Fall marlin fishing signs are good again for Cabo San Lucas Pacific banks;

Tuna come tight to shore in central Baja

Mexico Fishing News, October 6, 2008

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Striped marlin action ramped up last week for Cabo San Lucas boats fishing the Pacific-side Finger Bank and Golden Gate Bank areas, as heavy bait concentrations hinted a possible replay of last year's wide-open fall striper bite, and dorado continued to produce big fish counts for boats working closer to the cape.

Durance Lowendick of Marlin Masters Sportfishing at Cabo San Lucas reported charters with multiple striped marlin on the Pacific side banks, plus dorado and yellowfin tuna including some fish to 60 pounds, several blue marlin released in the 200 to 350-pound range, and good action for sailfish off the lighthouse. "For several recent trips to the Finger Bank area, there have been over 100 striped marlin in the spread," Lowendick said. "We've also had an unbelievable dorado bite and yellowfin tuna at the Finger Bank."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the week ending Sept. 28, 2008, George Landrum Fly Hooker Sportfishing at Cabo San Lucas said, "The striped marlin has turned on, at least if you're willing to travel 50 miles. The Finger Bank turned on with several boats reporting multiple numbers. Capt. Jay Bush reported 22 releases, and Capt. Tony Nungary had 17. If this continues we may have a repeat of the awesome action last year." Yellowfin tuna were slower, but dorado continued to pace fish counts for Cabo San Lucas boats, with steady Mexico fishing limits found mostly on the Pacific side as boats ran northward for tuna and marlin. Local inshore charter pangas did well on dorado just off the beaches.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the week ending Sept. 24, 2008, Tracy Ehrenberg of Pisces Fleet Sportfishing at Cabo San Lucas reported a 100 percent fleet catch rate for all species combined, including 76 percent releasing billfish, 14 percent landing yellowfin tuna of 20 to 50 pounds, and 91 percent with dorado caught in very good action that produced a total of 468 fish including many releases.

"Dorado of 15 to 40 pounds continue to reign at Cabo San Lucas with unbelievable numbers," Ehrenberg said. "Dorado were found on the Cortez and Pacific, although Cabo boats fished mainly on the Pacific." Billfish catches by Pisces Fleet boats included striped marlin, sailfish, and some blue marlin to 350 pounds. Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with some clouds, calm seas, and water temperatures averaging 84.5 degrees as most Pisces boats fished at the Golden Gate Bank.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 21 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo, Fish Cabo I, and Tuna Time, with a catch including released fish of: 115 dorado of mostly 12 to 20 pounds, 13 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, and 17 yellowfin tuna. "The dorado bite continues to be prime for Cabo San Lucas fleets," Edwards said. "The better bite has been on the Pacific side of Cabo up to the Golden Gate Bank.

Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the mid-90s, with some humidity, good sea conditions on both sides of the arch and water temperatures at 84 to 85 degrees on the Pacific side and 86 degrees at the Gordo Banks on the Sea of Cortez side.

Most billfish were caught on caballito live baits, or mackerel baits easily replenished at the Pacific-side banks.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Grant Hartman of the Baja Anglers fly fishing guide service at Cabo San Lucas reported good striped marlin concentrations on the Golden Gate Bank but some days with billfish difficult to hook on the fly due to abundant bait fish in the water. "There is just a ton of bait," Hartman said. "The whole food chain is active right now. On a day that the fish are feeding heavily on bait, its going to be slower." Dorado of 10 to 20 pounds were plentiful as top outings during the week included a run with Dave Michael, Paul Jutras and Jim Jacques of Rhode Island, who got into nonstop release action for 45 dorado plus a few missed billfish.

Inshore fishing at Cabo San Lucas produced mostly small roosterfish and jacks along the beaches.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 8 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 4 blue marlin of 150 and 300 pounds, 4 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 10 yellowfin tuna of 15 to 30 pounds, and 30 dorado of 20 to 25 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter sportfishing super panga Cheer's reported on 3 outings during the week with a total of 6 anglers, for a catch including released fish of: 1 sailfish that hit two lures, 30 dorado of 6 to 20 pounds, and 6 small skipjack of 6 to 8 pounds. The Cheer's fished locally on the Pacific side and up to about 3 miles out with trolled lures and live baits in water temperatures of 83 to 87 degrees and some hot weather conditions. Anglers fishing aboard the Cheer's included Don Roth and Scoh Burnap of North Carolina, Alice Barbanite, and Don Cartner.

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 reported some heavy fog in the local Ensenada fishing area during the week, but his charter pangas fishing at the tip of Punta Banda still landing steady red rockcod to 5 pounds, lingcod to 8 pounds, lots of bonita to 9 pounds hooked on aluminum surface jigs, and some whitefish. Anglers Martin Bautista, Daniel Carl Perry, and Michael Alaniz also scored halibut of 10 to 22 pounds while fishing the sand flats inside the bay with Capt. Beto on the charter panga Vonny I. "They also got lings, and bonitos by tossing aluminum jigs," Villarino said. "Cactus Tackle supplied us with some nice lures and jigs, and they put glitter on our aluminum jigs, all of which are producing very well."

Local Ensenada fishing area weather was partly cloudy at 65 to 75 degrees, with morning fog, light winds, ocean swells at 3 feet, and the water temperature at Punta Banda averaging 60 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Louie Prieto of Hacienda Heights, Calif., reported on 2 late-August outings from Ensenada's Marina Coral by his boat It's For Reels, finding rough seas at the Lower 500 spot the first day, and fishing outwards from the 238 spot the second day in better conditions for a catch of 10 firecracker yellowtail and a first-ever mahi-mahi for angler John Banache Jr. "The first paddy yielded Junior his first dorado," Prieto said. "We continued our search for the ultimate paddy. We ran into massive pods of porpoise and the meter was lit up red with tuna. We brailed bait which we picked up from Mike at Ensenada Bait. We also threw Megabaits, plastics, fly-lined baits, sliding egg, Carolina rigs, everything but the outboard. Nada."

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Ken Jones of Long Beach, Calif., reported on another run down Baja's Highway Mex 1 to fish, in some whitecaps and swells, with Capt. Marcos at Puerto Santo Tomas Resort, on the Pacific Baja coast south of Ensenada, for full Mexican fishing limits of mixed bottom fish. "It is also lobster and urchin season and it's always worth it to meet the boats down on the ramp when they come in for the day," Jones said. "Unfortunately, new tuna pens similar to the ones in the bays north of Ensenada are now present offshore of the resort. It can't be good for navigation and the blinking lights at night will get a bit old if more and more pens arrive."

Jones noted a long delay during the Baja drive south to Puerto Santo Tomas. "We had a Baja rite of passage," Jones said. "Just south of Maneadero we had a full shutdown of Highway 1 because of an overturned big rig in the mountain pass. Otherwise we had no problems and the road to Puerto Santo Tomas is freshly graded and in the best condition ever. It was another great trip to Sam's place." Also fishing on the trip was Todd Garber.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Tere Castro of Castro's camp south of Ensenada reported on 18 boats fishing off the Baja coast with catches including bonito, ocean whitefish, and some lingcod of 14 to 15 pounds. "We've been having a lot of fish of very good sizes," Castro said. "There is bait in the water and we can see pelicans along the coast."

Baja coastal fishing water off Erendira was at 66 to 68 degrees and very calm. "The water looks like a lagoon," Castro said. " We have no wind."

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Pete Hillis of Pedro's Pangas at San Quintin reported all boats with easy Mexico fishing limits of yellowfin tuna of 25 to 35 pounds. "The yellowfin tuna are wide-open down here. Only one boat went bottom fishing the entire week, and they loaded up on large rockcod and lingcod." San Quintin fishing area weather was warm with light winds.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Capt. Kelly Catian of San Quintin's K & M Offshore Sportfishing reported wide-open mixed offshore action on yellowfin tuna, albacore, dorado, and yellowtail found on a single kelp paddy about 16 miles out. "We used jigs, plastics, and Megabaits to land 20 yellowfin to over 30 pounds, limits of dorado, and over 50 yellowtail, with many released," Catian said. "It was all on one paddy. It was one of the best days I've ever seen. We coulda stayed there all night. It has been good the last 2 weeks." Catian also noted some white seabass still around in the San Quintin fishing area.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Jorge A. Rosales of CICESE reported the results of a sportfishing survey at San Quintin on Sept. 27, 2008, with a fish count taken at the Old Mill dock for a combined total of 8 trips by the boats Offshore III, Fanny, Fanny III, Coyote, Paloma, Nelly Girl, Cucajuan, and Carmen, with 21 anglers, a combined total of 146 fish weighed and measured, and a fish count of: 21 yellowfin tuna to 22 pounds, 16 yellowtail, 20 skipjack, 8 rockfish, 1 sculpin, 1 mako shark, 48 red rockcods or vermillion rockfish, 11 bocaccio, 4 bonito, 6 lingcod, and 8 calico bass. Three boats fished only offshore, 3 bottom fished only, and 2 boats fished in mixed action.

"The end of September was good to fishermen searching for pelagic fishes at San Quintin," Rosales said. "It was characterized by the presence of yellowfin tuna as close as 16 miles." San Quintin fishing area offshore water temperatures were at 68 degrees.

The dockside survey was taken by members of Centro Regional de Investigación Pesquera at El Sauzal, with the assistance of Bertha Aguirre, a graduate student of marine biology at CICESE.

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Capt. Juanchys Aguilar of the Pacific Baja coastal fishing village of La Bocana reported excellent sportfishing action aboard his charter panga Karol for tuna, dorado, marlin, wahoo, sierra, and yellowtail, with tuna and dorado found 5 miles from the boca, yellowtail at 1 mile, and wahoo mixed with marlin at 19 miles.

"The fishing weather at La Bocana is perfect right now," Aguilar said. "We have 100 percent water clarity and water temperatures of 78 to 80 degrees."

Aguilar also reported on 10 Mexican commercial fishing boats with a catch of: 362 tuna of 25 to 30 pounds, 151 dorado of 15 to 20 pounds, 1 striped marlin of 198 pounds, 5 wahoo of 25 to 65 pounds, 101 bonito of 6 to 8 pounds, and 326 yellowtail of 10 to 20 pounds. "We also have corvina of 6 to 8 pounds in the surf," Aguilar said.

Aguilar also noted his brother Joaquin serving as chef for his 20-person seafood restaurant at La Bocana. "It's the best in town," he said, "serving dinner with different seafood plates for 20 dollars per person."

The local La Bocana fishing tournament was scheduled for Oct. 25, 2008.

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Les Heil of Baja Bocana Bed & Breakfast at La Bocana reported on a run outside the boca for a good catch of yellowtail to 15 pounds and yellowfin tuna to 30 pounds. "On the beach, yellowtail are pushing mackerel into shore," Heil said. "Fifteen-pound test line will bring the yellowtail in with the help of the surf."

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Derek Arneson of San Diego commented on his September fishing inside Laguna La Bocana with Capt. Juanchys Aguilar. "We had excellent catch-and-release grouper fishing to 10 pounds," Arneson said. "At one point, I was rocked 10 casts in a row with 30-pound test. Next time, I won't be caught without my bigger tackle."

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Shari Bondy of Baja Bed & Breakfast at Bahia Asuncion reported very good fishing along the Baja Pacific coast for yellowfin tuna of 20 to 25 pounds. "Eight fishermen all caught their limits and released more than they caught," Bondy said. "They were really worn out from reeling in fish. Good thing we have a masseuse here! But only 3 of them were able to fish the next day!"

Beach anglers caught yellowfin croaker, large calico bass, corvina, lots of bonito, and some yellowtail off the rocks at the point. Spearfishing anglers also scored on yellowtail near Punta San Pablo to the north.

Baja coastal fishing weather at Bahia Asuncion was mostly calm, with light winds and very clear water.

Bondy also noted the arrival of this year's commercial Mexican lobster season. "Lobster season makes everyone happy in Bahia Asuncion, " she said. "I can't wait to eat our season's first fresh lobster tomorrow."

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto reported on a trailer boat run across the Baja peninsula to Magdalena Bay, launching his boat Soledad at Puerto Lopez Mateos for 2 days of offshore fishing at the Thetis Bank and The Ridge going northwards for a catch of 4 wahoo at about 25 pounds and a couple of peanut-class dorado. "I caught no yellowfin tuna on this trip," Erhardt said. "And on 4 other days of fishing in the Pacific out of Puerto Lopez Mateos in September, I saw no marlin."

No other sportfishing boats were seen in the area. Magdalena Bay offshore fishing area water temperatures were at 82 to 83 degrees.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported offshore action for a full range of species including billfish, wahoo, yellowtail, football-sized yellowfin tuna, and skipjack for waters south of the Thetis Bank. "Billfish seem to be spread from the Thetis Bank to the Finger Bank below Punta Tosca," Graham said. "Wahoo can be found from the Thetis Bank back toward Cabo San Lazaro." The Magdalena Bay mangrove channels produced snappers and some corvina. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was mostly clear in the high-90s, with water temperatures of 78 to 84 degrees.

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 112 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing out of San Jose del Cabo, with a catch including released fish of: 395 yellowfin tuna, 288 dorado, 12 wahoo, 1 blue marlin, 4 striped marlin, 9 sailfish, 102 pargo, 7 cabrilla, and 48 triggerfish. Charter pangas fished mainly from the Gordo Banks to the Iman Bank in some swell activity caused by distant tropical weather disturbances. Most tuna caught were at 20 pounds or smaller, but some large specimens of 90 to 130 pounds were landed. "Drift fishing with live and dead sardina produced the best," Brictson said. "There has been a chance for tuna to 100 pounds." Dorado were widespread off Los Cabos, averaging 5 to 15 pounds, but with some bulls to 40 pounds mixed in.

Brictson noted the recent San Jose del Cabo increment of the Baja California Sur statewide Governor's Cup fishing tournament series, with more than 50 boats competing and the largest tuna caught at 60 pounds. Gordo Banks Pangas Capt. Chame Pino took second place with a 55 pounder landed by himself, his wife Margot, and Brictson's son Brian Brictson.

San Jose del Cabo surf fishing produced several trophy-sized snook to 40 pounds caught near the estuary. "Limited public access in the area keeps the crowds light," Brictson said. "With proper knowledge, there have been some incredible catches on various baits and artificial lures."

San Jose del Cabo fishing area weather was humid, with tropical storms still coming northwards along the Mexican Pacific coast and local water temperatures ranging to about 86 degrees.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported some quality yellowfin tuna to 60 pounds caught in the longstanding schoolie bite off Los Frailes. "Chunks of squid did the trick once again," Graham said. "The tuna weren't wide-open, but there was enough sashimi for everyone."

East Cape sportfishing charters also caught smaller dorado on debris. Billfish counts were slower as the bite scattered and thinned. "There are still a few "East Cape blue marlin to be found for the dedicated angler," Graham said, "but there's a lot of boat riding in between."

Inshore fishing along East Cape beaches produced spotty roosterfish, jacks, and ladyfish on bait schools. "Find the bait, and it's great, but miss it, and you'll have to wait," Graham said. "Look for the schools of sardinas or mullet." East Cape beach anglers had some shots at "bubba" class roosterfish.

East Cape fishing area weather was clear in the mid-90s, with water temperatures of 76 to 87 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the previous fishing week ending Sept. 28, 2008, Graham reported "Caribbean blue water at 85 degrees" inside Bahia de Palmas, cloudier water found to the south at Punta Arena, and the better action for sailfish and small dorado found from La Ribera to Cabo Pulmo. Chunked Humboldt giant squid were being used for tuna bait by East Cape boats fishing in all directions. Inshore water was clear with roosterfish of all sizes present. East Cape fishing area weather was humid in the low-90s, with water temperatures at 76 to 87 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Tami Gaussoin of East Cape's Rancho Leonero reported on 38 boats fishing during the week, with a catch including released fish of: 5 striped marlin, 3 blue marlin, 8 sailfish, 13 roosterfish, 41 yellowfin tuna, 2 wahoo, 11 pargo, and 119 dorado. "Lots of dorado this week," Gaussoin said.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: John Ireland of Rancho Leonero said hotel boats found consistent sailfish action including 1 boat with a 5-release day. Three blue marlin in the 300-pound class were also released as some boats fished school-sized yellowfin tuna for Mexican sportfishing limits about 4 miles off Los Frailes. Schooling dorado were also caught at 3 to 10 pounds. Humboldt giant squid continued to be present off East Cape beaches. "Most hotel boats are jigging squid in the 20 to 60-pound range off La Ribera," Ireland said. Larger roosterfish in the 50-pound class were seen feeding directly off the hotel, but most anglers fished offshore.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Marisol Verdugo of Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort reported hotel boats with yellowfin tuna, dorado, and some sailfish offshore, and roosterfish caught inshore. "We have been sending all boats out on some days, and only 2 to 5 boats on other days," Verdugo said. "We have also been sending super pangas out." East Cape fishing area weather was calm and hot, with Verdugo skippers reporting water temperatures seen as high as 90 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Torrance Eddy of Buena Vista reported on a trolling run to Punta Pescadero aboard his beach-launched aluminum boat for a catch in slow conditions of just 2 skipjack to 8 pounds. "On the way back from Punta Pescadero, we stayed about 2 miles from shore to keep any big marlin or tuna from attacking our boat," Eddy said. "It worked, and we survived another day on the water."

Fishing with trip partner John Feleton, Eddy's boat left the beach at the Los Barriles Pemex gas station at 7:30 a.m. and trolled 4.5-inch and 5.5-inch Jointed Rebel Fastracs and a Mean Joe Green feather. "I later filleted the larger skipjack for consumption by John's many cats," he said. "We also had several apparent needlefish hits."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Simon Cazaly of Vista Sea Sport reported excellent diving conditions at East Cape's Cabo Pulmo coral marina park, with water temperatures at depth to 86 degrees and visibility a spectacular 100 to 120 feet. "Diving conditions really couldn't have been better," Cazaly said. "The water was so warm at 86 degrees, we might have worked up a sweat, but a mild current pushed us gently along the reef and we hardly had to fin at all."

Sea life sightings at Cabo Pulmo and at the El Cardonal corals to the north included leopard and golden grouper, rays, grunts, Panamic porkfish, green, jewel, and zebra moray eels, and number of large dog snapper. "I was impressed with the dog snapper hanging around the marine park," Cazaly said. "It was this time last year that numbers of these fish increased considerably, and it looks like the same is occurring this year."

Cazaly described diving at El Cardonal, saying, "This diving site has been described as like an aquarium. So many vibrant fish have made this reef their home. There is lots of macro life to see here too. We spent a long time checking out the tiny spider crabs found amidst the coral heads. A magnifier is a handy tool to have when trying to get a better view of these."

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing said La Paz fishing area weather on the south side of the hill was very hot to 98 degrees, with scattered rain on some days over the entire region including the city itself. "But the sea has been calm. The water temperature was about 88 degrees at the buoys," Hernandez said.

Tortuga Sportfishing pangas found lower water temperatures at about 84 degrees in other areas on the Las Arenas side as dorado action slowed down on fish of 15 to 25 pounds. Some yellowfin tuna were also caught.

"This week, the fishing picked up for dorado around Punta Perico and Ensenada de los Muertos," Hernandez said. "Only dorado are being caught in this area, and we are using squid for bait because the sardinas are small."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International said good dorado fishing continued last week with many 10-pound fish mixed with some larger bulls to 40 pounds and pangas on both the La Paz and Las Arenas sides scoring steady Mexico fishing limits or near-limits. "There are still a lot of smaller fish," Roldan said. "It's more like what we get in spring. However, the larger ones seem to be moving in."

Yellowfin tuna were scarce in the La Paz area, as fish counts were led by dorado plus some wahoo, sailfish, and marlin. "The problem is that if you chase the wahoo, you'll probably miss out on the dorado," Roldan said.

Inshore pangas continued to find large roosterfish along sandy beaches. "Our average rooster was in the 50-pound class this week," Roldan said. "If you're coming to La Paz right now, bring a heavy squid jig. The big squid to over 50 pounds are off Las Arenas and we're using them to chum up the dorado."

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto reported on 1 outing aboard his boat Soledad, with slower action found during fishing north of Isla Coronado and a catch including released fish of: 1 sailfish, and about 8 dorado to about 20 pounds. Loreto fishing area weather was hot and humid, with sea surface temperatures topping 90 degrees. "The most notable thing about the fishing day was the heat," Erhardt said. "It was as oppressively hot, as Loreto has been all year. Trolling generated a little breeze in the calm conditions, but fishermen soaking bait were sweltering. Some minimal relief was to be had by jumping overboard and taking a dip."

LORETO, MEXICO: Patty Zapata of Loreto's Hotel Oasis reported steady dorado fishing as anglers found smaller schools of variable sized fish, mostly at Bajo de las Boyas north of Isla Coronado, in calm sea conditions and water temperatures of 84 to 85 degrees. Twelve pangas fished out of the hotel during the week for a catch including released fish of: 36 dorado of 19 to 50 pounds, and 2 sailfish.

Angler Mary Ann Altaffer fished on a hotel panga in Loreto's recent Annual Dorado Tournament and scored third place with a 34-pound dorado.

LORETO, MEXICO: Bob Meyer of Loreto reported on an outing with his wife Marilyn Meyer aboard their boat Mi Suerte for rapid-fire dorado action south of the San Bruno bajo for a catch of some smaller dorado plus 2 big ones in the 40-pound class landed by Marilyn.

"We made bait just a mile in front of town and headed north of Isla Coronado," Meyer said. "We began trolling feathers just short of San Bruno reef and within minutes we had a double hookup. Marilyn landed a really large bull dorado, her largest dorado ever.

"We then trolled live bait, and 10 minutes later, she had another large fish. After a good hour, she finally got this fish to gaff, while I again kept busy with small dorado on live bait.

"With one tired wife, it was time time for a snorkel off Carmen Island."

Loreto fishing area water temperatures were at 85 to 88 degrees, with clear blue color and sea life sightings during snorkeling that included roosterfish and sea turtles.

"Marilyn was visited by 2 turtles and watched 3 large roosterfish swim by while she hung out with hundreds of reef fishes," Meyers said. "I couldn't get her out of the water."

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Syd Lindsay of San Lucas Cove, 10 miles south of Santa Rosalia, noted the unfavorable currency exchange rates being charged by Pemex gas stations in Baja for drivers spending U.S. dollars. "It is getting more important to use Mexican money while traveling in 'the Baja' and any part of Mexico," Lindsay said. "Gas stations have their own standards for those who pay in U.S. dollars. It can cost up to 40 cents per gallon more if you pay in dollars and use their exchange rate. Buy pesos first and don't get ripped off."

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of the Title Company Bookstore in San Felipe said she was open for the season in her new location. San Felipe weather was still very hot and humid, but with some teasers of the coming fall weather. "So far, I don't have a thermometer installed at the new store," Meders said. "We are no longer on the balcony overlooking the bay, but our new store is almost three times larger and on the ground floor so people don't have to toil up those stairs. We have lots of books and are putting in a small art gallery where we will display the works of our local San Felipe artists. We will also have live music, poetry readings, and nature and adventure talks. We're really looking forward to an exciting season."

Meders also noted that the widening of the Mexicali-San Felipe highway to 4 lanes was proceeding steadily.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Jon Jen Charters reported generally improved results for boats fishing out of San Carlos, with a few boats getting multiple billfish and dorado. The charter boat JonJen II with Capt. Able scored 2 dorado and a blue marlin on 1 outing, and 3 dorado the following day. Other boats reported dorado and sailfish released. "The bite is getting better with some boats coming in with 2 to 5 billfish released," Jon Jen said.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported continued very good action for dorado consistently at 30 pounds and ranging to over 50 pounds, plus a species of jack that is locally called "permit" to 20 pounds, fair numbers of yellowfin tuna to 80 pounds, occasional blue marlin to 200 pounds, and some sailfish. "Geronimo Cevallos of El Cid Caribe fleet says it's still easy Mexican limit fishing for dorado from the cruisers and super pangas," Edwards said. "Anglers have been focusing on easy dorado along the current break and scum line which varies from 6 to 10 miles from shore. While Mazatlan is still lacking anglers, the fishing is very impressive and fun on light tackle. Anglers can stay hooked up most of the day."

Mazatlan fishing area weather was humid and partly cloudy at 90 degrees, with occasional thundershowers, mostly calm seas, light winds, and water temperatures stable at 85 to 86 degrees.

El Cid Caribe charter boats fished for billfish with rigged mullet baits, and for dorado with ballyhoo, or halfbeak, baits easily caught at the small island just outside the marina entrance. "They never realized there were so many ballyhoo in that area," Edwards said. "They were able to catch all they needed with cast nets. It has been an almost instant bite on dorado while using ballyhoo baits, even when they are dead." "Permit" were caught on the bottom at fishing locations about 6 miles out from Marina El Cid. Billfish and yellowfin tuna were 18 to 28 miles southwest of the marina.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Tadeo Hernandez of Mazatlan's Flota Bibi Fleet said charter outings during the week included a run by the boat Paty C. with Capt. Alex and deckhand Cristian for a catch with angler Rex Chambers of: 1 sailfish released, 1 yellowfin tuna of 19 pounds, and 1 dorado of 42 pounds. Mazatlan fishing area weather was calm and windless.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Stan Gabruk of Master Baiters Sportfishing & Tackle at Puerto Vallarta reported on an outing by the charter boat Express for a slow morning of fishing, but then a big afternoon bite on dorado about 6 miles northwest of the offshore El Banco high spot for a catch including released fish of 45 dorado. "A herd of dorado came to the surface chasing bait and we were in the middle of it," Gabruk said. "Casting simple 3-inch diamond jigs, everyone had their turn. These fish were in a feeding frenzy after almost no action for most of the day. For the last few weeks weve been wondering what happened to the dorado around Puerto Vallarta, but were in the thick of it now."

Offshore Puerto Vallarta charter boats found yellowfin tuna, but they were mostly well under 200 pounds. "The tuna bite has been before 9 in the morning and late in the afternoon, with big gaps in midday, so be patient," Gabruk said. "Travis, who works with me at Master Baiters, hit the high spots at The Bank and boated many tuna in the 75-pound range. Its been a strange and late tuna season at Puerto Vallarta this year."

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported improved fishing conditions at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo but few anglers present. "Capt. Temo Verboonen says the ocean is still pretty rough some days and the rain is still coming down in squalls, but the hardest part is the lack of anglers," Edwards said. "For those that do go out fishing, catches have reflected plenty of sailfish and quality sized dorado averaging about 30 pounds."

Inshore fishing was improved for mixed species including rainbow runner, jack crevalle, roosterfish, and a few surprise yellowfin tuna. "Temo also pointed out that Ixtapa is now coming into the pompano season," Edwards said. "The fish should start biting on anchoveta and small sardina baits."

Ixtapa fishing area weather was mostly cloudy in the low-90s, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms, some rough seas becoming less frequent, and clear water at 85 to 86 degrees located 10 miles off shore.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said Ixtapa fishing charters averaged 2 to 3 sailfish per day, plus some dorado of 12 to 13 pounds. A couple of blue marlin under 200 pounds were landed at midweek. Capt. Adolfo on the charter panga Dos Hermanos reported better inshore water clarity and roosterfish action on the upswing. Ixtapa fishing area weather was humid at 90 degrees, with cloudy skies and water temperatures of 80 to 84 degrees.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 16 outings by the El Cid Caribe sportfishing fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun, with a catch including released fish of: 39 Atlantic barracuda, 15 king mackerel, 2 triggerfish, 1 bonito, and 1 mutton snapper. "Cancun had good fishing for the barracuda, but the best news for the week is the continued passing of hurricanes without any of them focusing on Puerto Morelos," Edwards said. "The weather has been very mild this summer season from Puerto Morelos to Cancun and Cozumel." Cancun fishing area weather was mostly cloudy and humid in the low-90s, with light tropical breezes, some thundershowers, and even water temperatures at 85 degrees.

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

ALL ARTICLES, REPORTS AND FISHING INFORMATION FOR MEXICO COASTAL AREAS

MEXICO: Greg Hovey of Kino Bay, on the Mexican mainland coast in the central Sea of Cortez, reported 18 Humboldt giant squid of 10 to 35 pounds caught aboard the panga Sparky with Capt. Ernesto while fishing outside of Isla Tiburon.

"I was reluctantly reeling in an 8-pound skipjack tuna, or barrilete, when from the deep came about a 30-pound squid which nabbed the skipjack before I could get it to the surface," Hoven said.

"Then we saw about 50 of the squids, flashing brown and white since they were in attack mode. My friends and I grabbed our jig sticks and within 2 hours we had several hundred pounds of these monsters in the boat, squirting ink everywhere. I wouldn't have jumped in the water for a million bucks. If you didn't reel in fast enough, they started attacking each other, total cannibals."

Also fishing aboard the Sparky were Hovey's friend Shane Holland, Holland's son Matt, and their friend John.

Hovey noted that he can help anglers interested in booking fishing trips at Kino Bay. "No one really knows about Kino Bay and we have a lot to offer here," Hovey said. "Anyone who wants information on renting boats or pangas can contact me. I am fluent in Spanish and my wife is a local. We are happy to help people get lined up with some of the local captains." Information, 602-281-4836.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico fishing photo 1

HOISTING SAIL--A beautiful Cabo San Lucas sailfish is about to be released during fishing on the Pacific side by angler David Whitney aboard the Cabo charter boat Marlin Master VI. PHOTO COURTESY OF DURANCE LOWENDICK.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico fishing photo 2

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico fishing photo 3

LOTSA CABO DORADO--Local panga fishing produced good numbers of dorado in hot weather conditions just off Cabo San Lucas beaches last week as anglers trolled baits and lures along the Pacific side beaches aboard the charter panga Cheer's with Capt. Ramon Druck. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico fishing photo 4

CABO FLY DODO--Capt. Alex Reyes, center, of the Baja Anglers fly fishing guide service at Cabo San Lucas found this nice bull dorado during a run to the Golden Gate Bank by the charter boat Flying Fish III with anglers Dave Michael, left, and Jim Jacques, right. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANT HARTMAN.

Ensenada, Mexico fishing photo 1

FOGGY BOTTOM FISHING--Local Ensenada weather had some foggy mornings last week, but panga anglers, from left, Mike Alaniz, Daniel Carl Perry, and Martin Bautista hit the sand flats with Vonny's Fleet's Capt. Beto Zamora for a nice catch of halibut plus bonita and lingcod hooked later with aluminum jigs and bait on dropper loops. PHOTO COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

Ensenada, Mexico fishing photo 2

Ensenada, Mexico fishing photo 3

FOR REAL DORADO--This nice dorado and about 10 firecracker yellowtail were caught during an offshore run by Louie Prieto's boat It's For Reels from Ensenada's Marina Coral. The dorado hit on the first kelp paddy of the day during fishing near the 238 spot. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUIE PRIETO.

San Quintin, Mexico fish survey photo 1

SAN QUINTIN FISH COUNT--Jorge Rosales of CICESE reported on a dockside survey of San Quintin sportfishing boats taken on Sept. 27, 2008, counting 8 boats returning with 21 tuna, 16 yellowtail, and 105 other fish of mixed species. Shown is the catch of the boat Nelly Girl out of Pedro's Pangas. PHOTO COURTESY OF JORGE ROSALES.

San Quintin, Mexico fishing photo 1

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THE PERFECT PADDY--Kelly Catian of San Quintin's K&M Offshore Sportfishing ran out 16 miles and found a kelp paddy loaded with willing albacore, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and yellowtail. Over 50 yellowtail alone were released, as Catian said, "We coulda stayed there all night." Fishing with Catian were deckhand George "El Pajaro" Catian, and anglers Paul Span and Grant McKay. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY CATIAN.

Baja coastal, Mexico fishing photo 1

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TAILS & TUNAS--Yellowfin tuna and yellowtail were caught just outside the Laguna La Bocana boca during a run by Les Heil of Baja Bocana Bed & Breakfast. Heil reported yellowtail pushing mackerel toward the beach and pulled in by surf casters with 15-pound line and a little help from the waves. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LES HEIL.

Baja coastal, Mexico fishing photo 3

LA BOCANA TUNA --Sportfishing boats running out to the open Pacific from La Bocana continued to find good yellowfin tuna action last week including this nice pair of sushi fish at 25 to 30 pounds caught by Scott Goodman. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUANCHYS AGUILAR.

La Bocana, Mexico Juanchys Aguilar photo 1

FISHERMAN AS ARTIST--Well known La Bocana sport and commercial fishing captain Juanchys Aguilar works on retouching a 1998 painting at his brother's seafood restaurant in the semi-remote Baja Pacific coast village. "It's the best restaurant in town," said Aguilar, who also paints decorative plates with nautical and marine life motifs. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUANCHYS AGUILAR.

Baja coastal, Mexico fishing photo 4

Laguna La Bocana, Mexico fishing photo 1

LA BOCANA FISHING--Martin Aguilar with a nice wahoo caught last week about 20 miles north of La Bocana, and below, Derek Arneson after good release action on broomtail grouper to 10 pounds inside Laguna La Bocana in September including getting rocked 10 casts in a row on 30-pound line. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEREK ARNESON.

Offshore Magdalena Bay, Mexico fishing photo 1

A SPEEDY "OTHER HAND"--One of 4 wahoo of about 25 pounds caught during the trip is photographed thrashing at the boat by solo fisherman Bill Erhardt at Baja's Pacific side Thetis Bank and Ridge area during a 2-day trip last week out of Puerto Lopez Mateos aboard Erhardt's boat Soledad. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ERHARDT.

Bahia Asuncion, Mexico fishing photo 1

PACIFIC SIDE PANGA ACTION--This group of anglers found good Pacific-side Baja panga fishing at Bahia Asuncion for yellowfin tuna to 20 pounds. They fished with Arce Bros. Sportfishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARI BONDY.

Bahia Asuncion, Mexico fishing photo 2

BAJA EATING FISH--Jerry Hewitt and Joe Jones of San Felipe show off a nice yellowfin tuna and dorado caught while panga fishing with Capt. Juan Arce of Bahia Asuncion's Arce Bros. Sportfishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARI BONDY.

San Jose del Cabo, Mexico fishing photo 1

NICE CUP O' TUNA--Gordo Banks Pangas skipper Capt. Chame Pino scored second place in the recent San Jose del Cabo increment of the Baja Sur Governor's Cup fishing tournament with this nice 55-pound ahi caught while out on his panga with his wife Margo and Brian Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

East Cape, Mexico diving photo 1

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EAST CAPE DIVING--Simon Cazaly of East Cape's Vista Sea Sport diving service with a school of bigeye jacks during an August trip to Cabo Pulmo, and below, a tiny spider crab on the corral reef. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEN SCARBROUGH.

La Paz, Mexico fishing photo 1

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DORADO FOR ALL--This group of anglers from Huntington Beach, Calif., led by Crissy and Pete Techman found consistent dorado action while fishing the Las Arenas side of La Paz with Tortuga Sportfishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

La Paz, Mexico fishing photo 3

La Paz, Mexico fishing photo 4

PINK ROD POWER--Cathy Corda fished with a new pink rod given to her by husband Craig for good results on dorado aboard a Tailhunter International panga at Punta Perico south of La Paz. Below, anglers, from left, Randy Nakayama, Derrick Tagawa, and Mark Kojima with a catch of dorado and one of the big Humboldt squid being used for bait that they caught near the Punta Arena de la Ventana lighthouse. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Loreto, Mexico sunrise photo 1

MUGGY LORETO SUNRISE--Sunrise over Isla Carmen last week as heat and humidity in Loreto peaked in the waning days of summer before the much anticipated relief that usually arrives during the first or second week of October. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL ERHARDT.

Loreto, Mexico fishing photo 1

LORETO TOURNAMENT DORADO--Mary Ann Altaffer, left, landed a 34-pound dorado to win third place in Loreto's recent Annual Dorado Tournament during panga fishing with Patty Altaffer, right, and Hotel Oasis Capt. Alfonso Susarrey. They fished at Bajo de las Boyas north of Isla Coronado. PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY ZAPATA.

Loreto, Mexico fishing photo 3

LORETO ARM WORKOUT--Still managing to show some remaining arm strength, Marilyn Meyer fought 2 of these Loreto dorado in the 40-pound plus class to the boat during a trip to the San Bruno bajo with husband Bob Meyer, and then she decided to call it day and go snorkeling at Isla Carmen. They fished aboard their boat Mi Suerte. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB MEYER.

Mazatlan, Mexico fishing photo 1

FISHING AT MAZATLAN--Rex Chambers landed this nice 42-pound dorado during a trip out of Mazatlan aboard the Flota Bibi Fleet charter boat Paty C. Catches during the day also included a 19-pound yellowfin tuna and a sailfish released. PHOTO COURTESY OF TADEO HERNANDEZ.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico fishing photo 1

DORADO IN THE AFTERNOON--Stan Gabruk of Master Baiter's Sportfishing and Tackle at Puerto Vallarta with a few of 45 dorado landed 6 miles northwest of El Banco in a super-hot afternoon bite found by the charter boat Discovery with Capt. Oscar and firstmate Roberto. The 2.5-hour bite came at the end of a day of very slow fishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN GABRUK.

Kino Bay, Mexico fishing photo 1

KINO BAY CALAMARI--Greg Hovey, left, and his group got into an intensely feeding school of Humboldt giant squid while fishing on a panga near Isla Tiburon just off the Mexican mainland coast in the Sea of Cortez Midriff area. The first squid hit an 8-pound skipjack that was being fought to the boat and a school of about 50 squid followed, flashing colors and attacking everything in the water, including their hooked comrades. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG HOVEY.

Mulege, Mexico, Fernando Alonso photo 1

Mulege, Mexico, Fernando Alonso photo 2

Mulege, Mexico fishing photo 1

Baja Jointed Rebel lure photo 1

ANOTHER BAJA, ANOTHER TIME--Veteran Baja traveler Rich Heinz photographed Fernando Alonso, port captain at Mulege in the 1970s. "The best of the best," said Heinz. Below, pangueros making bait nearby on the Baja coast, and an old favorite Baja Jointed Rebel lure in a color no longer made. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICH HEINZ.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES