Dorado fiesta fishing for Baja Sur boats;

Big tuna season at Puerto Vallarta

Mexico Fishing News, October 1, 2007

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR SAN JOSE DEL CABO

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Dorado action picked up sharply from Cabo San Lucas to East Cape last week as boats fishing the Baja Sur coast as far north as La Paz scored very good counts on mixed-size dodos concentrated around tropical storm debris.

At San Jose del Cabo, Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 82 combined La Playita fleet pangas, with a catch including released fish of: 810 dorado, 155 yellowfin tuna of 12 to 15 pounds, 1 blue marlin, 3 striped marlin, 2 wahoo, 9 sailfish, 8 grouper, and 34 various pargo.

Excellent catches of dorado of 5 to 40 pounds were made in all directions by La Playita pangas, especially between La Fortuna and Iman. "It was common to see a dozen or more dorado in one outing," Brictson said.

Some good yellowfin tuna action was limited by having to fish through heavy concentrations of black skipjack. "Aggressive black skipjack were dominating the surface activity where the tuna have been more prevalent in recent weeks," Brictson said. San Jose del Cabo fishing area water temperatures averaged 84 degrees with sardina bait fish abundant around the Puerto Los Cabos marina.

Some swell and scattered rain was present at the end of the week due to the distant passage of a weakening tropical storm. "On Sunday this created some rougher seas, but still a handful of charters headed out to see what they could find," Brictson said.

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR ENSENADA

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet reported no yellowtail landed but steady full limits or near limits of bottom fish all week long for his beach launched pangas fishing the tip of Ensenada's Punta Banda. Anglers fishing on the Vonny I and Vonny III with Capts. Beto and Hector for red rockcod, bonita, salmon grouper, Johnny bass, and mixed species included Paul Antonian and his son Aren, Lester Ellet, Joe Rodriguez, Jay Johnson, Debrie Oslin, and Brian and Joanne Foley. Ensenada fishing area weather over the weekend was mostly sunny at 70 degrees, with light wind, ocean swells of 2 to 3 feet, and the water temperature at Punta Banda averaging 61 degrees. Villarino also noted that for the first time, Vonny's Fleet is accepting credit cards for fishing reservations with a 5 percent surcharge. Information: ivanvillarino@gmail.com.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Louis Meyers of Perris, Calif., reported on 2 outings at Ensenada, fishing with about 9 anglers on the Sergio's Ensenada Sportfishing Center charter boat Cazador for a catch of about 110 mixed rockcods and red rockcod plus some lingcod to about 10 pounds, and again on another charter boat with 4 anglers for a catch of about 20 bottom fish per rod plus a couple of 10-pound bonita hooked on the troll. Ensenada fishing area weather was calm with fog burning off by about 9:30 a.m. "If you like bottom fishing, now is a good time in Ensenada due to a lack of anglers in the middle of the week," Meyers said. "You can hook up on a good-sized boat at a very reasonable price. They really compete for your business. I had an offer of a 33 footer with live bait for 2 anglers for $200, and for $280 I could have gotten a 42 footer."

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Judy Ostberg of the boat Melody at Marina Coral reported on a trip Friday for fishing in 72-degree water around the 450 spot for a catch of: 10 yellowfin tuna of 15 to 18 pounds, plus 8 yellowtail of 12 to 14 pounds hooked at a kelp paddy on the way in. For the tuna, Ostberg said, "We had double, triple, and quadruple jig strikes, and 1 fish on bait. It was a great day. The ocean was mostly like glass with some wind waves on the return."

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR ERENDIRA

ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Tere Castro of Castro's Camp at Erendira reported 19 boats fishing Baja coastal waters during the week for heavy counts of mixed rockcods, lingcod, bonita, and some barracuda. "We can see a lot of bait in the water," Castro said. Baja fishing weather off Erendira was good all week, with the water temperature averaging 61 degrees in the main fishing area 8 miles out of Castro's Camp.

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR SAN QUINTIN

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Marita Melville of Don Eddie's Landing reported on 2 outings by Capt. Juan Cook, fishing with clients aboard a private boat and the charter boat Sophia just outside the point, at Socorro, and at the 210 spot in 67-degree water for catches including 2 white seabass to 52 pounds, 3 white seabass lost, another 45-pound white seabass landed, and limits of mixed rockcod, lingcod, sheephead, and barracuda. "It has been windy here at times in San Quintin this past week but captains are still going out and coming back with good catches," Melville said. "The afternoon is when the wind started picking up."

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas reported just a few anglers fishing in the San Quintin area, possibly due in part to unfavorable publicity from a recent incident in which a local charter fishing boat was boarded by the Mexican Navy, found to lack proper permits, and then sank as it was being towed to Ensenada. "We only had 10 boats out this week," Hillis said. "There were quite a few cancellations due to the Navy incident." The few boats fishing during the week landed some white seabass south at Socorro, a few yellowtail at the 240 spot, and lots of large barracuda, mixed rockcods, and lingcod. Anglers fishing out of Pedro's Pangas during the week with Capts. Juan and Miguel included the New Beginnings Church group from Garden Grove, Calif., with Charles Barling, Don Harbert, Randy Holden, Ron Lugo, and Rudy Stucki. "They caught limits of rockcod and lingcod and all the barracuda they could handle," Hillis said.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Hillis commented on the slow-down in sportfishing business at San Quintin following the Mexican Navy incident. "I have been in the panga business for 18 years, first in Mulege and now San Quintin," Hillis said. "My boats have been boarded by the federales maybe 15 times. Yes, they carry automatic weapons. They have a job to do. Something unusual happened that day. I was not there and I can't say what. All my paperwork is in order and all my captains are licensed. I hope this incident does not hurt Baja's reputation."

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR BAJA COASTAL AREAS

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Don Bear of Loreto noted new road improvements seen during a recent trip on Mex 1, Baja's full-length Transpeninsular Highway. "There are recently completed bridges over the vado just south of Santa Rosalia, at Vado Vimed between Santa Rosalia and Mulege, between the San Juan arroyo and the military checkpoint at San Bruno, and at the arroyo just south of the Loreto turnoff. The bridge over the San Juan arroyo looks as though it should be opened within the next few weeks. Finally, the bridge replacing that terrible S-turn a couple of miles north of San Ignacio opened earlier this summer."

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MAGDALENA BAY

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said reports from Mag Bay Outfitters at Puerto Lopez Mateos indicated limits of grouper, some snook, and several large corvina caught in the mangrove channels. Open Pacific fishing off Magdalena Bay produced some dorado including larger bulls, plenty of small yellowtail, and some sierra. Magdalena Bay fishing area water temperatures reached 78.5 degrees at the offshore Thetis Bank as clients moved away from overabundant bonito on the high spot to find dorado. One southbound yacht reported wahoo, marlin, and dorado on the Ridge high spots. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was clear at 90 degrees, with water temperatures averaging 64 to 76 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR CABO SAN LUCAS

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 36 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 112 dorado to 12 to 30 pounds, 1 blue marlin, 57 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 1 mako shark, 4 wahoo, 11 yellowfin tuna, and 2 roosterfish. "There was a surge in the dorado counts this week," Edwards said. "This should start to affect black marlin and blue marlin action for the upcoming Cabo San Lucas tournaments next month." Top outings for the week included the Fish Cabo with a 6-striped marlin release day, and the Gaviota IV with 7 stripers in 2 days. Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was mostly sunny in the mid-90s, with good sea conditions and water temperatures averaging 80 to 81 degrees on the Pacific side banks and 86 to 87 degrees at the Gordo Banks on the Sea of Cortez side. The week's best fishing was found with live bait at the Golden Gate Bank and the 95 spot.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 7 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: dorado limits including 43 dorado of 20 to 30 pounds, 1 blue marlin of about 250 pounds lost, 3 striped marlin, and 1 outing at the Golden Gate Bank for yellowfin tuna limits at 20 to 40 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 55 charter boats fishing during the week, with a catch including released fish of: 150-plus dorado, 2 blue marlin, 75 striped marlin, 75 yellowfin tuna, 2 wahoo, 20 pargo, 5 mako shark, and 2 cabrilla.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Grant Hartman of Cabo's Baja Anglers fly fishing guide service reported good dorado action close to home during the week. "There were dorado almost anywhere you fished, but the 2 best spots were the lighthouse and Golden Gate Bank," Hartman said. "Under one bunch of debris we found at least 30 fish hanging around, and all of them were really nice fish! We have been getting dorado up to 40 pounds. I haven't seen it this good in ages." Anglers landing dorado on fly fishing tackle included Dan Dreyer of Payson, Ariz., who was guided by Hartman aboard the charter boat Flying Fish IV with Capt. Arturo Ozuna.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet Sportfishing reported 99 percent of charters releasing mixed billfish, with a combined catch including released fish of: 149 striped marlin, 11 blue marlin, and 10 sailfish. All but 2 billfish were released. Dorado were caught by 85 percent of Pisces boats and yellowfin tuna of 20 to 50 pounds by 19 percent. "It was nice to see a big jump on blue marlin this week," Ehrenberg said. "Weights on blue marlin are beginning to increase a little now, with fish ranging from 180 to 350 pounds.

The Golden Gate Bank is still the mainstay of the action." Top Pisces outings during the week included the Yahoo with a 12-striped marlin release day and Andriana with 4 blue marlin in 2 days.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week Ehrenberg commented on the high billfish release count. "The number of billfish caught was an 8-year record for Pisces Fleet," Ehrenberg said. "In 6 days, 234 billfish were released, and this was with Cabo San Lucas charter sportfishing activity below normal. The number of striped marlin being caught is definitely unusual. We can't remember when this many stripers have been caught in summer." Dorado were caught by 66 percent of Pisces Fleet boats, and yellowfin tuna by 17 percent, including several fish in the 100-pound class and 2 tuna over 200 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter super panga Cheer's reported on a local outing Friday with 3 anglers for a catch of 8 dorado along the Pacific side beaches including 4 fish of 15 to 20 pounds. Fishing farther offshore about 4 to 5 miles outside Faro Viejo produced 8 bonita of 4 to 6 pounds. Local Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was good, with light wind and water temperatures of 79 to 80 degrees. Fishing aboard the Cheer's were California anglers Robert Smallwood, Michael Boone, and Barry Melne.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing reported some light rain at Cabo San Lucas on Sunday, with some long swell from the northwest and the water temperature averaging 81 to 85 degrees on the Pacific side and 85 to 88 degrees on the Cortez side. A 4-day outing aboard the charter boat Fly Hooker produced action including: 1 striped marlin released, 1 blue marlin released, 2 blue marlin missed, 1 sailfish released, 1 sailfish missed, 1 black marlin released, and 1 black marlin of 265 pounds kept after it became tail-wrapped.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR EAST CAPE

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Axel Valdez of Buena Vista Beach Resort reported on 20 outings during 4 days of a weather shortened week, with 65 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 126 dorado, 114 tuna, 2 blue marlin, 8 striped marlin, 1 roosterfish, 4 snapper, and 5 sierra. East Cape fishing area weather was in the high-90s, with water temperatures at 81 to 84 degrees. Fleet boats found action very close to the hotels. "September is the month that we locals like because the fishing is so close and good," Valdez said. "We are fishing 5 to 10 miles out. You can go further if you like, but there's no point in it." Valdez commented on some opinions that Mexico's recently passed Shark Norma 029 would increase commercial fishing close to shore. "So much for the million hooks in the Sea of Cortez due to Norm029. We have not seen any commercial boats coming to fish our waters since June 27th," he said.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO:East Cape tin boat angler Torrance Eddy of Buena Vista reported very hot weather during fishing for 5 dorado of small to over 15 pounds hooked while trolling a Rapala CD14 and 2 jointed Rebel Fastrac lures. "I left the beach at about 7 a.m. and joined the 20 or so boats catching tuna about 3 miles out," Eddy said. "But the tuna were only feeding on live bait. Even Fastracs failed to attract their interest. I headed out to Punta Pescadero and trolled around the reef there without success. On the way in, I caught 3 dorado with the Rapala. The Fastracs hooked two 6 pounders. It was very hot and no matter what direction I traveled, the wind went in the same direction, resulting in effectively little or no breeze. Anyway, the Rapala is my new favorite lure. I have never caught 5 dorado in one day before."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 99 charter boats from combined fleets including Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, Buena Vista Beach Resort, Rancho Leonero, and Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, with 287 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 324 dorado, 461 yellowfin tuna, 9 blue marlin, 63 striped marlin, 10 sailfish, and 3 wahoo. East Cape fishing area weather was in the high-80s, with some afternoon wind and water temperatures of 81 to 87 degrees. "As is typical this time of year there weren't many boats in the water but the fish numbers were certainly encouraging," Moyers said. "Hurricane Ivo turned out to be nothing more than some slight winds. As of this date, there are no storms brewing in the Eastern Pacific. Things will definitely be picking up down here in southern Baja in October." Live bait available at East Cape included sardina, mackerel, and caballito. East Cape sportfishing boats stayed close to home and fished in all directions from Punta Pescadero in the north to Punta Colorada in the south.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Jeff deBrown of The Reel Baja fly fishing guide service reported some mixed weather at the end of the week, but continued very good fly fishing action on the beaches for small roosterfish, a few pompano, and good sized jack crevalle. "Most of the action is taking place along the beach just south of Rancho Leonero where the Las Cuevas arroyo comes in," deBrown said. "If you want to catch a roosterfish from the beach, this area is your best bet at the moment." Offshore boats had outstanding action for tuna and dorado plus marlin and sailfish. "The tuna and dorado seem to be everywhere," deBrown said. "The excellent bite continued out in front of Buena Vista, in front of La Ribera, and down to Cabo Pulmo." East Cape weather was at 90 degrees, with water temperatures of 74 to 83 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported good fishing during the week that included a wide-open session on yellowfin tuna a couple of miles off the hotels, sailfish loitering less than 2 miles off Punta Pescadero, and dorado plentiful on easy-to-spot storm debris. On the beaches, Baja On The Fly guide Lance Peterson found schools of gafftopsail pompano plus "schoolie" sized jack crevalle, roosterfish, and ladyfish. "A smaller fly and light tippet were needed to get the grabs from the pompano," Peterson said. East Cape fishing area weather was party cloudy in the high-80s, with water temperatures of 77 to 85 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Eddie Dalmau of Van Wormer Resorts reported on 160 East Cape charter fishing boats from Hotels Palmas de Cortez and Playa del Sol, with a catch including released fish of: 536 dorado, 800 yellowfin tuna, 17 blue marlin, 155 striped marlin, 8 sailfish, 10 roosterfish, 7 wahoo, 18 pargo, 24 bonita, and 14 skipjack. East Cape fishing area weather was in the high-90s, with water temperatures of 78 to 85 degrees. "Lots of bait is available, making for great fishing conditions," Dalmau said. "The tuna and dorado numbers continue to be eye-popping. We have the makings for an October to remember." Van Wormer Resorts' Hotel Punta Colorada was scheduled to reopen for the season in a few days.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Simon Cazaly of the Vista Sea Sport East Cape diving service said water temperatures at depth during the week ranged from the high-70s to the low-80s, with visibility of at least 80 to 100 feet. "A fantastic diving week with blue seas and warm temperatures," Cazaly said. "While diving at Islote in the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park we were able to see the whole of the island. A zebra moray eel snaking through the coral heads on the south wall brushed its nose and body against my fingers as it went on its way." Other sea life sightings during the week included sea lions, octopus, giant damselfish, eagle rays, bigeye jack, guitarfish, lobsters, green moray eel, nudibranchs, leopard grouper, golden grouper, Panamic porkfish, and yellow snapper.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR LA PAZ

LA PAZ, MEXICO: On the Las Arenas side, Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said his pangas found very good mixed fishing action along the Baja shore around Las Arenas, Ensenada de los Muertos, and Punta Perico, and good fishing for dorado of 20 to 30 pounds at Punta Perico and offshore around the south end of Isla Cerralvo. Larger dorado were also caught south at San Isidro. Yellowfin tuna were smaller last week but good numbers still came in. Sufficient live bait was caught nearby at Las Arenas and Ensenada de los Muertos. "Some marlin are also in the offshore fishing areas," Hernandez said, "but our anglers are preferring to go after the dorado." La Paz fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with some clouds and moderate humidity.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Leonard Phillips of Baja Pirates Fleet said good counts of yellowfin tuna were scored by boats fishing on the La Paz side at La Reinita. The group of John Robert, Mark Keltner and his wife Lynn, and Duane Leathers fished with Baja Pirates Fleet and landed tuna of 25 to 40 pounds, plus releasing an estimated 300-pound class blue marlin and several dorado on the way in. Mark Saggu and his group from Victorville, Calif., landed dorado into the 40-pound plus class. La Paz side fishing area weather was over 90 degrees, with water temperatures in the high-70s.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported some boats with very good fishing over the full moon period. On Saturday, Roldan said, "Some boats finished fishing by 10 and 11 a.m. No more room for all the fish!" Earlier in the week, angler Norm Clayton of Escondido, Calif., fished aboard a Tailhunter panga on the La Paz side and scored a birthday catch of 6 wahoo of 40 to 60 pounds at La Reina on the north end of Isla Cerralvo.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR LORETO

LORETO, MEXICO: Lynn Hamman noted that the boat This Side Up at Puerto Escondido was broken into and stripped of items including an outboard motor, solar panels, dive gear, electronics, and tools. In Loreto's Colonia Zaragosa, a house burglary in progress was reported interrupted by the owners returning home. Police quickly apprehended the thieves and recovered stolen items, Hamman said.

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

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: Eddie Abate of San Diego, Calif., reported on 2 days of fishing by his group at Bahia de los Angeles on 2 super pangas, 1 with Capt. Igor Galvan, and the other out of Guillermo's with Capt. Eduardo. A day at Isla Partida produced a catch of: 8 grouper to 27 pounds and 7 yellowtail to 20 pounds, plus many cabrilla and whitefish. With winds from the west on their second day, Abate's group fished northwards about 20 miles along the Baja coast for a catch of: 10 grouper to 60 pounds, 2 yellowtail, 1 dorado, and several heavy break-offs. Anglers fishing on the trip included: Mike Ragan, Maurice Williams, and Bruce Hockridge.

BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES, MEXICO: For the previous week, Ruben Daggett of Daggett's Camp at Bahia de los Angeles reported dorado still running in the Midriff area and some white seabass to 15 pounds and yellowtail to 22 pounds also caught. A run to Punta Pescador at the south end of the bay produced 3 yellowtail of 15, 20, and 22 pounds and 3 white seabass, all caught on mackerel live bait in water temperatures of 78 to 80 degrees. Anglers fishing the Bahia de los Angeles area out of Daggett's Camp with Capt. Enrique Daggett during the week included Brad Davis, Andy Cramond, Tyer Gottfredon, and Patrick Baxter.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR SAN FELIPE

SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Tony Reyes Sr. of Tony Reyes Fishing Tours reported on a 6-day Midriff Islands fishing trip by the panga mothership Jose Andres, returning to San Felipe on Sept. 28, 2007, with a catch of: 38 yellowtail of 14 to 22 pounds, 1 grouper of 61 pounds, 1 dorado of 18 pounds, 11 white seabass at 10 pounds, 32 cabrilla of 8 to 14 pounds, 28 red snapper of 8 to 14 pounds, 4 broomtail of 7 to 12 pounds, 212 spotted bay bass, 2 shark of 15 pounds, and 50 miscellaneous fish.

ROCKY POINT (PUERTO PENASCO) FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR ROCKY POINT

ROCKY POINT, MEXICO: Steven Hofberger of Phoenix reported a catch including a Latin Grunt, Haemulon steindachneri, while fly fishing from shore near Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) in late September. Hofberger used a Clouser minnow at Cholla Bay, 3 miles northwest of Puerto Peñasco, with a medium sinking tip over rocky structure. "From the same area I generally catch longjaw leatherjack, gulf weakfish, cabrilla, flounder, triggerfish, needlefish, and small cabrilla," Hofberger said. "But this was a first time for this one."

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR SAN CARLOS

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: John Hilderbrand of Jon Jon Charters said few anglers fished out of San Carlos during the past 2 weeks, as action was up-and-down. "The fishing has been good at times but slow other times," Hilderbrand said. An outing aboard the San Carlos charter boat Jonjen the previous Friday produced 1 dorado hookups unbuttoned during a day of trolling with up to 8 lines, plus a tuna and black marlin broken off. "The fishing is good with billfish and dorado so we are looking forward to the tournament the first of October," Hilderbrand said. The Jonjen was fishing again after receiving a rebuilt motor and maintenance on the steering.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MAZATLAN

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 15 Aries Fleet offshore charter boats out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid, with a catch including released fish of: 2 blue marlin, 15 sailfish, 41 dorado into the 30-pound class, and 1 yellowfin tuna. Five inshore super pangas had a catch of: full limits of dorado, 25 pargo, 1 permit, and 35 mojarra. "The dorado bite at the buoys continues to produce easy limit fishing along with numerous releases for the super pangas," Edwards said. "The offshore dorado bite is picking up momentum and is providing bigger fish. The number of charters has slowed a little due to the time of year, but the catch results continue to reflect excellent fishing." Mazatlan fishing area weather was partly cloudy at 90 degrees, with flat seas, light tropical breezes, and stable water temperatures at 85 to 86 degrees. Offshore boats fished 21 to 28 miles southwest of Marina el Cid using rigged baits for sailfish and dorado, and artificials for blue marlin. Inshore dorado were still "snapping at most anything that goes in the water."

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR PUERTO VALLARTA

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Michael Sisko of San Diego reported on 3 days of good yellowfin tuna action last week at El Banco off Puerto Vallarta with his brother Daniel Sisko aboard the charter boat Marla with Capt. Danny Osuna for a catch including: 1 cow yellowfin tuna taped at 84 inches by 59 inches for an estimated at 365 pounds, 2 more tuna estimated by Osuna at 180 and 240 pounds, and an estimated 400-pound black marlin released. "The Osuna brothers are seasoned warriors of big offshore tuna, tamers of El Banco, fun as hell to fish with, and hardworking to boot," Sisko said. "The trip produced fish by the mastery of Danny and his hard working mates."

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Stan Vath of Oxnard, Calif., and the boat Tinknocker reported on an outing aboard the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Pacifico on Thursday with Capt. Manny Ocaranza and crew of Abel, Luis, and Mitchell for a catch at El Banco of: 9 yellowfin tuna of 20 to 163 pounds. About 12 boats were fishing at El Banco. "We left the dock at Marina Vallarta at 3 a.m. and picked up 60 caballitos from the bait guy and started our trek to the bank," Vath said. "We arrived around 7 a.m. with only a couple of boats present. The fishing was a little on the slow side by Puerto Vallarta standards. The big baits were not effective which was disappointing, but that's fishing. By the chatter on the radio we did very well. The Pacifico is a great ride and a fish killing machine. I'll be back."

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle reported on a run to El Banco by the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Sirena for catches including a yellowfin tuna at 345 pounds and an estimated 525-pound black marlin released. The cow class tuna hit a live skipjack bait for angler Mark Schwabb and was landed after a 3-hour fight.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Bob Huston of Pasadena, Calif., announced the second annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation "Hook The Cure" benefit fishing tournament to be held at Puerto Vallarta on Oct. 25-28, 2007. Last year's tournament, with about 20 boats fishing 2 days, raised $155,000 to benefit research on treatment for children with cystic fibrosis. "Cystic fibrosis is the #1 genetic killer of children and young adults in the United States," Huston said. "The life expectancy has grown from 4 to now over 36 years." Huston said about $315,000 in donations was hoped for during the 2007 event, which includes billfish release, tuna, and dorado categories, as well as options for golf and spa sessions during an all-inclusive stay at Puerto Vallarta's Villa Premiere Hotel. Tournament winners will receive invitations to complete in the 2008 I.G.F.A. Rolex Offshore World Championship fishing tournament. Information: Gary Green, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ggreen@cff.org; www.hookthecure.com.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area sailfish action was slower on the full moon as most of the 4 or 5 combined fleet boats going out daily concentrated on good roosterfish action close to shore. Blue water at 83 degrees was about 12 miles out, but offshore boats were stopping often to fish for dorado in weed lines about 6 to 8 miles out. "They are averaging about 2 or 3 of these tasty dorado between 16 and 33 pounds," Kunze said. Inshore water averaging about 86 degrees had good concentrations of bait and roosterfish against the beaches, plus good numbers of jack crevalle in the mix. "There is no defined area for the concentrations of roosterfish," Kunze said. "They are all up and down the coast." Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area weather was partly cloudy and humid in the low-90s, with light breezes and water temperatures of 80 to 84 degrees.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR CANCUN

CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported just 3 outings by the El Cid Caribe sportfishing fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun, with a catch including released fish of: 2 tuna, 4 king mackerel, 1 barracuda, and 1 cubera snapper. "Only short 4-hour fishing days were reported this week," Edwards said. "That reflected very slow angler activity." Cancun fishing area weather was cloudy and humid in the low-90s, with light easterly winds and water temperatures even at 83 to 85 degrees.

East Cape Mexico Dorado Fly Fishing Photo 1

FLY GUY DORADO--Fly tackle angler Brian Crawford fished the excellent dorado bite at East Cape last week and hoisted a real nice collection of dodo flags with Capt. Santos of The Reel Baja fly fishing guide service. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF DEBROWN.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Panga Dorado Fishing Photo 1

NEW MARINA PANGAS--Mark Griese of Santa Ynez, Calif., fished with Gordo Banks Pangas last week out of the temporary launching area at the new Puerto Los Cabos Marina near San Jose del Cabo for some good dorado action with Gordo Bank's Capt. Javier. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

Ensenada Mexico Bonito and Bottom Fishing Photo 1

ENSENADA PANGA FISHING--Aren Antonian and his father Paul Antonian of Van Nuys, Calif., scored their Mexican sportfishing bag limits last week in panga action at Ensenada with Vonny's Fleet's Capt. Hector Zamora. PHOTO COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

San Quintin Mexico White Seabass Fishing Photo 1

WHITE SEABASS DAY--San Quintin's Capt. Juan Cook found a great catch on Saturday including a white seabass of 45 pounds plus bottom fish limits for Don Eddie's Landing anglers Jesse Llamas, Danny Llamas, Daniel Amescua, and David Llamas aboard the charter boat Sophia. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARITA MELVILLE.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

CABO FLY DODO--Dan Dreyer of Payson, Ariz., with a nice fly-caught Baja dorado during an outing at Cabo San Lucas last week with Baja Anglers fly fishing guide Grant Hartman and Capt. Arturo Osuna aboard the charter boat Flying Fish IV. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT HARTMAN.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CABO FISHING KID--Katy Lampson of Huntsville, Texas, and her group including her 6-year-old daughter Hannah Lampson, had a great day of fishing at Cabo San Lucas aboard the charter boat Cabo Magic with Capt. Hector for a catch including released fish of 3 striped marlin and 2 dorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Panga Dorado Fishing Photo 1

CABO GOLDEN ARCH--Michael Boone, right, and Robert Smallwood, fished aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter panga Cheer's with Capt. Ramon Druck on Friday for a catch including 8 of these dorado close to the Pacific side beaches and 8 bonita to 6 pounds caught about 4 to 5 miles out. They are shown here aboard the Cheer's at Cabo's famous rock arch just a few yards from the extreme tip of the Baja California peninsula. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Jumping Marlin Photo 1

MARLIN COLLECTOR--A hot Cabo San Lucas striped marlin grabs air during an outing by the Pisces Fleet Sportfishing charter boat Bill Collector. It was one of 27 billfish released during a multi-day trip to Cabo by anglers Steve Carlon, Brian Holland, and John Simione. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY EHRENBERG.

East Cape Mexico Bull Shark Diving Photo 1

EAST CAPE BULL SHARK--Recent sea life sightings during trips by East Cape's Vista Sea Sport dive service included this bull shark photographed at the Esperanza diving spot. A large tiger shark was also seen during a couple of dives recently, but Vista Sea Sport's Simon Cazaly said, "Unfortunately no pics of the tiger. Maybe next time!" PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMON CAZALY.

La Paz Mexico Wahoo Fishing Photo 1

SIX-WAHOO BIRTHDAY--Norm Clayton's birthday fishing with Tailhunter International at La Paz produced a catch of 6 quality wahoo of 40 to 60 pounds for him and his panga captain. "The day before, he caught a load of tuna and dorado," said Tailhunter's Jonathan Roldan. "He didn't have any more room." PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

La Paz Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

FISHING WITH GRANDPA--John Tatka and grandkids Cody, Brick, Austin, and Dylan fished several days south of La Paz with Tortuga Sportfishing panga Capts. Hugo, Jorge, Martin, and Nufo Lucero for good action on tuna, roosterfish, and these nice dorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

Bahia de los Angeles Mexico Grouper Fishing Photo 1

FISHING WITH IGOR--Eddie Abate, right, with a 60-pound class gulf grouper caught out of Bahia de los Angeles while fishing north along the Baja coast in westerly wind conditions with well-known local sportfishing guide Capt. Igor Galvan, left. A total of 10 grouper were caught during the outing. PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE ABATE.

Bahia de los Angeles Mexico Yellowtail Fishing Photo 1

L.A. BAY PESCADORES--With a good panga catch of local summer yellowtail caught at Bahia de los Angeles' Punta Pescador are anglers, from left, Brad Davis, Tyer Gottfredon, Andy Cramond, and Patrick Baxter, who fished with Daggett's Camp Capt. Enrique Daggett. Fishing during the week at Punta Pescador also produced white seabass. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUBEN DAGGETT.

Rocky Point Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FLY CAUGHT LATIN--This nice Latin Grunt, Haemulon steindachneri, made an unusual first-ever fly tackle species catch from shore recently for angler Steven Hofberger of Phoenix while fishing rocky structure near Puerto Peñasco. Hofberger's catch record in the area also includes longjaw leatherjack, cabrilla, flounder, triggerfish, gulf weakfish, needlefish, and small cabrilla. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN HOFBERGER.

San Carlos Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

SAN CARLOS FISHING--John Hilderbrand, left, of Jon Jen Charters at San Carlos, Sonora, and Robert Amador got lucky with this nice pair of dorado caught during a recent outing in mixed conditions about 22 miles out of San Carlos on a heading of 190 degrees. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN HILDERBRAND.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Tuna Fishing Photo 1

VALLARTA COW ROUNDUP--Daniel Sisko, right, and his brother Michael Sisko, fished 3 days aboard the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Marla with Capt. Danny Osuna, left, for a catch at El Banco including this awesome cow tuna taped at 365 pounds, plus 2 other tuna of 180 and 240 pounds. At right, Michael Sisko with the 180 and 240 pounders. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL SISKO.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Tuna Fishing Photo 3

VALLARTA TUNA SEASON--Boat-side action during Stan Vath's trip this week aboard the Puerto Vallarta charter boat Pacifico with Capt. Manny Ocaranza. With fish reluctant to hit the big baits at El Banco, Vath's day still produced 9 yellowfin tuna to 163 pounds. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STAN VATH.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Tuna Fishing Photo 5

VALLARTA COW TUNA--In addition to a 525-pound class black marlin released, this yellowfin tuna at 345 pounds was landed last week during an outing at Puerto Vallarta aboard the Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle charter boat Sirena by angler Mark Schwabb, top right. Also shown are the Sirena's Capt. Steve Torres, left, and first mate Freddy, right. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN GABRUK.

Mexico Dorado Fishing Photo 1

MYSTERIOUS COLOR--In action during this week's excellent results for yellowfin tuna and dorado, an East Cape mahi-mahi shows its colors for Jeff deBrown of The Reel Baja fly fishing guide service. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF DEBROWN.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES