Cabo San Lucas marlin move into Sea of Cortez;

Sierra and jacks hot at Mazatlan

Mexico Fishing News, February 12, 2007

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet said Cabo San Lucas charter boats turned eastward around the tip of Baja last week to target striped marlin concentrations moving into the Sea of Cortez.

"This week at Cabo San Lucas was a bit tough as the best fishing location changed," Ehrenberg said. "Charter boats took a couple of days to figure out where to fish." Pisces Fleet boats had an 81 percent catch rate for all species combined, including 71 percent for billfish, found mostly around the Cabo San Lucas 95 and 1150 fishing spots. Included in the week's releases were an unusual number of winter season sailfish. "The number of sailfish right now is very unusual," Ehrenberg said. "We are seeing more than usual for this time of year." SAILFISH SHOW UP AS CABO MARLIN MOVE INTO SEA OF CORTEZ.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 42 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 46 striped marlin, 3 sailfish, 13 dorado, 13 sierra, and 1 wahoo. Striped marlin action moved swiftly around the tip of Baja from the Pacific side to the Cortez side. "Cabo saw a dramatic change in fishing location this week. The 95-fathom spot seemed to be the 'hot' fishing area," Edwards said. "This is the normal time of year for this change." Cabo San Lucas water temperatures were at 70 to 71 degrees on the Pacific side and up to 72 degrees at the Gordo Banks. MARLIN FISHING MOVES AROUND TO CORTEZ SIDE.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Mike Connolly of the Cabo San Lucas charter sportfishing boat Falcon reported 3 to 4 striped marlin releases per day while fishing on the Sea of Cortez side from Chileno to the 1150 spot. Marlin action and bait fish concentrations on the Pacific-side Golden Gate Bank slowed down. "On Tuesday, 20 Cabo San Lucas fishing boats including the Falcon used up much of the day at the Golden Gate Bank for nothing," Connolly said. Yellowfin tuna into the 50-pound class were also present on the Cortez-side Inner Gordo Bank off San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas fishing weather was good, with water temperatures found up to 74 degrees. CHARTER BOAT FALCON FINDS STRIPERS ON THE CORTEZ SIDE.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 16 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter cruisers El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 17 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 8 yellowfin tuna of 20 to 35 pounds, and 6 dorado of 15 to 35 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said lots of striped marlin were present on both sides of the arch during the week, but the main concentration was on Cortez side around the 95 and 1150 spots. Dorado action was slower in cooling water temperatures, and yellowfin tuna in mixed sizes were caught on the Gordo Banks. "Whales are everywhere!" Landrum said. "Gray whales and humpbacks all over the place. We are seeing 30 to 50 whales on a 2-hour sunset ride every day."

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Ensenada's Vonny's Fleet said his pangas scored winter home guard yellowtail all week long at the tip of Punta Banda. "The fishing for our pangas was very good," Villarino said. The charter pangas Vonny I and Vonny III with Capts. Beto and Hector scored 1 to 4 yellowtail per day of 25 to 30 pounds, plus steady limits or near limits of bottom fish when targeted. Anglers fishing during the week included, Armando Vazquez, Juan Pablo Bojorquez, Gonzalo Ortega, Ken Rangel, Ray Angel, Jay Johnson, Brian Foley, Vladimir Valdez, Gabriel Suarez, and Paul Gallardo. Ensenada fishing weather was sunny and clear at 80 degrees, with calm seas, ocean swells of 2 to 3 feet, and the water temperatures at Punta Banda averaging 58 degrees. QUALITY YELLOWTAIL FOR PUNTA BANDA PANGAS.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the Ensenada fishing boat Bad Dog at Marina Coral reported on an outing Tuesday for excellent bottom fish action at the Banda Bank with anglers Edward Chang and Brian Lam, with the catch including full ganions and fast counts of quality vermilion rockfish, bocaccio, and barber pole rockfish, plus lingcod, whitefish, and assorted species. "The reds were coming over the side, all big fatties," Ross said. "I loaded my personal best at 8.1 pounds. This fishing is one of the main reasons why I keep my boat in Ensenada." EXCELLENT BOTTOM FISHING AT THE BANDA BANK.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Ken Jones of Long Beach, Calif., reported on a Baja run to Puerto Santo Tomas Resort south of Ensenada with Todd Garber, fishing 1 day with Capt. Marcos for Mexican limits of rockcods and whitefish, plus 2 sheephead, 2 sculpin, and some mackerel. "We had calm seas for a change and great bottom fishing," Jones said. "This was another great trip to a great Mexican fishing location." The road off Mex 1 into Puerto Santo Tomas had some washboard, but was basically in good condition. BAJA PANGA FISHING WITH CAPT. MARCOS AT PUERTO SANTO TOMAS.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Fernando Castro of Castro's Camp at Erendira reported 12 boats fishing during the week, including 2 groups of anglers led by Jerry Lasac and George Garcia. Castro's Camp boats fished about 12 miles out for large red rockcod, lingcod, and bonita. Erendira weather off the Baja northern Pacific coast continued very good, with very clear water in the main fishing area, and water temperatures holding at 58 to 59 degrees.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Julio Meza of San Quintin reported on a good yellowtail outing by his boat Santa Monica with angler Jose Luis Rodriguez of Mexicali. Fishing on the 15-fathom spot and other locations around San Quintin, the Santa Monica landed 8 yellowtail of 10 to 15 pounds, but was not able to evade seals present in all areas. "We ended up with 8 yellowtail, but lost more than that to the reef guards," Meza said. San Quintin water temperatures were at 58 degrees. BATTLING WITH SEALS FOR YELLOWTAIL.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Fishing reported lots of big lingcod and red rockcod, plus yellowtail variable in size and count to 15 per day of 13 to 17 pounds, while fishing with iron at Ben's Rock and the 15 spot. Catian said he also caught 2 calico bass of 6.5 and 7 pounds while fishing from shore with rubber baits. San Quintin fishing area weather was good, with water temperatures at 59 to 60 degrees.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported Magdalena Bay weather improved offshore, with local air temperatures in the high-70s, and water temperatures of 65 to 72 degrees. Boats fishing offshore of the Baja coast found a few marlin and dorado from the Thetis Bank to south of Punta Tosca. Yellowtail, bonito, and skipjack were caught under birds just outside the San Carlos entrada. The Magdalena Bay mangrove channels produced some corvina, small grouper, and pargo, and the peak California gray whale watching season continued.

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 63 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 265 yellowfin tuna, 12 hammerhead shark, 11 striped marlin, 28 dorado, 3 sailfish, 58 pargo, 22 cabrilla, 16 amberjack, and 32 bonita. San Jose del Cabo vacation area weather was mostly calm at close to 80 degrees, with water temperatures at 69 to 71 degrees. Good concentrations of striped marlin were moving into the area. "The Cabo San Lucas fleets were switching most of their effort toward San Jose del Cabo where the striped marlin have been more numerous," Brictson said. "At times, dozens of stripers were seen tailing on the surface." Most La Playita fleet pangas worked the Inner Gordo Bank for yellowfin tuna of 20 to 40 pounds caught on plentiful sardina baits. STRIPED MARLIN AND TUNA FOR LOS CABOS SPORTFISHING BOATS.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Species fishing specialist John Snow of San Jose del Cabo reported on 6 days of combined beach and panga fishing, with a total of 123.25 specimens caught or collected of 41 different species, including the "fish of the week," a 1-centimeter Zaca blenny. "The Zaca blenny was named for one of the world’s finest yachts, the Zaca," Snow said. "Errol Flynn took the Zaca on a scientific expedition to Acapulco which included Carl Hubbs, then curator of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography fish collection. The Zaca is featured in movie, "The Lady from Shanghai," starting Orson Wells and Rita Hayworth." ERROL FLYNN, ORSON WELLS, JOHN SNOW, AND THE ZACA BLENNY!

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: John Mussell of Santa Maria, Calif., reported on 2 early January outings to the Gordo Banks with his wife Mary Ann Mussell, fishing on a panga with La Playita Capt. Eduardo Guluarte for a catch including released fish of: 3 yellowfin tuna into the 50-pound class, 4 dorado, 3 sierra, and about 25 skipjack. "Eduardo's the best at La Playita," Mussell said. "We used sardines and chunked skipjack. The water was flat, cold, and blue, typical January."

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Baja On The Fly's Gary Graham reported very good winter weather conditions last week as the East Cape vacation fishing area enjoyed calm seas, sunny skies, and air temperatures to 79 degrees. "This week provided some of the best winter fishing conditions so far in 2007," Graham said. Beach angler Molly Semenik of Montana fished in good conditions for ladyfish and smaller roosterfish. Offshore boats found decent dorado action plus some striped marlin. East Cape fishing water temperatures were at 65 to 70 degrees. SUNNY SKIES AND CALM WINTER FISHING CONDITIONS AT EAST CAPE.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Leeper, staying the winter at Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, said he put his boat Canto del Mar in the water last week. "Sierra were very plentiful early in day near Punta Pescadero and La Ribera on just about any lure," Leeper said. "Mexican sportfishing limits on small dorado of 5 to 8 pounds are easy near the Punta Arena lighthouse." Some marlin were also reported but no yellowfin tuna. Mexican commercial fishermen did well on bottom fish. Good numbers of Humboldt giant squid were caught for bait. East Cape fishing area weather was mostly calm, with water temperatures of 70 to 72 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Jorge Bergin of La Ribera reported "lots of sierra" available in East Cape fishing waters last week. Mexican fisheries enforcement personnel were checking local boats for permits and fishing licenses. "Yesterday, the PESCA boat was giving out tickets and warnings, and checking boat papers and licenses," Bergin said. "They were looking for the gill netter here. They confiscated one boat." Bergin was planning to collect a tissue sample of the unidentified square-finned marlin sometimes caught in southern Baja waters for a DNA study by a biologist from England. The fish is sometimes called a "white marlin" because of its resemblance to the East Coast species. "Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly referred a UK lab head to me for DNA on my 'white marlin,'" Bergin said. "I'm going to get the samples, send them off, and try to find out what kind of fish it is."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport East Cape diving service reported good winter conditions, with water temperatures of 71 to 73 degrees at depth, and the water visibility at 40 to 70 feet. "Looks like East Cape has turned the corner toward an early spring," Rayor said. "The weather has been beautiful with little wind and bright sunny days." Dive trips to the Cabo Pulmo coral reef were busy with sightings of humpback whales, bottle nose dolphin, jumping manta rays, bigeye jacks, cownose rays, snappers, and mixed reef fish. "We are experiencing the best pre-spring diving conditions I've ever seen," Rayor said.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said his pangas fishing on the Las Arenas side south of La Paz caught yellowtail and mixed pargos inshore, dorado of 15 to 25 pounds just off Punta Perico, marlin in the channel, and yellowfin tuna north of Isla Cerralvo when winds permitted. Humboldt giant squid continued to be concentrated around Punta Arena de la Ventana and were being used for bait. Las Arenas side weather had some wind, but was calm and sunny by the weekend. "The fishing this week for our pangas had a very good variety of fish caught," Hernandez said. GOOD MIXED SPECIES CATCHES FOR PANGAS FISHING AT LAS ARENAS.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported warmer winter fishing conditions for his pangas on the south side of the hill last week. "I don't know if it's El Nino, but waters around Las Arenas and Isla Cerralvo rose in temperature about 2 to 5 degrees into the low-70s," Roldan said. "Fishermen all got something, mostly snapper and sierra around the high spots and drop-offs, and a few boats out towards the island were surprised again by dorado! This is 2 weeks in a row now."

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Don Bear of Loreto relayed fishing reports from his neighbor Charlie Licha for some yellowtail to about 30 pounds and mixed resident species caught by local boats. Tom Byrd of Loreto fished at Isla Coronado, using iron for 1 yellowtail of 25 pounds, 1 tigrieta, and a green-colored eel. Capt. Alvaro Murillo fished with clients on Tuesday and Wednesday at the island and the San Bruno bajo for a 2-day catch of 2 yellowtail of 25 and 30 pounds, and 1 pinto bass. Loreto fishing area weather from midweek onwards was "absolutely flat" with air temperatures in the high-70s.

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos reported slower local yellowtail fishing during the low current tidal phase around Santa Rosalia, but better action out at Isla Tortuga. Three runs to the island with anglers Doug Moranville, Ben Guess, Gary Willson, and Danny Chiquete, produced a catch of: 1 sawtail grouper of 10 pounds, and 29 yellowtail of 12 to 30 pounds. Santa Rosalia fishing area weather was ideal at 80 degrees, with no wind, water temperatures of 60 to 61 degrees at Isla San Marcos, and up to 63 degrees at Isla Tortuga. Water visibility was variable at 10 to 30 feet and Kanzler said, "It looks like a touch of red tide is also present." LOW-CURRENT PERIOD FISHING AT ISLA TORTUGA.

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Jim Anderson of San Lucas Cove said Santa Rosalia weather conditions were near-perfect last week with no wind and "really calm seas." Yellowtail on the bajos north of Isla San Marcos were cooperative on some days but unwilling to bite on others. "The fish seem large and fatter than normal," Anderson said. "Probably they are eating a lot of squid." Inshore fishing for the San Lucas Cove tin boat fleet was especially good for cabrilla, or leopard grouper, and exceptionally large and numerous spotted bay bass. EXCELLENT FISHING CONDITIONS FOR BOATS AT SAN LUCAS COVE.

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 the weather was mostly calm in the high-60s and work was progressing on the new monument and boulevard through the village. "They finally got the big sails monument up," Vazquez said. "It seems kind of weird that they would put up a monument to the yachties." Electrical power lines from Punta Prieta to Bahia de los Angeles were scheduled for completion by May. Fishing was good at Bajo Guadalupe for yellowtail of 15 to 20 pounds on jigs and live bait.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of San Felipe's Title Company Bookstore reported weekend weather at the north tip of the Sea of Cortez in the 70s with no wind. San Felipe was preparing for the Mexican holiday of Carnaval, scheduled for 5 days from Feb. 16-20, 2007. Rumors were going through town about problems with the Baja 250 off-road race due to a dispute between the local ejido and a real estate developer. Ocean-going raft builder and promoter of last year's aborted raft trip from San Felipe, David Pearlman, also known as "Poppa Neutrino," was slated to be featured in a book titled "The Happiest Man in the World" by Alec Wilkinson. POSSIBLE BAJA 250 RACE PROBLEMS AND NEW BOOK ABOUT "POPPA NEUTRINO".

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

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ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Ollie Peltier of Rocky Point reported on a run south on a heading of 191 degrees to the 41-mile reef by his boat Dos Borrachos with anglers Less Foss and Harry Florian, finding smooth sea conditions but slow fishing for a catch of 1 pinto bass, or spotted cabrilla, of 37 pounds, and 3 goldspotted bass. "We tried fishing at several other nearby reefs but didn't have any action," Peltier said. "We didn't see any birds working, sea lions, or dolphins. Typically, if you don't see anything else feeding, the fish aren't either." Rocky Point water temperatures were at 60 to 62 degrees. SLOW FISHING DAY AT THE 41-MILE REEF FOR THE DOS BORRACHOS.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Abel Anaya of Jon Jen Charters reported calm seas all week in the San Carlos (Sonora) fishing area, with local boats finding good bottom action to 450 feet deep for grouper, bass, whitefish, and red snapper, plus about 1 to 3 yellowtail per day around Punta San Antonio. Water temperatures at Punta San Antonio were at 63.5 degrees. WINTER BOTTOM FISHING AND YELLOWTAIL AT PUNTA SAN ANTONIO.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported inshore fishing "absolutely on fire" for local Aries Fleet boats out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid last week. Inshore boats scored on unlimited jack crevalle and sierra, plus some pargo, cabrilla, and triggerfish. Offshore fishing was slow, as 20 boats searched up to 30 miles out for a catch including released fish of: 3 striped marlin, 5 mako shark, and 2 dorado. The Mazatlan fishing area had good sea conditions, with water temperatures at 74 to 75 degrees. INSHORE FISHING HOT ON SIERRA AND JACK CREVALLE.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing reported good offshore fishing action at Puerto Vallarta for the charter boats Marla II, Marla III, and Arca de Noe during the week for yellowfin tuna to 185 pounds, plus dorado and sailfish. The boat Marla II fished only 2 days, as Osuna traveled to Florida to buy a 32-foot Blackfin boat for the fleet. Other local boats scored on dorado, sailfish, and a few striped marlin at the north end of the bay around Punta de Mita. YELLOWFIN TUNA, MIXED SPECIES, AND A NEW BOAT FOR MARLA'S FLEET.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Drew Pickerel of Torrance, Calif., and the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Pacifico reported on a run to El Banco and Roca Corbeteña on Thursday, fishing in green water for slow action on yellowfin tuna and a catch of: 1 dorado of 30 pounds, 4 cubera snapper of 20 to 35 pounds, and 2 other snappers of about 8 pounds. Some tuna were seen breaking the surface late in the day at Roca Corbeteña, but they would not bite. "We wished we had a bit more time to work these fish," Pickerel said, "but our efforts with the poppers and caballitos baits were futile." The fishing water temperature at El Banco was at 74.8 to 76 degrees. TUNA NOT COOPERATIVE IN FISHING ON THURSDAY BY THE PACIFICO.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Quinonez of PV Marlin Sportfishing at Puerto Vallarta said his charter boat Lorena was down earlier for maintenance. The Lorena fished mostly shorter charters around the southwest end of Bahia de Banderas for sailfish, dorado, jacks, and smaller yellowfin tuna. The Lorena also placed second in the January fishing tournament at Barra de Navidad with a 240-pound blue marlin. FISHING REPORT BY THE PV MARLIN CHARTER BOAT LORENA.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Josh Temple of Prime Time Adventures reported on a run to a fishing location known as the "Sand Bank" about 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta by the charter boat Frantic Pace, losing a targeted blue marlin of about 500 pounds, but scoring on wide-open schools of yellowfin tuna from about 30 pounds into the cow class. "The Frantic Pace team were exhausted from pulling in tuna after tuna on every lure in the spread," Temple said. "After keeping a few, the Frantic Pace released tuna after tuna before deciding to leave the area." Fishing with Temple aboard the Frantic Pace were Herk Marsella, Sue Marsella, and Matt Lawson. Fishing waters to the south of Puerto Vallarta were blue-green at 78 degrees. FRANTIC TUNA ACTION SOUTH OF BAHIA DE BANDERAS.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Earlier, Danny Gomez of Dhamar Sportfishing reported 77-degree water at Roca Corbeteña, 78.5-degrees at El Banco, and 2 yellowfin tuna caught at about 150 pounds each. The charter boat Aleta landed 5 yellowfin tuna including fish of 65 and 100 pounds, plus 3 amberjack.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said fishing action picked up during the full moon period for offshore boats, as 81-degree blue water came to within half-a-mile of the beach. "The game fish arrived with the blue water," Kunze said. "The fishing was actually better during the full moon phase than it had been during the week before." Offshore boats averaged 2 to 3 sailfish per day, plus some blue marlin. Inshore, the bite on jack crevalle inside Zihuatanej o Bay continued, and jack crevalle were also present along the beaches. Ixtapa fishing area weather was calm and cloudy in the high-80s, with water temperatures of 80 to 84 degrees. OFFSHORE FISHING PICKS UP OVER THE FULL MOON.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 14 outings by the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo charter boats Dos Hermanos I, Bloody Hook, Esturion, Gran Jefe, and La Bamba, for a catch including released fish of: 1 blue marlin of 205 pounds, 1 striped marlin, 14 sailfish, 4 yellowfin tuna, 6 dorado, 35-plus bonito, 39 sierra, and 28 jack crevalle. "The largest fish for the week was a 639-pound blue marlin, taken aboard the Gringo Loco," Edwards said. "We are seeing the annual move from sailfish to more yellowfin tuna and marlin. Inshore, the roosterfish have gone south, but fishing for big sierra to 15 pounds along with good numbers of big jack crevalle has really jumped." Ixtapa Zihuatanejo vacation area weather was sunny in the high-80s, with calm seas and water temperatures of 82 to 83 degrees.

HUATULCO FISHING REPORTS

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HUATULCO, MEXICO: Eric Weissman of Explore Fly Fishing said flat sea conditions prevailed at his San Agustinillo and Puerto Escondido fishing locations near Huatulco, with swells at 1 to 2 feet, breezes to 7 m.p.h., mild currents, and blue water on shore at about 85 degrees. Inshore fishing on birds produced jacks, sierra mackerel, barracuda, and salema. "Some sailfish and dorado are being caught offshore but tuna disappeared for a few days," Weissman said. "With clean water, they have now returned in large numbers and large sizes. Tuna were breaking 100-pound test today and many over 70 pounds were caught."

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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MEXICO: David Burns of the Restaurant El Manglar on the Atlantic Mexican coast at Tecolutla, Veracruz, reported good weather and fishing last week after a period of rough seas that kept boats ashore. "Thursday, finally, saw the return of calm seas and sunny skies at Tecolutla," Burns said. "It was as though someone turned on the 'fish faucet.' There are fish everywhere." Catches during the week included Burns' first pompano of the season, caught from the surf, and 80 kilos of huachinango, or true red snapper, caught per day by the local commercial panguero Capt. Cero. The year's annual snook tournament was scheduled to begin on March 15, 2007. GOOD WEATHER AND FISHING RETURN TO VERACRUZ COAST.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BAJA WINTER SAILFISH--Mike Connolly's Cabo San Lucas charter boat Falcon scored on about 3 to 4 striped marlin per day last week on the Cortez side of Baja's southern tip. The Falcon, with Capt. Manuel Romero, also hooked this sailfish on a mackerel bait about 10 miles off Punta Palmilla as Baja's winter billfish bite moved into the Sea of Cortez. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE CONNOLLY.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 1

YELLOWTAIL CLOSE TO HOME--Vonny's Fleet panga anglers fishing at Ensenada's Punta Banda scored daily home guard yellowtail last week. Showing off forkies to 31 pounds caught with Capt. Hector are, from left, Vladimir Valdez, Gabriel Suarez, and Raul Gallardo of San Diego. At right, Vonny's Fleet pangas also scored all week on steady bottom fish limits or near limits for all anglers targeting them. With Vonny's Fleet's Capt. Beto Zamora, left, are anglers, from second left, Armando Vazquez, Juan Pablo Bojorquez, and Gonzalo Ortega, all from Tijuana. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

Ensenada Mexico Fishing Photo 3 Ensenada Mexico Photo 4

ENSENADA VERMILIONS--Steve Ross, left, of the Ensenada boat Bad Dog, and Brian Lam fished at the Banda Bank for "Mexican limits of red vermilion rockfish in two drops," plus a big assortment of other rockfish species. "Some made me wish I had my new rockfish book on board," Ross said. At right, the Mexican Navy arrives for a boat inspection. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE ROSS.

Puerto Santo Tomas Mexico Photo 1

BAJA FISHING AND UNI--Todd Garber with a sea urchin, or "uni" in Japanese, headed for the dinner table during a trip with Ken Jones to Puerto Santo Tomas Resort on Mexico's Baja Pacific coast south of Ensenada. "We bought some sea urchins from the local divers and had fresh uni for dinner," Jones said. "Fantastic if you like that sort of thing." PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD GARBER AND KEN JONES.

San Quintin Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FIGHTING WITH SEALS--Jose Luis Rodriguez of Mexicali fished on Julio Meza's boat Santa Monica out of San Quintin for a good load of 8 medium yellowtail on local high spots, but they lost "more than that" to seals present in all locations tried. PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIO MEZA.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

EDUARDO GULUARTE TUNA--John and Mary Ann Mussell fished at San Jose del Cabo's Gordo Banks in January with Capt. Eduardo Guluarte of La Playita's Guluarte panga fleet for a catch including 3 of these yellowfin tuna, plus dorado, sierra, and about 25 skipjack. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN MUSSELL.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 2

PANGA-WINNING PANGUERO--Capt. Tony Miranda, left, of Baja's San Jose del Cabo fishing area is all smiles during after an outing to the Gordo Banks with William Murray, right, and his group, aboard Miranda's new charter super panga Hooker. Recently, Capt. Tony won 2 panga-motor combos in consecutive fishing tournaments at Los Cabos that were part of the Baja Sur Governor's Cup series. PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY MURRAY.

East Cape Mexico Photo 1 East Cape Mexico Photo 2

LIFE AT EAST CAPE--Bob Farmer and Donna Ryan of the Correcaminos Cafe in San Jose del Cabo recently opened the similar Roadrunner Cafe in the Plaza del Pueblo shopping center at the entrance to East Cape's village of Los Barriles. "We have a great cook and nice selection of breakfast and lunch," Farmer said. "We serve Starbucks coffee and have free wireless internet for our customers." PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOB FARMER.

La Paz Mexico Fishing Photo 1

SHOWING THE FLAG--Lyle Coleman of Newport Beach, Calif., missed on his targeted roosterfish while fishing at La Paz last week with Tortuga Sportfishing's Capt. Hugo Lucero, but he still took the opportunity to show off his pez gallo flag "very proudly" according to Tortuga's Gerardo Hernandez. La Paz fishing last week produced a good mixed bag of species including dorado, tuna, snappers, giant squid, and cabrilla. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

TORTUGA FLAT WATER FISH--Ben Guess and Gary Willson fished at Isla Tortuga off Santa Rosalia last week with Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos for a great catch of yellowtail in surreal, dead flat winter sea conditions on the Sea of Cortez. At right, Doug Moranville also made a run to the island on Kanzler's boat and scored this 30-pound class baqueta while fishing in absolutely zero-current conditions. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Rocky Point Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ROCKY POINT PINTO--Les Foss fished about 40 miles south of Rocky Point, Sonora, on Ollie Peltier's boat Dos Borrachos, finding slow fishing conditions in the northern Sea of Cortez, but landing this 37-pound pinto bass, or spotted cabrilla. The Dos Borrachos also caught 3 goldspotted bass and had a big fish break off. PHOTO COURTESY OF OLLIE PELTIER.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CORBETENA TUNA--Mike Camino, right, of San Jose, Calif., fished at Roca Corbeteña off Puerto Vallarta last week aboard the charter boat Marla II with Marla's Sportfishing Capt. Danny Osuna, left, and the catch included this 185-pound yellowfin tuna, plus a 90 pounder landed by angler Eric Botkin. The Marla II fished only 2 days last week as Osuna traveled to Florida to buy a new boat for the fleet. At right, Marla's Sportfishing of Puerto Vallarta recently added this boat to the fleet, a 32-foot Blackfin from Florida that will be called the Marla and will be captained by Danny Osuna. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY OSUNA.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 2

PACIFICO CUBERA SNAPPER--First mate Tony Ocaranza and crewman Luis of the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Pacifico with some winter cubera snapper caught at El Banco last week. The Pacifico also landed 2 yellow-eyed snappers and a 30-pound dorado at El Banco and Roca Corbeteña, but could not get the yellowfin tuna to bite. PHOTO COURTESY OF DREW PICKEREL.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 3

FRANTIC VALLARTA PACE--Matt Lawson fished last week about 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta with Capt. Josh Temple on the Prime Time Adventures charter boat Frantic Pace for unlimited schoolie yellowfin tuna hookups on a deep high spot called the Sand Bank. At right, Sue Marsella works on a feisty yellowfin aboard the Frantic Pace. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSH TEMPLE.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico Fish Photo 1

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO "BUSOS"--Paul Phillips of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo's Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament said local Mexican fishermen were catching these small barracuda-like fish, possibly young Mexican barracuda, locally called "busos" last week. "It is a small barracuda type found in the bays, not offshore," Phillips said. "They say the maximum size is about 18 inches. Definitely in the barracuda area. I didn't get a mouth shot but it is barracuda teeth!" PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL PHILLIPS.

Huatulco Mexico Fishing Photo 1

HUATULCO JACK CREVALLE--Eric Weissman of Explore Fly Fishing with a nice jack crevalle caught last week at his Puerto Escondido fishing location near Huatulco on Mexico's southern Pacific coast. At right, Weissman and another "toro" landed on the fly by angler Ken Chang, left. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC WEISSMAN.

Mexico Coastal Fishing Photo 1

ATLANTIC MEXICO POMPANO OPENER--David Burns of the Restaurant El Manglar in Tecolutla, Veracruz, Mexico, with his first pompano of the year, caught in the surf with dried shrimp bait. "I fish the beach all year long patiently awaiting February, March, and April, when the pompano are just 30 meters from shore feeding in the surf," Burns said. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BURNS.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fish Photo 2 San Jose del Cabo Mexico Photo 3

SMALL BUT LEGENDARY--San Jose del Cabo species fishing specialist John Snow said this tiny Zaca blenny (left), Malacoctenus zacae, only about 1 centimeter long, was his "fish of the week." It was one of 41 species caught or collected during 6 days of surf and panga fishing at Los Cabos. The Zaca blenny was named for the famous yacht Zaca, owned in the 1940s by Errol Flynn and featured in the movie, "The Lady from Shanghai." At right, another species collected at Los Cabos, a gulf sun starfish, Heliaster kubiniji. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN SNOW.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES