Cabo San Lucas
Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, or even a few Wahoo waiting for the bait always adds a bonus. The water temperature has dipped as low as 75 to 77 degrees, and the air slipped slightly to between 66 and 78 degrees, creating near-comfortable conditions for a relaxing and memorable trip for the anglers who arrived from the snow and freezing weather.
However, the Cabo weather has been a delight for most anglers arriving from destinations throughout the U.S. Although the North wind has been a bit stronger sometimes, it hasn’t prevented the boats from going out or the fish from biting.
When Adam Stokes, Devin Manino, Greg Smith, Josh Rich, Nick Rossi, and Tyler Palazzolo stepped on the “BBII,” a 37-foot Viking Billfish 2018, a unique bond formed between Captain Hector, Mate Joel and the Zeeland, Missouri group, united by their love of fishing. The crew ran to Los Arcos, where their fishermen caught and released FORTY-STRIPED MARLIN in the 100 to 120-pound range on mackerel. The day was one of the best the anglers had ever experienced.
David Miller, Edgar Norris, Evan Helda, Logan Roberts, and Spencer Hamrick were overjoyed to have been in the right place at the right time when the “HOT ROD,” a 42-foot Cabo Flybridge, run by Captain Erick Orozco and Mate Hot Rod Jose Ramiro Ramirez, took their group from Charlotte, N.C., to the Los Arcos Spot. There, they caught and released Eleven Striped Marlin weighing 90 to 110 pounds on mackerel. The thrill of the marlin’s tail slashing back and forth through the water as there was one hookup after another was an experience they would cherish.
David R. Seaman, David Seaman, Reed Seaman, Seth Seaman, and Tommy Barton had a successful day on the “YAHOO,” a 42-foot Bertram, with Captain Ricardo Escamilla Yahoo at the helm and Mate Jose Escamilla Yahoo overseeing the cockpit. They hit the jackpot, catching and releasing Eight 120-pound Striped Marlin on mackerel at the La Brecha. It was a day they would not soon forget.
The fish Orville Peterson had highlighted on his list was a 100-pound tuna when he and his wife, Bonnie Peterson, left cold, snowy Grand Junction, Colorado, and climbed aboard the “LA BRISA,” a 31-foot Bertram in Cabo with Captain Orlando M and Mate Jesus Winkler. When they were 37 miles at the 210 Spot, they began catching Tuna. They caught Ten Yellowfin Tuna from 6 to 108 pounds on multiple types of bait, so Orville reached his goal. In addition, they caught Eight Skipjack weighing 4 pounds each in the same area. With a great sigh of happiness, the Petersons packed their bags. They returned home to Colorado, where Orville could shovel his driveway, dreaming of his 100+ pound yellowfin tuna and grateful to his captain and mate for fueling his winter dreams.
From Tucson, Arizona, Anthony Somohano and Matthew Frank chartered the “LA BRISA,” a 31-foot Bertram, with Captain Orlando M. and Mate Jesus Winkler, and headed straight for the 240 Spot when they were stopped just short of the bank by the first of Thirteen Yellowfin Tuna that ranged from 8 to 122 pounds in weight. They also caught Six 4-pound Bonito on mackerel, curry, and palo at that spot.
On “LA CHINGONA 2,” a 64-foot Viking, Captain Tony B., and Mate Miguel took their guest, solo angler Greg W. Smith from South Carolina, fishing for Yellowfin Tuna and Striped Marlin. Believing that the La Brecha Spot was their best area, they headed straight there. The skills of angler Greg W. Smith were immediately tested as he began catching and releasing the first of Ten Striped Marlin from 100 to 120 pounds and Two 35-pound Yellowfin Tuna on mackerel at the La Brecha Spot. Good going, Greg! What a day!GORDO BANKS PANGAS
The fishing scene at Iman and Inner Gordo sounds thrilling, especially with the larger yellowfin tuna making their presence felt! Using live skipjack and bulito for slow trolling seems to be paying off, with tuna averaging from 60 to 90 pounds, with some surpassing the 100-pound mark.
The challenge of targeting tuna while also dealing with wahoo in the area requires wire leaders, which adds an interesting twist to the fishing strategy. It’s great to hear about the decent-sized dorado and striped marlin being landed, even if the dorado numbers aren't as high as expected.
The shift from greenish to nicer blue water at Inner and Outer Gordo is promising, even if the catch on Friday was limited to one 120-pound tuna and an unfortunate loss of a larger fish. Saturday's action at Inner Gordo, with several big yellowfin over 150 pounds and a few surpassing 200 pounds, must have been quite the experience despite some heartbreaking losses after long battles.
The decision of some boats to try Punta Gorda (Cerro) seems to have paid off with nice catches of wahoo and dorado. Landing a wahoo of 55 pounds on a live skipjack is impressive! ...Good Fishing, Brian
East Cape
Fishing trips in December require planning, as those gusty North Winds can blow 20 mph on some days. On other days, it can be calm to a manageable 6 to 8 mph, and it's like a green light for fishing enthusiasts. It was excellent that the local tin boat brigade took full advantage of last week's calm weather and successfully caught Sierra, barred pargo, moonfish, and triggerfish. That must have made for some fantastic fishing days, filling the freezer with fresh fillets for delicious dinners.
La Paz – Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Suenos Bay
It sounds like the conditions are evolving with the changing season. The water temperature is starting to cool and green as winter approaches, while the weather remains mostly sunny and pleasant during the day, cooling off nicely at night.
Despite the winds picking up, it seems there's still a good variety of fish being hooked, including dorado, pompano, trevally, small roosters, marlin, tuna, wahoo, snapper, cabrilla, Sierra, amberjack, bonito, and jack crevalle. There's a lot of action for those willing to brave the breezy conditions.
