Summer-like seas and a nice spread of fish species
caught by anglers fishing at La Paz

Mexico Fishing News, May 11, 2009

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International reported especially good mixed species fishing for La Paz boats during the week including blue and black marlin, quality dorado, sailfish, wahoo, roosterfish of all sizes, yellowtail, dog and mullet snapper, barred pargo, amberjack, sierra, and cabrilla.

"About the only fish not encountered this week was tuna," Roldan said, "but some Mexican commercial pangueros said they saw signs of them.

"It was an incredible week of fishing here in La Paz. The ocean is just brimming with life right now. There are giant schools of bait. In addition to the fish, we have whales, turtles, manta rays, squid, and giant schools of dolphin.

"Whether you were fishing out of La Paz or out of Ensenada de los Muertos, it was pretty hard not to get hooked up."

La Paz boats fanned out and found fish in all directions at locations including El Bajo, the 88 spot, Bahia de la Ventana, La Reina and the south end of Isla Cerralvo, and points in between.

Dorado action was led by 2 big concentrations of fish found during the week around a dead whale and a piece of lumber floating in the water. "It turned into a dorado rodeo," Roldan said. "La Paz fishing waters are warming up fast. Hopefully, this is just the vanguard of what's coming!"

Roldan also announced the opening of the Tailhunter Fubar bar, restaurant, night spot, and tackle store on the malecon after 3 years of development on the project. "It's in a building almost 100 years old, right on the malecon, that we basically rebuilt," he said. "Over the years, it has been a family home, a coffee house, a store, and several restaurants. We essentially had to tear it down to the foundations and rebuild. We found things in the walls that were unbelievable. We have 3 stories, a dance floor, 2 bars, a tackle shop, a fish processing plant, and a speaker system and stage for live music."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: For the previous fishing week ending May 3, 2009, Roldan reported good mixed species action for yellowtail of 20 to 40 pounds and roosterfish to 50 pounds for La Paz-side boats fishing around Isla Espiritu Santo.

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing at La Paz reported warm summer-like weather and good fishing for his pangas on the Las Arenas side.

"We have big pargo lisa and big dog snappers at 2 or 3 locations at Isla Cerralvo, but they are difficult for anglers to land because they are close to the rocks," Hernandez said.

At Punta Perico on the Baja coast, Tortuga Sportfishing pangas caught a mix of sierra, snappers, cabrilla, and some jack crevalle of 30 to 40 pounds.

Sardina bait fish were in good supply at Isla Cerralvo, and good-sized ladyfish, or sabalo in Spanish, were available at Las Arenas to be used for roosterfish baits.

But, Hernandez said, the La Paz area continued to have very few vacationers present. "This season, we have very few tourists," he said. "But local anglers are taking advantage of the good fishing."

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 steady red rockcod and lingcod on the bottom and more Mexico fishing limits of halibut to 9 pounds caught during the week. Anglers Paul Beachley of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ed Purcell of Palm Springs, Calif., fished on Saturday with Capt. Beto and scored their limits of 7 to 9-pound halibut while casting plastics and drifting trap-rigged anchovies over the sand flats on the inner bay. Ensenada fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the mid-60s, with winds at about 5 m.p.h., ocean swells at 3 feet, and the water temperature at the tip of Punta Banda averaging 59 degrees.

PUERTO SANTO TOMAS FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO SANTO TOMAS, MEXICO: Sam Saenz of Puerto Santo Tomas Resort reported no signs of swine flu in the area and anglers catching steady Mexico fishing limits of mixed rockcods, lingcod, whitefish, sheephead, and several bonito to 15 pounds on the surface. "Four pangas went out," Saenz said. "Everyone caught full limits. The bonita were caught while trolling Rapalas. The best bonita bite was within a quarter-mile of the village."

Anglers fishing at Puerto Santo Tomas during the week included Luis Bunuelos and his group from Tijuana, and Jeffrey Safford of San Diego, Calif.

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: For the fishing week ending April 30, 2009, Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported even fewer anglers at Magdalena Bay than in the previous slow week, as bonito, sierra, and a few firecracker yellowtail were caught under birds at the San Carlos entrada by local captain Enrique Soto. Local Mexican commercial fishermen reported dorado still present about 15 miles outside the entrada.

Small yellowfin tuna and yellowtail were reported to the north, 10 to 20 miles outside Boca de Soledad near Puerto Lopez Mateos.

Most local boats were working the commercial harvest for scallops inside the bay, and few boats fished the Magdalena Bay mangrove channels.

Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was clear at 90 degrees, with water temperatures of 69 to 77 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 11 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo, Fish Cabo I, and Tuna Time, with a catch including released fish of: 8 striped marlin, 15 dorado, and 1 yellowfin tuna.

All boats fished on the Sea of Cortez side in water temperatures of 76 to 79 degrees. Water temperatures on the Pacific side averaged about 70 degrees.

Edwards noted the steep drop in tourist traffic to Cabo San Lucas as a result of Mexico's swine flu scare. "The flu scare has literally emptied the town," he said, "but there is still not a single case of the flu reported in lower Baja. This week reflects the fewest charters I have ever reported from Cabo San Lucas over the past 20 years or so."

Good numbers of striped marlin were present in Cabo San Lucas waters, but they were reluctant to bite. "They just ignore the baits, and they either sink out, or just keep traveling in the direction of the swell," Edwards said.

Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was sunny in the mid-90s, with generally calm conditions on the Cortez side as boats searched for fish in a wide arc from southwest, around the tip of Baja, and northeastwards up the Sea of Cortez.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Durance Lowendick of Marlin Masters Sportfishing at Cabo San Lucas reported good numbers of yellowfin tuna, dorado, and some sailfish and striped marlin present about 10 miles west of the Pacific-side Jaime Bank, but few boats on the water due to Mexico's swine flu scare compounded by the poor U.S. economy and violent crime near the U.S. border. "These problems have made the Los Cabos area a ghost town to tourists," Lowendick said. "There is no one around to catch the fish."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter sportfishing super panga Cheer's reported on 1 outing during the week with a total of 2 anglers, for a catch including released fish of: 2 yellowtail of 8 to 12 pounds, and 7 sierra of 7 to 9 pounds. The Cheer's fished northwards along Cabo's Pacific-side beaches in water temperatures of 69 to 70 degrees and some cool and moderately windy sea conditions.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 9 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 5 striped marlin, 3 dorado of 30 to 35 pounds, and 30 yellowtail of 15 to 20 pounds.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the Cabo San Lucas fishing week ending May 4, 2009, George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing commented in the effect of Mexico's swine flu scare on charters in southern Baja. "There were very few boats going out," Landrum said. "We have had no cases in Baja California. But the media has hyped this flu so much, almost every charter has cancelled. It looks like a good month for a vacation. We might go to East Cape. We don't want to go to California or Texas. They have cases there. We might get sick."

Based on results from just a few boats fishing, Landrum reported good numbers of marlin present on both sides of the arch, but few hooked, as boats averaged about 1 release per outing.

Yellowfin tuna of 10 to 15 pounds produced good action at the Jaime Bank. Cabo boats also averaged about 1 dorado per trip, including some fish to 50 pounds. Inshore pangas found steady action on yellowtail to 20 pounds, amberjack, pargo, grouper, and some dorado.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the fishing week ending May 2, 2009, Grant Hartman of the Cabo Anglers fly fishing service reported good roosterfish action on fly and conventional tackle for fish to about 20 pounds. "They are everywhere right now," Hartman said. "There are also lots of football yellowfin tuna. Lots of fun on light tackle."

Commenting on the drop in tourist travel to Baja California caused by Mexico's swine flu outbreak, Hartman said, "There have been zero swine flu cases in Baja California Sur. Cabo is Cabo right now. You can expect great weather, great fun in the sun, great fishing, and a great relaxing time for you and your family. Does that mean if I were traveling I wouldn’t take precautions? Sure I would. I would wash my hands every time I got a chance. But that’s a good idea every day."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Paul Oldaker of Steamboat Springs, Colo., reported 2 days of solid action and 1 day of wind during fishing with panga Capt. Arturo Castillo of Gordo Banks Pangas. Oldaker caught full ice chests of yellowfin tuna to 45 pounds, bonito, and tilefish hooked on squid and caballito baits and on jigs. Also in the mix were roosterfish, needlefish, and a marlin baited but not hooked.

Oldaker noted the extreme drop in tourist business in Baja due to the swine flu scare, as his panga fished alone at times.

"All businesses in southern Baja are being hurt by the travel advisory," Oldaker said. "Planes are half full. There was only one transfer bus to San Jose del Cabo, the Corridor, and Cabo San Lucas, with only 7 people including me. The hotel was real quiet. Gordo Banks Pangas was getting cancellations into June. Taxi drivers were sitting around and there is little traffic. To leave, I arrived at the airport early to get a good seat and I was the only tourist at any of 4 major airline counters.

"Before I left for Mexico, I used the Centers for Disease Control website, using 'Cabo San Lucas' and 'Baja California Sur' keywords. The search retrieved one case of measles. I saw no reason to cancel my trip. To my knowledge there have not been any reported swine flu cases in the state of Baja California Sur. There are 9 cases in my home state of Colorado, so I suppose I should not have returned! I do not understand why there is a travel advisory to a place with no cases just because it is in Mexico."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas reported on 47 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing out of San Jose del Cabo's Puerto Los Cabos marina, with a catch including released fish of: 44 amberjack, 38 pargo, 23 cabrilla, 19 yellowfin tuna, 18 Mexican bonito, 15 roosterfish, 14 striped marlin, 13 yellowtail, 10 dorado, 9 hammerhead shark, 7 pompano, 5 wahoo, and 2 mako shark.

Some good striped marlin action was found straight out from the city by San Jose del Cabo boats early in the week, but marlin strikes slowed as the fish fed on concentrations of squid. La Playita pangas fished inshore from Punta Palmilla to Iman with a combination of baits dropped deep and lures trolled on the surface. Some tuna to 50 pounds were caught, and some amberjack were found feeding on the surface. Dorado were scarce despite warming water temperatures.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Marisol Verdugo of Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort reported 1 to 4 cruisers and about 1 super panga fishing per day for steady dorado about 15 to 25 miles out. "Dorado fishing has been good," Verdugo said. "Some days, the boats caught about 3 to 7 each. There have also been more striped marlin near Punta Pescadero and at La Ribera." Roosterfish action was also good along the beaches both north and south.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the week ending April 30, 2009, Felipe Valdez of Buena Vista Beach Resort reported on 23 boats, with 38 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 9 striped marlin, 13 dorado, 57 roosterfish, 11 snappers, 2 jack crevalle, 5 ladyfish, 9 cabrilla, and 7 skipjack tuna.

East Cape fishing area weather was in the mid-80s, with water temperatures of 75 to 78 degrees. Offshore fleet boats fished northwards to 20 miles out, and inshore boats found the best action to the south around La Ribera and the Punta Arena lighthouse. No yellowfin tuna were reported.

Inshore fishing was very good, especially for jacks including roosterfish of 5 to 40 pounds. "The jacks are in the midst of their spawn and can often be seen gathered in huge schools 'daisy-chaining,'" Valdez said. "They can be tough to move. You've got to find them in the right mood. Live bait is effective, but fly fishing has also been outstanding for roosterfish from both boats and the beach."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the fishing week ending April 30, 2009, Chris Moyers of East Cape Smoke House reported on 92 charter boats from combined fleets including Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Playa del Sol, Punta Colorada, Buena Vista Beach Resort, Rancho Leonero, and Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, with 262 anglers and a catch including released fish of: 70 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 264 dorado, 19 pargo, and 15 roosterfish. East Cape fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 70 to 81 degrees. Dorado were found mostly to the north.

Moyers noted no cases of swine flu reported at East Cape.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Simon Cazaly of East Cape's Vista Sea Sport diving service reported big numbers of schooling cownose rays and huge schools of bigeye jacks present at the Cabo Pulmo coral reef.

"As the cownose rays swam by, I counted 85, twice," Cazaly said. "We joined the tail end of their group and followed in their slipstream for a good few minutes."

Large concentrations of bigeye jacks were observed during a dive at El Cantil. "We ascended into the throng," Cazaly said. "The writhing mass engulfed our senses. Back on the panga, our excited guests couldn't believe what they had seen."

Sea life sightings also included yellow snapper, cabrilla, burrito grunt, Panamic green moray eels, guitarfish, and other species.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the fishing week ending May 3, 2009, John Ireland of East Cape's Rancho Leonero reported warmer water temperatures at 74 to 77 degrees, clear blue water color, and good counts of dorado continuing for hotel boats. "All anglers fishing outside are catching Mexico sportfishing limits of dorado," Ireland said. "The dorado are very spread out, far outside and very close to shore. Striped marlin are also abundant. All boats are releasing at least one. Most boats are enjoying multiples. Some marlin were picky biters again this week. They are filling up on squid. There are huge squid schools throughout the East Cape."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Art Coleman of Temecula, Calif., reported on 4 late-April outings from Rancho Leonero aboard the charter boat Leonero VIII with Capt. Jorge, for a catch including released fish of 4 marlin and 8 dorado of about 40 pounds.

Good numbers of billfish were seen, but they were reluctant to bite. "We saw at least 100 jumpers and tailers but they just would not bite," Coleman said.

East cape fishing area weather was windless in the 90s, with calm seas, as Coleman's boat fished northeastwards from Rancho Leonero and then worked its way south with ballyhoo baits. Coleman commented on the accommodations at Rancho Leonero, saying, "This was my first time at the ranch, and I can't say enough about the place. The service and food were great, and the fishing was great."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the East Cape fishing week ending May 1, 2009, Eddie Dalmau of Van Wormer Resorts reported many boats from Hotels Palmas de Cortez, Punta Colorada, and Playa del Sol returning with Mexico fishing limits of dorado. Numerous striped marlin were seen from 5 to 20 miles out from Los Barriles and La Ribera. Inshore fishing produced roosterfish, cabrilla, pargo, jacks, and sierra. Dalmau also noted that no cases of swine flu had been reported in the state of Baja California Sur.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the East Cape fishing week ending April 30, 2009, Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported better than average dorado action and some larger roosterfish appearing on the beaches. Graham noted increased local enforcement of Mexican fishing regulations by the Federal department of fisheries, PESCA. "The department has begun inspections to be sure anglers are abiding by the Mexican regulations," Graham said. "Apparently, a panga is being provided by hotels, alternating each month."

Graham also noted that the Mexican state of Baja California Sur was still free of reported swine flu cases. "There are no cases reported here in East Cape, in the rest of Baja Sur, and the west coast of Mexico," he said.

East Cape fishing area weather was clear in the mid-80s, with water temperatures at 67 to 73 degrees.

LORETO FISHING REPORTS

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LORETO, MEXICO: Bill Erhardt of Loreto reported good overall offshore and inshore fishing for local waters as 3 days of mixed fishing aboard his boat Soledad produced a catch of 11 yellowtail, 16 dorado, and 1 "small but tasty" cabrilla.

"There was good variety available last week," Erhardt said.

"Yellowtail action slowed a bit after the spawn, but the forkies are still biting on the reefs and around the islands.

"Dorado are swarming offshore with large schools holding under seaweed paddies and other floating structure, and marlin and sailfish are cruising the waters both inshore and off, although the billfish are generally so stuffed with natural bait that it is hard to coax them to bite.

"Cabrilla are also taking both jigs and mackerel baits on the reefs.

At least 1 yellowfin tuna was also reported south of Isla Catalana, Erhardt said.

Loreto fishing area weather was mostly calm in the 90s, with water temperatures reaching 80 degrees offshore. "Over the past week it has become summer in Loreto," Erhardt said. "There is considerable humidity. On Wednesday morning, there was an unusual soupy fog near shore that extended offshore to the canyon, and from chatter on the VHS, across the Sea of Cortez to San Carlos."

LORETO, MEXICO: Pam Bolles of Baja Big Fish Company reacted to the effects of Mexico's swine flu scare with a sardonic fishing report noting "severe" concentrations of bait fish and yellowtail in Loreto waters. "A severe yellowtail pandemic has taken hold off Loreto," Bolles said. "Populations of yellowtail off Isla Carmen have been reaching pandemic levels. However, fly anglers appear to be immune, due to the out-of-control numbers of epidemic and prolific sardinas."

Heavy concentrations of sardina were seen in all directions, including locations at Isla Carmen, Punta Pulpito, San Basilio, Isla Coronado, Isla Danzante, and the downtown Loreto marina.

"The bait epidemic has spread so quickly that reporting from these locations may not be humanly possible," Bolles said. "Loreto has been positively infected with the epidemic sardina. We are almost able to walk on their backs across the marina. We can net them right from the dock, without even getting on a boat.

"It's going to take significant numbers of fishermen using sardina bait to put a dent in these numbers. Work must continue to educate local citizens and use sardina eradication measures throughout the summer."

At San Bruno north of town, a good yellowtail bite continued at mid-depth. "The San Bruno infectious yellowtail bite is currently located about 5 miles from the coast and marked on the Google map," Bolles said. "We have already notified the World Health Organization and the National Enquirer."

LORETO, MEXICO: Stan Woodward of Manhattan Beach, Calif., reported on 3 days of fishing at Loreto with Capt. Adrian Baeza aboard the charter panga Azteca, for a catch with trip partner Doug Coffey of La Mesa, Calif., of 18 yellowtail to 29.7 pounds, a dozen cabrilla, and a surprise sailfish release.

"The banner day was Monday," Woodward said. "After making bigeye bait along the beach just north of town and running to Punta Lobos, we were greeted by huge, crashing yellowtail a mile short of the point.

"The bite was wide-open for almost 2 hours on bait and jigs."

Fishing was slow while running southwards along the back side of Isla Carmen, but in the afternoon another hot bite was found at Punta Lobos as yellowtail fed on massive schools of sardina and one panga in the area caught 14 of them.

In Thursday's fishing, Woodward said, "While soaking baits just offshore at Ensenada del Perro, I hooked a sailfish. While fighting it, we hooked but dumped 2 more yellowtail."

Woodward also noted dorado reported by boats fishing 6 to 12 miles outside Punta Lobos on the north end of Isla Carmen. "The size is still small, but they are getting closer day-by-day," he said.

LORETO, MEXICO: For the week ending May 1, 2009, Don Bear of Loreto reported Capt. Andres Cota Arce with 9 dorado of about 10 pounds caught during fishing about 20 miles outside Punta Lobos. "He was fishing on the Hotel Mision's 24-foot Striper," Bear said. "All the dorado were caught on feathers. They were schooling around the boat, but refused mackerel. Their stomachs were full of small squid. Several marlin also refused bait cast to them. Andres said squid and mackerel could be seen everywhere."

LORETO, MEXICO: Mitchell Rose of Loreto reported yellowtail caught aboard his boat Helena with Capt. Tito in the area between Puntas Lobo and Perico, as few local boats went out. "It's very quiet in Loreto," Rose said. "About 15 pangas were in our area. Some pangas were chartered. We caught bigeye baits right off the marina."

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of the Title Company Bookstore at San Felipe reported warm summer-like weather as the town settled down after the swine flu scare. "The swine flu panic has died down to a memory we would like to forget," Meders said. "We continue to wash our hands a lot and make sure we sneeze into a tissue, but I haven't seen anyone in a mask for days. That fad panned out really fast.

"For my friends, the ladies who sell jewelry on the corner of my street, business has been so terrible this year they can't help but feel that there is some sort of 'curse' on the country. I can hardly blame them. I guess we are all treading water, with the summer months almost on top of us."

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Bryan Replogle of San Carlos reported the beginning of summer-like fishing conditions in the southern Midriff as local boats caught good numbers of dorado to 30 pounds and concentrations of marlin were seen, but just a few hooked. "Most of the fish are 12-plus miles south of Isla San Pedro Nolasco, with water temperatures up to 77 degrees," Replogle said.

San Carlos boats also reported good yellowtail action at the island, plus cabrilla, grouper, and a few sierra.

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Earlier, Replogle reported heavy yellowtail action near the marina, some dorado caught by local boats, and a possible marlin reported.

"I went out today and there were more yellowtail boiling than I've seen in my life, right outside the harbor," Replogle said. "The longline we passed was pretty filled up with dorado, but we got skunked. My friend caught a 25-pound dorado. I think one boat reported the first marlin caught. We passed lots of sperm whales, over a thousand spinner dolphins, and we released a turtle. It's good to see some life again on the open ocean."

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: For the week ending May 3, 2009, Jon Jen Charters of San Carlos reported some Mexico fishing limits of mixed size dorado, some marlin seen in small pods, and yellowtail still picky at Isla San Pedro Martir.

"Today we where out early and I and found the sargassum grass," Jon Jen said. "There were hundreds of small, medium, and large dorado."

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 5 Aries Fleet offshore charter boats out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid, with a catch including released fish of: 1 sailfish, 13 dorado, and 1 mako shark. Four inshore super pangas had a catch of: 26 dorado, 15 lenguas, 6 baqueta, 6 triggerfish, 8 barracuda, 10 sierra, and 1 pargo.

Edwards noted that 23 of the inshore dorado were caught in heavy release action by a single boat, the panga Anzuelo II with angler 12-year-old Santiago Cevallos, son of Marina El Cid manager Geronimo Cevallos. "This great report reflects the annual dorado bite taking off at the buoys," Edwards said. "Santiago kept a couple for dinner and released all but 2 of the dorado. The hot bait was ballyhoo."

Mazatlan fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the high-80s, with water temperatures at 79 degrees inshore and 80 degrees offshore, as offshore boats searched for fish about 23 to 30 miles out to the southwest.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Tadeo Hernandez of Flota Bibi Fleet reported improving action for dorado offshore, although few boats were fishing out of Mazatlan. "There haven't been many boats out, so it's hard to give an accurate report," Hernandez said. Inshore fishing was good for a mix of snappers, triggerfish, grouper, and assorted species. Mazatlan fishing area weather was favorable, with no port closures or rain, and warming water temperatures averaging 79 degrees.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Osuna of Marla's Sportfishing at Puerto Vallarta reported on another very long, overnight offshore run by the charter boat Marla, fishing along the 1,000-fathom line south of Isla Magdalena in the Tres Marias group to the north of the city for good action on 15 yellowfin tuna of 60 to 90 pounds, some quality dorado, and a blue marlin at 350 pounds.

Water temperatures on the fishing grounds were at 81 degrees, with light north breezes and clear blue water color.

"We had a great overnight trip," Osuna said. "We found some really nice sea life, with tunas, dodos, and marlin. The tunas and dorado were taking live caballitos and Marauders. After filling the fish box, we decided to troll some marlin lures and after a few hours we got hammered by the blue.

"We saw a lot of skipjack. It seems like the big fish are showing up. Seems like Puerto Vallarta will have a great big-game fishing season."

Anglers fishing aboard the Marla included Carlos Menchaca, Carlos Menchaca Jr., and Ricardo Menchaca.

Marla's charter boats fishing inshore with Capts. Scott and Alonso Osuna reported good pargo counts at El Morro and Islas Marietas, and good action at Punta Mita for a mix of jacks, sierra, pargos, and some bonita.

Few boats were fishing at Puerto Vallarta. "The fishing is great! Even if charters are slow," Osuna said.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Stan Gabruk of Master Baiters Sportfishing & Tackle at Puerto Vallarta reported no cases of swine flu in the state of Jalisco and early season tuna, marlin, and sailfish still present at the El Banco offshore high spot. Local fishing inside Bahia de Banderas produced sierra, bonito, jack crevalle, and snappers.

Most Puerto Vallarta charters fished at Punta Mita or Islas Marietas for inshore species led by roosterfish feeding on abundant sardinas, plus dorado in mixed sizes to about 35 pounds.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported continued slow fishing for offshore Ixtapa boats as green water pushed out to about the 50-mile mark and fish counts fell for all species. "Dorado and tuna action was virtually nonexistent," Edwards said.

Inshore fishing continued good for light tackle jack crevalle, sierra, skipjack tuna, and sierra, and a welcome roosterfish reported by the charter boat Secuestro de Amor. "It was the first roosterfish the boat landed in more than a month," Edwards said. "It was a pleasant surprise and perhaps a sign of more to come."

Ixtapa fishing area weather was sunny in the high-80s, with water temperatures at 80 degrees inshore and 81 degrees offshore, and with very poor water clarity extending out to at least 50 miles.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said cool water currents prevailed along the Mexican coastline at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo during the week. "Six miles off the beach, the water is 76 degrees, and it's only 80 degrees 30 miles out," Kunze said. "There are very few sailfish, marlin, and dorado being taken."

Some yellowfin tuna of 35 to 45 pounds were seen about 26 miles out. Inshore fishing remained very good for skipjack tuna, jack crevalle, sierra, and black skipjack.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 6 mostly short-day outings by the El Cid Caribe sportfishing fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun, with a catch including released fish of: 2 dorado, 1 sailfish, 2 king mackerel or petos, 4 triggerfish, 4 barracuda, and 1 red snapper. Cancun fishing area weather was partly cloudy at 90 degrees, with variable winds to 15 knots, and water temperatures steady at 81 degrees.

Edwards noted the economic impact of Mexico's swine flu scare, saying, "One of the best fishing months of the year has taken a hit. At Puerto Morelos and other Mexican Riviera hot spots everything is seriously slow."

New Tailhunter Fubar Cantina in La Paz

Jonathan Roldan at his new Tailhunter Fubar cantina r Cantina in La Paz 2

NEW LA PAZ FISHING HOTSPOT!--Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International at La Paz and his wife Jill announced last week's opening of La Paz' latest waterfront watering hole. "After more than 3 years, the Tailhunter and Fubar Cantina are finally open, Roldan said. "The doors opened to a packed house. We have 3 stories with a dance floor, 7 sports TVs, 2 bars, fish processing, tackle shop, and convenience store. Thanks to so many people who put in their time and energy to offer more services to our fishing clients and fun for the public." PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Large wahoo and dog snapper at La Paz

ENSENADA DE LOS MUERTOS--This big wahoo and nice dog snapper in bright spring spawn colors topped the day's mixed species catch for anglers Saul Nunez and Jesus Sanchez who fished aboard a Tortuga Sportfishing panga out of Ensenada de los Muertos south of La Paz with Capt. Rigo Lucero, left. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDO HERNANDEZ.

Pargo lisa caught at La Paz

Two large dorado caught at La Paz

Two wahoo caught at La Paz

Large roosterfish caught at La Paz

SPECIES FISHING FIESTA--Enjoying very good action on a wide spread of fish species at La Paz last week were Tailhunter International panga anglers, from top, Angela Farrel with a big pargo lisa caught at Isla Cerralvo, Steve and Charlie Marabella with a pair of nice dorado from the 88 spot, who also released striped and black marlin, 2 of 7 wahoo caught in 3 outings by Charlie and Jane McGhee, and a monster roosterfish of about 70 pounds about to be released by Bob Solee with Tailhunter's Capt. Adolfo. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JONATHAN ROLDAN.

Halibut caught inside the bay at Ensenada

ENSENADA FLATTIE FLATS--Paul Beachley, right, and Ed Purcell scored the customary ice chest of mixed bottom fish at Ensenada's Punta Banda while panga fishing with Vonny Fleet's Capt. Beto Zamora, and on their way back to the launch spot, they used plastics and rigged anchovies on the sand flats inside the bay for their Mexico sportfishing limits of halibut. PHOTO COURTESY OF IVAN VILLARINO.

Large sierra mackerel caught at Cabo San Lucas

LATE SEASON SIERRA--Cool-water sierra of good size were still biting as springtime water temperatures climbed into the high-70s last week. This pair of anglers fishing aboard the Cabo San Lucas charter panga Cheer's with Capt. Ramon Druck scored 7 of these sierra plus 2 yellowtail while fishing the Pacific-side beaches. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Two wahoo caught at San Jose del Cabo

SWINE FLU HOLIDAY--With Mexico's swine flu scare keeping anglers away in droves, Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas at San Jose del Cabo had more time to go fishing himself last week. This nice pair of wahoo was caught during an outing by Brictson and his family at the La Fortuna spot in very good action. "We also lost a whopper that straightened the hooks on a new Rapala," Brictson said. "Plenty of time for personal fishing this week." Brictson's family outing also produced amberjack, dorado, yellow snapper, and a roosterfish released. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

Broadbill swordfish caught at East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico

BIRTHDAY BROADBILL--Mark Rayor, right, of East Cape's Vista Sea Sport diving service celebrated his 60th birthday aboard his boat Jen Wren. About 25 miles east of Buena Vista, he got his big present, this nice broadbill swordfish that hit a dead jurelito bait about 1:30 in the afternoon. "We had hooked another in the morning, but it came unbuttoned after a short battle," Rayor said. With Rayor is the Jen Wren's skipper, Capt. Jesus Cota. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK RAYOR.

Jack crevalle caught from the beach at East Cape

EAST CAPE BEACH FISHING--A nice light tackle jack crevalle was among 3 hooked during about an hour and a half of beach casting near East Cape's Punta Arena by Kurt Hoenecke of Huntington Beach, Calif. "Three fish hooked on Krocodiles," Hoenecke said. "It was magical Baja, with mantas, roosterfish, porpoise, and false orcas jumping, and bait being battered at the water's edge." PHOTO COURTESY OF KURT HOENECKE.

Yellowtail caught at Isla Carmen, Loreto, Mexico

BOATS FEW, BUT FISHING GOOD--With few boats fishing out of Loreto last week, Mitchell Rose, right, and Bob Lahodny got into good yellowtail action aboard Rose's boat Helena off Puntas Lobo and Perico at the northeast end of Isla Carmen. "The yellowtail were on the surface and in the middle," Rose said. "We used small barrel sinkers to get down." PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCHELL ROSE.

Dorado release at Loreto

LORETO DORADO RELEASE--Loreto resident Bill Erhardt uses a Precision "de-hooker" for a no-touch release on one of 7 dorado caught while fishing with his daughter Catherine on Wednesday offshore from Loreto northeast of the marina. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHERINE ERHARDT.

Yellowtail catch at Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico 1

Yellowtail catch at Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico 2

LORETO SPRING YELLOWTAIL--Very heavy concentrations of bait in all Loreto waters last week accompanied good yellowtail action on the surface and in midwater. Doug Coffey, shown, and Stan Woodward fished along the northeast corner of Isla Carmen with local panguero Capt. Adrian Baeza. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN WOODWARD.

Dorado caught at San Carlos, Sonora

DORADO AT SAN CARLOS--Jon Robinson of Tucson, Ariz., and his wife fished aboard the charter boat JonJen2 out of San Carlos, Sonora, for some of the first dorado of the season. The action came about 18 miles out with Capt. Abel Anaya. PHOTO COURTESY OF JON JEN CHARTERS.

Blue marlin caught at Puerto Vallarta

Yellowfin tuna caught at Puerto Vallarta

Dorado caught at Puerto Vallarta

SEVEN-LEAGUE BOOTS--The Puerto Vallarta charter boat Marla with Capt. Danny Osuna made another overnight run to fish about 80 miles out near Isla Magdalena in the Tres Marias group, for good action on yellowfin tuna, dorado, and a blue marlin of about 350 pounds. Fishing aboard the Marla were anglers Carlos Menchaca, Carlos Menchaca Jr., and Ricardo Menchaca. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY OSUNA.

Large roosterfish caught at Puerto Vallarta

PUNTA MITA GALLOS--The Punta Mita fishing area north of Puerto Vallarta has been producing some quality roosterfish action for the past several months this season. With a nice pair of gallos caught during a trip by the Master Baiters Sportfishing & Tackle charter boat Discovery Fishing were first mate Jose, Kris Lewis, Capt. Oscar, and Mike Lewis. PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN GABRUK.

Pangas figging for squid at San Jose del Cabo

Sunrise over the ocean at San Jose del Cabo

A BAJA MORNING--San Jose del Cabo pangas jigging for Humboldt giant squid, between the Puerto Los Cabos marina and the Inner Gordo Bank, during Paul Oldaker's 3-day trip with Gordo Banks Pangas. Below, sunrise over Punta Gorda marks the beginning of another day of Baja fishing. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL OLDAKER.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES

Summer-like seas and a nice spread of fish species caught by anglers fishing at La Paz