Santa Rosalia, Mexico:
The Fish Are Holding Very Deep In Late Summer Waters

Aug. 28, 2004, Mike Kanzler, Isla San Marcos, Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, Mexico Fishing Report:

Yah, summer's winding down, already noticed changes in the air, butterflies in the trees and good amount of humming birds at the feeders in front of my window are all signs of the approaching fall season, and soon the return of the yellowtail hordes!

Santa Rosalia weather, well that's still summer, hot like an oven, no wind till late in the afternoon long after I'm off the water! 80 to high 90s, did rain a little on Monday due to the passing hurricane Frank.

Water temps 82-86 degrees, with 30-60 feet of vis. little bit murky close to shore.

And, about 10:00 p.m. last night dead calm and clear skies, out of nowhere winds came up strong and cold with some moisture to about 35-40 knots, guys here started pulling pangas out of the water!

On the days I don't fish, it's been a sports overload... yes I watch it all football, baseball, golf, nascar, and the Olympics too. Finally got back online to some point anyway, damn SAT works fine in the morning then around 1:00 p.m. it's gone oh well what can you do.

I did fish this week a few times, braving the heat, It's been real tough out there, all the fish are holding deep 200-280 feet down, try fighting 25# class yellowtail in 90+ degree, no wind. Just checking my bait been hell on a frying pan.

Been fishing squid slab starting in the mornings with some panguero buddies from Santa Rosalia, about four to five boats and I meet up at the bajo (deep reef) out on the north end of Isla San Marcos drop anchor, which I'm too lazy to do, I tie my bow line to one of their boats, usually the one that's on the best spot (laughing) and start fishing the slab.

I've learned a lot from the local fishermen when it comes to using dead squid slabs for yellowtail and it makes a big difference on how well you do. This is good info, let me break it down:

I used to think just cut a slab off and pin it on, drop it down and that's it, probably why I never did do that well fishing with that stuff and stuck it out with live bait. However sometimes when the pangas are killing 'em on giant Humboldt squid you don't get bit on live anything like right now at this particular area.

Okay, first you need to anchor, don't work half as good trying to drift or at all for that matter.

Second, squid needs to be fresh caught, like a hour before sunrise.

Third, slabs need to be about 3-4 inches wide by 8-10 inches long, cut triangular in shape, and very important, tenderized. Most pound it with the end of a gaff a few times.

Forth, heavy tackle 60# at least!

Last, don't strike too soon, lots of fish down there nibble on it, the yellowtail suck it in, then move off, or lift it making slack in your line up top. Better reel super fast to put the hook on or you lose!

I'll tell you, pangueros sure make it look easy, I've never been able to keep up, total respect for how they do it!

I managed about 2-4 yellowtail a day to their 6-12. After a spell I'd leave, thank all for helping out and go to a few other spots to fish live bait, catching a mix of Gold spotted bass, bonito, and a extra yellow or two.

Most yellowtail are avg. of 22-27#.

The inshore report for this week comes by way of me talking to Bill Hamel from San Lucas cove, who told me some very large 50# class Roosterfish have been feeding along the gravel spit that forms the cove, along with that talking to a friend at the meat market in Santa Rosalia, I was also told large Roosters where chasing mullet north of town.

A few other notes this week. Had another squid beaching over here near my dock, kids where going nuts trying to throw 'em up farther on the rocks and yes my son was in on it too, told him to watch his ass, reply, I know!

And sad as it is, fishing off the main loading pier has come to an end! due to new U.S.A. regulations on all loading and unloading of anything going to America by way of ship from all countries, that a security fence and guard house along with high tech video cameras and trained personal preventing non-cleared persons from entering the area. I would have never through that the fight against terrorism could ever effect me fishing down here!! a sad world we live in.

Here's my email address for those who have been trying to contact me: kidjurel@mac.com.

Isla San Marcos, Mexico, gypsum loading dock

END OF AN ERA--The Isla San Marcos gypsum loading dock is now off limits to anglers, due to U.S. security regulations following 9/11. Photo courtesy Mike Kanzler.

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