cancun fishing area weather was hot and humid in the high-90s, with easterly breezes and a stable water temperature of 87 degrees.

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MEXICO COASTAL AREAS

MEXICO: David Burns of the Restaurant El Manglar in Tecolutla, Veracruz, on Mexico's Atlantic coast said some wind and rain kept boats off the water last week and he used his "lazy man's" beach fishing rig to catch a yellowtail in the surf. "I really have to get my long rod out because beyond the second trough, approximately 175 yards, there were huge schools of bait fish teaming along the surface," Burns said. "They were no doubt being chased by some huge predator, the quintessential surf caster's frustration." Fish brought into the restaurant for sale included a 4-kilo plus snook and fillets from a hogfish. "I believe pez puerco to be the best filet for eating," Said restauranteur Burns. "The texture and flavour are unsurpassed." FISHING AT TECOLUTLA, VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

MEXICO: Celia Diaz of the nonprofit Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee in Chula Vista commented on the recent spike of violence and shootings involving Americans along the Mexico-U.S. border and on Mex 1 in Baja, saying, "We have never seen anything like this before. Let's hope they catch the assailants." Diaz said she had recently contacted Hugo Torres, of the Rosarito Beach Hotel and president of the local hotel association. "He meets monthly with all of the authorities, federal, state and local," Diaz said. "He assured me that they discussed the incidents on the Ensenada toll road. He said they are going to have the Green Angels patrol more often and the federal police are going to be making rounds until the assailants are caught."

The nonprofit Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee (BEMCC) in Chula Vista, Calif., provides emergency evacuation assistance from Mexico on a $30 tax deductible annual membership basis. Information and 24/7 hotline: 619-425-5080.

San Jose del Cabo Fishing Photo 1

TUNA ON DEMAND (left)--This summer's yellowfin tuna bite off San Jose del Cabo refuses to quit. Anglers Jan Flesher, right, and fishing partner Ruth, with 2 of a dozen perfect fillet-sized sushi fish caught with Capt. Marcelino of Gordo Banks Pangas.

SAN JOSE OOPS! (right)--Construction on the Marina Los Cabos project at San Jose del Cabo was interrupted last week when the largest crane, used to set 30-ton boulders on the breakwater, flipped on its side. "The crew is now in salvage mode, having to move tons of rocks away in order to reach the damaged crane," said Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 1

PUNTA BANDA FORKIES (left)--Vonny's Fleet pangas fishing at Ensenada's Punta Banda scored on yellowtail plus bottom fish every day but Wednesday last week. Here's Brian "Calico" Foley and his wife Joan with a nice pair of forkies caught on the Vonny I with Capt. Beto Lucero. At right, Ryan and Connor King of Avon, Ohio, loaded up on lingcod and rockcod with Capt. Hector on the Vonny III and also had fun pulling on another yellowtail. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

San Quintin Mexico Fishing Photo 1

QUINTIN STILL CROAKIN'--San Quintin charter boats out of Don Eddie's Landing continued to find white seabass at locations south of the bay. Here with some croakers and barracuda caught last week on the Skipjack charter boat Panchita are, from left, Roberto Juarez, Glen Miyake, and Don Eddie's Capt. Francisco Berrelleza. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAI GARCIA.

Baja Fishing Photo 1 Baja Fishing Photo 2 Baja Fishing Photo 3

BAJA MONEY WINNERS (left)--Carlos Rodriguez, right, and partner Julio fished with Capt. Juanchys Aguilar of La Bocana on Baja's central Pacific coast and Rodriguez caught this 183.4-pound black sea bass at the Gringa Bank, good for second place and a $2,000 prize in the recent Punta Abreojos-La Bocana fishing tournament. A total of $10,000 in prize money was won overall.

THE OTHER SIDE (center)--Mike Kanzler, center, usually fishes Baja's Sea of Cortez coast around Isla San Marcos, but he went over to the Pacific side and landed this 140-pound black sea bass during the recent Punta Abreojos-La Bocana tournament. With Kanzler are his son, Michael Kanzler, left, and fishing partner Danny Lopez..

JUANCHYS BLACKIE BIGGIES (right)--Capt. Juanchys Aguilar of La Bocana with the first and second place winning black sea bass from last week's Punta Abreojos-La Bocana fishing tournament. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUANCHYS AGUILAR.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CABO GOLDIE--Tom and Willow Greer of South Jordan, Utah, fished with Cabo Magic on the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Bronco last week and landed their limit of 4 dorado for the day about 18 miles out with the help of Bronco first mate Benito, left. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 2

LOTSA CABO DORADO--Ismael Valladares, left, and Donald Rubi fished on the Cabo San Lucas charter panga Choyera with Capt. Jose, right, for a 2-outing catch on the Pacific side that included 18 dorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF DONALD RUBI.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

GOLD DIGGING--Todd Brushwyler of Fontana, Calif., fished 3 days out of La Paz with Tailhunter International and landed several big bull dorado in last week's hot bite, including this hefty 49 pounder. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Loreto Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LIMITS FOR A FEW--Just a few sportfishing boats went out at Loreto last week, but those that did fish continued to find good dorado action. Lisa Schoettlin fished out of the Hotel Oasis with Capt. Martín Davis Castro for her dorado limit on Friday at the San Bruno reef north of town. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY ZAPATA.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ISLA SAN MARCOS CABRILLA--Doug Moranville of La Jolla, Calif., fished last week off Santa Rosalia with Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos for a catch at the island including this nice 15-pound cabrilla, or leopard grouper. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Sea of Cortez Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BIG BAHIA GALLOS--Josh Schwartz, right, and Darrin Mroz fished with Capt. Igor Galvan of Bahia de los Angeles and caught these large roosterfish of 54.5 and 59.8 pounds just south of Bahia de las Animas. The gallos, very rarely seen in this size range in the Cortez Midriff, hit live mackerel baits in about 30 feet of water. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH SCHWARTZ.

San Felipe Mexico Fishing Photo 1

REFUGIO MAHI-MAHI--Mary Scherger of Lakewood, Calif., landed her first-ever dorado, or mahi-mahi, while fishing at Refugio, a small bay at the north end of Isla Angel de la Guarda in the Sea of Cortez Midriff Area. Scherger hooked the mahi on a live mackerel while fishing on the San Felipe panga mothership Tony Reyes. PHOTO COURTESY OF DON BUSSE.

Rocky Point Mexico Fishing Photo 1

SCRATCHING UP GOLD--Fishing was slow overall last week off Rocky Point for Ollie Peltier's boat Dos Borrachos, but he did manage to scare up some "modest" sized dorado for boat mates, from left, Harry Florian, Stan Ivans, and Don Boyd. PHOTO COURTESY OF OLLIE PELTIER.

Rocky Point Mexico Fishing Photo 2

ROCKY SUMMER CROAKERS--Anglers Juan "Shrimpman" Naude and his friend Kyle with a nice white seabass caught along with several others during a good bite about 43 miles south of Rocky Point, Sonora. PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK FELDER.

Sea of Cortez Mexico Fishing Photo 2

ACROSS THE CORTEZ--Manuel Gerhardus of Guasave, Sinaloa, cruised his boat Mamanina across the Sea of Cortez to Loreto for a catch including sailfish, striped marlin, blue marlin, and 7 dorado to 30 pounds. Also on the trip were anglers, from left: Jorge Gerhardus, Pedro Gallardo, Diomedes Reyes and Manuel Gerhardus. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANUAL GERHARDUS.

Mazatlan Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BEFORE THE STORM (left)--Mike Paproski and his wife fished under looming skies Friday on the Flota Bibi Fleet charter boat Norma Patricia for catch of 4 skipjack tuna and 2 dorado to 20 pounds just before Hurricane Lane blew into town.

PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE LANE--The Flota Bibi Fleet dock, right, at Mazatlan is stripped of boards in preparations for the storm. At center, the storm-driven surf near the Mazatlan lighthouse. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TADEO HERNANDEZ.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

SATURDAY SAIL--A Puerto Vallarta sailfish, with its dorsal fin partially folded, makes a hard turn to the left just before its release by the charter boat Chelita on Saturday. It was one of 3 sailfish released at El Banco during the day. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISELA "CHELITA" HERNANDEZ.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 2

VALLARTA TUNA CRUISE--Tony Bykerk, right, with fellow anglers Sheila Rood, left, and Will Block, fished at Puerto Vallarta in mid-August after cruising there from Loreto on Bykerk's boat Magic, for a catch including 2 yellowfin tuna taped at 240 and 328 pounds. The bigger tuna was landed by Block, whose previous best was 10 (ten) pounds. "What a step up!" Bykerk said. PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY BYKERK.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 3

BIG MARLIN DAY--Keith Williams' outing at Puerto Vallara with Eric Binz aboard the PV Marlin charter boat Lorena was good for this black marlin taped at 611 pounds plus a blue marlin at 368 pounds, both caught at El Banco on the same day. From left, standing in the boat are: Lorena deckhand Felipe Jr., the PV Marlin's Danny Quinonez, Williams, Binz, and Lorena Capt. Felipe. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH WILLIAMS.

Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ATLANTIC MEXICO JACK CREVALLE--A jack crevalle, displaying a suspiciously large gill plate spot, as caught near David Burns' El Manglar restaurant at Tecolutla, on Mexico's Atlantic coast near Veracruz. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BURNS.

Loreto Mexico Fishing Photo 2

LORETO MOODY SKIES--A panga rides out the weather in front of Loreto's historic Hotel Oasis. From the portfolio of photographer Mitchell Rose. PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCHELL ROSE.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES