Report Date:
http://www.cortezcharters.comFishing flared to it's highest level in many months, (probably the best for this year so far) and it is still happening as this goes to print. The dorado bite has truly set the fishing pace and provided easy limit style fishing opportunities for nearly all boats fishing. The largest fish for the week was taken aboard the "Gaviota XI", skippered by Captain Victor Cota, a 325 lb. blue marlin. The trophy was taken by angler Ronnie McCormick, using 60 lb. mono and following a 5 hour battle at the Jaime Bank. The "tuna time" had a terrific 4-day fishing stretch that produced the largest tuna for the week, a 200 lb. yellowfin, taken by anglers David Word and John Wells, Florida, 22 miles offshore from White Hill. In addition to the big tuna, the anglers also released 3 stripers, 1 wahoo and limited out on dorado for their 3 fishing days. The 4th fishing day provided everlasting memories for the Guillermo "Memo" Zavala party, (part of my annual hunting group) consisting of his wife, Rosie, (Jamul, CA) son Eddie, (San Diego, CA) Eddie's Fiance, Corinne Durazzo, (San Diego, CA) and Mark & Lupe Burruell, (Phoenix, AZ). Rosie released what may have been a world record sailfish that was estimated at 180 lbs., Corinne released a huge striper that was estimated near 200 lbs., Mark landed a yellowfin tuna and lost another that nearly spooled him and Lupe, Eddie and Memo caught dorado with Memo's dorado nearing the 50 lb. mark. According to Memo, it was the trip of a lifetime; the kind of trip that makes you want to go back, again and again.
The overall combined fish counts reflected for a total of 33 days fished produced 2 blue marlin, 14 stripers, (13 released) 1 sailfish, 9 wahoo, 4 yellowfin tuna and 264 dorado. While the billfish counts were at 50% it was only because the boats were very busy with the dorado catching. Almost all of the billfish were taken on artificials while the effort was being focused on the dorado. It was an incredibly good fishing week for the entire fleet from Cabo.
Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days, temps from 74 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent on both sides with temps at 82-83 on the Pacific side, rising to 84-85 at Cabo Falso and continuing the rise to 88-89 just above the Gorda Banks and excellent clarity throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side remains the hot spot, especially for the dorado catches and stretches from near Cabo to the Golden Gate and offshore to the Jaime Bank.
Best Lure/bait: Black & purple colors were the hot ticket this past week and everything seemed to want'em. The blue marlin, tuna, dorado, wahoo, all were eager on the artificials.
Live bait supply: Caballitos were available but were mixed in with emall jacks.