The closer we reach to the month of October we expect the tropical storm season will be over with, though with ocean water temperatures still holding in the 84 to 88 degree range, we must still monitor all Eastern Pacific forecasts with caution. At this time there is a pair of low pressure areas far to the south, off of the Mexican mainland, will be interesting to see what develops of these systems. Presently, local conditions are calm as can be, in the early morning there is that hint of Fall Season in the air, though mid-day heat and humid index is still reaching over 100 degrees. Last week we had some heavy rainfall, scattered throughout the region, not much wind associated with the passing of this storm front, though rainfall of up to four inches were recorded. The desert landscape will definitely be turning a fresh shade of green in the coming weeks.
These latest rain squalls, with strong currents pushing in, contributed to off colored water closer to shore, this seemed to have slowed down action for species such as dorado and wahoo, though a handful of these fish are being accounted for almost on a daily basis. Some wahoo up to 40 pounds were accounted for, a handful of anglers were fortunate to land one of these elusive speedsters. Most of the dorado being found now are small juvenile sized fish. Supplies of sardinas were now more scattered, off of La Playita area, only the smaller clear type sardinas were available, these baits do work as dead bait for tuna, but are not the same as the normal sardinas we find, this preferred species has moved south out of our range at this time. Other options for bait has been to search local super markets for giant squid slabs, which is never a guarantee. Caballito also have been available, as well as chihuil or skipjack on some of the fishing grounds.
The inshore grounds off of Fiesta Americana Resort near Cabo San Lucas continues to produce good numbers of yellowfin tuna up to 20 pounds, also with an occasional dorado or wahoo from this same area. Iman Bank has been another productive region, with a bit more of an opportunity of finding some bottom structure species, as well as tuna, dorado or wahoo. The best place to have a chance at hooking into the larger grade of yellowfin tuna has been off of the Gordo Banks, though we have not heard of any monsters this past week, many tuna in the 50 to 70 lb. class and a few up to 150 pounds were reported. Some days single boats had as many as four or five nice tuna, other days were tougher and landing one tuna was considered good. These yellowfin are definitely holding on these Banks, though are fighting strong currents and at times seem to be filled up on the natural food source that is present.
Billfish action was somewhat scattered as well, though on any given day you could hook into a striped, blue or black marlin, also chance at sailfish, just no big numbers of any of these species at this time. The black and blues have been lurking around the high spots where the food chain is concentrated.
Reconstruction crews are pressing now to finish up the work on Hotel El Ganzo, which was devastated by last year’s Hurricane Odile. La Playita Panga area work is progressing as well, still has a ways to go to have all of the necessary conveniences.
The combined panga fleets launching out of La Playita, Puerto Los Cabos Marina sent out approximately 85 charters for the week, with anglers reporting a fish count of: 7 sailfish, 1 striped marlin, 480 yellowfin tuna, 35 dorado, 8 wahoo, 15 white skipjack, 22 bonito, 14 rainbow runner, 4 dogtooth snapper, 18 yellow snapper, 2 amberjack, 10 cabrilla and 15 barred pargo.