Eric Brictson, the 67-year-old owner of Gordo Banks Pangas, died suddenly from a fatal heart attack at his home on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mely; son, Brian (Monica) Brictson; daughters, Kate and Tina; granddaughter, Eliana; and sisters, Janet and Jill.
Eric Brictson was the owner and charter representative of Gordo Banks Pangas and oversold virtually every aspect of the operation.
He settled in Southern Baja in 1985 in the fishing village of La Playita, on the eastern edge of a scenic coastal lagoon at the mouth of Rio San Jose, just minutes away from historic San Jose del Cabo. A pioneer, Eric exchanged his sportfishing knowledge and skills with locals who were equally eager to share their local knowledge about the Gordo Banks. At that time, the pangas were launched over the sand every day.
His fleet was located 10 miles from Los Cabos International Airport and 20 miles from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Eric was born in Malibu on September 29, 1955, to Virginia Lee Peterson and Robert Casper Brictson later moving to Santa Monica, California. His father, Robert, introduced him to fishing at five years old, and he became an avid sport fisherman, fishing extensively over 25 years in both freshwater and saltwater areas of California and Oregon. As a child, he and his family often visited Mexico, and Eric grew to love Baja.
In his early 20s, he started his first Guide Service at Gold Beach, Oregon, on the Rogue River. Ultimately, he sold his company, which is still in operation.
During those years, he made frequent trips to Baja, which became more extended with each visit, until he moved permanently to his new home in La Playita and started a small sportfishing fleet.
Puerto Los Cabos Marina was completed with ample slips to accommodate the fledging Gordo Banks Pangas in October 2007, which had grown as the years went by, creating one of the largest panga fleets in the entire Baja Peninsula.
The Gordo Banks Panga team strives to bring unequaled quality and professional service, with the primary goal always being customer satisfaction.
Eric Brictson’s family and friends gathered to spread his ashes on Sunday, September 4, 2023, in his beloved Sea of Cortez per his wishes.
Fellow fisherman,
It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Eric Lee Brictson, owner, and operator of Gordo Banks Pangas. Over the last 38 years not only has Eric Bricston been a pioneer of fishing in La Playita, but he has been an integral part of this community. From always lending a helping hand to putting La Playita fishing on the map, Eric did it best.
He fished for many years, wrote many fish reports that reached worldwide, and taught many of our fellow Captains how to fish since they were children. He always cared about protecting endangered fish species and made it a point to release young ones to continue procreating, hence keeping the fishing community in business. He cared very deeply for all his clients, friends, captains, and family. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends, watching baseball, writing, eating good food, spending time with his animals, and telling his infamous stories to anyone who would listen!
He will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of fishing, and his legacy of running a successful business these last 38 years. Eric’s Sunday fish reports will be missed but never forgotten. We ask for privacy during this time while we grieve and get our affairs in order. We thank you for your understanding and will update all our wonderful clients as soon as we have more information regarding the future of Gordo Banks Pangas.
Tight lines and calm seas.
Good fishing,
The Brictson Family
