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| Around 10% of the world's total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef. |
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| Starfish can re-grow their arms. In fact, a single arm can regenerate a whole body. |
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| Starfish do not have blood. Their blood is actually filtered sea water. |
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| Starfish don't have brains. Special cells on their skin gather information about their surroundings |
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| Not all animals with the word fish in their names count as fish. |
| Though their names may suggest otherwise, cuttlefish, starfish, and jellyfish aren’t actually fish. Generally-speaking, fishes must have skulls, gills, and fins. Surprisingly, though, not all fishes have proper spines. |
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| In three decades, the world's oceans will contain more discarded plastic than fish when measured by weight, researchers say. |
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| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Just how man species of fish are there? |
| As of 2020, there were 34,000 known fish species around world. That’s more than the number of species in all other vertebrates: birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians combined. |
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| Even Catfish are finicky |
| Taste Buds ? Catfish have a more refined sense of flavor than humans. Our 10,000 taste buds may seem like a lot, but catfish can have as many as 175,000. This helps them find the exact location of their next meal. |
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| A bit of Humor |
| My brother has 2 German Shepherds named Rolex and Timex. You guessed it they are Watch Dogs. |
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From Jan 01, 1999 To May 13, 2024
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Mar 23, 2014; 07:14PM - SJDC Fish Report March 15, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric
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March 15, 2014
Anglers -
Another wave of Spring Break vacationers are arriving in Los Cabos and everyone is
enjoying perfect weather conditions, lows in the 60, highs in the low 80s, clear
sunny skies, moderate swells and warming ocean temperatures, what else could a
person ask for? Past weekend there was a heavy south blow, pushed in cooler waters
from the Pacific, but these conditions quickly rebound as winds subsided and average
ocean temperatures are now in the 70/72 degree range on the Pacific side of Cabo San
Lucas and in the direction of San Jose del Cabo we are seeing warmer 74/76 degree
currents.
This big southern blow last Sunday contributed to the large concentrations of
striped marlin moving from the Pacific grounds to area just outside the Gordo Banks.
Previously the billfish action had been very scattered in this area, but all of
sudden the bite broke wide open, fleets from all local ports were congregating on
these grounds. Striped marlin were found in big numbers, many charters having more
than a half dozen strikes per trip, Multiple marlin per boat was common. The
stripers were readily striking trolled lures, ballyhoo, others were seen tailing on
the surface and would take live caballito, also anglers did well drift fishing
deeper baits. Quite a few thrasher sharks in this area, many were hooked while
drifting baits, most of these were lost, very powerful fish, they head straight down
and use their extended long tail to their advantage.
Doardo numbers were limited, though some of these gamefish are being encountered
each day, at times very close to shore, sizes range 5 to 20 lb. No particular hot
spot to find these fish now. Wahoo were sighted free swimming on the popular local
grounds, though only a handful were actually hooked into. One wahoo in the 80 lb.
class was landed, hooked into on the same grounds as were the striped marlin.
Yellowfin tuna were seen breezing at times near Iman to San Luis Banks, but only a
few of these 15 to 25 pound tuna were hooked into, either on live caballito or on
yo-yo jigs while jigging off of the rocky structure, where the main catch has been
for Eastern Pacific Bonito.
The much talked about red snapper bite that occurred last red, as a result of the
red crab bloom, this action dissipated quickly as the red crustaceans no longer were
found drifting to the surface in masses, as during the previous week. So snapper
catches were spotty, an occasional amberjack, cabrilla, grouper or yellowtail were
accounted for off the various rocky high spots. The San Luis Banks, as well as times
on the Gordo Banks, produced great action for the local good eating variety of
bonito, ranging 4 to 10 pounds, these toothy speedsters are fun sport on light
tackle.
Along the inshore beach stretches, sierra, jack crevalle were found in certain
areas. Good numbers of roosterfish, up to about 12 pounds, were being found the
first couple of miles towards the north of Puerto Los Cabos Marina jetty entrance.
Sierra were more scattered, still no sardinas being found locally, caballito has
been the steady bait source recently.
Getting to be late season now, though there are still lots of a whales being sighted
in larger sized pods, these mammals are going to be starting their northerly
migration soon. Sea lions are becoming more of a nuisance on the local snapper
grounds, wanting to catch their share of the tasty red snapper, always easier grab
hold of when the fish is trapped on a fishing line.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent
out approximately 104 charters for this past week, with anglers accounting for a
fish count of: 2 thrasher shark, 82 striped marlin, 4 wahoo, 6 yellowfin tuna, 4
yellowtail, 26 amberjack, 480 bonito, 14 jack crevalle, 12 sierra, 26 dorado, 110
roosterfish, 14 cabrilla, 72 red snapper (huachinango) and misc. pargo..
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Mar 9, 2014; 08:17PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo March 9, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
March 9, 2014
Anglers -
As the first wave of spring break travelers continue to arrive in Los
Cabos, they are being greeted with absolutely beautiful pristine
weather conditions, with high temperatures hovering near the 80 degree
mark, clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine. Winds have been light
and anglers enjoyed very pleasant days on the ocean. Swells were
slight and we have seen warmer currents sweeping in, with water
temperature now averaging 72 degrees on the Pacific side of Cabo San
Lucas and increasing to 74/78 degree in the direction of the Sea of
Cortez and the Gordo Banks, just outside of these grounds is where the
warmest water is now located.
The Golden Gate Banks has continued to be the hot spot for finding
striped marlin, also fair numbers of dorado reported from the Pacific
grounds. While the billfish action in the direction of San Jose del
Cabo was very spotty, with the lack of offshore baitfish
concentrations, the stripers are scattered. More numbers of dorado
were encountered close to shore, at times actually seen chasing half
beaks (ballyhoo) directly on to the sandy beaches, at least one dorado
was hooked and landed inside of the Puerto Los Cabos Marina Channel.
Most of the dorado now seen have been in the 5 to 15 lb. class, with a
few exceptions of larger specimens up to 25 pounds accounted for.
Despite the warmer water temperatures we have seen fewer dorado this
past week, as well as only a few wahoo, though we have heard of big
wahoo bite now going on off of Cerralvo Island, which is out of our
local charter range.
Inshore action was now producing many roosterfish in the 5 to 15 lb.
range, trolling with live caballito was the best bet for this,
remember these are rapidly growing gamefish, not known for good table
fare and should be released with care, in order to mature and enhance
the future fishery. Sierra numbers were down, warmer waters and lack
of sardinas contributing to this situation.
The most exciting event this past week has been the season's first
massive run of pelagic red crabs, particularly on the high spots north
of the Gordo Banks. Masses of these small crabs drifted to the
surface, turned the sea a reddish color and this in turn was
attracting the humpback whales, whale sharks and of course the Pacific
red snapper (huachinango. This occurrence is always unpredictable,
when conditions are just right these pelagic crustaceans swarm,
normally happening sometime during the March to May time frame, though
in local waters we have not seen such a run for several years. These
red crabs are a favorite food source for many species, especially so
for the red snapper, also one of the most popular and valuable
commercial catches. All of the local commercial pangeros are now
working overtime to catch as many kilos of these prized snapper as
they are capable of while this bite lasts. These are the true Pacific
snapper and average from 4 to 12 pounds in weight, scrappy fighters on
light tackle and at times they are found schooling near the surface.
Other action included lots of Eastern Pacific Bonito and some early
season amberjack, the bonito (3 to 10 lb.) were striking yo-yo jigs or
trolled Rapalas over the high spots and the ambers, which ranged to
over 30 lb., were hitting best on the yo-yo style jigs or by drifting
live caballito off of the structure. There were lots of yellowfin tuna
in the 20/25 lb. class seen breezing on the grounds north of Punta
Gorda, but only a handful of these tuna were hooked into, very
finicky, as they normally do become when they acquire a taste for
these same red crabs.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 77 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
1 striped marlin, 3 wahoo, 8 yellowfin tuna, 2 yellowtail, 19
amberjack, 355 bonito, 18 jack crevalle, 18 sierra, 55 dorado, 135
roosterfish, 6 pompano, 28 yellow tail snapper, 14 cabrilla.and 640
red snapper (huachinango).
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Mar 9, 2014; 08:12PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo March 9, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
March 9, 2014
Anglers -
As the first wave of spring break travelers continue to arrive in Los
Cabos, they are being greeted with absolutely beautiful pristine
weather conditions, with high temperatures hovering near the 80 degree
mark, clear skies and plenty of warm sunshine. Winds have been light
and anglers enjoyed very pleasant days on the ocean. Swells were
slight and we have seen warmer currents sweeping in, with water
temperature now averaging 72 degrees on the Pacific side of Cabo San
Lucas and increasing to 74/78 degree in the direction of the Sea of
Cortez and the Gordo Banks, just outside of these grounds is where the
warmest water is now located.
The Golden Gate Banks has continued to be the hot spot for finding
striped marlin, also fair numbers of dorado reported from the Pacific
grounds. While the billfish action in the direction of San Jose del
Cabo was very spotty, with the lack of offshore baitfish
concentrations, the stripers are scattered. More numbers of dorado
were encountered close to shore, at times actually seen chasing half
beaks (ballyhoo) directly on to the sandy beaches, at least one dorado
was hooked and landed inside of the Puerto Los Cabos Marina Channel.
Most of the dorado now seen have been in the 5 to 15 lb. class, with a
few exceptions of larger specimens up to 25 pounds accounted for.
Despite the warmer water temperatures we have seen fewer dorado this
past week, as well as only a few wahoo, though we have heard of big
wahoo bite now going on off of Cerralvo Island, which is out of our
local charter range.
Inshore action was now producing many roosterfish in the 5 to 15 lb.
range, trolling with live caballito was the best bet for this,
remember these are rapidly growing gamefish, not known for good table
fare and should be released with care, in order to mature and enhance
the future fishery. Sierra numbers were down, warmer waters and lack
of sardinas contributing to this situation.
The most exciting event this past week has been the season's first
massive run of pelagic red crabs, particularly on the high spots north
of the Gordo Banks. Masses of these small crabs drifted to the
surface, turned the sea a reddish color and this in turn was
attracting the humpback whales, whale sharks and of course the Pacific
red snapper (huachinango. This occurrence is always unpredictable,
when conditions are just right these pelagic crustaceans swarm,
normally happening sometime during the March to May time frame, though
in local waters we have not seen such a run for several years. These
red crabs are a favorite food source for many species, especially so
for the red snapper, also one of the most popular and valuable
commercial catches. All of the local commercial pangeros are now
working overtime to catch as many kilos of these prized snapper as
they are capable of while this bite lasts. These are the true Pacific
snapper and average from 4 to 12 pounds in weight, scrappy fighters on
light tackle and at times they are found schooling near the surface.
Other action included lots of Eastern Pacific Bonito and some early
season amberjack, the bonito (3 to 10 lb.) were striking yo-yo jigs or
trolled Rapalas over the high spots and the ambers, which ranged to
over 30 lb., were hitting best on the yo-yo style jigs or by drifting
live caballito off of the structure. There were lots of yellowfin tuna
in the 20/25 lb. class seen breezing on the grounds north of Punta
Gorda, but only a handful of these tuna were hooked into, very
finicky, as they normally do become when they acquire a taste for
these same red crabs.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 77 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
1 striped marlin, 3 wahoo, 8 yellowfin tuna, 2 yellowtail, 19
amberjack, 355 bonito, 18 jack crevalle, 18 sierra, 55 dorado, 135
roosterfish, 6 pompano, 28 yellow tail snapper, 14 cabrilla.and 640
red snapper (huachinango).
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Mar 2, 2014; 09:49PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo March 2, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
March 2, 2014
Anglers -
Spring break seems to have started early this year, as increasing
crowds of tourists were arriving to take advantage of the ideal
weather conditions and the many outdoor activities available. With the
month of February now over, we can say that it has lived up to its
reputation, being a bit crazy and unpredictable. We witnessed some
chilly mornings, with windy days and then just like that there were
very pleasant calm and almost summerlike conditions. Still many whales
in the area, but with warming days, we will see these mammals heading
back towards their northern feeding grounds soon.
On the Pacific side, the Golden Gate Bank has been the hot spot to
find wide open action for striped marlin, with marlin also being found
in the direction of the Sea of Cortez, but more spread out, as there
have not been the same concentrations of baitfish to find the billfish
schooling up, as on the Pacific. Even a few sailfish were found in the
mix this past week, a bit strange for this time of year. Ocean water
temperatures ranged from 70 degrees on the Pacific, to an average of
74 degrees off of San Jose del Cabo and north to Los Frailes. The more
consistent all around fishing action is being found in the direction
of the warmer waters.
Dorado never left local waters this winter and they normally do, these
fish are still being caught daily, from inshore to offshore, fish were
striking lures and various baits, rigged ballyhoo and live caballito.
Sizes were ranging from 5 to 25 lb. Still no sardinas being found in
local water, basically all season we have not seen these smaller
baitfish, larger baits and using lures has been the main deal. Number
of dorado were not huge, though some charters were catching up to five
or six. Surprisingly there were also wahoo hanging around in certain
areas as well, most of these fish were found from Punta Gorda to La
Fortuna, and within a mile of shore, again no big numbers, one or two,
here or there, sizes in the 15 to 25 lb. Class. The wahoo were
striking on trolled baits, rapalas and yo-yo jigs.
Other action now included the Eastern Pacific Bonito, spread
throughout the zone, striking on rapalas and jigs, sizes 2 to 10
pounds, fun action on light tackle, also a good eating species. This
past week we saw more numbers amberjack being accounted for, hitting
off the bottom structure, on yo-yo jigs and caballito. Sizes ranged up
to 40 pounds, with some charters catching three or four of these
powerful fighting jacks. An occasional cabrilla to 25 pounds was found
off the same rock piles. Only a handful of yellowtail so far this
season, though these were nicer sized 20 to 30 pound fish, in recent
days several big yellowtail were hooked into while trolling very close
to shore, where juvenile sized roosterfish and sierra wee being
targeted. We must also mention the presence of some hog sized jack
crevalle that will test inshore angler's endurance.
Only a handful of yellowfin tuna were found, most from the La Fortuna
to San Luis Banks, drift fishing with fresh dead sardinas is what
enticed this action, though with the lack of this bait source and the
combination of swift currents, this was a very hit or miss option.
When the tuna did come up to the chummed bait, a few tuna in the 20
pound class were accounted for.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 102 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
3 sailfish, 5 striped marlin, 13 wahoo, 14 yellowfin tuna, 5
yellowtail, 27 amberjack, 242 bonito, 13 jack crevalle, 34 sierra, 146
dorado, 48 roosterfish, 10 pompano, 18 yellow tail snapper and 9
cabrilla.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Feb 23, 2014; 11:40PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo February 23, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
February 23, 2014
Anglers -
The month of February is known for crazy unpredictable weather
patterns, this week we witnessed some cooler morning conditions and
high temperatures up to 85 degrees, feeling more like late spring
instead of winter time. We also felt more wind, predominately from the
north, but then swirling from out of the east and south as well, but
overall the climate was ideal and anglers found comfortable ocean
conditions and great all around action
With the warmer ocean temperatures of up to 75 degrees now pushing in
the direction of San Jose del Cabo and towards the La Fortuna and San
Luis Banks, this is where the sportfishing fleets are concentrating,
even boats from Cabo San Lucas are making the long runs north to get
into this more consistent fishing action. Pacific side water
temperatures have dropped into the upper 60's. Mackerel schools
continued to be scarce, ballyhoo supplies were plentiful and there
have been options for a variety of gamefish, caballito baitfish have
been obtainable most mornings as well, fresh bags of brined sardinas
are being sold at the panga dock area on a limited first come, first
serve basis.
Considering the time of year, anglers have been enjoying quality
action for dorado, some wahoo and even yellowfin tuna showing in the
fish counts. Billfish have been more scattered since the recent full
moon, no concentrations of baitfish offshore, beside schooling
skipjack. Though in recent days we have seen more striped marlin
appearing again, anywhere from one or two miles from shore and on out
to 20 miles. Even a couple of sailfish were reportedly hooked into,
crazy times in February.
Yellowfin tuna are holding over the structure from La Fortuna, Iman
and to San Luis Bank, the key factor was obtaining a supply of
sardinas, which have been scarce all year, fresh dead sardinas were
now available early morning at the panga dock area, though in limited
supply and a few charters were more fortunate when they were able to
purchase live sardinas from commercial pangeros from northern camps. A
handful of mostly panga charters got into this yellowfin tuna action
while drift fishing with sardinas and using light leaders, landing up
to five, six, seven or eight fish, ranging in weights of 10 to 20 lb.
Dorado were being found in smaller sized groups spread throughout the
inshore and offshore grounds, sizes averaged 5 to 15 lb., a few
fishing pushing the 20 to 25 lb. mark, still impressive for mid winter
season. Wahoo action continues to be an added bonus, normally not a
common catch during this month, though the bite did taper off compared
to how it had broke wide open late last week. In recent days a handful
of charters did land up to three or four wahoo in their combined daily
catch. These fish hit on trolled lures, various baits and on yo-yo
style casting jigs. Best areas were close to shore off of Punta Gorda
to La Fortuna. Sizes on the wahoo averaged 15 to 20 pounds, though
there were some quality sized fish up to 40 pounds also accounted for.
Bottom action has never really started this season, with warmer ocean
temperatures, winds and currents all contributing to no consistent
structure action. At least not yet, we are still not into March or
spring time. This is always the time of year when we start to see the
arrival of yellowtail in local waters, so far only a scattering of
these powerful jacks have been found. Though just in recent days there
have been more encounters with these popular gamefish. Anglers who
were jigging for what was great action on hog sized skipjack and
Eastern Pacific Bonito also hooked into a few yellowtail, fish to 25
lb. were landed, others lost to cut lines, encouraging signs of a
developing bite. We did hear of at least one nice yellowtail being
caught by a beach fishing angler on a splashier hoochie combination.
Sierras are patrolling the shorelines, a few nicer sized fish to 8
pounds were seen, a mix of jack crevalle and juvenile sized
roosterfish in the same stretches, these fish were hitting on trolled
baits, hoochies or rapalas. Whales were still being seen spouting in
all directions, these mammals have not headed north yet, next month is
normally when they will start the northern migration.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 76 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
6 striped marlin, 21 wahoo, 49 yellowfin tuna, 6 yellowtail, 145
bonito, 4 amberjack,11 jack crevalle, 78 sierra, 234 dorado, 14
roosterfish, 14 yellow tail snapper, 15 misc. shark and 12 cabrilla.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Feb 18, 2014; 08:11PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo February 16, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
February 16, 2014
Anglers -
With freezing conditions persisting throughout much of the United
States we have seen more crowds of tourists arriving in Los Cabos.
Travelers have been greeted with pristine winter time weather
conditions, sunny days, with high temperatures close to 80 degrees.
Winds continued to be a bit unpredictable, at times from the north,
switching out of the south, though they were moderate and anglers
found great ocean conditions most days.
Ocean temperatures ranged from 70 to 76 degrees, higher than normal
for this month, clarity was clean, even very close to shore. Baitfish
have been scattered, no live sardinas, few mackerel or caballito, with
ballyhoo proving to be one of the better trolling baits and as another
option there were also a mix of jacks and moonfish being used.
Depending on what fishing grounds anglers targeted, there was a
variety of species being found. Striped marlin were now shifting in
the direction of the San Jose del Cabo grounds, from the 1150 spot, to
off of the hotel zone and towards Punta Gorda, some success was found
trolling lures, casting baits to tailing fish and soaking baits down
deep, the striped marlin especially were attracted to moonfish this
past week, it was more productive early in the week, later in the week
the full moon seemed to affect the bite, fish were more finicky..
For the local panga fleet, the most productive action was found within
a couple of miles of shore, from right off Punta Gorda, to Cardon and
La Fortuna. Dorado and wahoo were the main species striking, ballyhoo,
moonfish, jacks, rapalas and even casting jigs. This seemed more like
fall action, crazy to see this type of action in mid February, it
doesn't happen every year, with water temperatures holding higher than
normal and the clarity of the water, these fish have decided to hang
around and not migrate to southern waters, at least for the time
being. There were more numbers of dorado caught than wahoo, though on
Thursday and Friday many boats did have multiple wahoo days, one
charter had eight wahoo on Friday. Sizes ranged up to 40 pounds. Hard
to say how long this action will last, would be something if this
lasted throughout the month and into March.
Not much action off the bottom, strong currents and warmer water
temperatures have been more suited for surface action. A few
yellowtail were reported, no pargo bite at this time. Sierra have
dominated inshore action, though dorado are being found very close to
shore as well, there were large concentrations of half beaks
(ballyhoo) moving along the beaches areas, this can bring gamefish
very close in. A few jack crevalle and smaller sized roosterfish in
the mix.
Still peak season for whale activity, though with waters warming,
these mammals will most likely start migrating north soon.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 90 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
18 striped marlin, 37 wahoo, 8 yellowfin tuna, 3 yellowtail, 48
bonito, 18 jack crevalle, 68 sierra, 265 dorado,18 roosterfish and 12
cabrilla.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Feb 11, 2014; 10:35PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo February 9, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
February 9, 2014
Anglers -
The month of February can be quite unpredictable, locals have a
saying, Febreo loco y Marzo otro poco, conditions can feel like spring
time one day, but then cooler weather fronts can swept back through,
feeling more wintry. Last week we had temperatures reach the mid 80s,
though this week it felt more like winter, with cooler mornings, down
to 55 degrees and on a couple of days the high temperatures only
reached in the low 70s. Despite this trend, there were mostly clear
sunny skies and it felt like paradise compared to the freezing cold
temperatures that has swept once again across the United States. Ocean
water temperatures actually warmed up some, now ranging from 70
degrees on the Pacific to 75/76 offshore of San Jose del Cabo. More
north winds this past week and this contributed to stirring up the
clarity, anglers reported finding mixed up conditions, swift currents
pushed in greenish water, but in other areas the water remained clear
and blue, seemed to vary each day.
Baitfish remained scattered, as were most of the gamefish, though in
recent days baitfish schools have begun to congregate on the
traditional grounds off of the San Jose del Cabo's Hotel Zone, two or
three miles offshore, mainly sardinetas now, with a few mackerel mixed
in. This a favorable sign, hopefully this will continue to develop,
should start seeing more striped marlin on these same grounds. Anglers
found porpoise activity offshore, hit or miss for smaller sized
yellowfin tuna, most of these fish were found 20 plus miles outside of
Cabo San Lucas, at other times jack crevalle and hog sized black
skipjack dominated the offshore bite.
Dorado action has been good this winter season, though this past week
the bite dropped off, some charters had trouble finding even one
dorado, while others were more fortunate and accounted for up to a
half of dozen, these fish are scattered from inshore to offshore and
running in small schools, most of the fish were in the 5 to 15 pound
class. Striking on trolled lures and rigged ballyhoo baits. Earlier in
the week a few wahoo were found, though this is not the normal season
where you would expect to catch these elusive gamefish, there is still
a chance at hooking into one of these prized eating fish. A handful of
football sized yellowfin tuna were landed while drift fishing on the
Iman Bank, fresh dead sardinas was to key to this action, these baits
were sold in limited quantities at the dock area, then you had to try
to stay away from the skipjack, bonito and pesky sea lions, another
factor were the gusting northern winds, making it almost impossible on
certain days.
Sierra continued to dominate the inshore action, striking on various
whole and cut baits, as well as hoochies and small rapalas, which all
worked for these fish, average sizes ranged 2 to 4 pounds. Some jack
crevalle and juvenile sized roosterfish were also encountered. Surf
fishermen reported catching a few much larger sierra taken at first
light, this is always the time when these members of the mackerel
family are more aggressive.
Bottom action produced mainly Eastern Pacific Bonito, a handful of
pargo, cabrilla and triggerfish rounding out this action. Should be
the time when we start to see some yellowtail showing up in the fish
counts. There were a couple of nice grouper landed off of the Palmilla
Point area, this is the time frame when these rock piles start to hold
more of the structure species.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 68 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
6 striped marlin, 4 wahoo, 21 yellowfin tuna, 135 bonito, 14 jack
crevalle, 115 sierra, 76 dorado,12 roosterfish,18 pargo, 28
triggerfish, 90 black skipjack, 2 grouper and 10 cabrilla.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Feb 3, 2014; 10:04PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo February 2, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
February 2, 2014
Anglers -
Crowds of visiting tourists are arriving in the Los Cabos Resort area,
looking to escape the frigid temperatures spread across northern
territories. Local weather conditions have been very pleasant,
scattered morning cloud cover, with plenty of warm afternoon sunshine,
lows of about 60 degrees, with highs in the 75 to 80 degree range. The
persistent northerly winds have tapered off some, not as strong as in
previous weeks. This is now peak season for spotting whales in local
waters, with common daily sightings of both gray and humpback whales.
Ocean clarity has been very clean close to shore, in the direction of
the East Cape the conditions are a bit more off colored due to
northern winds, but from La Fortuna to Cabo San Lucas the clarity has
been great for this time of year. Water temperatures varied from about
70 degree around the corner on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, to
74 degrees on the outside of San Jose del Cabo, inshore grounds
through this same stretch was averaged about 72 degrees. Live bait
situation is still lacking, though there has been various other
options available, including ballyhoo, moonfish, skipjack for strip
bait, brined dead sardinas, etc...
Anglers were finding a variety of species, from sierra, dorado
inshore, with striped marlin and yellowfin tuna found further
offshore. The tuna being accounted for have mainly been encountered
twenty or more miles offshore of Cabo San Lucas and have been football
sized fish striking on hoochies , feathers and cedar plugs. More
sierra are now showing up throughout the area, some much larger sierra
were found on the Pacific, medium sized fish now becoming more common
in the direction of the Sea of Cortez. Trolling rapalas, hoochies and
drifting with cut baits have worked well for these scrappy fighters.
Out of San Jose del Cabo the most common catches recently have been
for dorado and bonito, these fish were striking various lures and
baits. Most of the dorado found were in the 5 to 15 lb. class. The
Eastern Pacific Bonito is a somewhat rare species, a member of the
tuna family with limited range, normally preferring the cooler winter
months, good eating fish with light colored flesh, very popular for
use in local machaca dishes. Average sizes usually are 5 to 10 lbs.,
can reach up to 20 lb. Striking a variety of lures and jigs, as well
as live and dead baits, powerful fighters for their size. This species
is most commonly found within the first 200 feet of the water column.
Striped marlin are being encountered spread out through the entire
area, more numbers encountered off of Cabo San Lucas, but also
scattered off of San Jose del Cabo grounds. No mackerel schools being
seen now, so fish are moving and searching for food sources.
Not much consistent bottom action being found, besides jigging for
bonito over the rocky structure, chrome patterned yo-yo style jigs jig
were most productive, there was an occasional pargo, cabrilla or
amberjack in the mix. Near Punta Gorda and north towards
La Fortuna there were a few wahoo hanging around, most of these fish
were smaller sized, 10 to 20 pounds, striking rigged baits more often
than on traditional lures, anglers were still fortunate to land one of
these elusive highly prized fish.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 70 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of:
3 striped marlin, 8 wahoo, 18 yellowfin tuna, 205 bonito, 68 sierra,
155 dorado, 2 amberjack,1 yellowtail,18 pargo and 10 cabrilla.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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Feb 3, 2014; 02:07PM - Cabo Bite Report
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Capt. George Landrum
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FLY HOOKER SPORTFISHING
Captain George Landrum
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com
http://captgeo.wordpress.com/
Cabo Fish Report
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2014
WEATHER: We had mostly sunny skies this week with the highs in the mid 80's and lows in the low 60's. I heard that in a few spots it reached the mid 50's but not at the marina or at our house. We did have a bit of rain this week. Last week I mentioned that it had felt humid at the end of the week and we had seen some low black clouds that made it feel as if it would rain. We didn't have any of those low black clouds on Monday, just cloudy skies, but in the evening we did get rain, steady enough to get everything wet but not strong enough to wash the cars! Winds were from the north-north-east at the end of the week.
WATER: We did have great water conditions once again with the exception of early in the week on the Pacific side in the afternoons. During that time frame for the first three days the winds blew fairly strong causing some very choppy conditions up past the lighthouse and offshore. Of course the afternoons are when most boats were coming back to the marina so it was a downhill, downwind run and not to uncomfortable. The rest of the time the seas on the Pacific side were in the 1-4 foot range and water temperatures were 74 early in the week, slowly dropping to 70-71 degrees by the end of the week. On the Cortez side of the Cape the water was smooth, almost like a pool most of the week with swells 1-2 feet and wind riffles in the afternoons. The water temperature dropped on this side as well with water toward the shore from the 95 spot and the 1150 going from 74 degrees to 72-71 degrees, and the water on the Gorda Bank dropping from 76 degrees at the start of the week to 74 at the end of the week.
BAIT: There was no lack of bait this week and you could buy as many Mackerel and Caballito as you wanted for the usual $3 each. Still no Sardinas that I was aware of.
FISHING:
BILLFISH: I was a bit surprised this week that the action on Striped Marlin slowed down a bit, I was sure that the new moon phase would help the bite. Instead, we were seeing between 65-70% of our anglers getting hooked into and releasing a Striped Marlin. The fish have also started to appear in areas other than on the Pacific side at the high spots, we were finding them on the Cortez side as well, not in any great numbers, but a stronger showing than we had been seeing the week before. The cooling water may have something to do with this as Striped Marlin seem to prefer water in the 70-72 degree range. With the fish scattered out a bit more, trolling became the preferred method of finding a Marlin. Spotting a tailing fish then running to it and tossing a bait in front worked better than sitting on the high spots drifting a live bait, and much better than slow trolling a live bait. The fish also were not shy about slamming a trolled lure!
YELLOWFIN TUNA: Inside one day and outside the next, you were never sure where the Tuna would appear on a daily basis. The only sure thing was the more water you covered the better chance you had of getting into a good tuna bite. Boats found these fish from a mile off the beach up by Los Arcos to 35 miles out at 210 degrees, and almost all of them were associated with Porpoise. Cedar plugs and dark colored hootchies worked well, and I had a client bring down some cedar plug shapes made from clear acrylic with plenty of silver flash in them and they were amazing, caught so many Tuna on these things that they ended up releasing all the fish under 15 pounds and still limited out in 90 minutes. Of course with the action that hot and heavy mistakes were made. They were using light 30 pound leader and they ended up loosing all three lures when the leader chaffed through. They reported that almost 80% of the bites were on these three lures, guess I will have to get some of these!
DORADO: Dorado continued to be the mainstay of the charter fleet this week as both the offshore cruisers and the inshore fishermen were getting Dorado in the fish box. Most of the fish were off the beach between ½ mile and three miles on the Pacific side, but there were many of them caught on the Cortez side off the beach the same distance. My guess would be that 40% of the boats that got into Dorado managed to catch the legal limit of two fish per angler, the rest of the boats managed to get at least a few, even if they were not looking for them. None of the fish I saw were large with their weight running between 6 and 10 pounds with a few fish in the 15 pound category. Light colored lures and live bait were the key to the Dorado, and of course if you saw Frigate birds working it was either over Dorado (most common) or on Striped Marlin.
WAHOO: To tell the truth I did not see any wahoo this week, but did hear of some decent ones caught on the Cortez side of the Cape. Boats working the rocks in front of Gray Rock and the drop-off along the cliffs between Santa Maria and Chileano Bay as well as the 30 fathom line off of Palmilla were getting an occasional bite from fish that were reported to be as large as 45 pounds. There were a few smaller fish reported from the Pacific side but I am not sure which area they were found.
INSHORE: Sierra are still the fish of the week for the inshore fishermen as well as the surf fishermen tossing lures from the beach. The fish are mostly between 4 and 6 pounds with a few in the 10 pound class. The favorite areas have been off the de-sal plant just to the north of the lighthouse and the beach off of Playa Grande. A few boats are still running up to Migraino for the Sierra, getting lots of fish and then working three miles out for Marlin, Dorado and Tuna on the downhill return. Fishing for the Snapper in amongst the rocks has been an on-off experience with early in the week being “off” due to the slightly larger seas encountered. Perhaps the coming full moon will bring more fish in. If it does, please remember to limit your catch, don't catch your limit. In the spring during the full moon the heavy concentrations of Snapper (and Grouper)you encounter are spawning aggregations, and while your crew may want to catch every fish they can, remember that it's your charter and your call as when to stop.
FISH RECIPE: This week we did a spicy fish dish that I adapted from a recipe for General Tso's Chicken. Start with 2 pounds of any boneless fish fillet and cube it into 1 ½ inch cubes. Marinate it for four hours in a mix of the white of 1 egg, a dash of salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger (frozen will work if that's all you have, just grate it instead of mincing it) and one teaspoon of corn starch. I put all the ingredients in a gallon zip-lock and shake it around for a few minutes then put the fish in and shake it again, then place it in the fridge. While it is marinating I made a sauce of 1 ½ tablespoon of soy sauce, 3 table spoons of sugar, 2 table spoons of rice-wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of sherry (I used tawny port instead). Once the fish has marinated put four or five cups of fresh oil in a large pot and heat it until its smoking, then dip in the fish pieces three or four at a time and cook for 1 minute, then remove to some paper towels to drain. Once all the fish is cooked take some of the oil and put it in a large skillet, then place about two tablespoons of minced ginger, one green onion white section thinly sliced, two minced garlic cloves and about three tablespoons of dried red chile flakes in the oil and saute for about 1 minute. Next add the sauce, then the fish and toss and stir until the fish is well coated. Serve this on a bed of freshly cooked rice! Just in case you don't know, rice is simple. Boil 2 cups of lightly salted water. When it comes to a boil add 1 cup of rice and stir quickly. When it returns to a boil turn it down to a simmer and cover. Let simmer for 20 minutes then remove from the heat. After five minutes off the heat remove the lid and stir the rice, then replace the lid. Easy peasy.
NOTES: Fish, Sun, Dolphin, Whales, Beaches and Booze! Cabo San Lucas! Oh and since it's Super Bowl Sunday, GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!
Th4e picture, if attached, is of the 58' Viking 'Auriga' I was Capt. on, taken by my friend David Zivic.
Often copied, never duplicated, no plagiarism, all original, and on line for the past 13 years, I hope you enjoy my weekly reports!
And as always, George writes this report
and posts to the blog on Sunday morning. So if you
can't wait, click the 'FOLLOW' on the top of the blog
page! You will know whenever something new is posted!
http://captgeo.wordpress.com/
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Jan 28, 2014; 09:15PM - GORDO BANKS PANGAS San Jose del Cabo January 26, 2014
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Category: Mexico Cabo San Lucas
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Author Name: Eric Brictson
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GORDO BANKS PANGAS
San Jose del Cabo
January 26, 2014
Anglers –
Natural instincts are sending people traveling in southern direction
during this winter season and in turn bringing many visitors to Los
Cabos. Local weather conditions have been great, some scattered cloud
cover, burring off normally by mid day and high temperatures reaching
into the low 80s. This week we actually felt spring like weather
patterns, it was feeling like the days will only become nicer in the
coming weeks, though we all know that the month of February can be
unpredictable. North winds have been persistent this year, though now
seem to have tapered off and not so relentless, perhaps the worst is
past and we will now see more stable patterns.
Water temperatures are holding in the 70/74 degree range, fluctuating
currents and overall the clarity has improved, with clean water found
in close proximity to shore. Baitfish schools continue to be
scattered. Anglers found limited options now available, primarily
caballito, moonfish, ballyhoo or skipjack. Mackerel and sardinas have
not been regularly obtainable.
Sportfishing fleets have spread out in all directions, more
concentrations of striped marlin on the Pacific, though we have also
seen the billfish shifting in the direction of Sea of Cortez as well,
with the baitfish being scattered, so have been the fish. Most of the
marlin being seen now have been in the 80 to 120 pound range, striking
on deep drifted baits, as well as on the surface lures and rigged
ballyhoo.
Dorado are being found in limited numbers, as this is never the peak
season for these gamefish. They have been found throughout the zone,
inshore to offshore, the majority have been juvenile sized fish, there
were some reports of larger bulls to 25 pounds being accounted for.
Still some late season wahoo hanging around, most of them encountered
closer to shore, a handful were landed, striking on various baits,
yo-yo’s or trolled lures, ranged in sizes up to 40 pounds.
Yellowfin tuna have been seen in different locations, some traveling
with porpoise 20 or more miles offshore of Cabo San Lucas. Though the
high spots from La Fortuna, Iman and San Luis Bank also were holding
yellowfin, only a few are actually being hooked, some on trolled
hoochies or yo-yo jigs, ranging to 20 pounds, without sardinas it is
hard to entice these schooling tuna.
Bottom fishing has produced more numbers of bonita than any other
species, striking on yo-yo jigs, an occasional pargo, cabrilla or
amberjack in the mix. This is now the season when we should start to
see a greater variety of fish congregated over the rocky structure.
We are still seeing lots of whale activity, as well as manta rays, sea
lions and some turtles for added entertainment.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los
Cabos Marina sent out approximately 74 charters for this past week,
with anglers accounting for a fish count of: 12 striped marlin, 7
wahoo, 16 yellowfin tuna, 165 bonito, 34 sierra, 8 roosterfish, 82
dorado, 4 amberjack,14 pargo and 35 triggerfish.
Good fishing, Eric
--
GORDO BANKS PANGAS
Eric Brictson / Operator
619 488-1859
Los Cabos (624) 142-1147
e-mail:gordobanks@yahoo.com
WWW.GORDOBANKS.COM
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