INTERNATIONAL FISHING REPORTS

April 19, 2012

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FOR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The Cabo San Lucas billfish bite offered some terrific fishing days this past week for some of the boats that fished the offshore waters from the 1150 fathom spot and on up to the Gorda Banks area. The "Gaviota IX"
released 12 stripers for 3 fishing days and the skipper's reported good action on lures and live bait in the area. The boats were reporting billfish in widely scattered areas from the Lighthouse to Santa Maria Bay, Chileno, and outside Palmilla, but the concentration appeared tto be from the 1150 fathom spot and inward toward the Gorda Banks areas. The overall fish report for 18 offshore fishing days reflected 26 stripers released and
4 dorado and 5 inshore cruiser fishing days reflected 10 Sierra, 6 roosterfish and 2 skipjack tuna.

Cabo Climate: Picture perfect weather, sunny, warm and clear days and nights with temps from 63 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Pacific side, from Golden Gate, south across the Jaime Bank and out to the 1000 fathom curve and around to Chileno: temps at 71 degrees, then rising to 74 degrees just before the Gorda Banks and from Gorda Banks into the Sea of Cortez at 76-77 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: While scattered billfish bit well over a wide area the 1150 fathom spot was by far the center of the action and it extended on inward to the Gorda Banks and above.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best but the fish bit well on the artificials and the drop backs were working well this past week with the fish eager to bite.
Live Bait Supply: A very good supply throughout the week with a mix of caballitos and mackerel.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The fleet continues to report very good striper action starting at about 15 miles south of the Marina El Cid and continuing outbound from that area as the water temps remain favorable for the area. The "Aries II" was high boat for the week and reported a 5 striper day that was followed by a 3 striper day. According to Ms. Kitcia Ceja, the reporter for the Aries Sportfishing Fleet, the action was good for all of the boats and multiple opportunities were available throughout the fishing week. The overall offshore catches for 16 days fishing reflected 17 stripers, (8 releases) 2 sailfish, 4 dorado and 1 mako shark. The inshore fishing report for 5 days fished reflected good red snapper acttion with 59 snapper, 31 grouper, 1 triggerfish, 1 perch, 1 barracuda, 2 corvina and a single sailfish taken aboard the Anzuelo III.

Mazatlan Climate: Mazatlan, aka sunny Sinaloa, offered warm, clear days and cool evenings with temperatures that ranged from 57 nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters are cool and green, with temps at 67-68 degrees, then rising to 72 offshore at 14-15 miles and again rising to 74-75 degrees at abbout 18 miles out to the south of the Marina El Cid. Water is mostly off colored greenish tinted out to about 18 miles or so, then goes to a clean green with a bluish color to the water.
Best Fishing Area: Out to the south of the Marina El Cid, starting at about
18 miles or so and outbound from there, into the warmer and cleaner waters.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits have been performing exceptionally well for the Aries Fleet sportfishers.
Bait Supply: Remains excellent for both, live bait and fresh rigging baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported another week of slower than normal fishing for the offshore waters, (within the 25-30 mile range)primarily due to the cooler water conditions and the off-colored, greenish water. The big game fish, (marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, etc.) are, for the most part, staying outside the 1000 fathom curve and beyond the 50 mile mark, making it out of reach for most of the boats. However, the inshore fishing did pick up this past week and there were some much better reports reflected in the catches of Sierra and jack crevalle. The inshore fishing is different day by day and often, even during the same day, causing the skippers to explore different areas.

IZ Climate: Warm, sunny days and evenings with temps that varied from 67 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Cool, 71 degree water inshore along the beaches and gradually rising to about 80 degrees at 15 miles offshore and then increasing to 81-82 at about 18-19 miles and outbound from there. Clarity is poor to about 18-20 miles or so, with off-colored green water.
Best Fishing Area: The fish are scattered and there is no concentration at this time. However, as the water temps begin to increase gain and the water clarity improves, the bite will resume for this area.
Best Bait/Lure: For the few billfish that were caught, the rigged baits were working best.
Bait Supply: Remains excellent for this area with both, live bait and fresh rigging bait.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Puerto Morelos should be renamed the Caribbean Fun Fishing Center with blue water action just a few minutes outside the entrance to the Marina El Cid.
The weekly bite action for this area is incredibly different from our other areas and typically spans at least a dozen species in every catch report.
Now, as we move into the white marlin season, we add another fish to the spectrum. The overall catches for Puerto Morelos for 21 days fished reflected a 13 fish mixed bag report that included 3 white marlin, 6 sailfish, 16 dorado, 6 Atlantic barracuda, 4 king mackerel, 2 wahoo, 7 bonito, 3 Spanish mackerel, 1 grouper, 1 snapper, 3 amberjack, 2 triggerfish and 1 jack crevalle.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm and toasty days and evenings with temps that ranged from 68 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very good water temps and clarity conditions throughout
this area and holding stable at 81-82 degrees with mostly light and variable surface breezes.
Best Bait: The on-going choice of the fishing skippers continues to be the freshly supplied ballyhoo, taken on a daily basis.

Larry Edwards
CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS
619-469-4255
email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net
website: www.cortezcharters.com

· April 18 at 6:59am near Nicholls Town, Nichollstown and Berry Islands ·

Thomas Kopper

‎260lb yellowfin on the scale at Chub. On 30lb.

· April 18 at 6:59am near Nicholls Town, Nichollstown and Berry Islands ·

APRIL 13, 2012 - THE MEXICO REPORTS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

I talked with Roberto Marquez, the Fish Cabo Fleet owner this morning, and he said there was plenty of billfish action but the fish just wouldn't stay hooked. Yesterday, the "Fish Cabo" got luck and released 1 striped marlin following 12 billfish strikes for the day. They just couldn't get the fish to stick and this was not an isolated incident. It was happening throughout the fleet. They tried slow trolling live baits with no luck at all then switched to live bait drop backs and again, with no luck at all. The billfish just would't cooperate. The same report was coming in from all of the various Cabo sportfishers and was another one of those frustrating fishing days. On the bright side was the numbers of billfish being seen by the boat crews and anglers and it will turn around. Just a matter of time. Our combined fishing report for a total of 28 days fished reflected 8 stripers released, 2 mako sharks, 2 dorado, 2 jack crevalle, 17 skipjack tuna, 17 Sierra and 6 yellowtail.

Cabo Climate: Just terrific weather with warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings and temps that ranged from 58 nights to 82 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly cooler waters on the Pacific side with temps at 67-68 on the Golden Gate & Jaime Banks. Just inside the banks and closer tto shore the water temps fall to 61-62 and extend down to Cabo Falso and stretching out across the 1000 fathom curve. Water temps rise dramatically to 75 degrees from Palmilla Point, out across the 1150, beyond the Cabrillo Seamount and northeasterly across the Gorda Banks and on to Las Frailes.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish are building in numbers in the Gorda Banks area and while not too eager to stay on the hook, plenty willing to bite at the artificials.
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish are very eager to strike at the lures but continue to be "short biters" and not staying hooked.
Live Bait Supply: Remained very good, even through the full moon phase, with a mix of mackerel and caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The striper bite for the Aries Fleet was more than a tick upward this past week, even as the full moon arrived. A full moon striper bite is rather unusual for this area and remains one of the unexplainable oddities for the striper bite that typically slows up on the full moon. All of the offshore sportfishers had more than one opportunity to land a billfish and there appeared to be some pretty steady action out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, according to Ms. Kitcia Ceja, our Aries Fleet reporter. The overall offshore fishing report for 15 days fished reflected 19 stripers, (6 releases) 2 sailfish released, 1 mako shark and 2 dorado. The inshore super panga action also reflected some very good results for the anglers and produced an interesting mixed-bag catch that included 106 red snapper, 11 grouper, 45 perch, 15 white snapper, 30 loras, 25 triggerfish and 20 jack crevalle for their 11 fishing days.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days and cool evenings. Temps ranging from 52 nights to 83 daytime highs
Sea Conditions: mostly calm days with light surface breezes. Inshore water temps at 7e degrees and rising to 76-77 in the offshore waters beginning at bout the 15 mile mark and outbound from there
Best Fishing Area: Out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid and ranging from about 22-23 miles and on out to 30 miles.
Best Lure/Bait: Fair action on the artificials but very good action on the fresh rigged mullet baits
Bait supply: Remains plentiful for both, live bait and rigging baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, it was another slow fishing week from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, mostly resulting from the full moon phase and in conjunction with cooler, greenish water conditions that extended from near shore to the 1000 fathom curve at about 45-50 miles offshore. The various captains were reporting very little action out to the 30 mile mark and finding only occasional billfish strikes in that range. Equally slow for the week was the inshore action as the fish were changing locations on a daily basis, never in the same place two days in a row. Once you did find the fish, it was a fair bite on spinning tackle and using surface plugs for the Sierra, jack crevalle and a few bonito, but still, a much slower bite than would normally be taking place at this time of year.

IZ Climate: A few partly cloudy days but toasty warm and superb evenings with temps that ranged from 67 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Cooler waters inshore at 77 degrees out to the 100 fathom curve, then rising to 81-82 degrees out to the 1000 fathom curve and beyond. Water clarity was the primary problem from the shoreline out to about 45 miles or so, as the water blued up at that point.
Best Fishing Area: None reported. No fish concentration inside the 45 mile mark.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish that were caught were taken on the slow trolled, rigged baits as the skippers were straight-line trolling.
Bait Supply: Good supply of both, live bait and baits for rigging and unaffected by the full moon conditions.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Our last fishing report reflected the first blue marlin of the year, and this week's report reflects the first white marlin of the year. The white marlin was taken by Mr. Macunas party while fishing aboard the "Aries VIII". Overall, it was a sensational fishing week that culminated with a 16 species mixed-bag catch for a total of 32 days fished and reflected 1 white marlin, 3 sailfish, 1 tarpon, 10 blackfin tuna, 8 dorado, 3 Atlantic barracuda, 2 wahoo, 6 king mackerel, 6 Spanish mackerel, 2 jack crevalle, 10 bonito, 1 amberjack, 1 soapfish, 17 triggerfish, 9 snappers and 6 groupers. At the week's end, we had our first white marlin for the year, our first ever tarpon and the biggest mixed-bag catch variety we have ever reported for this area. (We originally had a report that a tarpon ws taken aboard the "Aries VIII", and after spending a couple of days tracking the information, it turned out to be incorrectly reported and was nothing more than a puffer fish. While still a first in the reports, it's sure a huge difference from the excitement of a tarpon).

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm days and wonderful evenings with temps from 70 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A very good week with mostly light & variable tropical surface breezes and water temps that were stable at 82 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: The best bait for this area continues to be the fresh caught ballyhoo that the crews prepare on a daily basis for the type of fishing they will be focusing on for their group of anglers.
Bait Supply: Even the full moon phase doesn't diminish the bait supply for this area as the bait is caught fresh on a daily basis and distributed to all of the sportfishing boats.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

A Net Full of Tails

THE JOHNSONS OF MOLDCRAFT:

There's nothing artificial about this family's business

Sailfish; tuna; blue and back marlin: Just saying the names conjures visions of trolling, surrounded by purple swells. Yet if there's a practical slant to this pulse-pounding reverie, it’s in profiling the innovators who helped make it possible. Frank Johnson and Frank, Jr. of Moldcraft Products rank prominently among that number.

Many individuals, as well as companies, have contributed their knowledge to the science of offshore trolling. But one name stands-out: You’ll find Moldcraft lures wherever fishermen gather— lures that have probably set more IGFA World Records than all their competitors’ products combined. But first, a bit of background:

Artificial lures of one type or another have revolutionized offshore trolling. Faster speeds, and more water covered, have led to more and bigger game fish tagged and released. However, it was only back in 1976, while tinkering with an injection molding machine, that Frank, Johnson, Sr. helped trigger that trend.

The first offshore lures were hard to the touch. So, while building on the concept that a billfish could sense that, he designed a softer, more-natural version. The fish, he figured, would hang-on longer, which would ultimately increase the number of hook-ups. He marketed his originals as "Softheads" —a name that remains to this day.

When I interviewed Frank, Sr. in the 1990’s, he claimed that many of his designs came from anglers and captains. An engineer by trade, he still made sure that practical experience (we call it fishing) received top billing, whenever it came to designing lures.

His son, Frank, Jr. —who is Moldcraft’s VP, as well as the plant’s General Manager—still maintains dialogs with offshore professionals. Most of Moldcraft’s new lures reflect suggestions from the cockpit, with particular attention to ones that come from mates. During a recent interview, Frank, Jr. shared how, among other things, Moldcraft got started:

“My dad is what you call a ‘prototype engineer.’ In 1969, when we moved here from Connecticut, he went to work for Pratt and Whitney. It wasn’t long afterwards that he began designing fishing products, including the Aftco ‘Uni-Butt,’ a collapsible radio antenna, and the original Boone “Tout” grub tail (among the first). ”

“He even helped design a fly reel, but his real expertise lay in making molds. It was while he was driving back from Orlando (where Boone Tackle was located) that he came-up with the idea of an injection mold that could be used for making larger lures.”

“He built a multi-cavity sampler that he subsequently sold to a friend. But when the friend’s company folded, he got it back. It was at the suggestion of the late Scotty Boyd (of Boyd’s Tackle) that Dad starting doing angler seminars, where he recognized the potential offshore market. Then, in 1976, he built his first ‘Squid Machine.’”

As Frank, Jr. continued, he offered additional perspective:

“The ‘Squirt Squid’ essentially put us on the map. But it was one year later, while fishing with Scotty and Capt. Peter B. Wright, that Dad saw a lure that Wright called a ‘Ka-Ka’”

It was nothing more than a rolled-up truck tire inner tube, but it must have impressed my father. When he returned from that trip he invented the ‘Softhead’ – the original model which he dubbed the ‘Snub-Nose.’”

Just how big a splash did those Softheads make? Well, here you have it, in Frank, Jr.’s words:

“During the first week that our Softheads were on the market, they accounted for more than $200,000 in tournament prize money. Last year alone, that figure reached $2 million, and we’ve long-since quit counting records and ‘granders’ (fish of over 1,000 pounds).”

I guessed those figures must be some sort of record. But Frank, Jr. had yet to finish:

“Marlin magazine recognized Moldcraft’s ‘Wide-Range and ‘Super-Charger’ as the number-one offshore lures worldwide.”

When I asked Frank, Jr. about Moldcraft’s top seller, he surprised me by stating: “It’s the nine-inch squid.”

At that point, we took the tour.

As we strolled through the plant, I saw machines and tables literally strewn with lures. There were sheets of labels and rolls of mono, along with hundreds of giant hooks. Racks were filled with works in progress, and I couldn’t help thinking that business was good. Still, I was curious about anything new:

“Billfish Juice—an amino acid-based release tab that we believe enhances a lure’s effectiveness.”

We also spoke about Moldcraft in general, as well as his father’s retirement. Here’s a synopsis:

“Dad’s been semi-retired for 15 years now, but he fully retired five years ago. Me? I came back full-time in 1985. I’ve done everything here from sweeping floors, to operating machines and rigging lures. Moldcraft maintains a small work force in an industrial park, but all our sales go through dealers. If you’re interested in seeing our catalog, you can visit us at www.moldcraftproducts.com.”

When I asked Frank, Jr. if he had anything to add, he had this to say about his company’s products:

“They’re proudly made in America by fishermen for fishermen. We use American labor and, whenever possible, American materials and components.”

And that, fellow fisherman, should say it all.

--Steve Kantner

news release

International Game Fish Association

300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA · Phone (954) 927-2628
Fax (954) 927-4299 · Email: HQ@igfa.org · Website: www.igfa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kelsey Johnson, PR Coordinator

954-924-4360, kjohnson@igfa.org

Five to be Inducted in IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Class of 2012

All are leaders in the sport, some are pioneers in research, and others are champions of game fish advocacy and innovators in fishing technology. Across their specialties, each of the 2012 nominees for the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame share a common thread: their dedication to recreational angling.

On October 23, 2012, five men will join the Hall and be honored alongside the 93 current members. Their contributions to game fishing have done much to advance the sport through techniques, technology, conservation and cooperation. This year’s honorees are:

Al Anderson: Al Anderson received a Master of Science degree from Adelphi University and taught on the secondary and college levels for 20 years. In 1967 he started charter fishing on the Prowler out of Snug Harbor in Rhode Island, and that same year he started tagging for the late IGFA Hall of Famer Frank J. Mather III, who started the bluefin tuna tagging program at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in the United Sates. Anderson has tagged more than 50,000 game fish in his career, and is credited by the IGFA with tagging more fish for science than anyone worldwide. He has tagged and released 1,000 bluefin tuna in a season multiple times, and he reportedly has more bluefin recaptures than anyone else. Anderson has authored three books and multiple articles and has been an IGFA Representative since 1989.

Mike Leech: Mike Leech served the IGFA for 23 years, 10 of which were as the organization’s President (1992-2002). He created the Junior Angler World Record Program in addition to the Offshore, Inshore and Junior Angler World Championship Tournaments. Leech raised millions of dollars over 17 years with the annual IGFA Auction in Palm Beach and started the IGFA Captains, Observers and Weigh Station programs. Additionally, he has written a conservation column for Marlin magazine since 1996 and has served on various governmental advisory panels and continues to serve national conservation organizations. Mike Leech was also instrumental in the construction of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Darrell Lowrance: In 1957, Darrell Lowrance established the Lowrance sonar electronics company; in 1959, the company introduced the first “little green box” portable sonar unit. It was the first portable fish-finding instrument for anglers and it revolutionized the way people fished. More than a million were produced between 1959 and 1984. Lowrance is a leading advocate of the United States tackle industry. He played the key role in the old American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (AFTMA - ASA) developing a greater focus on fishery management and resource issues. To ensure that this happened, Lowrance lead the effort to move the headquarters of the AFTMA from Chicago to Washington D.C.

Monty Padilla: Monty Padilla is one of Mexico's most influential sportfishing officials and has been an IGFA Representative since 1973 (38 years). He has been a personal advisor on recreational fisheries to the Secretary of Fishing since 1990, and is the first President of the Mexican Sportfishing Federation. Padilla also works as Chairman of several tournaments. He is the founder and former commodore of the Acapulco Yacht Club (Mexico's oldest yacht club) and in 2008 received the Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award. Monty Padilla has also participated in satellite tagging research trips in numerous countries.

Bill Poole: Capt. Bill Poole’s career as a sportfishing boat skipper spanned six decades. Over the course of his career, Poole built the world’s largest long-range boats; owned three sportfishing landings, two marinas and two fuel docks; helped found the Sportfishing Association of California (SAC); and a chapter of Safari Club International. He skippered anglers to world-record tuna and was among the first to explore Mexico’s fish-rich waters. Considered the “father of long-range fishing” in California, he created fishing opportunities for many thousands of anglers over the years. Poole passed away in 2009.

For biographies of previous IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame honorees, please visit http://www.igfa.org/Museum/HALL-OF-FAME.aspx. To reserve your seats for the 2012 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, please contact John Holley via 954-924-4240 or jholley@igfa.org.

###

Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.

For further information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.

A Net Full of Tails

Contact: Tom Green

Custom Rod & Reel anreels@bellsouth.net (954) 781-5600

A NET FULL OF TAILS

A LIFETIME OF FISHING ADVENTURES

Lighthouse Point, FL - He grew up exploring the waterways of old Florida with a rod and reel in his hand and has traveled around the world on fishing adventures. Now acclaimed international angler Tom Greene is sharing his entertaining stories and lifetime of lessons learned (usually the hard way) with fans of all ages. In his new book, A Net Full of Tails, Greene vividly recounts the exciting experiences that have helped him become one of the most trusted and knowledgeable anglers in South Florida.

Greene took his first job at a fishing tackle shop when he was just 11 years old and has been fishing inlets, piers, bridges and spillways ever since. Whenever he had the chance he also went fishing with customers and clients, including legendary golfers and incredible sports figures, on their boats and in tournaments around the world, visiting places such as Panama, Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas. Greene has appeared in more than 50 fishing television shows and has been written about in many national magazines. Greene was also recently honored by Boca Raton Magazine as one of Florida’s “original crackers.”

An expert storyteller, Greene captivates readers with his thrilling tales that include close encounters with sharks, chasing snook, and lightning that nearly cost him his life. “For me, fishing is a way of life. I’ve had unbelievable experiences, met incredible people, and built a successful business. I’ve loved sharing my real-life ‘fish tales’ with my family, friends and fishing buddies. Now I hope all of those who share my passion for fishing will enjoy these stories and maybe even learn a thing or two,” explained Greene.

To preview A Net Full of Tails or to order a copy of the book, visit Tom Greene’s website at www.antiquereels.com/tgbooks. To schedule an interview, please email anreels@bellsouth.net or call 954-781-5600.

Hard Covers: $29.95 / Soft Covers: $19.95

March 11 - 2012

Dear Mario,

Thank you for the wonderful days of fishing and relaxation at Dorado Cua and Capita Mini. I will return home with grand memories of a place where the dorados are so plentiful that they jump in your boats as you pass by, where the only crowds you'll find are the groups of capibaras anda caiman along the river side, where you can see more birds in every size, shape and color in one day than you might see in years.

Thanks also to your team for the care and attention, the wonderful meals, fantastic wine and the warm hospitality that made me feel at home from the first day.

A special thanks to Alfredo, an excellent guide who made sure that I had everything I needed to enjoy catching beautiful dorados of up to 3 or 4 kilos. Too bad that one spat the hook back at us!

I also want to thank your wife Monica for the hospitality and care and both of you for a wonderful birthday celebration! I hope I can return again soon. All the best to you and your team.

George Chang
Madrid, Spain
george@pescatravel.com

MARCH 14, 2012

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FOR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZALAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The striper action picked up a bit toward the middle of the week and even with the full moon the fish wanted to bite a little, which was a welcome change. The water temp has come up a degree or two and some mackerel have moved into the area between Finistera and Los Arcos, still on the Pacific side. According to Roberto Marquez, owner of the Fish Cabo boats, almost every boat in the area has had one or more opportunities at the stripers but the fish seem to be biting short and not sticking to the hooks. We call that an early release but don't count the fish as a catch or reflect it in the reports. 50% of the boats reported at least catching/landing a billfish and that's a significant improvement over the past few weeks. The overall combined fish counts for a total of 16 days fished reflected 9 stripers released, 1 dorado, 1 mako shark, 27 yellowfin tuna and 3 yellowtail.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and nice days with temps that ranged from 57 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: On the Pacific side, from Todos Santos and southerly to the 1000 fathom curve, wrapping around Cabo San Lucas and up to Las Frailles, the water temps remained fairly stable for the past few days at 70-72 degrees. The warmer waters spanned about 10-15 miles wide from the shoreline and outbound from there.
Best Fishing Area: From the area out front of the Finistera and on the Pacific side up to Los Arcos, 1-5 miles offshore.
Best Lure/Bait: Mackerel were best and caballitos worked too, just not as well.
Live bait supply: Remained OK through the full moon and could occasionally be replenished while fishing.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Even though the water temperatures increased quite a bit this past week, the full moon seemed to take its toll on the fishing results, especially for the billfish in the offshore waters. Lots of jumpers throughout the offshore area but very finicky biters. Even the inshore bite for the super pangas was not as good as it had been, but we do expect to see a good rebound for the next week, especially if the water temperatures stay the same or continue to rise. The overall offshore fish counts for 11 days fished reflected 4 stripers, (2 released) 1 dorado and 2 mako sharks, (to 150 lbs.). The inshore super pangas, reporting in for 5 days fished, reflected 18 jack crevalle, 8 triggerfish, 25 grouper and 7 big red snappers, (to 30 lbs.).

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that varied from 52 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Sea temps ranged from 68 inshore to 71 offshore. The inshore waters are a murky green and the offshore waters are a clean green. Mostly light surface tropical breezes that vary by the day from 5-15 mph.
Best fishing Area: No real concentration of billfish with most of the action at 21-24 miles out to the south of the Marina El Cid. Lots of jumpers in this area.
Best Bait/Lure: The fish caught were all taken on rigged trolling baits.
Bait Supply: Excellent supply, both live bait and fresh rigging baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

What a tremendous difference a week can make for fishing, even when it comes on a full moon condition. According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the bite was significantly better this past week coming into the full moon phase and the billfish were eager to bite. Most of the offshore action started at about 18 miles and reflected good sea life throughout that area with bait and birds. Sailfish and marlin were readily available and even a few quality dorado were in the mix. The inshore waters in the area of Saladita, produced some good catches of roosterfish, Sierra and lots of bonitos and while there were schools of jack crevalle throughout that area, they were not cooperating and definitely not too eager to bite. All in all, it was a very good fishing week for inshore and offshore but very slow on charters going out.

IZ Climate: Sunny, warm days, with a few passing clouds and temps that ranged from 72 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea conditions: Good water temps that ranged from 81 inshore to 82 offshore. A long strip of cleaner water at about 18 miles separates two greener water areas on both sides. A mostly calm week with light and variabble surface breezes.
Best Fishing Area: In the cleaner water that starts right about the 18 mile mark.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits were working perfectly well for the billfish and dorado.
Bait Supply: Remains readily available and not affected by the full moon condition.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

A rather unusual weather occurrence in the Puerto Morelos area this past week that kept the port closed for two days due to strong easterly winds blowing through the area. According to our reporter from Puerto Morelos, Armando Gutierrez, the hard winds blew up a rough sea condition that prevented the boats from fishing in safe conditions. Even though the ocean was stirred up from the windy conditions, the fishing wasn't affected and the bite was right back to normal on the days following the wind. The combined fishing report was for 24 days fished and reflected a 10 fish mixed bag catch that included 11 blackfin tuna, 25 dorado, 20 Atlantic barracuda,

45 bonito, 19 Spanish mackerel, 1 amberjack, 2 grouper, 9 banana fish, 9 triggerfish and 2 king mackerel.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with occasional sunshine and stronger easterly surface winds that ranged from 5-30 mph and temps that ranged from 70 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Port closed two days due to rough sea conditions and strong easterly winds. Sea temps holding stable at 79-80 degrees throughout the area.
Best Bait/Lure: Ballyhoo continue to be the bait of choice for all of the skippers and is used for all fish caught from top feeders to bottom fish
Bait Supply: Caught fresh on a daily basis and no noticeable problems with plenty of bait for this area.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Well, here we are, in the March doldrums in Cabo San Lucas, and we are still waiting for the big marlin bite that hasn't happened for a couple of years. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that it will happen now as the month of March is historically the most difficult fishing time of the year for this prime fishing location. It's a period when the currents run rampant and the water temperatures tend to drop considerably, throughout the area and on both sides of the peninsula. This temperature decline has seemingly started a little early this year and while it is still in the upper 60s and low 70s and fishable for the ever famous Pacific striped marlin, it is not the warm water that the billfish and dorado like best and it's likely to remain this way for the next 45 days or so as we go through the seasonal transition when the cooler currents of the Pacific sweep around the corner at Cabo San Lucas and push into the Sea of Cortez.

On the bright side for the anglers is the distinct possibility of seeing a finning swordfish and having the opportunity to present a bait that will entice the trophy to bite. March through May is the right time frame for swordfish and I have already heard of a couple of hook ups with one landed and one that got away. This is also a good time of year for the evasive yellowfin tuna as the boats move around farther offshore and spanning wider areas, searching for fish and often finding the schools of porpoise carrying the tuna. So, while the marlin fishery is slow, other opportunities are increasing, all in all, it is still better than working.

The combined catch report for 21 days fished reflected 4 stripers released, 7 yellowtail, 6 roosterfish, (mostly the smaller fish in the 10-12 lb. ranges) 2 Mako sharks, 1 wahoo, 6 skipjack and 9 Sierra.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps ranging from 57 nights to 84 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A couple of rough and choppy days on the Pacific side with winds from the north west in the 15-20 mph range, and off colored greenish tinted waters. Temperatures varied from 69-70 and slowly increasing to 71-72 from Cabo San Lucas to Gorda Banks and outside to the 1000 fathom curve. The warmest water remains south of Cabo San Lucas beginning at about 25 miles or so and extending southerly from there.
Best Fishing Area: There is no predominantly better fishing area right now, albeit, the billfish that were caught were taken between Cabeza de Ballena, (Gray Rock) and Chilleno, about a 5 mile distance.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best for the billfish and for the yellowtail.
Live Bait Supply: Remained good through the week with a mix of caballitos and green mackerel available.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The opportunities for a Pacific striped marlin from Mazatlan remain good for the anglers with more than half of the boats having a shot or two each day and about a 40% chance at a hook up. The fish have been on the finicky side this past week and not as eager to take the rigged baits as the week before. The Kevin & Greta Schmidt family, Saskatchewan, Canada, landed a very nice mako shark that weighed in at 150 lbs. while fishing aboard the "Aries IX". This past week also reflected a few quality sized dorado in the mix of the catches. Overall fishing reports ffor 21 days fished reflected 8 stripers, (2 released) 8 dorrado and 1 mako shark for the offshore waters. The inshore super pangas reported in for 8 days fished and reflected 15 jack crevalle, 11 red snappers, (to 25 lbs.) 11 grouper, 8 perch and 3 triggerfish.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that ranged from a cool 53 at night to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly light and variable surface breezes in the 5-15 mph range and sea temps that ranged from 68 inshore to 72 offshore and out to the south about 22 miles and beyond.
Best Fishing Area: In the warmer and cleaner waters out to the south of the Marina El Ci d, starting at about 22 miles or so and extending beyond to 29 miles or so.
Best Bait/Lure: All of the fish in the offshore waters were taken on slow trolled, rigged baits.
Bait Supply: Remains consistently good and readily available for both, live bait and fresh dead baits for rigging.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Wow! What a difference a week makes with the fishing. According to Captain Temo Verboonen, our reporter for fishing from Zihuatanejo, the really good bite over the past few weeks had stalled for the entire fleet. "It ws slow for everyone with only a few strikes each day. Some of the skippers reported a few marlin bites and a few sailfish bites, but overall, it has been a very different fishing week for all. Even the inshore bite has shut down. The Jack crevalle don't cooperate, the bonito are spooked and the Sierra have moved. The waters have turned green and colder with any credible activity taking place offshore at about 15-18 miles and beyond but inside the 1000 fathom curve. It has truly been a difficult fishing week here and we are looking forward to improvement of the local conditions".

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that ranged from 71 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 79 degrees inshore and slowly rising to 80 degrees offshore, with murky green water out to about 15 miles or so. Sea surface conditions have been pretty flat with light & variable sea breezes and very little swell, but the green water upwelling has affected the fishing.
Best Fishing Area: The offshore fishing starts at the 15-18 mile mark but the fish are not concentrated.
Best Lure/Bait: Most of the bites have taken place on the rigged baits.
Bait Supply: The supply of fresh dead baits and live bait has not been affected by the bite slowdown and plenty of bait continues to be available.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another fine week of fun fishing from the Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet in Puerto Morelos, that reflected the typical wide-variety catches for the anglers and about the only difference this week was the lack of snappers and groupers in the report. I'm not sure what the lack of grouper and snapper means this week but I would assume that the primary effort was focused on surface fish for the anglers at their request and I base this on the historical reports that have never been without fair catches of both species. The overall catches for the fleet's 25 fishing days reflected a 10 fish mixed-bag that included 2 sailfish, 2 king mackerel, 2 wahoo, 14 blackfin tuna, 28 dorado, 45 bonito, 36 Atlantic barracuda, 20 Spanish mackerel, 10 amberjack and 4 banana fish.

Puerto Morelos Climate: Partly cloudy days with light southeast tropical breezes and temps that ranged from 68 nights to 85 daytime highs. Excellent weather!
Sea Conditions: Overall, i was a good week on the water with a single port closure day due to the windy conditions of the day. The sea temps have remained consistent at the 8081 degree mark, which is near perfect for the area's fishing.
Best Bait/Lure: The primary bait of choice continues to be the ballyhoo that is used in a variety of methods from slow-trolled baits to rigged and skirted baits to slabs and cut bait, depending on the fish being targeted at the time.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available on a daily basis and is freshly caught for the fleet everyday.

________________________________________________________________________

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-4669-4255

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THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

During the early part of the week it appeared that the billfish were going to settle in around the Palmilla Ridge area, but that failed in the matter of a single day. The current scenario is to not go back to the same area 2 days in a row and a prime example came from the "Gaviota I", (High billfish boat for the week) having released 3 stripers on Monday, fishing out in front of Cabeza De Ballena, (Gray Rock) and returning on Tuesday for zip-zero, nothing. A rather frustrating way to fish for the crew when one day is so good and the next day is so bad and the anglers are wondering what you are even doing in the area. The overall combined fish counts for a total of 21 days fished reflected 6 stripers released, 3 dorado, 1 Mako shark, 23 skipjack, 14 Sierra (Spanish mackerel) 19 yellowtail, (in the 20 lb. average range) and 16 roosterfish, (10 lb. average range).

Cabo Climate: A sunny-cloudy week with the jet stream passing in & out of the area and temperatures from a cool 54 nights to 82 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly light & variable surface winds from the NW but increasing to about 20 mph on Thursday making fishing on the Pacific side a bit bumpy and difficult. Sea temps are changing by he day. Pacific side, from just a couple miles above the Golden Gate Bank, down across the Jaime Bank, the temps reflected 66-67. This water butted-up to 68-69 degree water that extended from about 7 miles offshore at the Golden Gate Bank, down around Cabo San Lucas and up to Las Frailes. There was a good area of warmer water that spanned about 35 miles in width that was running NE to SW & extending from just outside the 95 fathom spot, across the 1150 fathom spot and the outer Gorda Bank and beyond, at 72-73 degrees. This warmer water was pressing inward from the Sea of Cortez and will likely get to the beach within the next day or so.
Best Fishing Area: All of the billfish were taken from Los Arcos to Cabeza De Ballena, still on the Pacific side, but bordering into the Sea of Cortez.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best for the billfish.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos with some mix of mackerel but a good supply for those that fished.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The striper action continues in the offshore waters at Mazatlan but not quite as good as the week before. According to our Mazatlan reporter, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, most every boat had 1 or 2 opportunities for a marlin this past week with some of the boats checking in with a Mako shark. "We only had 3 dorado for this reporting period but they were all in the 25-35 lb. ranges. Our inshore fishing remained good, too, with lots of action for the anglers. The overall offshore fish counts for a total of 14 days fished reflected 11 stripers, (5

released) 4 Mako sharks and 3 dorado. Our inshore super pangas, reporting in for a total of 7 days fished, reflected 3 stripers, (2

released) 5 Corvina, 34 Jack Crevalle, 85 white snapper, 26 perch and 6 triggerfish. When you average out the inshore fish counts it reflects about 22 fish per boat per day and that usually amounts to a fun fishing day for the anglers".

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps from a cool 49 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm seas this past week with light & variable surface breezes at 5-10 mph. Inshore sea temps at 67-68 degrees and rising to 70-71 in the offshore waters at about 19 miles.
Best fishing area: Starting at bout 20 miles southwest of the Marina El Cid and working outbound from there
Best baitt/lure: The rigged trolling baits were the bait of choice this past week for all of the offshore fish, including the Mako shark and dorado.
Bait Supply: Remained very good for both, live bait and fresh caught trolling baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen, our reporter for the fishing from Zihuatanejo, sounded very upbeat with his fishing report for the past week and reflected the sailfish bite continues to provide excellent sailfish action for the anglers and for the most part, multiple daily opportunities for billfish and a good chance for some quality, big dorado, too. He reported the sailfish are grouping up in 3s, 5s and more and coming in fast on the trolled baits, almost in a competitive fashion as to which will bite first. He said it is very fun fishing and keeps the crew and the customers on their toes. The area is alive with sea life and there is bait and birds everywhere. The off- colored greenish water hasn't had any effect on the fishing that has been right at the 14 mile mark for several days. The inshore fishing has improved as the week passed, especially in the area called Buena Vista, near Troncones, and provided roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, (both in the bigger sizes) and some great Spanish mackerel (Sierra) too.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy but warm days and evenings with temps ranging from 71 evenings to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm, (flat calm this morning) with 5-15 mph surface breezes and temps in the 83-84 degree ranges. The waters are an off-colored but clean green.
Best Fishing Area: Starting at the 14-mile mark, straight out from the Zihuatanejo Bay entrance and working in any direction with the bait and birds providing the information.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged trolling baits have been performing perfectly well for the sailfish and dorado. The inshore action was good with the spinning gear and popper combinations as well as live bait for those that elected to take it.
Bait Supply: Remains readily available for both, live bait and fresh caught baits for rigging.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

This report spans the past two weeks for the Marina El cid Fleet from Puerto Morelos that reflected a continuation of the very good bite in this area. Their computers were down this past week and prevented them from forwarding the fishing information, so they doubled-up on it for this week. The averages reflected just shy of 7 fish per boat day fished that included an eleven fish variety for a total of 53 days fished. Included in the mixed-bag catches were 23 dorado, 24 blackfin tuna, 67 Atlantic barracuda, 4 wahoo, 22 Spanish mackerel, 102 bonito, 10 amberjack, 28 triggerfish, 24 banana fish, 41 grouper and 24 snapper.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with warm temperatures that ranged from 69 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Definitely fishable for all days but a couple of the days ad some breezy surface winds to 20 mph that made trolling more difficult and conditions less than desirable. The water temps remained consistent and held right at 80 dgrees throughout the area.
Best Lure/Bait: The ever ready and available ballyhoo continues to be the bait of choice for this area and is provided fresh on a daily basis.

________________________________________________________________________

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

February 16th, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Another very difficult fishing week for Cabo San Lucas anglers for the offshore waters and for the first time in many months not a single dorado showed up in the fish counts. The striper action was nearly as slow and only a single billfish was reported, taken aboard the "Gaviota I" in the early part of the week. The cooler water is pushing southerly on the Pacific side with temps at about 65 degrees just above the Golden Gate Bank and it appears that the cooler water push has moved the billfish and dorado out of the area, probably around the corner at Cabo and into the Sea of Cortez and across the Sea of Cortez to Mazatlan. The inshore fishing, especially for yellowtail, (jurel) has kept the action alive with the bulk of the fish in the 25 to 35 lb. ranges. The "Fish Cabo" reported a total of 27 yellowtail, all taken on the Pacific side and along the coastal high spots about 20 miles above Cabo Falso. The overall combind fish counts for a total of 26 days fished reflected 1 striper, ("Gaviota I", at the Jaime Bank) 2 Mako shakrs, 1 roosterfish, 12 skipjack, 38 Sierra, (Spanish mackerel) and 47 yellowtail.

Cabo Climate: Some intermittent cloud cover but lots of sunshine, too, with temps from 50 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Cooler waters pushing southerly on the Pacific side with 65 temps just below the finger bank, rising to 68-69 across the Golden Gate and down to Cabo Falso. A plume of cool water separates the Pacific & Sea of Cortez, running north to south from Cabo Falso, dropping to about 64 degrees. From Cabo San Lucas to Gorda Banks the temps increase to 70-71 degrees and the warmest waters are just outside the 1000 fathom curve and the 1150 fathom spot, now at 73-74 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: Migrino was best for the inshore yellowtail fishing but yellowtail were caught in several locations on the Pacific, fishing on the rocky high spots.
Best bait/lure: The yellowtail were biting best on the yo-yo iron lures, blue & white and sardine colors and also bit pretty good on the tolled Rapala Magnums.
Bait Supply: There was a good supply this past week but not much billfish to put the bait to work.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Aries Sportfishing Fleet seems to have captured all of the billfish action for the lower Sea of Cortez area and had a terrific week with the Pacific striped marlin. The inshore action aboard the super pangas remained constant with good action for the jack crevalle and for the bottom fish, too. The overall fish counts for the offshore boats reporting in for 14 days fished reflected 25 stripers, (14 releases) and the "Aries IX" was high boat for the week with 4 stripers for a single day fished. The inshore catches for 6 days fished aboard the super pangas reflected 51 jack crevalle, (Toro) 1 big red snapper, (abbout a 40-pounder) 5 sea bass, 24 trigger fish, 12 perch and 2 barracuda.

Mazatlan Climate: Rain on Thursday! Changing to partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 46 nights to 79 daytime highs and coastal breezes at 5-20 mph.
Sea Conditions: Overall, pretty good sea conditions with a clearing wind predicted for Friday with 10-20 mph surface winds. The overall temps for the offshore waters is holding well at 72-73 degrees with good clarity in the waters at about 20 miles.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be to the southwest of the Marina El Cid at about 20 miles and outbound from there.
Best Lure/Bait: The stripers have been active on the rigged baits with a few being taken on the artificials and live baits.
Bait supply: Remains very good for both, live bait and rigging baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The sailfish bite is still going strong and there is very good action

close to the 12 mile mark, directly out in front of Zihuatanejo Bay.

Sailfish are showing up in schools of 3 or more and remain eager to chase the baits and according to Captain Temo Verboonen, the sails are smaller fish, (in the 45-50 lb. ranges) that tend to strike the baits hard and fast, making it a little difficult to get the hooks set. But still, it's good, fast action and it keeps the anglers and crew "on their toes". There are still a few blue marlin being caught and a few of the quality sized dorado, too, but not near as good as the previous week. There continues to be lots of bait, birds and porpoise around and while the porpoise appear to be holding the yellowfin tuna, the fish are being stubborn and won't bite the feathers, cedar plugs or trolled baits when trolled by the pods of porpoise. The inshore fish, especially the jack crevalle, are being stubborn and won't bite the lures. Some Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) are still biting but even they are being difficult to catch.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with good temperatures that range from 72 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly flat-calm sea conditions with temps holding at 83 inshore and rising to 86 offshore and light and variable surface breezes and very little swell.
Best Fishing Area: Continues at about the 12-mile mark with excellent water clarity and good sea life activity.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits best for the billfish, especially for the sails, while an occasional blue marlin is being taken on the artificials.
Bait Supply: No problems with the bait supply for both, live bait and rigging baits.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

No report at this time. If received later today or tomorrow, it will be forwarded.

________________________________________________________________________

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS619-469-4255

February 9th, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It was a difficult fishing week for the boats from Cabo San Lucas, as the currents and water temps were changing by the hour and the full moon was adding to the fishing dilemma, rendering many of the boats fishing the surf line for the schools of Sierra. While the Sierra are a fun to catch fish on light tackle and unquestionably one of the tastiest of all the varieties of fish, particularly pan-fried and for ceviche, they still don't take the place of the billfish, dorado and tuna that the area is famous for. Sierra do offer fun fishing for the family, especially those that have youngsters aboard for the day, as the action is nothing short of excellent and limit fishing is the norm one the fish are located. Then, if you can mix this in with few roosterfish and a couple of yellowtail off the high spots, it provides a successful fishing trip for many anglers. The overall fish counts for the fleet reflected a total of 4 stripers, (3 were released by the "Gaviota IV" for a single fishing day, just outside the Cabo Falso lighthouse) 6 yellowfin tuna, 11 skipjack tuna, 2 roosterfish, 5 yellowtail, (jurel) and more than 100 Sierra, (Spanish mackerel).

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with a slight chance of rain toward the end of the week and temps that ranged from 57 nights to 77 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A plume of cooler, 66 degree water, about 5 miles wide, separated the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez and extended out to the south from Cabo Falso. Both sides of this cold water band were at 68-69. Warmer waters, at 70ish, extended along and outside the 1000 fathom curve, out to the southeast of Cabo San Lucas.
Best Fishing Area: None reported as there is no concentration of big game fish at the time of this report.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish that were landed were all on live bait.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos, smaller baits, and the ballyhoo for rigged baits.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

While only a few charters this past week, the striper action spiraled upwards, even with the full moon condition and most of the boats had multiple opportunities for billfish as the water temps continued to improve. The inshore action continued to produce a mixed-bag catch that allowed for more than 16 fish per boat average. The overall counts for the offshore waters for 7 days fished reflected 11 stripers, with 4 released. The 4 inshore fishing days reflected 3 jack crevalle, 1 shark, 1 seabass, 17 white snapper, 27 perch and 16 red snapper, (all in the 12-15 lb. range).

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with a slight chance for rain Friday thru Sunday. Temps ranged from 49 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Some light surface wind chop but no swell during the early week and then mostly calm waters. Inshore tmps stable at 70 degrees and the offshore waters, from about 15 miles offshore, risingg to 74-75 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: Out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, starting at about 15-18 miles or so and outbound from there.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish were eager to take the rigged baits.
Bait Supply: Remained good throughout the week even with the full moon condition.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing got better and better with each passing day and by mid-week, the fish decided it was time to be hungry and bite for the anglers. It was very good fishing just 10 miles off shore, producing quality sized dorado, sailfish and even a few marlin in the mix of fish. The off-colored greenish tinted water and the full moon didn't seem to have a dramatic effect on the bite, which progressively improved with each passing day. We saw spots of feeding marlin chasing schools of bait through this area, along with groups of sailfish eager to bite the rigged baits. The inshore fishing remained very good for the Sierra, (Spanishmackerel) toro, (jack crevalle) and bonito. The barracuda were biting very good on the charters that fished at night during the current full moon, which allowed the boats to offer a 2nd trip for the day.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of rain on Friday thru Sunday. Temperatures remain very comfortable at 69 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Calm seas and very good water temps that ranged from 83 inshore to 86 offshore right at 10 miles and extending offshore to more than 50 miles.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits working very well for the billfish and dorado in the offshore waters. Inshore fishing good on smaller Rapalas, hoochies, live bait, etc., for the Sierra, bonito and toro.
Best Fishing Area: Right at the 10-mile mark for the billfish and dorado.
Bait Supply: Remains very good and unaffected by the full moon condition.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

It was another fun-filled fishing week coming out of the Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet in Puerto Morelos, with the boats reflecting an average of 6 fish per trip. The wide-variety, mixed-bag catches, represented 11 different species for an area that typically produces a dozen different fish for their weekly fishing reports. Puerto Morelos is a unique fishing area about 25 miles south of Cancun, where the deep waters of the Caribbean Sea comes within a quarter mile of the entrance to the Marina El Cid, and allows for fishing within minutes of leaving the dock. Anglers get much more fishing time for their charter dollars when fishing from the Marina El Cid, in Puerto Morelos. The overall catchs for this past week for 30 days fished reflected 1 sailfish, 31 dorado, 29 Atlatic barracuda, 13 blackfin tuna, 10 Spanish mackerel, 50 bonito, 16 mberjack, 8 banana fish, 2 snapper, 8 triggerfish and 9 grouper.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy with some chance of rain from Friday thru Monday. Temperatures are pleasant and ranged from 66 nights to 84 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, a very good water-weather week with mostly light & variable surface breezes and a stable sea temp that held right at 80 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: The daily, fresh caught ballyhoo continues to be the prime bait for this area and is used in a variety of methods depending on the type of fishing for the day.

________________________________________________________________________

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

email: cortezcharrters@sbcglobal.net

January 26, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It appears that the billfish may have filtered around the tip of Cabo San Lucas and started their move into the Sea of Cortez. At least that was what the fish report for this past week reflected and while it may be an anomaly, (the billfish move doesn't usually start until mid-February) we'll be looking forward to the report for the coming week just to see if the trend proves true. Overall, the fishing for the week was quite slow and for no apparent reason. This forced the boats to start looking around on the Sea of Cortez side that reflected a billfish on the 95 Fathom spot and another just above the Gorda Banks. The other two billfish were taken at Pozo De Cota on the Pacific side. While not a bonanza by a long shot, it is an indicator that the fish may be on the move. The overall fish counts for a total of 17 days fished reflected a combined total of 4 billfish released, 4 dorado, 17 yellowfin tuna, 10 skipjack tuna, 1 Sierra and 3 roosterfish.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days for the early week and then, sunny and clear days from Thursday, with temps that ranged from a cool 52 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The Golden Gate Bank to Cabo Falso on the Pacific side was fairly stable at 69 degrees with the warmest water about 5 miles out to the southwest of the Jaime Bank at 71-72. From Cabo San Lucas to Los Frailes on the Sea of Cortez side, the temps ranged from 68-70.5 with the cooler waters closer to Cabo.
Best Fishing Area: No specific area was reported.
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish taken on presented live baits to billfish seen on the surface.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos with a few mackerel in the bait mix.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan was also slow for the offshore fishing this past week and all the surface indicators from the prior week seemed to evaporate for no apparent reason. It is likely that the fish are now moving in and out of the warmer and cooler waters that were pushed in from the north. However, this trend may be on the changing mode as the offshore waters that the boats typically fish out to the south and southwest of the Marina El Cid, are pushing warmer waters back into the area. There is a huge area of 74-75 degree waters being pushed up against the cooler 70-71 degree waters, which may bode well for the coming week. The overall fish counts for the 11 offshore fishing days reflected 4 stripers and 10 yellowfin tuna. The inshore fishing was also down for the week and reflected 10 jack crevalle, (aka toro) 11 red snapper, 31 white snappers, 45 perch, 2 grouper, 21 barracuda and 6 Sierra for 7 days fished.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy during the early week and changing to sunny & nice days on Thursday, with temps from a cold 43 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Light & variable northerly surface breezes, very little swell and overall, mostly calm waters with temps from 73 inshore and rising to 74-75 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: No specific area was reported other than to mention the yellowffin tuna were caught running with the porpoise.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits for the marlin and feathers, hoochies and cedar plugs for the tuna.
Bait Supply: Good supply of both, live bait and rigged baits available throughout the week.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

During the early part of the week, the sailfish were being enormously cooperative and it well for the anglers. We had a report from our Wyoming client, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Kordus, telling us that they had 10 sailfish releases for their 3 fishing days and added a nice 30 lb. dorado to their catch, too. However, as the week progressed, the fishing shut off and the sails, (while numerous sleepers were being reported throughout the area) were refusing to cooperate and were ignoring the rigged trolling baits. There was an occasional sailfish landed but a far cry from the weeks before when they were attacking everything being presented to them. The water conditions seem to be changing a little everyday and the blue water is moving a little farther offshore with each passing day. The inshore fishing continues to be strong and the jack crevalle bite for the bigger fish, (15-20 pounders) remains excellent, along with terrific catches on the Sierra, (Spanish mackerel) and bonito.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny & clear days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that ranged from 67 nights to 88 daytime highs, (picture perfect weather conditions).
Sea Conditions: The inshore water temps holding good at 80 degrees and rising to 81-82 in the offshore waters. Nearly flat-calm seas everywhere this past week and some minor clarity change that seems to have the fish moving a little farther offshore.
Best Fishing Area: The offshore fishing during the first part of the week was 10-12 miles and has moved offshore to 15-18 miles as the week progressed.
Best Lure/Bait: Everything was working well in the early week and nothing worked well in the latter part of the week. While lots of fish being seen, they were just not at all interested in the baits.
Bait Supply: Excellent bait supply with plenty of live bait and fresh dead baits for all of the boats.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

While the sailfish bite slowed up this past week the overall variety increased to a 14 species mixed bag catch for the boats and provided some top notch action for the anglers. It was one of those weeks when the angler never knew what the next fish might be. Our report encompassed a total of 29 days fished that reflected 2 sailfish, 9 dorado 8 Spanish mackerel, 15 Atlantic barracuda, 47 bonito, 2 blackfin tuna, 2 king mackerel, 2 wahoo, 6 snapper, 7 amberjack, 2 banana fish, 6 soapfish, 19 grouper and 7 amberjack.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm and pleasant days with temps that ranged from 65 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly light & variable surface breezes this past week with temps that held right at 80 degrees throughout the area.
Best Bait: The ever ready and ever lasting ballyhoo continue to be the bait of choice for this unique fishing area. Bait is used both skirted and unskirted, in the outriggers and down riggers, occasionally cut or slabbed, all depending on the species of fish, (surface or bottom).
Bait Supply: Always available for this area.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

January 19, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Cabo San Lucas rebounded nicely this past week, coming off the full moon phase that put a real damper on last weeks fishing report. All of the fish, with exception of 2 dorado, were taken on the Pacific side of Cabo and the 2 dorado were taken near Boca De Tule, on the Sea of Cortez side, about mid-way between the Gorda Banks and Los Frailes. The "Gaviota XI" was high billfish boat for the week with 4 stripers released for 5 days fished and rounding out the catch with 12 skipjack and 2 dorado, with all of the billfish caught close to Cabo, from Gray Rock, (Cabeza de Ballena) just a couple miles east of Cabo Harbor to Herradura, just out to the south of Cabo, about 5 miles or so. The overall catch report for a total of 19 days fished reflected 6 stripers released, 11 dorado, 27 skipjack tuna, 32 yellowfin tuna, 12 Sierra, (Spanish mackerel) 7 roosterfish and 4 yellowtail (jurel).

Cabo Climate: It was kind of a cloudy week in Cabo with the jet stream hanging over the tip of Baja. Temps ranged from 60 nights to 84 dayttime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, good conditions from a weather perspective butt some changing water currents and temps have the boats scattered about but mostly on the Pacific side. Warmer waters were along the 1000 fathom curve out to the south and souhtwest of Cabo at 76 degrees. On the Pacific side, from the beach and out to about 20 miles or so, the temps wee 72-73 degrees, wrapping Cabo and into the Sea of Cortez.
Best Fishing Area: The area just south of Cabo, called "Herradura" was best for the billfish. However, we received information that the billfish bite may have picked up near the 95 fathom spot and up toward the 1150 fathom spot, but won't have those reports until tomorrow.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait has been a must for the billfish. Even when the fish follows the lures, it has been best to switch over and drop back a live bait while removing the artificial.
Live Bait Supply: Back to pretty good following the full moon of the last week.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The change in a week's fishing can truly make all of the difference in the world. Mazatlan was unquestionably on the up swing of things this past week in the offshore waters, as all the jumping marlin from the prior week decided to cooperate and bite a little. Moving off of the full moon phase created a mood change for the fish and they were considerably more eager to bite the rigged baits and the artificials, too. Even the inshore fish were being active this past week and provided a terrific mixed bag catch of 9 different species. The overall catch reports for 16 offshore fishing days reflected a total of 14 stripers, (3 released) 8 dorado, 1 yellowffin tuna and 1 mako shark. The inshore super pangas, reporting in for 15 days fished, reflected 95 Toro, (jack crevalle) 5 permit, 8 barracuda, 2 Sierra, 4 seabass, 38 perch, 12 grouper 3 rd snapper and 145 white snapper.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy with cool nights and pleasant days and temps that ranged from 50 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm waters with warmer waters inshore at 74-75 degrees out to 15-18 miles and then falling to 71. Mostly calm with light & variable surface breezes but not strong enough to create a white cap.
Best Fishing Area: The better billfish area was along the outer edge of the warm water break, at about 18 miles or so.
Best Lure/Bait: The marlin were coming in hard on the rigged baits and working very well.
Bait Supply: The bait supply has been very stable for both live bait and rigged baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen had a real spark of excitement in his report for this past week in Ixtapa-Zihuatnajeo and started the report out with, "A wonderful week for sailfish, like the old times, with many, many strikes each day and just 12 miles from the Bay". In addition to the excellent sailfish bite was the presence of some quality dorado, in the 30-40 lb. ranges and even a day with the yellowfin tuna, (running with the porpoise). "Fly fishing is an excellent option for the sailfish right now, given the numbers of daily strike opportunities, often 8-10-12 or more". There was less focus on the inshore fishing this past week as most of the boats targeted the offshore action. However, for those that did, the results were all good with lots of jack crevalle, (toro) Sierras, a few roosterfish and many bonitos.

IZ Climate: Lots of sunshine with a few passing clouds and superb temperatures that ranged from 70 at nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Near picture perfect with very calm flat seas and temps from 81 inshore and slowly rising to 83 offshore, good clarity and very light tropical surface breezes.
Best Fishing Area: The 12-mile mark was the hot spot but the fish bit well anywhere from 10 miles to 14 miles from the Bay entrance.
Best Lure/Bait: The sailfish were eager on the rigged baits and artificials, too. The inshore fish were biting well on the poppers and live bait was working well, too.
Bait Supply: The bait supply was excellent for both, live bait and fresh rigging baits

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

No report received at this time.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

webstie: www.cortezcharters.com

January 12, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Wow! What a dramatic change in the fishing results for Cabo San Lucas, especially for the Pacific striped marlin. It is very unusual to have a week with no billfish in the fish counts, especially in January, which is often one of the best months of the year. There appears to be a substantial amount of off-colored water that surrounds Cabo San Lucas, extending from the Pacific side to the Sea of Cortez and from near shore to 50 miles or more offshore. Adding to the slow bite syndrome was the full moon phase that always has an effect on the Cabo billfish bite. While a few billfish are still being seen, they were being stubborn and uncooperative and don't seem to want the artificials or the live baits. The "Gaviota IX" fished 6 days in five different locations this past week and while he caught fish everyday, it was very difficult fishing and no billfish. He reported a total of 4 dorado, 2 yellowfin tuna and 13 roosterfish for the week and fished Migrino, Cerros de Arena, Herradura, El Faro and the 95 fathom spot. The overall catch reports for a total of 21 days fished reflected 21 dorado, 24 roosterfish, 18 yellowfin tuna, 7 skipjack tuna and 41 Sierra, (Spanish mackerel).

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 54 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The Pacific side, from the shoreline to 20 miles or so, including the Golden Gate & Jaime Banks, wrapping around Cabo San lucas to the Gorda Banks and up to Los Frailes, was all off-colored water at temps from 71-72 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: No specific area was mentioned this past week as the boats were fishing different locations everyday, looking for something new.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for all of the fish.
Live Bait Supply: It was just so-so over the full moon, but enough for the boats to fish with everyday.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to our reporter from the Aries Fleet Office, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, they are starting to see swordifsh in the offshore waters but haven't been able to entice the fish to bite. "Aries V" released the season's first striper and baited three others that wouldn't bite. Lots of marlin jumpers throughout the 15-20 mile mark, though not too eager just yet. She reports lots of sea life working the different areas with birds and sardine schools. The overall offshore fish count for 7 days reflected 1 striper released, 4 dorado and 1 yellowfin tuna. The inshore fishing remains remains very active, especially for the bottom fishing and reflected 3 corbina, Limits of white snapper, 52 perch, 7 barracuda and 2 sawfish in the mix.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 49 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly a calm week with inshore temps at a cool 69 degrees and rising to 71 in the offshore waters.
Best Fishing Area: Quite a few marlin jumpers being seen in the 15-20 mile area out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, which has a potential to turn into a good bite area.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits were best in he offshore waters and shrimp and squid in the inshore waters.
Bait Supply: The bait supply remained very good even through the full moon phase.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen again reports very good fishing from Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo, with blue water close in, excellent water temps and sailfish and dorado offering outstanding action for the anglers. There's still a few marlin the mix of the billfish but the yellowfin tuna have disappeared from the area, at least for now. We are experiencing terrific weather conditions right now and the water is flat-calm, warm and perfect clarity. The inshore fishing continues on the upswing as the water gets cleaner and clearer, with a strong bite on big rainbow runners, (10-15 lb. ) Sierras, grouper, jack cravalle and roosterfish. Overall, the area is really alive with action on the ocean, both inshore and offshore, and unbeatable warm weather for folks that want to get out of the cold.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy but warm and clear days and pleasant nights with temps ranging from 68-88.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm waters with light and variable surface breezes and temps that ranged from 84 inshore to 86 offshore and excellent clarity.
Best Fishing Area: The 10-mile mark remains the "hot spot" for the billfish and dorado.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits working very well on the sailfish and dorado in the offshore areas. Live bait best for the roosterfish and jacks but poppers working very well, too.
Bait Supply: Remains plentiful for all of the boats and unaffected by the full moon.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Just a terrific week's fishing from Puerto Morelos, with a surge of off season sailfish chasing after the pre-rigged ballyhoo trolling baits. It was a significant improvement over the past couple of weeks with a report that encompassed a 12 species mixed-bag catch that included 11 sailfish, 12 dorado, 3 wahoo, 3 blackfin tuna, 34 bonito, 5 king mackerel, 9 Spanish mackerel, 33 Atlantic barracuda, 1 amberjack, 4 triggerfish, 4 snappers and 12 grouper for a total of 25 days fished. It was just another fun-filled fishing week from the Marina El Cid, where the deep water comes within a few hundred yards of the Marina's entrance and the distance to the fishing grounds is but minutes away.

PM Climate: A mostly cloudy week but warm days and pleasant evenings with temps that ranged from 64 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A very good water-weather week with light & variable surface breezes, mostly calm seas and temps that were very stable at 80 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: This area is unique and the seemingly unending supply of locally caught ballyhoo continues to serve as the bait of choice for the boat crews.
Bait Supply: Even with the full moon condition, the bait supply for this are continues to remain readily available and is fresh caught, daily.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

January 1, 2012

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

While the catch numbers would reflect a 60-40 chance in favor of catching a billfish this past week, that was not the case, at all.

There were a total of 21 billfish caught/released but they were all taken aboard 7 boats and the high boat for the week, "Gaviota IX", caught 8 of them and the "Gaviota XI had 5 and the "Fish Cabo" had 3. Considering 34 boats fished this past week, there were quite a few boats that didn't catch a billfish, albeit, there were other fish taken in the mixed bag catches. The combined total for 34 boat days reflected 21 stripers, (20 released) 22 dorado, 21 yellowfin tuna, 56 Sierra and 15 roosterfish. It was not a bad fishing week even though there were a couple of slow fishing days and a few of the boats had skunk days, too.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and clear days with temps that ranged from 60 nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: On the Pacific side, from the Finger Bank to the Cristobal Ridge, the water temps were fairly stable at 72-73 degrees with the temp break starting a Cristobal and wrapping Cabo to Palmilla Point with rising temps at 76-77 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: Most of the billfish came from the Golden Gate Bank area and all of the fish came from the Pacific side of Cabo.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the billfish and the roosterfish. Dorado on lures and live bait, yellowfin on the feathers and cedar plugs and Sierra on the hoochies.
Live Bait Supply: Good for our boats with a few mackerel in the mix with the caballitos.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Finally, a really good calm sea week with really good weather and some terrific inshore fishing opportunities. The offshore waters have been going through the seasonal water temp changes, (an annual cooling trend) and we are just waiting for those changes in temperatures to settle in, allowing for the offshore action to return. Usually about this time of year, we begin to see an influx of the Pacific striped marlin but they have yet to filter into the area. We had 5 offshore fishing days this past week that reflected 4 mako shark and 1 dorado, which is one of the slowest offshore reports we had for the entire year of 2011. However, the inshore fishing was good with 35 corvina, (8-20 lbs.) 3 bonito, limits of white snapper, (a 1-6 lb fish that resembles the California spotfin croaker) and 95 perch, (a 1 to 4 lb. shallow water fish).

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days and a few foggy mornings with temps from 48 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A good weather week with very little surface wind and small swell conditions. Sea temps ranged from 70-71 inshore to about 30 miles, then rising to 73-74 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: None reported. The few offshore boats fished far and wide each day without much success.
Best Bait/Lure: The best bait inshore fishing was shrimp and squid and Rapala magnums for the Corvina.
Bait Supply: Excellent bait supply.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Another banner fishing week for Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, according to Captain Temo Verboonen. The end of 2011 went out with a great fishing and the New Year started with great fishing. Most of the boats were enjoying multiple billfish days with both, sailfish and marlin and a good mix of 30-40 lb. dorado. Even the yellowfin tuna showed up in the 10 mil mark area for a couple of days and provided near limit fishing for the anglers. Temo reported flat, calm waters, good temps and clean, blue water throughout the area. He added, "The inshore fishing is very good for all of the fish. We have the roosterfish at Saladita, with quality sized fish in the 40-plus lb. ranges, jack crevalle, Sierras, bonito and rainbow runners with the inshore fish eager to bite the poppers.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with temps from 67 nights to87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent! Temps are 83 inshore and rising to 84-85 offshore in the fishing area.
Best fishing Area: Starting at just 10 mils outside the Bay.
Best Bait/Lures: Offshore fish biting the rigged baits well and the inshore fish eager on the poppers, especially the red/white colors and live bait is working well, too.
Bait Supply: Excellent for live bait and rigged baits.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

A really busy week from Puerto Morelos with most of the boats fishing everyday that resulted in an 11 species mixed-bag catch for the anglers. The skippers were reporting excellent conditions throughout the week with mostly light & variable surface breezes and light ripple surface conditions for most of the week. The overall fish counts reported, for a total of 42 days fished, reflected 13 dorado, 10 blackfin tuna, 61 bonito, 39 Atlantic barracuda, 2 king mackerel, 5 Sierra, 4 soapfish, 15 triggerfish, 9 amberjack, 15 snappers and 19 groupers.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm and pleasant days with temps from 59 nights to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: An excellent week from Puerto Morelos with mostly light & variable surface breezes and temps that held fast at 81 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: The always best bait for this area continues to be the freshly caught ballyhoo baits supplied to the boats on a daily basis, then prepared by the crew for the type of action for that day.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

December 29, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

High boat for the week was the "Fish Cabo", reporting in with 4 stripers released, 12 yellowfin tuna, (30-45 lbs.) and 49 Sierra for 4 days fished. They also lost what may have been the last swordfish to be hooked-up for the year of 2011, fishing just 8 miles out to the south from Cabo. The crew estimated the fish at about 200-250 lbs. and was baited with a live caballito. Unfortunately, after a short fish fight, the hook pulled and the trophy is now available for another angler. According to the owner, Roberto Marquez, they are spotting a few swordfish in this same area but they have not been willing to bite and this probably reflects they are feeding on squid and not interested in the caballitos. But, that's just my guess.

The overall fish counts for a combined total of 26 days fished reflected 14 stripers, (12 released) 13 dorado, 2 hammerhead sharks, 36 yellowfin tuna, 25 skipjack, 2 roosterfish and 114 Sierra, with all fish coming from the Pacific side of Cabo

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy in the early week and then sunny, clear and warm days from Thursday and temps from 56 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A good week for fishing on either side. Sea temps out to 10 miles or so ranged from 74-75, wrapping Cabo and gradually increasing to 76-77 at the 95 fathom spot and across the 1000 fathom curve. Cooler waters were just a few miles above the Gorda Banks that slid to 69-70 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: The Golden Gate Bank produced some of the billfish as did the Herradura area, just south of Cabo San Lucas. The place to be remains on the Pacific side of Cabo.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait is preferred for the billfish, feathers and cedar plugs for the tuna.
Live Bait Supply: Mostly caballitos with a few mackerel in the mix, but good bait for our boats this past week.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The winds and rough seas are finally tapering off to smaller swells, light surface winds and fishable conditions throughout the area.

However, there were still a couple of days that the boats didn't get out this past week for a lack of anglers. The overall offshore conditions were improved from a rou & windy conditions, but the water temps have taken hard hit and fallen, considerably. The fish counts for the week reflected a total of 9 offshore days that resulted in 34 yellowfin tuna and 1 dorado. It was about a 50-50 chance for the anglers to catch fish in the offshore waters. There were 3 inshore fishing days that reflected 8 corvina, (5-14 lb. range) and 30 white snappers.

Mazatlan Climate: A few passing clouds but mostly sunny days and temps from 49 nights to 78 daytime highs and light and variable surface breezes.
Sea Conditions: Calming from the rough & windy days of last week and early this week and returning to the light sea surface conditions Mazatlan is noted for. The sea temps have fallen to 64 inshore and out to 10-12 miles, then rising to 68 degrees. Temp break is at 32 miles, rising to 71-72 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: None reported. The yellowfin tuna were taken on the porpoise.
Best Bait/Lure: The tuna were all taken on feathers and cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: Plenty of bait, both live bait and rigged baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the close of the 2011 year is going to be a banner report with excellent fishing both inshore and offshore and has the makings for a terrific start-up for 2012. Temo reported very good dorado fishing just 2 miles from Zihuatanejo Bay, with the fish weighing in at the 18 kilo average, (very near a 40 lb.average) for both, the males and females. Sailfish catches were even better and we received a report from Captain Chiro Barrigan that the Tom Vitale family of three. Alpharetta, GA, landed 5 sailfish, (released 4, 1 died in the fight) and kept a single dorado for dinner for their 1-day charter on December 27th. Temo reports the sailfish are mostly in the 30-40 kilo size ranges and a few marlin in the 120 kilo ranges are being taken, too. Yellowifn tuna showing up at the 40 mile mark but with the good fishing close by, there has been no reason to make the long run offshore. Inshore action is getting better and better by the day and the roosterfish are showing up in the La Saladita area, just to the north of Troncones. We saw one that looked about 50 kilos yesterday, (world record size fish) and overall, they were wanting to bite. As Temo put it, "What a terrific way to close out 2011 and bring in 2012".

IZ Climate: Lots of sunshine with occasional passing clouds and temps that ranged from 70 nights to 88 daytime highs. Near picture perfect throughout the area.
Sea Conditions: Excellent sea temps, holding at 83-84 degrees from inshore to offshore and clear, blue water, within a couple miles of the shoreline and extending outbound to 40 miles and beyond. Very light surface breezes and very calm seas.
Best Fishing Area: Starting at about 2 miles for the dorado and occasional marlin and working outbound for the sailfish.
Best Bait/Lures: Sailfish are hot on the slow trolled rigged baits from the outriggers. Dorado also eager on the rigged baits and live bait, too. Roosterfish on the live baits.
Bait supply: Excellent bait supply for both, live bait and rigging baits.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another very good fishing week from Puerto Morelos that reflected an increase in the dorado counts, (the best dorado fishing for this area in more than 2 years) but for whatever reason, it was a week without the sailfish. Also for the first time, we received a report that two boats were "blanked" this past week with no fish taken for their fishing days. The overall fishing report for a total of 24 days fished reflected a count of 1 blackfin tuna, 22 dorado, 18 Atlantic barracuda, 40 bonito, 1 king mackerel, 1 amberjack, 11 Spanish mackerel, 9 triggerfish, 4 soapfish and 12 grouper, (a 10 fish mixed bag catch for the fleet).

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with long sunny intervals and good temps that ranged from 63 nights to pleasant 82 degree days.
Sea Conditions: The temp dropped about 1 degree but nothing significant and held at 80 degrees with light & variable surface breezes, mostly in the 5-10 mph.
Best Bait/Lure: Ballyhoo continues to be the favorite bait for the skippers and anglers and is used in a variety of ways, including whole baits that are rigged and trolled, both in the outriggers and downriggers, and skirted baits with a variety of colors, cut baits and slabs.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for all of the boats on a daily basis.

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WARMEST GOOD WISHES AND FISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR..........

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

December 22, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Falling water temps on both sides of the peninsula have changed the overall fishing conditions, at least for now. This past week reflected a slowing trend for the Pacific side, which is abnormal for this time of year. However, it all can change for the better in a very short span of time and much will probably depend on the surface winds throughout the area. (See Cabo Climate & Sea Conditions). As we move into the Christmas season, there was a slowing trend for charter fishing days and this, too, factored into the overall fish counts for the week. For the 19 days that were fished the boats reflected 5 stripers released, 22 yellowfin tuna, 15 dorado and 15 Sierra for their efforts, with all fish coming from the Pacific side of Cabo.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny days with a few passing clouds out to the southwest, with cold mornings & evenings and comfortable days. Temps ranged from 51 nights to 76 daytime highs, (unseasonably cool) and 10-20 knots of northeast wind blowing down the Sea of Cortez side.
Sea Conditions: Changing water temperatures, mostly sliding downward, on the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez side. Pacific side is currently 73-74 from the beach, out to the 1000 fathom curve, wrapping Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks. Above the Gorda Banks, the temps fall to 70-71 derees. The only warm waters are out to the south of Cabo, starting at about 12-15 miles, that are in the 75-76 degree ranges.
Best Fishing Area: Much more difficult to define a specific area but the Pacific side is still reflecting the better catches for the fleets. However, we are seeing a slight moving trend for the fish toward Gray Rock (Cabeza de Ballena) and Chileno area and if it continues, the fish may be on the move toward the Sea of Cortez.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was the right ammunition for the week for both billfish and dorado, while the tuna were still being dazzled on the Cedar plugs and feathers.
Live Bait Supply: Remained good for most off the week with a mix of caballitos and a few mackerel.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan suffered a very bad ocean week with high winds for 5 straight days that kept the port closed to the fishing fleet. The only billfish taken for the week was aboard the "Aries I", capturing a sailfish that measured out at the 8-foot mark and was caught by the Casey Visek and sons charter, from Hiawatha, Iowa. There were only three offshore fishing days reported for the week that resulted with the one sailfish, 1 mako shark and 2 dorado and only a singe super panga fishing day that caught 2 snapper. The water temperatures have fallen considerably during this past week and the overall fishing conditions have changed from inshore to offshore area. It is likely we will begin to see more of the cooler water fish, (Sierra, Yellowtail, corvina, etc.) show up in the inshore fish counts very shortly.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy and windy for most of the week with temps that ranged 46 nights to 78 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The north winds have been blowing strong and the water temps have fallen rapidly to 64 inshore, rising slowly to 69 at 8-10 miles, 71 at about 18 miles and the big temp break is at the 29-30 mile mark, moving up to 76-77 degrees. This instability through the week has changed the fishing and while we normally experience a water temp cooling trend about this time of year, it is not usually this severe.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged trolling baits caught all of the offshore fish this week
Best Fishing Area: None reported!
Bait Supply: No problem with the bait supply with both rigged baits and live bait available.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reports fantastic weather and superb sea conditions but still a serious lack of anglers. The area offers near 300 sportfishing boat opportunities and the typical fishing day can range from a handful, (5) to about 15 boats out, on any given day.

As for the fishing, it remains pretty good, especially for sailfish and dorado and the best part is most of the dorado are 30-plus lbs. and they are biting the rigged trolling baits pretty well. A real plus for the fishing right now is the closeness to the Bay, about 5 miles off shore. The inshore action continues to be good for the jack cravalle, bonito and Sierras but lacked the roosterfish this past week.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy but warm and pleasant days with temperatures that ranged from 70 nights to 89 daytime highs and very light tropical surface breezes.
Sea Conditions: Holding very stable right now and ranging between 82-83 degrees from the beach to 40 miles offshore and more. Water is clean close to shore and the billfish and dorado are close by in the clean waters.
Best Fishing Area: Starting right at the 5-mile mark, the dorado are eagerly biting at the trolling baits and the fish are nice quality sizes in the 30-plus lb. ranges.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged trolling baits were working best for the offshore waters and live bait and poppers working well for the inshore waters.
Bait Supply: Remains very good for both, fresh trolling baits and live bait.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another banner fishing week from Puerto Morelos with an excellent early season sailfish report that reflected 11 sailfish for the fleet this past week. We have been seeing scattered sailfish in the fish reports for the past couple of months but this past week, there was a surge in the numbers and that could mean the area is in for an early prime time period for the billfish this coming year, which normally occurs during the month of May. That would be exciting news for the early season anglers and perhaps reflect a longer billfish season, too. The overall catches for a total of 22 days fished reflected 11 sailfish, 7 dorado, 12 blackfin tuna, 35 bonito, 19 Atlantic barracuda, 6 Spanish mackerel, 3 king mackerel, 4 triggerfish, 7 grouper and 2 amberjack.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy but warm days and comfortable evenings with temps from 65 nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, it's been a good week with stable temps holding at the 80 degree mark and light & variable tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: The hot bite bait for this area remains the freshly caught ballyhoo that is used in a variety of baiting method, including skirts of various colors, cut bait, rigged and whole trolling baits, both from outriggers and downriggers.
Bait Supply: Remains readily available for all of the sportfishers on a daily basis.

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WARMEST GOOD WISHES & FISHES FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON,

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

December 15, 2011

THE CABO SAN LU7CAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

About half the number of boats fished this week in comparison to last week and the overall fish counts reflected a reduced result. High Boat for the week was the “Gaviota XI”, with 4 stripers released, 1 wahoo and 22 dorado for 5 days fished, all on the Pacific side of Cabo. The overall fish counts for a total of 18 days fished reflected 12 stripers released, 2 wahoo, 18 yellowfin tuna, 2 Sierra and 60 dorado. According to Roberto Marquez, owner of the Fish Cabo Fleet, the full moon played a big role in the diminished catches for the boats. He said the boats were seeing the fish but they were unwilling to bite and it often required a re-presentation of the bait to the billfish.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with coolish nights and temps that ranged from 52 nights to 74 daytime highs, (Quite cool for the Cabo San Lucas area).
Sea Conditions: Water temps are warmer than the air temps. On the Pacific side, from the Finger Bank, down to the Golden Gate Bank and on to the Jaime Bank, the temps are holding fairly stable at 77 degrees and slowly rising to 79 by the Gorda Banks and above to Boca Del Tule.
Best Fisihing Area: Remains best along the Pacific side of cabo, from the area just above the Golden Gate Bank, across the bank itself and down to Cabo Falso and out to the Herradura to the south of Cabo.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best when available but pretty good fishing with the artificials this week, along with fair results on the ballyhoo baits, slow trolled from the outriggers.
Bait Supply: It was difficult over the full moon but since there were fewer boats fishing this past week, the bait supply held up for the bait requirement.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORFISHING FLEET

The inshore fishing continues to offer a strong bite on the Corvina, with good numbers of quality fish in the 10-15 lb. ranges, along with some good action on the red snappers. The offshore fishing slowed down a little this past week but the boats still found a couple of blue marlin in the mix of their catches. The overall reports for 10 offshore fishing days reflected 2 blue marlin, (estimated at 200-225lbs.) 3 dorado, 9 yellowfin tuna and one mako shark and the inshore super pangas reporting in for 7 days fished reflected 49 corvina, 19 red snapper, 15 mojarres, 1 roosterfish and 4 triggerfish.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with cool nights and temps that ranged from 49-78 degrees.
Sea Conditions: 72 degrees inshore and rising to 75 offshore at the 20 miles mark and beyond, Inshore waters are off color green and gradually changing to a clean green at 20 miles.
Best Fishing Area: The boats are beginning to cover wide swaths of water out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid and have been fishing in the 20-30 mile ranges.
Best Lure/Bait: Corvina liking the rapalas. The blues were both taken on artificials, the tuna taken on cedar plugs, dorado on the rigged baits.
Bait Supply: No problem with the bait supply, even over the full moon.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO SPORTFISHING FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reports, “The fishing has been up and down this past week and seems to be seriously affected by the full moon condition. However, on the pu days, we had a 400 lb. blue marlin checked in at the docks, along with a a fair mix of quality sized dorado in the 30 lb. range and even with a fair number of sailfish that ranged upwards of 80-90 lbs. Almost every day through this moon phase the fish moved, one day would be close and the next would be out to 15-20 miles or so and it took the skippers time to get the fish relocated on a daily basis. On the other hand, the inshore fishing was providing good action for the Sierra, bonito, lots of jack crevalle and even a few roosterfish are re-showing up for the light tackle anglers.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny with warm and clear days and pleasant evenings. Temps ranged from 70 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm days with temps ranging from 84 inshore and then rising to 86 degrees between the 100 and 1000 fathom curves.
Best Lure/Bait: The offshore fishing has been best using the rigged baits while the inshore fishing was good on live bait and a variety of poppers used on the spinning tackle.
Bait Supply: There was no lack of bait, even through the full moon period.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEAL AREA)

Another glowing report arrived from that fun-fishing area of Puerto Morerlos, reflecting a wide spectrum catch that encompassed 13 species for the anglers that included 4 off-season sailfish in the mix. The overall catches for 27 days reported offered 4 sailfish, 6 dorado, 7 blackfin tuna, 6 Spanish mackerel, 24 bonito, 23 Atlantic barracuda, 4 king mackerel along with 14 grouper, 12 triggerfish, 10 bananafish, 3 soapfish, 9 snapper and 5 amberjack.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm days and evenings with temps ranging from 65 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, a pretty good weather week on the water with light & variable surface winds from 5-15 mph for the most part and prevailing from the easterly directions. All days were very fishable.
Best Bait: This area continues to use the locally abundant ballyhoo baits that are proven to provide the best bite for all of the area’s species. These freshly caught baits are used in rigged fashion, using colored skirts, sometimes as is from the sea, occasionally cut and often trolled from the outriggers or downriggers.
Bait supply: Not even the full moon has an affect on the bait supply for this area.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

December 8, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The Pacific side of Cabo remains the “hot-spot” for the fishing, as it has for many months. The only difference is the fishing seems to get better and better for the billfish and the opportunities for dorado and yellowfin tuna are available daily. The high boat for this past week was the “Fish Cabo”, skippered by Captain Gil Marquez, reporting in for 4 fishing days with a catch of 9 stripers released and 12 dorado, (15-18 lb. average) and 12 yellowfin tuna, (25-35 lb.fish). The only fish that was absent from the counts this pst week were the wahoo and while there were some caught, the wahoo counts were way down. Overall fish counts for a combined total of 26 days fished reflected 29 stripers, (27 released) 34 yellowfin tuna, (most fish in the 25-35 lb. ranges with a few in the 55-65 lb. ranges) and 75 dorado, (mostly in the 15-20 lb. ranges and a few in the 25-30 lb. ranges).

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny days with a few passing clouds and temps that ranged from 51 nights to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The Golden Gate Bank area, from the beach and out to 20 miles, holding at 77 degrees and rising to 78 degrees at the Jaime Bank & continuing the rise to 79-80 out to and beyond the 1000 fathom curve, wrapping Cabo and up to the 1150 fathom spot. The big temp break is midway between Gorda Banks and Las Frailes, falling to 74 degrees and greenish waters.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side remains the place to be with the fish scattered from the Golden Gate Bank area and southerly to Cabo and out to the Herradura area, southeast of Cabo San Lucas.
Best Bait/Lure: Lures are doing well throughout the area and the mackerel colors and dorado colors continue to be bit well. Live bait continues to be essential for the billfish, dorado and tuna, so be sure to take 10-15 live bait per fishing day.
Live Baitt Supply: Remains good even with the coming brighter moon phase and a few mackerel showing up in the mix.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The annual corvina bite has really taken off this past week and should remain on the upswing for the next few weeks, providing great action for the inshore angers. It was an unusual week with no sailfish in the count but no apparent changes in the overall water conditions for the offshore waters. It was a slow week for charters with only 9 offshore fishing days that reflected 2 blue marlin, (200-250 lbs.), 1 mako shark, 9 yellowfin tuna and 6 dorado. The inshore catches, also for 9 fishing days, reflected 51 corvina, 1dorado, 35 red snapper, 1 roosterfish, 15 seabass and 4 triggerfish.The corvina are ranging in the 5-20 lb. ranges and the bite has been growing better each day, resulting from falling inshore water temperatures.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with periods of bright sunshine. Mornings and evenings are cool, down to 51 degrees but warming to very pleasant daytime temps at 82 degrees.
Sea Conditions: The inshore waters have cooled to 70-71 degrees and greened-up considerably with a temp break at 22-23 miles offshore, rising to 76 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: No offshore concentration of fish as the boat skippers reported fishing over a wide area.
Best Lure/Bait: Both blue marlin taken on artificials. Tuna taken on cedar plugs and feathers, (fish running with the porpoise) dorado on the trolling baits
Bait Supply: Remains very good for both, live bait and trolling baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen provided an upbeat fishing report for the past week and reported the fishing had improved enormously with the changing of the water clarity that moved inside to about the 15 mile mark. The sailfish and dorado have been cooperative this past week and provided multiple opportunities for the anglers, particularly past the 15 mile mark and in the cleaner waters. The inshore waters remain a murky greenish color but the bite on jack crevalle, Sierra and bonito has not changed and remains excellent for the light tackle anglers. The roosterfish remained absent this past week, probably due to the murky water conditions along the beach areas.

IZ Climate: Lots of sunny, warm days with temps that range from 71 nights to 89 daytime highs. Near picture perfect weather throughout the area.
Sea Conditions: Mostly flat calm waters, excellent for trolling, and good, clear water just past the 15-mile mark and outbound from there, with the offshore temps holding stable at 83 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged baits working well for both, dorado and sailfish. Live bait and pencil poppers working well on the jack crevalle.
Bait supply: Plenty of good live bait for this area and excellent supply of trolling baits.

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TH PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

An unusually rough and windy week from Puerto Morelos that resulted in three consecutive port closure days, December 3,4 & 5, 2011, and re-opening on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. The adverse weather conditions narrowed down the fishing effort to a total of 15 days that resulted in an 11 species mixed bag catch that included 4 sailfish, 11 dorado, 2 blackfin tuna, 1 king mackerel, 16 Atlantic barracuda, 17 bonito, 2 Spanish mackerel, 6 soapfish, 3 amberjack, 7 triggerfish and 12 grouper. The strong winds that were blowing out of the east have subsided to the normal light & variable conditions for the area and the boats are right back at the fishing.

PM Climate: Back to normal from the high windy days during the early part of the week that caused the 3-days of port closures. There continues to be partly cloudy days with light & variable surface breezes and temps from 60 nights to 82 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Stable water temps that are holding at 81 degrees and remained un-phased during the windy 3 days. The sea surface has returned to not much more than a ripple with light & variable easterly surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: Continues to be the rigged, skirted and regular ballihoo, all taken fresh in the area on a daily basis.
Bait Supply: The ballihoo bait supply throughout th Puerto Morelos region continues to provide sufficient quantities of bait for all boats fishing in the area.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

website: www.cortezcharters.co9m

December 2, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Hi boat for the week was the “Gaviota IX”, having fished 5 days and checking in with 5 stripers released, 1 sailfish released, 2 wahoo, 6 yellowfin tuna and 18 dorado for their efforts. The overall fishing for the week was very good for all of the boats, with most of the boats having several opportunities at billfish and another very good week of wahoo numbers. The Pacific side of Cabo remains the place to be and ranges from the Golden Gate Bank all the way back to Cabo Falso and outside to Herradura. The overall fish counts for a combined total of 29 days fished reflected 22 stripers released, 2 sailfish released, 45 yellowfin tuna, 17 wahoo, (in the 25-45 lb.ranges) 4 roosterfish and 91 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with occasional passing clouds and temps from a cool 54 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Sea temps holding well from the Golden Gate to Chileno Bay and out to the thousand fathom curve at 78-80 degrees, then rising to 82-83 from Chileno Bay to Boca Del Tule.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side remains the place to be for the diverse action and good billfish opportunities and rounded-out mixed- bag catches of wahoo, dorado and yellowfin tuna with most of the action taking place within 3-5 miles off the beach.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait has been the way to go for the wahoo and dorado and even for the billfish but the lures have also been producing good numbers of the catches, too. It’s probably running about 50-50 right now.
Live Bait Supply: The live bait supply is excellent but the baits are on the smaller side.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

A good week for the blue marlin with about 25% of the boats landing and releasing one of the fish. All of the fish were under the 300 lb. mark, (estimated weights) but still offered exciting moments for the lucky anglers. The overall offshore catches for 17 days fished reflected 4 blue marlin, 7 sailfish, 15 yellowfin tuna, (20-40 lb.s) and 14 dorado for heir efforts. The inshore catches for a total of 8 days fished reflected 10 red snapper, (15 lb, averages) 4 dorado, 7 yellowfin tuna, 6 permit and limits of Sierra. The Sierra bite has been nothing short of excellent and producing terrific catches for the light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny with a few clouds and pleasantly warm days and cool evenings that reflected tmps from 45 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters at 74 degrees & rising to 79-80 @ 18 miles and beyond. Light & variable surface breezes and mostly calm waters.
Best Lure/Bait: Large artificials working best on the blue marlin and rigged trolling baits best on the sailfish. Yellowffin tuna on the cedar plugs and feathers and dorado taken on both, live bait and artificials.
Best Fishing Area: Out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, starting at about 20-22 miles and outbound from there.
Bait Supply: Continues to be plentiful for both, live bait and rigged baits.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen offered a down-sided fishing report this week and said the waters for his area had changed from clean blue to an off-colored green and that the blue water had moved far offshore,resulting in a substantial decrease in the catching for the anglers.

He reported, “fish bite slow and no concentration in any of the normal areas. The marlin bit a little but not near like it was the week before and the skippers are having to cover a lot of water for the strikes they are getting”. The inshore action is providing plenty of Jack Cravalle, (mostly in the bigger, 20-25 lb. ranges) along with many bonitos and even a few roosterfish, providing good action and fun for the light tackle anglers.

IZ Climate: Sunny today and then turning to partly cloudy days for the next several days with temps from 70 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Calm for the most part with light & variable surface breezes. Sea temps from shore to 100 fathoms held at 82, rising to
84 out to the 1000 fathom curve and rising to 86 beyond the 1000 fathom curve. Green water from near shore and out to the 1000 fathom curve.
Best fishing area: No concentration of fish inside the 1000 fathom curve, albeit, a few billfish strikes and dorado strikes, the better fishing is far offshore and may require a 10-hour fishing day.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits were best for the billfish strikes but the green water has plagued the fish bite for this area and the skippers are waiting for clarity changes.
Bait Supply: Remains plentiful for both, live bait and rigged baits.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

It was anything but an ordinary fishing week from Puerto Morelos, according to Fleet Manager Armando Gutierrez, with the “Hammer”

checking in with the year’s largest blue marlin at 312 lbs. This trophy catch was landed by the 4 passengers and the captain and mate, over a 2.5 hour span of time, just 4 miles offshore from the Now Jade Hotel. First angler up was Ken Makowichuk, British Columbia, followed by Mr. Choiniere, Quebec, then both wives took a turn and finally, the skipper and mate. The fish was caught trolling using an “Ilander Mylar Flash Lure”, (red & black) and set with a Balihoo bait and a Penn 115 Senator reel, with 100 lb. line. Thus, the week began with the trophy catch for the shared charter group and wound up with a 12 species fish report for the 19 boat days fished, reflecting 1 blue marlin, 2 sailfish, 2 blackfin tuna, 5 dorado, 27 bonito, 22 Atlantic barracuda, 8 Spanish mackerel, 9 grouper, 11 amberjack, 2 shark, 1 triggerfish and 4 snapper.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with intervals of sunshine and temps that ranged from 66 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Area temperatures holding stable at 81-82 degrees. Light & variable surface breezes allowed for mostly calm fishing days.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged ballihoo baits continue to be the “hot bite”ammunition for this area for all of the various species of fish.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

Website: www.cortezcharters.com

November 22, 2011

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FOR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Another week of dorado leading the action for the Cabo sportfishers, followed by billfish and wahoo. There has been a good bite on the wahoo on the high spots on the Pacific side with most of the fish in the 20-50 lb. ranges. The “Fish Cabo” lead the fleet with most billfish released and reflected 6 stripers released for 5 fishing days, all from the Pacific side. The overall fish counts for a combined total of 37 days fished reflected 27 stripers, (25 released) 1 sailfish (released) 21 wahoo, 2 yellowfin tuna and 173 dorado, (mostly in the 10-15 lb. ranges with a few larger fish in the mix). The fleet is now awaiting the big schools of Pacific green mackerel that typically show up at this time of year and bring in the big schools of marlin to all of the local banks. While the marlin action remains fairly good, nothing is comparable to the giant schools of feeders that pop up chasing the schools of makcerel and make for some of the world’s best billfish action.

Cabo Climate: Where’d that come from? Hurricane Kenneth blew through the offshore area during the early week with winds from 145 to gusting at 170 mph, but having little effect on Cabo other than the southwesterly swells. Cloudy to partly cloudy during the early week and changing to sunny & clear weather with temps that ranged from 60 nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Some residual SW swell from Hurricane Kenneth but overall, pretty fishable in any direction. Pacific side water temps holding at 79-81 inside the 1000 fathom curve and wrapping around Cabo and on up to the Gorda Banks. Warmest waters at the Cabrillo Seamount and outside at 82-83 degrees
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side continues to hold the fish for the fleet and anglers and good results are being seen from the Herradura area just south of Cabo and around to the Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific side.
Best Bait/Lures: Live bait has been working very well for the billfish and dorado, with a few fish being taking on the artificials. The wahoo taken primarily on the aritficials.
Bait Supply: The caballitos were the bait of the week, albeit, most of the bait was the smaller, 5-6″ caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The inshore and offshore fishing throughout the Mazatlan area continues to provide great action for anglers and is producing an excellent mixed-bag catch from surface to bottom fish. The skippers are reporting good billfish opportunities for the offshore waters with most of the boats having a daily opportunity at a billfish and the final reports for the week reflected 1 blue marlin, (approximately 225 lbs.) 2 Pacific striped marlin, 4 sailfish, 12 yellowfin tuna, (to 65 lbs.) 27 dorado, (12-25 lbs.) and 1 hammer head shark for a total of 16 days fished. The inshore super pangas, reporting in for 6 days fished, reflected limits of Sierra and Sea Bass, along with 11 red snappers and 4 dorado. This has been a well-rounded, good action fishing week for the inshore and offshore anglers.

Mazatlan Climate: A passing cloud from time to time with excellent sunshine periods and warm days with temps from 58 nights, to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm seas this past week with water temps along the inshore at 74-75, (cooler than the last week) and rising to 81 degrees at the 15 mile mark.
Best Fishing area: The offshore fishing has been best in the 23-28 mile area, out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid.
Best Lure/Bait: The single blue marlin was taken on an artificial while the stripers and sailfish preferred the rigged trolling baits. Tuna were on the feathers and Cedar plugs and live bait and the dorado on the rigged trolling baits and live bait.
Bait Supply: Continues to be in excellent supply for all boats.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reports excellent, clean water close to Zihuatanejo Bay and an excellent bite on the sailfish and bigger dorado. This past week, they had an influx of Pacific striped marlin, adding more action to tthe billfish counts. The billfish were very active on the rigged trolling baits and some of the boats were experiencing double strikes with the billfish fighting over the baits. The inshore fishing has been an on and off bite with good action one day and very little the next. On the good days, the bite was offering bigger jack crevalle, Sierra, African pampano and bonitos and even a couple of roosterfish in the mix, with the better fishing south toward Pantla Beach.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds and temps that range from 74 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Near excellent! Good, clean water starting at about 6 miles offshore and beyond, with temps holding stable at 83 inshore and rising to 85 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: Along the water clarity current line for the dorado and just beyond for the billfish, starting at 6-8 miles from the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the dorado and the rigged trolling baits best for the billfish.
Bait Supply: Remains excellent for the anglers and the boats.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The diversity of fish and the fast paced everyday action continues from Puerto Morelos on a weekly basis. This past week was another excellent mixed-bag catch that consisted of 10 species for the 20 days fished and resulted in 1 sailfish, 4 blackfin tuna, 9 dorado, 22 bonito, 26 Atlantic barracuda (to 47 lbs.) 9 Spanish mackerel, 9 grouper, 7 triggerfish, 8 snapper and 3 amberjack.

PM Climate: Some sunny days and some cloudy days but comfortable and warm with temps from 65 nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly light & variable surface breezes with some afternoon wind chop and stable water temps that were holding at 82 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure: The freshly caught ballyhoo continue to provide the preferred bait for this area for the surface and the bottom fish.
Bait Supply: Remains excellent with a fresh daily surplus for the boats.

WISHING EVERYONE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY………

Larry Edwards
CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS
619-469-4255
email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net
website: www.cortezcharters.com

November 17, 2011

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FFORR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO & PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOT SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Just another fun-fishing week from Cabo San Lucas with the total report coming from the Pacific side of the peninsula. It was another terrific week for dorado action in varied sizes and a few larger fish in the 35-40 lb. ranges and the average in the 15-20 lb ranges. A fine week of overly nice weather that produced about a 50% chance for a billffish mixed in with the dorado catches. The yellowfin tuna remained absent again this past week but that happens in this area from time to time and we remain thrilled that the tuna showed up for the WON Tuna Tournament. The only thing we are not yet seeing is the annual movement of the giant, Pacific green mackerel bait schools on the banks, (especially the Golden Gate and Jaime Banks) that attract the huge numbers of Pacific striped marlin that the area is famous for. Hopefully, soon coming. The overall catches for 48 days fished reflected a combined total of 21 stripers, (19 released) 1 sailfish released, 7 wahoo, (20 to 50 Lbs. with 5 taken aboard the “Gaviota XI” on 11/15/11) and 248 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with temps that varied from 59 nights to 84 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very fishable conditions all week with gradual temp changes from 79-80 at the Finger Bank on the Pacific to 81-82 at the Gorda Banks, toward the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: Unquestionably, the Pacific side continues to dominate the best fishing area.
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish were best on live bait with a few caught on artificials, (it’s getting to be the tim of year when the mackerel colored artificials tend to work very well). Dorado were good on live bait and artificials and generally eager to bite on anything than moved in the water.
Live Bait Supply: Back to normal following the full moon phase, with mostly caballitos in the mix.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan provided anglers with a great fishing week of mixed-bag catches, both inshore and off shore. The offshore fleet reported in for 33 days fished that reflected 6 blue marlin, (all smaller fish under 300 lbs., with 1 released) 1 striped marlin, 12 sailfish, (2 released) 27 yellowfin tuna, (20-50 lbs.) 2 Mako sharks and 53 dorado, (to 42 lbs.). The inshore super pangas reported in for 11 days fished that refelected 1 sailfish, 14 black snooks, (average about 12-15 lbs.) 9 yellowfin tuna, 8 dorado, 6 corvina, 8 red snapper, 9 pampano and 2 seabass for their efforts. Seems like every year about this time, we get a few weeks of good snook fishing opportunities for this area and it definitely contributes to the good action.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with clear skies and temps that ranged from 60 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Good, stable, off shore temperatures and calm waters continue to provide for good mixed bag catches. Temps are holding well at 81 degrees from inshore to offshore waters.
Best Fishing Areas: None were focused on in their report as the fish are scattered about from the southwest to west of the Marina El Cid.
Best Lure/Bait: Artificials were best on the blue marlin and rigged trolling baits best on the sailfish. Yellowffin best on feathers and cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: Even during the full moon phase this past week, the live bait supply remained readily available as did the rigged dead bait supply

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

There was a spark of genuine enthusiasm in Captain Temo Verboonen’s fishing report for the past week in Zihuatanejo, as he reported “really good fishing throughout the area beginning at about 6 miles from the entrance to Zihuatanejo Bay)”. ”Very good fishing at the edge where the green/blue waters meet and producing sailfish, dorados and marlin. Lots of bait under the logs. The inshore fishing is now producing an excellent bite on bigger jacks, lots of bonitos and

Sierra are biting and the fly fisherman are having a field day.” The inshore water is still brackish green along the coast and the roosterfish were not cooperating at all this past week.

IZ Climate: Clear to partly cloudy days excellent temperatures that range from 74 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: It has been a calm week with light-variable surface breezes and little swell and temps that were holding stable at 84 inshore to 86 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: Starting at the 6-mile mark and outbound from there for t he offshore critters.

Best Lures/Bait: Billfish are liking the rigged baits as are some of the dorado. Live bait was also a good ammunition, too, both for the inshore and offshore fishing.
Bait Supply: Even through the full moon, the bait supply was readily available for all boats.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The one thing that’s fun about fishing from Puerto Morelos is the forever mixed-bag catches that come from that area. Almost nothing is ever the same from one bite to another. One bite could be a wahoo and the next could be a tuna, perhaps a bonito or even a grouper. This is one of the few areas of Mexico, that can produce a variety of surface to bottom fish over the course of a day’s fishing, without the changing of gear. Today, we reflect a 10 fish species for 13 day fished that reflected 18 blackfin tuna, 6 dorado, 12 grouper, 17 bonito, 3 banana fish, 14 trigger fish, 19 Atlantic barracuda, 10 king mackerel, 8 Sierra and 1amberjack.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy but warm days and temps that ranged from 67 nights to 84 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, this past week has been good with light, tropical surface breezes and stable water temps at 82 degrees throughout the area.
Best Bait: We continue to see the ballyhoo as the prime bait of choice throughout this area and the crews pre-rig the baits and often skirt the baits with different colors, occasionally using cut baits for some of the bottom fish.
Bait Supply: Continues to be plentiful and readily available with no affect from the full moon phase.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

November 11, 2011

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FOR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Hot boat for the week was the “Gaviota VII” landing the only blue marlin, (a smaller fish under 200 lbs.) and 13 of the 14 wahoo for the week, (mostly in the 25-50 lb. range). What was really interesting this past week was the lack of yellowfin tuna following
the Western Outdoor News Tuna Tournament. It was almost as if the
tuna arrived just for the Tournament event and then, evaporated, as
if they never existed. Truly amazing because the Tournament was a
very busy tuna catching period. The fishing report for a combined
total of 36 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 7 stripers released,
2 roosterfish, 14 wahoo, 1 yellowfin tuna and 155 dorado. The “Fish
Cabo” reported dorado to 35-40 lbs. this past week.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & clear days in the early week with some passing clouds showing up later in the week and temps that ranged from a cool 59 att nighty to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: From the Finger Bank to the Golden Gate Bank, the temps were 79-80 and moving southerly and around the corner at Cabo San Lucas and up to the Gorda Banks, slowly rising to 82 and stable.
Best Fishing Area: Clearly, the Pacific side continues to be the location for the fishing action.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait and rigged ballyhoo were working equally as well for the billfish and dorado.
Live Bait Supply: According to Roberto Marquez, owner of the Fish Cabo Fleet, the live bait supply was OK for the week but many of the boats were taking 50-50 on the live bait and frozen ballyhoo for rigging. Prices were the same for either.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Another very good fishing week from Mazatlan that reflected a good
inshore black snook bite for the super pangas and blue marlin to 400
lbs. for the offshore sportfishers. There was even the seasons first
striped marlin that showed up in the count, taken aboard the “Aries
II”, skippered by Captain Victor Nunez. Captain David Cabanillas,
skipper of the “Aries IV” had a 2 blue marlin day and released one of
the two. The overall fish counts for a total of 23 offshore fishing
days reflected 4 blue marlin, (1 released) 1 striper released, 9
sailfish, (1 released) 35 dorado (to 29 lbs.) 2 mako sharks and 25
yellowfin tuna (to 61 lbs.) The inshore super pangas, reporting in
for 5 days fished, reflected 14 black snook, (to 18 lbs.) 2 corvina,
4 red snapper, 7 dorado and 4 yellowfin tuna.

Mazatlan Climate: A few clouds but mostly sunny days and temps from 55 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm waters with temps from 80 inshore to 84 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: The offshore fishing has been scattered over a broad area out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, 22-32 miles or so.
Best Bait/Lure: The blue marlin were biting the artificials best but the sailfish were coming in on the rigged trolling baits. The dorado about 50-50 on live bait and rigged baits and the yellowfin tuna on the feathers and cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: A good supply of both, live and dead rigging baits were readily available through the week.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT
SPORTFISHING FLEET

It was a very different fishing week for the Zihuatanejo area and
according to Captain Temo Verboonen, the water clarity greened-up,
cooled down, and the fishing moved farther offshore, with the better
fishing out to about 25 miles. They were still catching some fair
sized dorado at about 10 miles offshore. along the scum-line, but the
catches of sailfish had diminished, probably due to the cooler,
greener water. On the other hand, he mentioned that it was a good
week for the fly fishing angler and spinning tackle enthusiast, with
good availability for the jack cravelle, bonitos, Sierras and even a
few roosterfish. Temo also mentioned the numbers of trips getting out were still at
record low numbers, usually just 1 or 2 super pangas for the day and
very few anglers showing up in the mornings.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with periods of good sunshine and
temps that ranged from 74 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: he waters had greened-up throughout much of the area
and the better fishing was farther offshore, out to & past the 25-
mile mark. Temps ranged from 79 inshore to 85 offshore.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged baits were best for the billfish and dorado.
Bait Supply: Both, live and baits for rigging were readily available for the week.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING
FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

An extraordinary fishing week from Puerto Morelos that provided some
good sailfish action and spanned some 13 species of fish for a
combined total of 16 days fished. Very unusual sailfish action for
this time of the year with a third of the boats landing sailfish that
typically show up in April-June on an annual basis. The overall fish
counts for 16 days fished reflected a mixed-bag catch that consisted
of 5 sailfish, 3 dorado, 5 blackfin tuna, 10 Atlantic barracuda, 3
King Mackerel, 18 bonito, 3 blue runners, 4 amberjack, 3 soapfish, 3
snapper, 6 Spanish Mackerel, 12 triggerfish and 2 grouper. According
to Armando Gutierrez, Fleet and Marina Manager, the bad weather
season has gone by and they are now looking forward to their normal
warm and tropical good beach and boating weather conditions.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with spurts of sunshine with temps from 62 nights to 84 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Light & variable surface breezes and stable sea temps at 83 throughout the area are making for good fishing.
Best Bait/Lure: The seemingly forever supply of locally caught ballyhoo continue to provide the ammunition for the fishing in this area
Bait Supply: Caught fresh and provided to the boats on a daily basis with no supply shortages.

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Larry Edwards
CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS
619-469-4255
email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net
website: www.cortezcharters.com

November 11, 2011

Mark one of our customers and his picture he sent of a, “couple nice Marlin they got about 12 miles off shore around a FAD here in Micronesia. I’m the guy in the back and the other 3 guys are my fishing buddies.”

October 27, 2011

THE MEXICO FISHING REPORTS FOR CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN,
IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

What a week for Cabo San Lucas that began with the Bisbee Black and
Blue Tournament. First place winner, a 409 lb. blue marlin, was
taken aboard the “Bad Medicine” by Angler Luis Arballo, taking
$394,090.00 and followed by the 2nd place winner, a 395 lb. blue
marlin, taken aboard the “Tiger Spirit” by angler Luis Alberto
Liera, that paid a whopping $1,162,842.50. The big bucks went to the
2nd place winner resulting from entries in the side jackpots. 3rd
place, a 329 lb. blue marlin, taken aboard the “Pegasus” by angler
Vicente Rangel, earned $283,752.50 and the 4th place fish, a 313 lb.
blue marlin, taken aboard the “El Lobo” by angler Steve Skota, earned
$259,745.00. Another great year for the Bisbee event that keeps Cabo
San Lucas in the spot light for the world’s biggest money tournaments.

Cabo’s October was bustling with all sorts of fishermen and lady
anglers and par normal, the busiest fishing month of the year. The
MDM SUPPLY GROUPS from Montana, fished two days aboard 21 boats each
day that produced phenomenal fishing results that included 2 blue
marlin released, 29 stripers released, 6 sailfish released, 56
yellowfin tuna, (to 50-plus lbs.) 1 wahoo and 311 dorado. The
overall combined catches for a total of 70 days fished reflected 3
blue marlin, (2 released) 38 stripers released 8 sailfish released,
64 yellowfin tuna, 2 wahoo and 529 dorado, (just short of limit
fishing for dorado).

According to Roberto Marquez, owner of the Fish Cabo Fleet, “the
fishing has been nothing short of excellent this past week and we are
looking forward to the next 45-60 days of continued action”.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with temps ranging from 68 nights to 94 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, the sea conditions were superb for the most part with surface winds mostly light and variable, (5-15 mph) and excellent water temps that ranged from 84.5 on the Pacific side and southerly to Cabo Falso, then changing to 8s degrees and gradually rising to 87 at the Gorda Banks.
Best Fishing Area: Unquestionably, the Pacific side was the place to be fishing this past week.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the stripers and sailfish and of course, worked well on the dorado and larger yellowfin, too, but artificials were also working quite well for dorado and the feathers and cedar plugs for the yellowfin.
Live Bait Supply: Considering the number of boats fishing this past week the bait supply was very good for the caballitos and we heard no mention of shortages.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The dorado catches continue to be the “fish of the week” for the
Mazatlan sportfishing anglers and the offshore FAD buoys continue to
provide the mainstay of the action for the dorado anglers. While not
nearly as prolific as it has been over the past 5 months, it is still
very good fishing for dorado in the 15-35 lb. ranges and an
occasional 40-50 lb. offering. The offshore cruisers seem to be
finding the larger dorado outside and southwest of the buoys and
overall have been averaging 3-4 per boat per fishing day. The
inshore super pangas continue to do well and have been averaging 7-8
dorado per fishing day around the buoys. The overall fish counts for
the offshore waters reflected 3 sailfish, 1 tuna and 36 dorado for 10
days fished and the inshore super pangas reflected 30 dorado for 4
days fished.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days and thinning out to just a few passing clouds with temps hat ranged from 66 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: It’s been a good weather week with nearly calm sea surface conditions and water temps that remained stable at 85 inshore and 86.5 offshore.
Best Fishing Area: The dorado bite was best at the buoys.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits were responsible for the billfish and a few of the dorado. However, live bait was the hot ticket for the bigger dorado.
Bait Supply: The bait supply remains excellent for both live and rigged dead baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT
SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing and the weather is
rapidly returning to some normalcy for the area and is beginning to
feel like the summer rains have finally given in to the good fall
conditions. “We are now experiencing good fishing with multiple
strikes on both, sailfish and dorado, and even a few blue marlin are
in the mix of the strikes. Our offshore waters are clean and clear
and the ocean is pretty calm. We are seeing some floating logs that
are carrying some good numbers of bigger dorado, (30-50-pounds) and
the fishing opportunities are expanding by the day. The inshore
fishing has not yet returned to the good roosterfish catches we were
having prior to the Jova Hurricane, as the inshore water clarity has
not quite returned to normal but it is getting better with each
passing day. We are catching a scattering of different inshore fish
that included Sierra, bonitos, jack cravelle and a few roosterfish,
so things are inching back for that area, too.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny days with some passing clouds and temps that ranged from 72 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Rapidly getting back to near perfect with flat seas and good temps that ranged from 83 inshore to 8f offshore.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits were doing well for the billfish and dorado and live bait was doing best for the inshore fishing.
Best Fishing Area: The offshore fishing started at about 10-12 miles from the Zihuatanejo Bay entrance.
Bait Supply: The bait supply continues to be readily available for both, live bait and rigged baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID
SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The Port has been closed for most of the week due to the Hurricane
Rina System building and slowly moving into the area with big seas,
lots of wind and too much rain. We have been unable to get an
updated report from this area for several days, (computers are down)
but we have been tracking the system. As of this A.M., Rina is still
a hurricane but expected to be downgraded to a Tropical Storm later
today as the storm heads direct for Puerto Morelos/Cancun area. By
late Friday, the storm should pass through the area and then is
projected to make a 180 degree turn and head back where it came from
as she diminishes to a Tropical Depression rating. The way things
are shaping up for this area my best “guestemate” would be no fishing
for another 4-5 days
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Larry Edwards
CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS
619-469-4255
email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net
website: www.cortezcharters.com

October 20, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Yesterday, the same day that registration began for the Bisbee Black & Blue Tournament, a 746 lb. blue marlin was landed aboard the 31′Bertram sportfisher, Tracy Ann, by Florida Angler, Patrick Neville. The monster ate an artificial lure being trolled by Captain Julio Castro, about a mile and a half from the shore line on the Pacific side of Cabo. It was unquestionably the catch of the week and bodes well for the upcoming Bisbee Tournament. The dorado counts remained good for the week with most fish in the 10-25 lb. ranges and a few that were larger and offered excellent angler action as the boats averaged about 6 fish per boat day fished. The overall catches for a total of 29 days fished reflected 1 striper released, 4 sailfish released, 3 wahoo, 10 yellowfin tuna, (mostly school sized fish in the 20-40 lb. ranges) and 178 dordado. All fish were taken on the Pacific side of Cabo this past week with exception of 1 sailfish and 2 dorado that were taken on the 11.50 fathom spot.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with temps from 70 nights to 95 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, good on both sides of the peninsula with stable sea temps that ranged from 83 at the Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific side and slowly rising to 85 at the Gorda Banks on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side remains the hot spot for the fishing and is still producing 99.9% of the catches.
Best Lure/Bait: The big blue marlin was taken on an artificial lure but live bait was best for the most part for the few billfish and dorado. However, dorado were being taken on all sorts off trolling methods, including live bait, rigged baits and a wide variety of artificials.
Live Bait Supply: Live bait was just OK with most boats having sufficient supply to fish with each day.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Port was closed for four straight days with rough seas and heavy winds but settled right back to good fishing and calm seas. According to Ms. Kitcia Ceja, the Aries Fleet fishing reporter, the windy days and the full moon had some downside effect on the fishing but everything is beginning to stabilize back to the good weather and fishing that October is used to. The overall offshore catches for 13 days fished reflected 4 sailfish, (2 released) 20 yellowfin tuna, (20-50 lbs.) and 28 dorado, (12-35 lbs.). The inshore super pangas reflected 3 days fished that produced 1 sailfish, 1 dorado, 14 sea bass, 6 pargo and 1 red snapper. It appears that the wind and the full moon have temporarily changed the fishing at the buoys for dorado, even though the water temps and clarity remained stable.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with long periods of intermittent sunshine and temps that varied from 70 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Best Fishing Area: Most of the offshore fishing was out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid in the 24-30 mile zone.
Best Bait/Lure: The sailfish taken on the rigged baits and dorado on the artificials and live bait, along with a few taken on the rigged baits. Yellowfin taken on the feathers.
Bait Supply: There was no mention of the bait supply this past week with exception to some of the fish being taken on live bait, so I would assume it was in good shape.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the seas remained high for a few days following Hurricane Jova’s wrath on the area, and the inshore fishing remained difficult as the roosterfish had all but disappeared for the time being due to the murky inshore waters from the rains & river run-offs. The offshore waters were providing good strikes on sailfish for the few boats getting out through the week but the dorado have also vanished from the area, probably caused by the full moon and rough sea conditions of the Jova week. The area still lacks anglers and there are only a boat or two fishing each day which keeps the fish counts pretty low for this area.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy days with temps that varied from 72 nights to 92 daytime highs and high humidity levels.
Sea Conditions: Finally starting to settle back to good sea conditions with temps remaining in the 84-85 degree zone and calm surface conditions with light & variable tropical breezes.
Best Fishing Area: Good clarity and the strikes began at about 14-16 miles offshore and outbound from there.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged trolling baits were the hot bite item.
Bait Supply: Remained very good even with the poor weather and full moon conditions.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

An unusually slow fishing week for the Marina El Cid Fleet at Puerto Morelos, resulting from the full moon conditions and two days of port closures due to windy and adverse weather conditions. The surface sea temps fell a degree or two this past week throughout the area and the boats fished only a combined total of 10 days that produced a 10- fish variety. The positive side was the continued mixed-bag catches for the area that reflected 2 wahoo, 1 dorado, 16 Atlantic barracuda, 19 bonito, 2 Spanish Mackerel, 5 trigger fish, 5 soap fish, 3 snapper, 2 amberjack and 9 grouper, with the fishing starting at about a mile or so from the Marina El Cid.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with temps ranging from 63 nights to 84 daytime highs and high humidity.
Sea Conditions: Calming seas with light tropical surface breezes and temps stable at 82 degrees throughout the area.
Best Bait/Lure: The daily, fresh caught ballyhoo, remain the bait of choice for this Caribbean port on the Riviera Maya.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

October 14, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It’s been a long time since Cabo San Lucas enjoyed the wide-open dorado bite and limit style fishing for most boats and many, many releases of the smaller fish. Even better, the move into October, one of the best fishing months of the year, the anglers have come back to the docks and the boats have finally been fishing. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I reported for a combined total of 43 days fished, but it has been well over a year and maybe two. Here it is, on top of the full moon, and the fishing is just red-hot with the dorado being the center of attraction and the Pacific side providing the area. While the billfish action has been a little off for this time of year, we think it’s because of the easy dorado catches that tend to please the anglers and the skippers just aren’t going to leave the people-pleasing fishing to chase billfish unless they are requested to do so. The overall fishing reports for 43 days fished reflected near limit fishing for dorado that ranged from smaller, 10-pounders to larger, 40-plus pounders, (so it was easy to pick & choose). The actual numbers reflected 13 stripers released, 1 sailfish released, 4 wahoo, 23 yellowfin tuna, (20-60 lb. fish) and 335 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days but warm and with intermittent sunny periods and temps from 71 nights to 97 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Fishable everywhere with a bit more swell on the Pacific side and prevailing NW surface breezes and temps holding stable at 86-87 degrees from the Finger Bank, wrapping Cabo and up to Gorda Banks and beyond.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side continues to reign for the fishing results for dorado, yellowfin and billfish.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best when it was available, but plenty of fish taken on the arttificials.
Live Bait Supply: Difficult over the past few days as the full moon spanned the area and the bait fish disappeared.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

It must be October! The fishing decided to make a jump-start from Mazatlan and the overall fishing was terrific for the days the boats got out. The port was closed for five days for adverse weather, but settled during the middle of the week and allowed the boats to focus on the catching. Dorado were the fish of the week for the Aries Sportfishing Fleet and adding to the mix was the surprise of some nice yellowfin tuna, (30-50 lbs.) and a fair number of sailfish. The overall offshore fish counts for a total of 11 boat days fished reflected 10 sailfish, (Aries I reported a 4 sailfish day) 61 dorado and 37 yellowfin tuna. There was only a single inshore super pangas this past week that reported 10 dorado for their effort, fishing around the buoys.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with good chance for isolated showers, (60%) and temps that ranged from 72 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A handful of rough weather days kept the boats in their slips but on the days when they did get out, the fishing was excellent. Water temps remained stable at 87 degrees throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: The buoys were best for the dorado counts and out to the southwest for the yellowfin tuna and the sailfish.
Best Lure/Bait: Good fishing with both, artificials and live bait, along with the rigged trolling baits. The bigger dorado were being taken on the rigged trolling baits and the larger artificials in a wide range of colors. The tuna were fairly eager on the feathers and the cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: Remained good right through the full moon.

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

It was a rough-tough week for the Zihuatanejo fleet this past week with Hurricane Jova blowing into nearby Manzanillo and Tropical Depression Irwin dancing around just a ways offshore & finally heading back out to the west. These were both very unusual storms as they started offshore and moved toward the mainland, with Jova going ashore and Irwin doing a complete 360 and going back offshore. I can’t remember ever seeing this happen before in that part of the country. According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the waters were much too rough all week and the boats were unable to go fishing. The swells are huge and the overall conditions remain unfishable and are likely to remain this way for the next few days.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy days with good chance for additional rains, (60%) and temps that varied from 73 nights to 91 daytime highs and 83% humidity.
Sea Conditions: Unfavorable for fishing throughout the area and will likely remain the same for the next 3-4 days. Sea temps have dropped to 83 degrees on the surface, resulting from the continued tropical storms.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

No Fishing Report was received from Puerto Morelos for the past week. Our apologies.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

TELEPHONE; 619-469-4255

website; www.cortezcharters.com

October 6, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The “Gaviota XI” had the most billfish for the week, releasing 2 stripers and a sailfish for 4 fishing days and rounding out their catches with 15 dorado and 4 yellowfin tuna. The “Tuna Time”, (appropriately named) landed the largest yellowfin tuna for the week by the Gerald Meyer group, (Oregon) that checked in at 130 lbs., (This could have been a qualifier for the up-coming WON Tuna Tournament) The fish was taken on an artificial trolling away from the porpoise, having not had any success near the animals that were traveling southerly on the Pacific side. Overall, dorado were the fish of the week and most of the boats had ample opportunities to add to their catches with most of the fish in 12-15 lb. ranges and an occasional larger fish to 25 lbs. or so. The overall fish counts for a combined total of 25 days fished reflected 3 blue marlin released, (all in the 200-225 lb. range) 4 striped marlin released, 1 sailfish released, 1 wahoo, (about a 35-pounder) 13 yellowfin tuna and 93 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds and temps that ranged from 71 nights to 96 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, very good conditions on both sides of the peninsula. Pacific side, from the Finger Bank south to the Golden Gate, sea temps stable at 85-86. From Golden Gate Bank, wrapping Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks and beyond, the temps were stable in the 87-88 degree ranges.
Best Fishing Area: The Pacific side remains the best area and continues to produce 99% of the catches, which is normal for this time of year.
Best Lure/Bait: Overall, live bait was best but several of the billfish were taken on artificials. The tuna were liking the feathers and cedar plugs and dorado were happy taking both.
Live Bait Supply: Plenty of caballitos available throughout the week.

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THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Fraser Family from Kansas City, MO, reported a fishing day result of 8 dorado to 41 lbs., fishing aboard the “Aries II” and added the overall day was near perfect, including calm seas, lots of porpoise, sea birds and even a couple of sea turtles. That’s really not too bad considering there were a couple of port closure days due to adverse weather conditions that were just 1-day events. Still a little slow on the billfish bite and this week provided only a couple of sailfish, but the quality of the dorado had improved considerably. The overall offshore catches for 11 days fished reflected 2 sailfish and 71 dorado and the 1 inshore fishing day from the super panga reflected limits of dorado.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with sunny intervals and temperatures that varied from 70 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Humidity levels a little high at 89%.
Sea Conditions: Other than a couple of odd days of wind and rough seas that resulted in port closures, it was excellent for the remaining week’s fishing effort. Sea temps were ii inshore and fell to 86 degrees for the offshore waters and gentle tropical surface breezes of 2-5 mph.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish are still in the area of 22-25 miles out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid but the best dorado bite for the week came from the buoys.
Best Bait/Lure: Billfish and dorado both taken on rigged trolling baits. Bigger dorado taken on slow trolled live bonito around the buoys as well as live bait from the bait vendor.
Bait Supply: Excellent for both, live bait and trolling baits

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THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHIN REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, skipper/owner of the “Secuestro De Amor”, it was a very good fishing week for the few boats and anglers that fished the area and he commented about some really good blue marlin fishing at the 20 mile mark and premium roosterfish catches just to the north of Ixtapa. The offshore fishing started at about 9 miles out front of Zihuatanejo Bay, where the water clarity was near perfect and the temps were holding stable at 86 degrees.

Lots of sailfish and dorado strikes in this area, slow trolling the rigged baits up & down the coast. One of the super pangas reported 70 roosterfish of different sizes were released for 4 fishing days just north of Ixtapa and out at the rocks were good for the grouper, African pompano and big eye jacks, using the deep running Rapalas.

Best of all, the rains seem to have subsided for the season, allowing the area to return to the good fall fishing.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps that varied from 73 nights to 94 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: A near perfect fishing week with excellent water temps, (85 inshore and rising to 86 offshore) excellent clarity starting at about 9 miles and mostly calm seas with very light tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits working terrific on the sailfish and dorado, live bait and poppers for the roosterfish and Rapalas for the grouper, African pampano and bigeye jacks.
Bait Supply: Continues to be excellent for bait, both live bait and dead trolling baits are readily available.

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THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another wide-variety report from Puerto Morelos that reflected an 11 fish species in the catches that included another off season sailfish in the mix. The fishing from Puerto Morelos continues to offer anglers an excellent mixed fish catch within minutes of the marina El

Cid, due to the rapid drop-off just outside the mouth of the Marina.

Game fish come in along that deep wall in search for the small bait fish and offer fun fishing within a half-mile of the Marina entrance. Overall catches for the past week reflected 1 sailfish, 4 dorado, 7 blackfin tuna, 21 bonito, 21 Atlantic barracuda, 11 Spanish mackerel, 31 triggerfish, 14 grouper, 4 snapper, 1 banana fish and 1 amberjack.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 65 nights to 92 daytime highs and a 50-50 chance of showers and high humidity.
Sea Conditions: Good sea conditions throughout the area with stable temps that held at 85 degrees with light & variable tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait: The bait of choice for this area continues to be the rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo baits that are caught fresh on a daily basis.

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Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

September 22, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING EPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

An unusual fishing week from Cabo San Lucas that offered up a pair of blue marlin but no stripers or sailfish. Equally of interest is that all of the boats fished the Pacific side this past week, from Gray Rock, (Cabeza De Ballena) to Migrino, and both of the blue marlin were taken about 2-3 miles apart from each other and within a couple miles of the harbor. Overall, it was a decent fishing week, albeit, not many billfish, but still, the boats averaged nearly 6 dorado per trip and that keeps the interest up. The overall combined fish counts for the 10 days fished reflected 2 blue marlin, (280 lbs. was the bigger of the two, taken aboard the Gaviota VII) 2 wahoo, 6 yellowffin tuna and 57 dorado, (mostly in the 12-18 lb. ranges) and a few to 25 lbs. or so).

Cabo Climate: A Mostly sunny and warm week with a few passing clouds and temps that ranged from 75 nights to 97 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The Pacific side is nearly all in the 84-85 degree ranges from above the Finger Bank to Cabo Falso and then gently rising to 87 and gradually increasing to 88-89 by Gorda Banks.
Best Fishing Area: Gray Rock to Cabo Falso for the billfish. Dorado scattered from Migrino and southerly along the Pacific side to Gray Rock.
Best Lure/Bait: The blues were taken on artificials, s were the wahoo and some of the dorado. Tuna taken on smaller feathers. The bulk of the dorado were taken on live bait.
Live Bait Supply: Good supply of mostly caballitos continues to be readily available.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

A much improved fishing and chartering week from Mazatlan that produced a 70-plus percent catch rate on billfish and about a 3 fish per boat average on the dorado for the boats fishing the offshore waters. The dorado they are catching are ranging from 12-25 lbs. with an occasional fish in the 35-40 lb. range. According to our reporter from the Aries Fleet, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, there was an influx in family fishing groups this past week from different parts of Mexico, enjoying the boats, the fishing and the calm seas throughout the area. Her report reflected a total of 17 offshore fishing days that produced 12 sailfish, (8 released) 47 dorado, 3 mako shark and 6 of he bigger bonito, (10-12 lbs.). The inshore super pangas reported in for 6 days fished with a catch of dorado limits and 4 bonito for their efforts.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with sunny intervals and temps from 75 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Water temps rising and stable at 87-88 degrees with good clarity at about 15-18 miles and beyond. Light & variable tropical surface breezes and mostly flat calm seas.
Best Fishing Area: The offshore boats fishing in the 22-28 miles area, out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid and the super pangas fishing mostly around the FAD buoys.
Best Lures/Bait: The billfish were being taken on the rigged trolling baits. The dorado were taken on trolling baits, (mostly ballyhoo set in the outriggers) live bait, poppers and rapalas.
Bait Supply: Remains plentiful with the live bait running $1.00 per bait.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing was very different this past week, compared to the week before. The water conditions have apparently changed and pushed the billfish farther offshore, to the 30-plus mile mark and farther. The boats were reporting very light offshore action with very few strikes to none at all and some boats drawing “blanks” for their fishing day. The inshore fishing was considerably more generous to the anglers and was producing big jack crevelle, some quality roosterfish up to 50 lbs., a few bonito and Sierra mackerel and African pampano. The amberjack bite at the rocks is still going good for the live bait anglers. Temo’s overall assessment favored the inshore fishing for the past week while waiting for the offshore water conditions to improve.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy days with humidity and temps from 73 nights to 91 daytime highs and scattered PM/night thunder showers.
Sea Conditions: Very off colored water out to about 25 miles or so and while the temps are good, (85-87 from inshore to offshore) the clarity is diminished and unfavorable for billfishing until you get close to the 1000 fathom curve at about 30 miles or so.
Best fishing Area: Temo recommends the inshore fishing right now until the offshore conditions change in clarity.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait has generally been best for the inshore fishing, especially for the roosterfish, jack crevelle & amberjacks.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for both, trolling baits and live bait, with no interruption in supplies.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

There was another way off season sailfish landed this past week, aboard the “PESCADORA I”, by stateside angler, Mr. Clark, that added to the wide-spectrum catches from the Marina El Cid Fleet at Puerto Morelos. Adding to their catch was surface and bottom fish that included 1 Atlantic barracuda, 3 triggerfish and 4 Spanish mackerel for the day. The mixed-bag catches of the fleet for a total of 16 days fished reflected an 11 fish species report that included 1 sailfish, 4 blackfin tuna, 4 dorado, 7 king mackerel, 21 bonito, 14 Sierra mackerel, 21 Atlantic barracuda, 1 shark, 27 triggerfish, 5 snapper, and 19 grouper. This is an area that the angler can fish either surface or bottom or both, at any given time, using outriggers and downriggers with the ballyhoo baits.

Puerto Morelos Climate: Mixed clouds and sunshine, a few scattered thunder showers and temps that ranged from 71 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, a very nice sea surface condition for the week with tropical surface winds ranging from 5-13 mph and sea temps that ranged in the 85-86 degree ranges.
Best Bait: The fresh ballyhoo continue to be the bait of choice for both, surface and bottom fish alike and the crew will pre-rig all of the baits for the day’s fishing.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

August 25, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The Tuna Time, skippered by Captain Roberto Padilla, was high boat for the week, reflecting a blue marlin release (approximately 250lbs.) a sailfish release and 12 yellowfin tuna for a single fishing day, followed by the Gaviota III, skippered by Captain Jorge Ruiz, reflecting 2 stripers released, 3 yellowfin tuna and 5 dorado for 1 fishing day. The overall fish counts for a combined total of 14 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin released, 1 sailfish released, 7 stripers, 22 dorado and 15 yellowfin tuna.

The 43′ Hatteras, “Fish Cabo”, is undergoing complete renovations in La Paz and is due back in Cabo on September 4, up, running and ready to fish with her new Cummins engines.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps from 73 nights to 95 daytime highs and humidity at 86%.
Sea Conditions: Overall, very good. Light & variable surface breezes & cloud cover with sea temps ranging from 84 on the Pacific side to 89 on the Sea of Cortez side and all fishable.
Best Fishing Area: The bulk of the fishing continues to be on the Pacific side of Cabo, from the area out to the south, (Herradura) and around to Migrino.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the billfish and especially effective on the drop-back, once the billfish comes into the lure pattern. Feathers & cedar plugs best for the tuna and dorado taking a bit of everything.
Live bait supply: Excellent this past week for caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Kitcia Ceja, our Mazatlan fishing reporter for the Aries Fleet, the boats are getting one or two strikes each day on the bigger blues but this past week couldn’t get them to stick to the lures. She reports sailfish are still scattered about in the offshore waters, along with a few bigger dorado, (20-35 lb. ranges) and the boats have been averaging 3 dorado per day fished. Most of the dorado are being taken along the scum line that separates the clean & dirty water at about 12 miles offshore and also at the buoys. There have been fair amounts of late P.M. and night rains and the debris and water clarity line has been moving a little farther offshore each day. The overall fish counts for 8 offshore days fished aboard the cruisers reflected 3 sailfish released and 23 dorado. The inshore super pangas, reporting for 4 days fished reflected 31 dorado, which is near limit fishing for the super pangas.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy days with PM rains, high humidity at 94% and temps from 74 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, pretty good offshore conditions with stable temps at 87-88 degrees, light and variable surface breezes and not much swell.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish are nearing the 30 miles mark while the dorado are scattered with the most concentrations along the clean/ dirty water break at about 12 miles and at the buoys.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits best for the sailfish. Slow trolled live bait doing well for the dorado.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for this area.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported their fishing report in a single word for this past week, “HORRIBLE”. Temo said, “last week was rain and rough ocean with a couple of OK days but no anglers in town to go fishing”.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy with PM showers, high humidity and some windy conditions for most of the week but starting to settle back to normal today.
Sea Conditions: Rough, windy and no boats fishing. Sea Temps holding at 84-85 degrees and currently light & variable surface breezes settling the swell condition.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

It’s that time of the year when most of the tropical sportfishing areas tend to suffer the loss of a day or two fishing time due to adverse weather conditions and Puerto Morelos endured a port closure day this past week, too. However, this morning reflected good, sunny skies and a pleasant overall day. Grouper were the fish of the week for most of the anglers and the overall mixed-bag catches for 14 days fished reflected 32 grouper, 10 amberjack, 18 triggerfish, 4 banana fish, 8 snapper, 1 dorado, 2 blackfin tuna, 5 Atlantic barracuda, 14 bonito and 6 Spanish mackerel for the anglers.

PM Climate: Early in the week was mostly cloudy with windy and rainy conditions that has cleared to sunny, warm and calm today with temps from 71 nights to 93 daytime highs and a humidity level of 94% and light, variable surface breezes.
Sea Conditions: Calm today with temps holding stable at 86 degrees throughout the region.
Best Bait/Lure: Continues to be the rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo as the bait of choice for Puerto Morelos anglers.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

August 18, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The fishing this past week through the full moon has certainly taken it’s toll on the anglers and the various Cabo cabo sportfishing fleets with only a little more than a third of the boats landing a billfish. While most of the boats had an opportunity to bait a billfish, they were mostly not interested and would just sink out when the bait was presented. “Gaviota IX” landed the only blue marlin for the week, a smaller fish that checked in at 280 lbs.

Overall counts for a total of 12 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 2 stripers release, 1 sailfish released, 1 wahoo, 1 yellowfin tuna and 14 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Lots of cloud cover this past week with periods of intermittent sunshine and temps that ranged from 73 nights to 95 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Bigger swells approaching from the effects of TS Greg that is moving westerly and several hundred miles offshore from Cabo. Sea temps are good on both sides of the peninsula and range from 80-81 on the Pacific side to 88-89 on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best fishing area: Fish were scattered about but mostly on the Pacific side of the peninsula. The blue marlin came from the Golden Gate Bank.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was the best for the billfish and even resulted in a few dorado.
Live bait supply: Remained pretty good through the full moon for the caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Aries Sportfishing Fleet reflected a slow down with the dorado bite but the ones they did catch were of much nicer quality and were averaging in the 20-35 lb. ranges and most of the angling groups having 1 or 2 for dinner. According to our contact at the Marina El Cid, Ms. Kitcia Ceja, the better bite for the dorado is along the clean/dirty water break that is currently about 6-7 miles offshore.

The river outlets have been flushing debris to the sea and there has been rain almost every night. This past week the offshore fleet fished a total of 8 days and reflected 6 sailfish and 11 dorado for their efforts and the inshore super pangas reported in for 4 fishing days that reflected 12 dorado and 5 corvina. (Corvina are an unusual catch in the warm waters of summer and normally frequent the cooler waters during March through early June).

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy with lots of late P.M. rains, high humidity and temps at 73 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Temps are stable at 88-90 throughout the area with a distinct clarity break at 6-7 miles offshore and bluing to an excellent clarity by 20 miles and beyond.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish were taken in the offshore waters from 20-27 miles out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid. Most of the dorado are being taken along the clarity break in the inshore waters at about 6-7 miles from shore.
Best Lure/Bait: Slow trolled live baits along the clarity break was taking most of the dorado and the rigged trolling baits were taking most of the billfish in the offshore waters.
Bait Supply: Remained plentiful this past week, even through the full moon period.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANJEO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

A very slow and difficult week for the offshore fishing that culminated from a full moon, Tropical Storm Greg, with heavy rains, high winds, port closures and big swells. However, there was a very good bite on the roosterfish in the deeper water and outside the breakers that produced some good action using live bait, poppers and Ranger lures. Captain Temo Verboonen reported a few bonito and Sierra this past week but a very serious thinning of the Oceanic tuna, (skipjack) and not many strikes from the billfish. Temo mentioned that when you added up all of the week’s fishing negatives and added in the lack of anglers at the docks, he could have probably had a better week performing annual maintenance on the boat. As the residual effects of Tropical storm Greg diminished and passed through the area, the fishing should rebound significantly for the coming week.

I/Z Climate: Plenty of rain this week and the rivers are running into the sea. Mostly cloudy days with temps from 71 nights to 91 daytime highs and humid.
Sea Conditions: Mostly rough, windy and unstable offshore fishing conditions with very little to report for that area due to adverse conditions & port closures. Lots of dark and off-colored water that would suggest the fishing might be a little farther offshore next week in the bluer waters. Sea temps stable at 84-86 degrees throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: The inshore areas were in the deeper water and well outside the surf/breaker lines.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best for the roosterfish in the deeper waters outside the heavy breakers as were poppers and Ranger lures.
Bait Supply: The bait supply for both, live and dead trolling baits was seemingly unaffected by the adverse conditions of the week and remained readily available.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (Cancun to Cozumel area)

The mixed bag catches from the Marina El Cid Fleet at Puerto Morelos continues to provide interesting fishing entertainment for the anglers. This past week reflected a slow period for the numbers of trips but the variety level continued to produce a 10 fish catch spectrum with the Atlantic barracuda leading the surface action.

Reports from Puerto Morelos reflected 1 wahoo, 1 dorado, 9 Spanish mackerel, 7 bonito, 10 Atlantic barracuda, 2 snapper, 10 grouper, 16 triggerifsh, 6 banana fish and 2 amberjack for the 13 days fished.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with scattered rain showers and temps from 73 nights to 91 daytime highs and raised humidity levels.
Sea Conditions: Light & variable tropical surface breezes and sea temps that remained stable at 86 degrees and excellent clarity.
Best Bait: The ballyhoo remains the uncontested bait for this area.
Bait Supply: Excellent and uninterrupted.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

August 11, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The fishing from Cabo San Lucas was like the Stock Market, up one day and down the next and for no apparent reason. It was just the way it was. High boat for the week was the “Gaviota XI”, releasing 2 sailfish and a striper and landing 11 dorado and 11 skipjack tuna for three fishing days. Overall fish counts for the Gaviota Sportfishing Fleet only, for a total of 6 days fished reflected 1 striper released, 2 sailfish released, 13 dorado and 11 skipjack tuna. “Tuna Time” did not fish this week and the “Fish Cabo” is receiving a complete renovation, including new twin diesel engines and will be back on line on September 1, 2011.

Cabo Climate: Mostly cloudy this week with the threat of rain and temps that ranged from 74 nights to 94 daytime highs and higher than normal humidity levels.
Sea Conditions: Generally, very good with excellent water temps on both sides of the peninsula. 84-86 degrees on the Pacific side out to 20 miles or so and then sliding a couple of degrees. Cabo Falso, out to the 1000 fathom curve and around to the east and the Sea of Cortez, temps were at 87-88 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: All of the fish were taken on the Pacific side of the peninsula, but there were no specific hot spots to draw from and very few boats fishing.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was the best bet for the billfish and dorado and smaller feathers for the bonito.
Live Bait Supply: An excellent supply of caballitos this week.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Four days of tough weather and no boats fishing put a damper on the overall action this past week, but has the week came to a close, the fishing was coming back to par normal and the fish were again cooperating with the anglers. The “ARIES II” released the only blue marlin this week, a smaller fish in the 250 lb. range. The “Aries III” released three of the 4 sailfish for the week and rounded out their catch with 3 yellowfin tuna. In general, the dorado counts have subsided but there is still availability throughout the area and the bigger dorado are being taken away from the buoys. Italian anglers, Carlo Maggiore from Rome and Franco, (74 years old) from Modena Sassuold, Italy, had the biggest dorado for the week, a near 40 pounder, along with several smaller fish, while fishing aboard the “Aries III” with Captain Martin. Overall counts for 8 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin taken aboard the “Aries IX”, 4 sailfish, (3 released) 7 dorado and 20 yellowfin tuna. The inshore super pangas reporting in for 3 days fished reflected 11 dorado and 4 yellowfin tuna.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy with some PM and night showers, humid and temps from 75 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Settled to excellent conditions late in the week with warm temperatures that ranged from 86-87 in the offshore waters and 88-89 for the inshore waters.
Best Fishing Area: Remains out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, 22-29 miles.
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish were best on rigged baits but the tuna and dorado were best on feathers and cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: Continues to be very good for both, rigged dead baits and live baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing from Zihuatanejo was nothing short of excellent for the past week and there was a sustained hot bite for both, black & blue marlin and sailfish, beginning at the 12 mile mark and extending outbound from there.

There were still good quantities of the oceanic tuna (skipjack tuna) around, along with just a few dorado. Their only pitfall for the week was the lack of anglers to participate in the really great fishing.

He added, “it was a relatively calm week and the inshore fishing from the super pangas allowed for the boats to get right into the roosterfish and the bite was superb. We had 8 strikes one morning using live bait and pencil poppers and the 30- 55 lb. roosters stayed hot on the offerings. It has been one of those weeks where everything cooperated and came together and the anglers came out the winners. The water was clean, blue and the temps were perfect at 87-88 degrees, very little swell and very light surface breezes and lots of anxious biting fish”.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps from 70 nights to 92 daytime highs, fairly humid and scattered showers in the late P.M.s and in the mountains.
Sea Conditions: Near perfect! Good water temps at 87-88 degrees, deep, clean blue water, very light swell and light tropical surface breezes made for excellent fishing results throughout the week.
Best Fishing Area: Offshore started at about 12 miles and continued outbound from there to about 17-18 miles or so.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was the hot bite item for the inshore roosterfish but the pencil poppers were doing well, too. The offshore fishing was going very well with the rigged trolling baits and the larger artificials, too.
Bait Supply: Excellent live bait supply as well as trolling bait supply.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The late season fun fishing area of Puerto Morelos reflected a couple of sailfish in the weekly fishing report and that always makes for a more exciting fishing week, especially being more than two months beyond the season. The overall combined fish counts for 21 days fished reflected a 12-fish variety that included 2 sailfish, 19 Atlantic barracuda, 1 wahoo, 3 amberjack, 15 blackfin tuna, 5 bonito, 1 soapfish, 10 banana fish, 15 Spanish mackerel, 11 snapper, 28 triggerfish and 14 grouper. According to the Fleet Manager, Armando Gutierrez, the overall weather and water conditions have been near perfect this past week with very light tropical surface breezes and overall, light & variable breezes throughout the area.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 74 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Near excellent for the most part with light and variable surface breezes and temps that were stable in the 85-86 ranges.
Best Bait/Lure: As always for this area, the ballyhoo is the supreme bait of choice for the wide mix of fish.

Larry Edwards

619-469-4255

August 4, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It appears that the summer fishing has really come alive from Cabo San Lucas during this past week as the reports are all upbeat and exciting. High boat for the week was the “Gaviota IX”, skippered by Captain Jorge Ruiz, releasing a blue marlin, 4 stripers and landing 1 mako shark, 14 dorado & 3 yellowfin tuna for 5 days fished. “Tuna Time” had an exceptional fishing day on Sunday that provided a lifetime of memories for the Kansas father & son team, Charles & Chase Ogden. By the end of the fishing day, the 16 year old, Chase, had landed a 125 lb. yellowfin tuna, released two sailfish, caught a couple of dorado and landed a Pacific striped marlin. The only regret for the day was the striper was gill hooked and couldn’t be released but otherwise, a sensational fishing day that resulted with dorado, tuna, sailfish and marlin, a very proud father and a happy angling son. Both will have “bragging rights” when returning to their Kansas home.

The overall fish counts for a total of 14 combined fishing days reflected 3 blue marlin, (smaller fish in the 250 lb. ranges) 11 stripers, (9 released) 4 sailfish released, 12 skipjack, 10 yellowfin tuna, (to 125 lbs.) 1 mako shark and 69 dorado, (10-40 lbs.)

Cabo Climate: Scattered clouds throughout the area with temps that ranged from 74 nights to 96 daytime highs and somewhat humid for this area.
Sea Conditions: Warm water on both sides. Pacific side at 80-84 degrees and rising to 86-87 on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: Close to far and on both sides, the fish wanted to cooperate and bite. Billfish were taken on both sides as were dorado and tuna. It just didn’t seem to matter what direction this past week as all boats reported good fishing no matter what direction.
Best Bait/Lure: Billfish were best on the live baits, tuna on feathers, cedar plugs and secret weapons, dorado on both, artificials and live bait.
Live Bait Supply: Excellent for caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Really good fishing from Mazatlan this past week, according to Ms. Kitcia Ceja Diaz, our on-the-spot reporter at the office of the Marina El Cid. The largest fish for the week was a 396 lb. blue marlin that was taken by the Davila Family of Coahuila Saltilo, Mexico. The group of anglers shared in the catching of the billfish that required 1.5 hours to land, while fishing aboard the 36′ Sea Ray sportfisher, “Aries IX”, skippered by Captain Gilberto Quintero. Shortly after landing the big blue, Captain Quintero put the group on a huge school of porpoise that were carrying a big school of 20-30 lb. yellowfin tuna that resulted in the landing of 21 tuna for the group of 9 anglers. The overall fish counts for 12 days offshore fishing reflected 3 blue marlin, (2 released) 3 sailfish, (2 released) 19 dorado, 7 shark and 71 yellowfin tuna. The inshore super pangas reported in for 5 days fished that reflected 21 dorado, 4 shark and 44 yellowfin tuna. As a side note, the dorado are still readily available at the buoys but the boats have been anxiously awaiting an opportunity at the blue marlin and yellowfin tuna, adding more excitement to the offshore sportfishing action for their angling customers.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy days with intermittent periods of sunshine and an occasional scattered shower, with temps from 75 nights to 86 daytime highs. Humidity level is high.
Sea Conditions: Sea temps stable at 86 inshore and rising to 88 offshore, with good blue water starting at about 14 miles or so. Light & variable tropical breezes and small swells.
Best Fishing area: Most of the sportfishing cruisers were fishing out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid in the 22-28 mile ranges. The buoys were still good for dorado but the lure of the billfish and tuna catches farther offshore were the main attraction for the week.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits best for the sailfish and artificials best for the blue marlin. Yellowfin tuna best on feathers and cedar plugs with bigger fish taken on live bait. Dorado still biting a little of everything with live bait topping the list.
Bait Supply: Remains plentiful for the boats and anglers, both live and rigged baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported excellent fishing for sailfish this past week, along with a fair bite on the black marlin and most fishing just 10 miles in front of the Zihuatanejo Bay entrance. Temo said half the week was rough water from a passing summer storm and the other half was near perfect and allowing the few boats to get out to the fishing grounds. He mentioned that only a few dorado taken but the ones that were, were of good quality, in the 25-35 lb. ranges. The Oceanic tuna, (skipjack) have thinned out and there were no yellowfin tuna this past week. Inshore fishing has been difficult due to the big swells and waves, making it tough to get on the roosterfish and jack crevalle but the bite was very good when the fish were found and were anxious to bite on live bait. Overall, Temo said, “the fishing here is really very good and it has been good action for the anglers”.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy days with temps at 71 nights to 91 daytime highs, some scattered rains and high humidity.
Sea Conditions: Rough in the beginning of the week and calming as the week progressed with temps at 83-84 degrees throughout the area.
Some bigger swells near the beach during the early week and diminishing as the week progressed.
Best Fishing Area: Billfish, (sails and marlin) starting at about 10 miles in front of the Bay.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best this week, especially for the roosterfish and jack crevalle but rigged baits were doing well for the sailfish. Smaller feathers for the oceanic tuna.
Bait Supply: Excellent bait supply for the caballitos, (goggle eyes).

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The Atlantic barracuda were providing good action this past week and ranged in sizes from 16 lbs. to 35 lbs. with most of the boats landing at least a couple of the fish. It has been a warm and humid week at Puerto Morelos, and the fishing continues to be great family fun that seems to always provide a wide variety of Caribbean critters for the anglers. The overall catches reflected for 17 days fished reflected a 10-fish mixed bag that included 31 Atlantic barracuda, 1 dorado, 7 blackfin tuna, 8 bonito, 6 Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) 13 triggerfish, 16 soapfish, 5 banana fish, 12 grouper and 5 snapper.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent periods of sunshine. Today was pretty cloudy with scattered showers predicted, (60% chance) but light and variable surface breezes and no swell condition. Temps ranged from 74 nights to 93 daytime highs and high humidity.
Sea Conditions: Great sea temperatures holding stable at 86 degrees throughout the area and very little surface breeze, (about 5 knots today) with excellent clarity.
Best Bait/Lure: The ballyhoo continue to be the superior bait for this area and the skippers prefer a variety of rigged and un-rigged baits for the daily charters.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

July 25, 2011

Fishing in Bimini aboard Hooked Up July 15 through 25 With East Penn and Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin

Well here we are again in mid July and it is time for our annual East Penn Fishing trip to Bimini in the Bahamas.

Every year East Penn invites some of their best clients/ customers/friends for an all expenses paid 3 day fishing trip off the beautiful water of the Bahamas.

This year East Penn had brought a couple of celebrities along word famous fresh water fisherman and T.V. celebrities Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston.

Truth being told some of us Captains kind of rolled our eyes about having these guys here to take pictures with and to have to sign our photos. (MAN WAS I WRONG)

These guys were great to hang with and shoot the #%&* with. I think I was one of the first ones to get a picture with them and I hope some time soon our paths pass again.

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These guys would start talking about all their fishing stories and things that had happened to them in the past filming and fishing and they would just have us in stitches laughing so much.

We arrived on a Friday and then we fished 3 days with a group that flew in, then another group flew in and we fished with them for 3 days, and once again a last group flew in and another 3 days of fishing.

Everyday the anglers on one boat got to fish on another boat the next day so we had a different group aboard the Hooked Up each day.

Oh yeah, and did I forget to mention there were three little tournaments which gave all of us incentive to kick some butt while we are out there fishing.

I must admit that the competition consisted of a few boats that like the Hooked Up fish everyday and are quite good at this fishing thing.

This year we had Thomas Flyer, Sea Hawk and Wild Life all out of Miami, Florida and than we had the Hooked Up and the Local Knowledge out of Fort Lauderdale. Then we had the smaller but yet much faster boats that could run to find the fish the Sharkys Machine #1 and the Sharkys Machine #2 both out of Ft Lauderdale.

Aboard the Hooked Up we had so many different anglers from all over the world that I never did keep track of everyone’s name but I did keep track of a few that caught some amazing fish and FISHING WAS GOOD!!!

Our first day of fishing started out with a group from Mexico and fishing was going along pretty much how we expected it to go with us catching a few barracudas and mackerels on the reef and then off shore we went looking for some dolphin fish.

All of a sudden out of nowhere this 400 pound plus Blue Marlin darted up behind our right short bait took off with our lure.

When I say line was screaming off the reel I mean it was smoking and within 20 seconds we were down to lees than a half a spool and we were using a big 80 wide reel with 100 pound test for line.

Then just as quick as it had started it was over and the fish was gone.

(RATS AND DOUBLE RATS)

As it turned out the line had broke. Now as fisherman we know fish are going to get away but that’s just not supposed to happen but it did and we just had to get over it and try again. All we could figure was there must have been a bad spot in the line.

The following day we decided to troll off shore and work our way down to the south.

Once again we were picking at the barracudas and mackerels on the reef as John and Jerry from San Antonio, Texas were having a few cold ones and just enjoying the day.

After a few laughs and a few fish later we decided to just go for broke and off shore we went in search of some dolphin fish or maybe a billfish.

We were trolling with 2 big 80 international reels filled with 100 pound test line with 2 big marlin lures real close to the boat.

We also set out 3 more lines with little bonito strips on them hoping to catch some dolphin fish for dinner. We had 2 20 internationals’ with 30 pound test out of the riggers and I had the same up on the fly bridge set way back.

And that’s when we got our second shot at a blue marlin only this time not on one of the big reels, we got him hooked on a little 20 international that was up on the bridge with me.

John jumped in the chair and the fight was on. We knew that the chances of us catching this fish on this light tackle were slim to none but all the same, at this point we were connected and we were going to give it our best shot.

After about 15 or 20 minutes I noticed that John was covered in sweat and was starting to reel a little slower. I also noticed that every time he would reel, the rod would turn back and forth. I knew the gimble had come loose on the bottom of the rod so we had that going for us!

15 or 20 minutes later J.J. and I heard John say something about some one else trying for a while

That’s when these words just came out of my mouth and right into John’s ears.

(Come on you pale white softy, you can do it) Don’t know for sure what it was about calling him a pale white softy that did it but he let out a big laugh and seem to have gotten his second wind.

Another 20 minutes later John had his first blue marlin to the boat, in fact we found out it was the first time John had ever gone fishing in his life!

We slid John’s 180 to 200 pound marlin into the boat for a quick measurement to have a replica trophy made of Johns first fish ever, then we just slid him right back out the door to fight again another day.

After some hand shaking and some high fiving we proceeded to use a bunch of 4 letter words explaining to John how people fish their whole lives trying to catch a blue marlin not to mention of such light tackle.

The cold ones were flowing well that night while we were celebrating first place but we still had one more day to hold on to it.

The following day we had a bunch from Mexico. While I did not get all their names I did a couple and I’ll get to that in a minute.

Well as you cam imagine after losing a blue marlin a couple of days ago and catching one yesterday well I guess you can say that all of the boats started getting blue marlin fever.

So today we headed right off shore with the exact same spread of baits that seemed to work for us the last couple of days.

As you can imagine there was a lot of chitter chatter on the radio and yes I had to put my 2 cents in about the blue marlin so at this point everyone was busting my chops about using up all my luck and so on.

That’s when it happened, another blue marlin on my high line again and just like that we were Hooked Up. Enrique jumped in the chair and I jumped on the radio.

At first this blue marlin was taking some line and at the same time no one on the radio believed we were Hooked Up again. Then Enrique started gaining line and one of the other boats saw us spinning around trying to ease another blue marlin on light tackle to the boat.

J.J. reached out and grabbed the leader and YES we now were holding on to first and second place. While it was only about a 100 pounder it was a blue marlin all the same on light tackle.

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Then we ran to a deep drop off on what we call the ledge and hooked into a big bottom fish. Carlo jumped in the chair and the fight was on. 10 minutes later up popped this big 36-pound amber jack.

Captain Mike aboard the Local Knowledge said he was going to stab me in the heart with a bill from a fish and Captain Brian on the Sharkys Machine 2 said it was all due to J.J. And that was how the bantering went on the radio for the rest of the day.

The saying on the dock was (Thank God For J.J.) I just don’t get any respect but that’s ok I put us all on these fish and those jealous Captains can’t take that from me. (LOL)

Then we heard on the radio that the Wild Life was hooked up into nice blue marlin and they had hooked the fish with a 50 international reel so these guys had a good shot at landing this fish and that would for sure knock us out of first place.

But as it tuned out Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin were filming right next to where the wild life had hooked up so they passed the rod over to be caught aboard Roland’s boat where the film crew was. They ended up finally getting this 250 plus blue marlin to the boat. Way to go guys!!!

We don’t know for sure what was going on off Bimini but all of us were just glad to be here while the bite was on.

The boys on the Thomas Flyer had spent the last few days running a good 40 to 45 miles to the north searching for tunas. While they had managed to catch a few they now seemed to get the blue marlin fever everyone else was getting.

And Captain Mike aboard the Local Knowledge managed to leave all of us captains scratching our heads as he hauled in monster grouper after monster grouper all in the 70-pound range.

While the Sea Hawk did a great job keeping all their anglers busy catching Big Barracudas, Mackerels along with a bunch of bottom fish.

Sharkys Machine 1 spent a lot of time fishing the bottom and producing lots of big amber jacks and yellow tail snappers. And last but not least Sharkys Machine #2 with Captain Brian at the helm spent his time running around off shore and it seemed that he was the only boat that found dolphin fish every day.

The following day we went off shore again. That’s right, looking for anther shot at a blue but all we ended up with was some dolphin fish and a hand full of barracudas.

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Again the next day off shore catching about 6 or 7 dolphin and once again more barracudas but at this point all of us Captains had about enough of Captain Mike throwing all these groupers on the dock.

So back to the drop off we went and down went a big hunk of barracuda and then all at once BAM the rod bent over Mike from Minnesota jumped in the chair and the fight was on.

About 10 min later up popped this 45 pound black grouper.

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Over the next few days we tried these drops again and again but only catching sharks and one big half of another black grouper.

On the next day we went back to trolling off shore and by this point it seemed all the boats were off shore trolling looking for that one bite that would put them in first place.

Right off the bat we got another bill fish bite and yes once again on the high line.

This time Big Al from New York jumped in the chair and it seemed it was only fitting that he got the shot because Doug, Gerald and Paul were all inside in the A.C. licking their wounds from the night before.(LOL)

It took Al about 5 minutes to have his nice big 175 pound sail fish to the boat. (Ok so maybe it did not weigh quite 175 pounds but that was what they were going with and if you’ve met anyone from Jamaica or Queens, New York you would not want to disagree with them either. Al said 175, I’m going with it.

When it was all said and done the Hooked Up ended up with 2 first places and one second place catching 2 out of 4 blue marlin, 1 out of 3 sails, 1 big 45 pound black grouper, and another half of a black that weighted 28 pounds along with 1,000,000 barracudas and mackerels and other reef fish.

I want to thanks Brian, Ken, Sally and about 20 other guys that work for East Penn for having us back again this year and we are looking so forward to fishing with the East Penn guys again.

I would also like to thank all the other captain and mates for making us feel like family.

And to all of our anglers from Canada, Mexico and the good old USA thanks again and we are looking forward to fishing with all you guys again next year.

And last but not least, Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin it was a real honor hanging out with you guys for the last week and best of luck with all your fishing and shows.

On a closing note to all of my readers out there, we are looking forward to fishing with you but if you find yourself in Miami and are looking to go fishing I’ve got a couple of boats and Captains down there that will show you nothing less than a great time on the water.

Thomas Flyer Captain Jimbo (305) 374-4133

Wild Life Captain Pete

Sea Hawk Captain Al (305) 358-7632

Thanks again to everyone and tight lines.

Captain Taco (954) 764-4344 or toll free @ (877) SEA-4344

July 21, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The sportfisher, “Tuna Time”, skippered by Captain Roberto Padilla, sets the pace on billfish and yellowfin tuna for their two fishing days this past week.Day one, fishing with the Robert Wesley group of five, from Deer Park, TX, landed 25 yellowfin tuna and released a striper.Day two, fishing with the Peter Khai family of six, (Mom, dad and the four boys, ages 13,12,8 & 4) North Hills, CA, released a black marlin that was estimated at 250-275 lbs. and two stripers for their fishing day.The “Gaviota X” produced the first sailfish for the season fishing outside of the Palmilla Ridge.The overall fish counts for a combined total of 15 days fished reflected 1 black marlin released, 1 sailfish, 7 stripers released, 1 mako shark, 11 dorado and 62 yellowfin tuna.Even the full moon phase of the past week had little effect on the fishing as the catching seemed to be steadily improving as the water temps kept moving upwards.

Cabo Climate: Intermittently cloudy days with periods of sunshine and temps from 74 nights to 96 daytime highs and a SSE breeze at 10-15 mph. Chance of rain by Saturday resulting from Hurricane Dora.
Sea Conditions:SSE breeze at 10-15 mph and southerly swell starting to show from Hurricane Dora, but still very fishable.Temps from 83-84 and range from the Golden Gate Bank, down across the Jaime Bank, wrapping Cabo San Lucas and on up to Las Frailes on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing area:Billfish were scattered about with fish caught in several different locations.The bulk of the yellowfin tuna cam from two areas, Herradura, just south of Cabo about 10 miles and off the “White Hills” about 25 miles outside of Cabo.
Best Lure/Bait:The black marlin was taken on an artificial and most of the stripers were taken on live bait.The tuna catches were on the feathers and cedar plugs with most of the fish in the 20-30 lb.ranges.
Live Bait Supply:Good supply of caballitos and an occasional mackerel in the mix.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The full moon seemed to help the bite from Mazatlan and the yellowfin tuna and dorado action kept the anglers very busy through the week. The overall averages reflected limit fishing for dorado with many releases for both, super pangas and the offshore cruisers. There was so much action on the dorado and yellowfin tuna that the anglers focused on the fast paced action that allowed for multiple trikes and hot bite fun.The buoys were producing easy dorado limits and another 7-9 miles outside the buoys, the yellowfin tuna were eager to please. Then, there were a couple of blue marlin bites in between the two areas and the Aires IV landing and releasing a smaller blue, (approximately 275 lbs.). The overall catches for a total of 15 offshore fishing days reflected 1 blue marlin, 2 sailfish (1 released) limits of dorado that ranged from 12 lbs. to 51 lbs. and 106 yellowfin tuna that ranged from 18-40 lbs.The super pangas, reporting for 4 days fished also reflected limit fishing for the dorado and the “Anzuelo III” had an 8 yellowfin tuna addition to the dorado catches.

Mazatlan Climate:Intermittently cloudy days with periods of sunshine and temps from 75 nights to 87 daytime highs and a SSE breeze at 10-15 mph.Chance of rain is nearly 60% for the next few days.
Sea Conditions:Warm sea temps at 87-88 and ranging from the Golden Gate Bank and down across the Jaime Bank on the Pacific side, wrapping Cabo San Lucas and on up to Las Frailes on the Sea of Cortez side
Best Fishing Area:The buoys were fast paced action for the dorado bite with the bigger fish being taken at the 20 mile buoy. The yellowfin tuna were out to the southwest another 7-9 miles and provided excellent catches of tuna in the 18-40 lb. ranges.Billfish taken were in the in between areas as the boats were making a move from one location to another.
Best Bait/Lure:Rigged trolling baits for the sailfish, blue marlin on an artificial, yellowfin tuna on feathers and cedar plugs and dorado on live bait, rapalas, feathers and assorted other artificials.
Bait Supply:Excellent bait supply for both, rigged baits and live baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Excellent fishing just a few miles outside Zihuatanejo Bay, offering terrific action on sailfish, lots of oceanic (skipjack) tuna and a sustained good bite on the bigger dorado.According to Captain Temo Verboonen, there are many logs floating around the area and nearly all are holding good sized dorado which he claims is one of the benefits of the rainy season that opens the river mouths.While the inshore fishing has been “iffy” this past week due to high swells and big waves, Temo believes the roosterfish will still be chomping at the baits and poppers once the swells settle down.He adds, the biggest problem for us at this time of year is the lack of anglers at the pier in the morning that is severely limiting the numbers of boats fishing.

IZ Climate:Mostly cloudy days with temps from 71 nights to 91 daytime highs and a 50-60% chance of thundershowers for the next few days.Hurricane Dora is hanging off the coast at about 200 miles, moving along to the northwest at 16 mph.This is going to be a category 4 hurricane by Friday with sustained winds at 131 to 155 mph, but is tracking W.N.W. and not likely to go ashore.
Sea Conditions:Big swells and southeasterly winds making fishing inshore impossible and somewhat uncomfortable offshore.Sea temps holding stable at 85-86 degrees and excellent blue water at 7 miles from the Bay entrance.
Best Fishing Area:Starts at just 7 miles straight out from Zihuatanejo Bay.
Best Lure/Bait:Rigged baits working well for the sailfish and Rapalas working well for the oceanic tuna, (skipjack tuna).
Bait Supply: Good bait supply that remained readily available inside Zihuatanejo Bay.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

It was another mixed bag fishing week for the anglers from Puerto Morelos that provided a dozen different varieties of the Caribbean catches.The surface temperatures and water clarity has been very good throughout this area and for this time of year, allows for fishing on most days, albeit, there have been some tropical surface breezes that have kicked out some wind chop and made fishing a little less comfortable for the anglers.The overall fish counts for this past week reflected 2 wahoo, 4 blackfin tuna, 9 Atlantic barracuda, 4 Spanish mackerel, 3 bonito, 1 shark, 4 amberjack, 10 triggerfish, 9 banana fish, 1 soapfish, 16 snapper and 21 grouper.

Puerto Morelos Climate:Partly cloudy days with easterly surface breezes at 10-15 mph and temps from 75 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Some PM wind chop but very good water temps that remained stable at 84 degrees throughout the area.
Best Bait/Lure:Rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo continue to be the primary bait of choice throughout the area.
Bait Supply:The supply continues to be more than sufficient to supply all of the area boas on a daily basis and remains one of the few areas that stays unaffected by the phases of the moon.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

July 14, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Where’d they go? While the boats are still seeing a fair scattering of billfish from right outside Cabo Bay and into the Sea of Cortez, the fish are being stubborn and not biting. The only billfish landed this week was aboard the “Gaviota IX”, a Pacific striped marlin, and it was taken at Destiladeras, about 25-28 miles from Cabo San Lucas, on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula. The yellowfin tuna was unquestionably the fish of the week but the seiners were rapidly moving into the area and may wrap the works in a very short period of time. The dorado bite had started to pick up last week and dwindled rapidly as the week progressed. The overall catches for a total of 11 days fished reflected 1 striper released, 4 dorado and 34 yellowfin tuna, (all in the 20-45 lb. ranges).

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with periods of good sunshine, a little humid and temps that ranged from 74 nights to 97 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very good water temperatures throughout the area that included 78-80 on the Pacific side and from Cabo Falso out to the 95 Fathom Spot at 82-83 and gradually rising to 85-86 by the Gorda Banks and above.
Best Fishing Area: Billfish scattered throughout the area but very finicky biters. Only an occasional dorado scattered about and the main yellowfin tuna action came from the Herradura, a spot outside of Cabo about 12-14 miles or so.
Best Bait/Lures: The single billfish was taken on a live caballito.
The yellowfin were taken on the feathers, cedar plugs and jet heads.
Live Bait Supply: Live bait supply was pretty good this past week with a mix of caballitos and mackerel.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Blue marlin were the billfish of the week for the anglers from Mazatlan and most of the offshore sportfishers had blue marlin action, if not an actual hookup, fish that followed but refused to bite. The biggest blue marlin for the week weighed in at 325 lbs. and was taken aboard the “Aries V”. The overall fish counts for a total of 7 days fished offshore reflected 3 blue marlin, (2 releases) 10 yellowfin tuna, (40-80 lb. class) and 27 dorado, (15 to 25 lb. ranges). The inshore super pangas reportting for three days fished reflected 12 yellowfin tuna and 12 dorado, or an average of 8 fish per boat fished day. Ms. Kitcia Ceja, our new reporter for the Aries Fleet, said they had a couple of rainy days this past week and water was flowing to the sea and creating a scum-line where the bait fish are congregating and attracting dorado.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy days with isolated P.M. showers and temps that reflected 75 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, pretty calm this past week with light surface breezes and sea temps that stabilized at 85-86 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: Most of the tuna have been in the 24-26 mile area, out to the south off the Marina El Cid, virtually in the same area where the blue marlin are biting.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged mullet working well for the blue mrlin and small feathers for the yellowfin tuna.
Bait Supply: Remains readily available for all boats.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported the ocean was pretty rough and bumpy for most of the week and completely unsafe for fishing the roosterfish inshore and even borderline for fishing sailfish in the offshore waters. The couple of good fishing days that the boats did get out offered good sailfish action with plenty of skipjack tuna in the mix. Very few boats fished this week due to the rough and bumpy ocean and squall conditions that kept the rivers running fluently.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy with PM showers and squalls, humidity, and temps that ranged from 70 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Temps: Stable at 83-84 degrees and very blue from about 8 miles offshore and beyond.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits working well for the sailfish and tuna feathers, cedar plugs and rapalas working well for the skipjack tuna.
Bait Supply: Bait supply remains excellent for both, live and rigged baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The Atlantic barracuda set the pace for action from the Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet at Puerto Morelos, with fish that were estimated at nearly 40 lbs. The overall catches for 20 days fished reflected a 10 fish mixed bag catch that included 1 sailfish, 4 wahoo, 8 blackfin tuna, 26 Atlantic barracuda, 8 Spanish mackerel, 27 bonito, 1 shark, 13 grouper, 4 snapper and 7 banana fish. According to the Marina & Fleet Manager, Armando Gutierrez, the overall fishing conditions have stayed good this year with very little adverse weather conditions and only a minimal amount of days have been lost due to port closures.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days wither long periods of full sunshine. Warm evenings and nights at 75 degrees and rising to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 83-84 degrees throughout the area with light & variable surface winds from the east.
Best Bait/Lure: The always incredible ballyhoo continues to be the preferred bait for this area and they rig the baits with and without colored skirts.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

July 7, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

What a difference a week makes and of course, stable water temperatures and good water clarity. This past week from Cabo San Lucas saw the boats averaging a billfish per boat, albeit, the “highliners” were present, as usual. “Tuna Time” was high billfish boat for the week and reflected 6 billfish for three days fished and rounding out his catch with 3 dorado. The billfish were scattered about in different areas and they were much more eager to bite the lures and baits this go-round. The “Gaviota VIII” reported 4 billfish for 3 days fished, along with 20 yellowfin tuna and a single dorado to round out his catch. The overall combined fish counts for 24 days fished reflected 24 stripers, (all but one released) 1 mako shark, 12 dorado to 33 lbs. and 66 yellowfin tuna from 15-55 lbs.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days and nights and a hard night’s rain in the early week. Temps ranged from 73 nights to 92 daytime highs and humidity was in the air.
Sea Conditions: Sea Temps were stable and the waters have warmed back up. Pacific side was at 77 degrees and rising to 81 by Cabo San Lucas and gradually rising to 83 degrees at the Gorda Banks. Sea of Cortez side was very good clarity for most areas.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish were being taken in many locations
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish were chasing the lures pretty good this past week but the live bait drop back was near 100% effective. Tuna were taken on feathers of assorted colors, cedar plugs, a few on the rapalas and the bigger fish on live bait.
Bait Supply: The cabillitos were readily available this past week for most of the boats.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Aries Sportfishing Fleet had a stellar fishing week for the fleet that reflected excellent fishing results. The “Aries III”, skippered by Capain Marttin Raygoza, landed two sailfish and a blue marlin, releasing the blue marlin and 1 sailfish, (1 sailfish died in the battle). The blue marlin was estimated at 500 lbs. On the following day, Captain Martin released another blue marlin and rounded out his day with 6 dorado. The “Aries IV”, skippered by Captain David Cabanillas, had a 2 blue marlin day, releasing one of the two and taking the other. The overall combined catches for 16 days fished reflected a total of 4 blue marlin, (3 released) 7 sailfish, (6 released) 36 dorado to 50 lbs. and 47 yellowfin tuna in the 40-80 lb. ranges. The inshore super pangas, reporting for 7 days fished, reflected a total of 37 dorado for their anglers.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy with some evening and night rains and temps from 74 nights to 89 daytime highs and humid. Light north surface breezes at about 7 mph.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm days in the offshore waters with excellent temps that are holding at 81-83 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish and yellowfin tuna are in the 23-29 mile area, out to the south of the Marina El Cid. The dorado catches, for the most part, come from the buoys.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits were working very well for the billfish and dorado. The 50 lb. dorado was taken on a slow trolled ballyhoo. Tuna taken on the tuna feathers, cedar plugs, petroleros. Dorado still biting on shrimp.
Bait Supply: Excellent! The mix of bait has been working very well for the boats. Live bait, when available, is always recommended.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported that the fishing has been nothing short of excellent for the past week or so and the action focused on sailfish, lots of good sized dorado, (to 50-plus lbs.)and yellowfin tuna and it’s all mixed together with the skipjack tuna, (aka oceanic tuna) and just a short few miles outside the Zihuatanejo Bay entrance. The inshore action has been very good for roosterfish, from smaller to big fish and big jack crevelle. Even a few Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) and dorado are biting and adding to the inshore excitement. We are starting to see some of the river mouths open up and drain off into the ocean and that should soon start the snook action for the inshore anglers.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy with late PM & night rains and temps from 71 nights to 90 daytime highs. Humidity level is high. Tropical depression #3-E is right out front today and blowing at 35-45 mph, heading northwest and will be out of the area by tomorrow.
Sea Conditions: Overall, it has been near excellent but the change came this morning with Tropical depression #3-E, roughing up the water and accompanied with high surface winds. Sea temps remain stable at 84-85 degrees throughout the area and the water is deep blue at about 5 miles from the Bay.
Best Fishing Area: The good fishing starts at about 5 miles at the clean water break and goes outbound from there, according to Captain Temo Verboonen.
Best Lure/Bait: The 2 0z. ranger lures are working very well for the inshore fishing and the live baits, too. The roosters have been hot on almost everything dragging through the water. The offshore fishing has been consistent on the rigged baits for the billfish and dorado and the tuna feathers, cedar plugs, ranger lures are all working very well for the yellowfin tuna.
Bait Supply: An excellent bait supply for both, rigged trolling baits and live bait, (caballitos).

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

This was the first week in several months that we have no billfish to report for the Puerto Morelos area, although the overall fish counts remained good and only a 1-day port closure due to adverse weather conditions. It’s the summer fishing season for the area and most evenings will see scattered thunder showers that tend to give way to merely cloudy daytime skies and a build-up in the humidity for the area. Overall fish counts for 17 days fished reflected a total of 9 species that included 4 blackfin tuna, 16 Atlantic barracuda, 2 sharks, 24 bonito, 2 Spanish mackerel, 17 grouper, 12 triggerfish, 1 snapper and 2 banana fish.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with high humidity and temps that ranged from 75 nights to 87 daytime highs. Scattered thunder showers, especially in the evenings and nights.
Sea Conditions: Only a single port closure day due to adverse sea conditions and wind. Temps very stable at 84 degrees throughout the area and calm seas at the time of this report.
Best Bait/Lure: The ever-ready ballyhoo continues to lead the bait food chain for the Puerto Morelos area and the skippers and mates are enormously adept at rigging the baits to attract all of the fish in this area.
Bait Supply: Continues to be available on a daily basis and provides for all of the various sportfishers’ in this area.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

Website: www.cortezcharters.com

June 30, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The warmer water currents flowing southerly from the Sea of Cortez are pushing the cold Pacific waters back around the corner and the sea temps have rebounded considerably from the mega-temperature drops of last week.Better yet, the fish have moved back on location and barring any unforeseen events from Mother Nature, the bite should stabilize for the anglers.High boat for the week was the “Fish Cabo”, skippered by Captain Gil Marquez, with 5 stripers released and 8 yellowfin tuna for 3 days fishing.Overall combined fish counts for a total of 20 fished days reflected 13 stripers released, 1 dorado, 1 Sierra and 69 yellowfin tuna, (15-45 lbs.)

Cabo Climate:Mostly sunny & warm days with an occasional cloud passing over and temps from 72 nights to 94 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Sea temps much improved and stabilized at this time, ranging from 77 at Cabo San Lucas and gradually climbing to 80 at the Gorda Banks and outside to the 1150 fathom spot.
Best Fishing Area:The billfish are still scattered about and being caught randomly throughout the area.The tuna have mostly come from the 95 Fathom Spot to the 1150 Fathom spot and beyond into the Sea of Cortez.
Best Lure/Bait:Lures worked best on the tuna & included tuna feathers, cedar plugs and assorted deep water artificials and live bait remained best for the billfish and were most effective on the drop back to fish chasing the lures.
Live Bait Supply:Remained good through the week with caballitos being available from the vendors at the $3.00 per bait rate.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The dorado bite continues for all of the sportfishers, albeit, the bite did slow some this past week.For the first time in nearly a month the boats were just shy of limit fishing but still averaging 7-15 dorado, (including releases) per boat fishing day with the fish ranging from 15-30 lbs.The sportfishers venturing farther offshore were seeing more sailfish but having difficulty enticing them to bite.On the plus side, more and more sailfish are showing up each week and the billfish counts are expected to show substantial increases over the next few months.The overall fish counts for 14 offshore fishing days reflected 3 sailfish released, 3 yellowfin tuna and 94 dorado and the inshore super pangs, reporting for 5 days fished reflected 45 dorado.

Mazatlan Climate:Mostly cloudy but warm days and nights with temps ranging from 73 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Excellent throughout the area with stable temperature readings at 85 degrees
Best fishing area:The buoys remain the hot-spots for the dorado and the billfish are being seen over a wide area from about 22-30 miles out to the south of the Marina El Cid.
Best Bait/Lure:Live bait working well for the dorado, along with rigged baits and shrimp.Billfish taken on rigged, slow-trolled baits.
Bait Supply:Readily available to the boats and anglers.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported an excellent fishing week from Zihuatanejo with clean, blue water close in and lots of sailfish action, a good showing on the blue marlin and good catches on dorado, yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna. Seems like all of the fish were congregating together in an area from 8-15 miles out in front of Ziuatanejo Bay and just looking for the anglers.The Henry Castillo family from Chino Hills, CA, fishing aboard the “Bloody Hook” with Captain Chiro Barrigan, landedf 4 sailfish, a 200 lb. blue marlin, a skipjacck and a few smaller dorado for their two fishing days.The inshore action was still offering excellent roosterfish action with fish to 60 lbs. and still good numbers on the bigger jack crevelle.

“Overall, it has been a fun fishing week for the anglers that did go out.Even better, the weather report had continued to report heavy rain but it did not occur.We had a small amount of rain during the Beatriz storm but after that, just a little in the nightime”.

IZ Climate:Mostly cloudy days and temps that ranged from 70 nights to 87 daytime highs.An occasional scattered nightime shower.
Sea Conditions:Near excellent!Very good water temps that remain stable at 85 degrees, both inshore and offshore, and superb blue- water clarity from about 8 miles offshore.
Best Fishing Area:Starting at about 8 miles offshore at the clean water break and offshore from there.
Best Bait/Lure:Trolling baits best for the billfish.Live bait and poppers best on the roosterfish and also working well on the tuna & dorado.
Bait Supply:Remains readily available.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

A very difficult period for the Puerto Morelos area with rough weather for most of the week that resulted in the closure of the port for 5 consecutive days.However, even with the considerably fewer fishing days, the catches continued to reflect good action for most of the anglers.The week’s combined fishing report reflected 1 blue marlin, (200 lbs.) 2 sailfish, 3 dorado, 8 bonito, 1 Spanish mackerel, 8 Atlantic barracuda, 3 grouper, 2 snapper, 1 triggerfish, and 1 amberjack.

PM Climate:Mostly cloudy days with a few thunder showers and temps from 76 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Somewhat back to normal with surface winds at 8-15 mph from the prevailing easterly directions and sea temps stable at 83 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure:The ballyhoo baits, provided fresh each day, continue to be the area’s choice for all of the fishing, both surface and bottom catches, alike.
Bait Supply:Continues to be a seemingly endless supply for this area.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

June 23, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The incredible Pacific current swept by Cabo San Lucas and pushed its way into the Sea of Cortez early in the week, dropping water temperatures nearly 15 degrees before starting the warming change. The temp ranges went from 82-83 degrees and dropped almost overnight to 67 degrees and extended from the Pacific side and up to Las Frailes, on the Sea of Cortez side of the Peninsula. Truly, it’s hard to imagine what a 15 degree drop in sea temperatures can do to fishing and I can only share with you, the changes had an enormous downward effect on the overall fish counts for the week. However, as the week progressed, the sea temps started to climb back up and the billfish were staring to move back into the areas and the “hot spot” was in the area of the 1150 fathom spot and outside to the Cabrillo Seamount. The overall fish counts for a total of 16 days fished reflected 11 stripers released, 6 dorado, (18-35 lb. range) and 49 yellowfin tuna to 48 lbs.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with temps from 70 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: As of this morning, we were seeing temps back to the low 80′s in the area of the 1150 Fathom spot and northerly, along the 1000 fathom curve. A warming trend was pushing back down the Sea of Cortez and appears to be overtaking the cooler Pacific current.
Best Fishing Area: The 1150 Fathom Spot and out to the Cabrillo Seamount and northerly, into the Sea of Cortez.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best and was working well on the drop- back for fish following the lures.
Live Bait Supply: Remained good through the week for caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The dorado catches remain at the limit fishing mode and the opportunities to catch and release dorado continue throughout most fishing days. Light tackle anglers and fly fishing enthusiasts continue to enjoy the fast bite action at the various buoys, (FADs) positioned from 7 to 20 miles out in front of the Marina El Cid. Most of the offshore sportfishers are focusing on the dorado catches at the request of the anglers. There is nothing quite like the thrill of multiple hookups on the dancing dorado with fish jumping in all directions. The overall fish counts for 14 offshore fishing days resulted in limit fishing for dorado, 3 sailfish released and 4 yellowfin tuna, (20-30 lb. fish). The inshore super pangas reporting for a total of 6 days fished reflected limits of dorado for their efforts and day long opportunities to catch & release. The dorado sizes were typically in the 14-25 lb. ranges.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly cloudy with temps from 72 nights to 88 daytime highs and light & variable tropical surface breezes.
Sea Conditions: Stable sea temps in the 83-84 degree ranges and calm seas for most of the week.
Best Fishing Area: The buoys for the dorado and out to the south of the Marina El Cid, 22-27 miles for the billfish.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits for the billfish, shrimp, live bait, strip baits, rigged baits and a variety of artificials all worked very well for the dorado catches.
Bait Supply: An excellent bait supply this past week that offered an angler’s choice.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the rainy season has arrived and the winds have come with it. The Port was closed for two days this past week, resulting from Tropical Storm, “Beatriz”, and even on the open days, it was still rough & bumpy for the most part. Normally, that alone would have put a damper on the fishing, but not this time around. Temo said it’s still good fishing for the yellowfin tuna and the “oceanic tuna” (skipjack) mixed together and the catch rate has been about 5 skipjack to 1 yellowfin. The boats reflected good catches on the sailfish and a scattering of marlin throughout the week on the open days. The inshore fishing for roosterfish continues to be near excellent for the bigger fish, (fish to 50-plus lbs. were the norm) and most are being released. There are very few boats fishing this time of year and very few tourists visiting our area right now.

IZ Climate: It is the rainy time of the year and the rivers will be running, shortly, if not already. Mostly cloudy days with temps from 71 nights to 91 daytime highs and a bit on the humid side.
Sea Conditions: The port was closed for two days due to rough and unsafe conditions caused by the storm, “Beatriz”, which has now moved out to the west and dissipated. Most of the week was rough and bumpy from the residual effects of the storm. Sea temps are excellent at the 85-85 degree range.
Best Fishing Area: The roosterfish still in along Valentin beach. The yellowffin tuna and skipjack tuna just a half-mile or so past Black Rock. Billfish from just a couple miles offshore and outward from there.
Best Bait/Lures: Rigged baits for the billfish. Feathers, cedar plugs, rapalas and rangers worked well for the tuna and live bait and pencil poppers for the roosterfish.
Bait Supply: Remained good through the full moon period.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

A little weather snuck into the Puerto Morelos area this past week and caused the Port to be closed over 3 days, spanning Saturday through Monday, which allowed for a downturn in the overall variety and numbers of fish. However, by Tuesday morning, the boats were back at the fishing and again reporting successful catches for their angling groups. The “Aries VIII” reported 2 sailfish released and two Atlantic barracuda by noon on Tuesday, reflecting that the integrity of the water remained stable and clean throughout the area. The overall counts for 14 days fished reflected a 9 fish mixed bag catch of 3 sailfish, 2 blackfin tuna, 15 Atlantic barracuda, 6 bonita, 4 Spanish mackerel, 6 grouper, 2 snapper, 7 triggerfish and 1 amberjack.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps from 75 nights to 92 daytime highs and humid.
Sea Conditions: Back to normal with light surface breezes from the easterly directions and se temps holding at 84 degrees from inshore to offshore.
Best Bait: Continues to be the ballyhoo, both rigged and un-rigged and skirted.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available on a daily basis for all of the boats.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

June 16, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

While the overall fishing/catching slowed down a little this past week, it was still very good fishing and at the end of the day, every boat had fish aboard.High boat for billfish this past week was the “Gaviota X” and “Tuna Time”, both with 4 stripers released for 3 days fished.“Gaviota VII” had a total of 5 stripers released for a 5-day fishing period and reported the only mako shark caught this past week.The water temps have cooled considerably on the Pacific side and the break is at Cabo Falso, just around the corner from Cabo San Lucas. where the 70-74 degree water pushes up to the 82 degree water that continues to rise to 84 degrees on into the Sea of Cortez.The overall combined fish counts for a total of 31 days fished reflected 24 stripers released, 1 mako shark, 1 wahoo, 11 dorado, (18-35 lb.fish) and 81 yellowfin tuna, (12-40 lb. fish).

Cabo Climate:Sunny & clear skies with warm days and temps that ranged from 70 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Very good conditions prevail on the Sea of Cortez*- side of Cabo San Lucas with temps gradually rising from 82 at Cabo San Lucas to 84 at the Gordo Banks and beyond.
Best Fishing Area:Billfish were scattered throughout the area from Cabo Falso and out to the 95 Fathom Spot and on up to the Palmilla Ridge area.No real concentrations but billfish scattered all along the Cabo Corridor.
Best Lure/Bait:The aritificials were working well to raise the fish and the drop-back with a live bait was close to a 100% bite ratio.
Bait Supply:Remained good through the week for caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The on-going, people pleasing, dorado bite at the buoys continues at a record-setting pace and has allowed for limit fishing for every boat on every trip for the past three weeks.Adding to the excitement is the opportunity to catch & release dorado all day long.For those with light tackle or fly fishing gear, it is nothing short of awesome, non-stop action.It is unquestionably a very sustained wide-open bite.These buoys are scattered from about 7 miles offshore to 20 miles offshore and currently, all buoys are holding significant numbers of dorado, (in the 12-25 lb. ranges) with the numbers growing the farther offshore the buoys get.Adding to the dorado action this past week was the much better showing of sailfish and good action on the yellowfin tuna in the 20-35 lb.ranges.Most of the yellowfin tuna are also being taken near the offshore buoys using live bait, (small bonito) caught on location using sabikis rigs, (a 6-8-hook ganion of small feathered #6 hooks, specifically designed for catching live bait).The overall fish counts for a total of 15 offshore fishing days reflected 9 sailfish released, 53 yellowfin tuna, limits of dorado and numerous dorado releases.The inshore super pangas, reporting in for 5 days fished, reflected 1 sailfish released, 13 yellowfin tuna and limits of dorado with numerous releases.

Mazatlan Climate:Partly cloudy but warm days and pleasant temperature that ranged from 69 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Near excellent and mostly calm water with light & variable surface breezes and stable temps at 85-86 degrees out to more than 50 miles.
Best Fishing Areas:At the buoys for dorado and yellowfin tuna.Out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid, 20-25 miles for the billfish.
Best Lure/Bait:The small, live bonito for the yellowfin tuna, ballyhoo & shrimp working very well for dorado, rigged baits for sailfish and pink & white artificials for the sailfish.
Bait Supply:Excellent bait supply.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported excellent action for the yellowfin tuna and just a couple miles outside of Zihuatanejo Bay, where the water turned a deep, clean, blue and the temp was holding stable at about 86 degrees.Starting in this same area, the sailfish bite provided opportunities for multiple strikes on catches/releases that kept the anglers busy and in good action too, in conjunction with the tuna bite.Even the dorado wanted to be in on the bite but most of the dorado in this area right now are very small fish and are being released by most of the anglers and skippers.The inshore action is still providing excellent roosterfish action for the bigger fish, directly in front of the Valentin River and on any day that the swell and wave condition allows it.While still very slow for anglers, which is quite normal during this time of year when the rainy season arrives, the fishing has been plenty good enough for the inshore and offshore fishing.

IZ Climate:Mostly cloudy and warm, humid days with temps from 72 nights to 94 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Other than a little wind and some big swell from the recent passing of Hurricane Adrian, the water temps are near perfect and the clarity is excellent.86 degree sea temps from inshore to many miles offshore now.
Best Fishing Area:Right in front of Zihuatanejo Bay and a mere 2 miles or so offshore and from there, on outbound.
Best Bait/Lure:Sails doing well on the rigged baits, but also being taken on artificials in the bright colors.Tuna bite is good on the feathers, deep running lures, cedar plugs, poppers and more.
Bait Supply:Continues to be an excellent supply of rigged bait and live bait for this area.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The catches from Puerto Morelos slid back a little this past week for no apparent reason.Possible fewer fishing days butt usually, it’s the numbers of shorter fishing days.Guess that’s just fishing?We normally see 14-16 species of mixed bag catches but this week, only a 10 fish mixed bag was reported.Nevertheless, it was still fun fishing and the weather was inviting, too, with very light surface breezes over the water and just enough to stay cool.Overall catches for the 27 fished days reflected 2 sailfish, 2 blackfin tuna, 9 wahoo, 7 Sierra, 19 bonito, 26 Atlantic barracuda, 8 grouper, 15, triggerifsh, 8 soapfish, 15 triggerfish and 6 snapper.

PM Climate:Partly cloudy days but warm and humid with temps ranging from 95 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Excellent!Temps are very stable at 86 degrees throughout this area and temps holding at 86 degrees.
Best Bait/Lure:The rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo continue to be the preferred bait for this area.
Bait Supply:There continues to be an unabated supply of ballyhoo that are used fresh, riigged and un-rigged and supplied with each charter.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

June 9, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The Cabo San Lucas bite has been getting better and better over the past three weeks and this past week was just nothing short of the “good old days”, when anglers had great opportunities to catch & release multiples of billfish and round-out their catches with excellent table fare.The high boat for the week was the “Tuna Time”, winding up their 4 day fishing week with a total of 14 stripers released, 2 dorado, 1 wahoo and 30 yellowfin tuna, (15-50 lb. fish).Fishing with a 3 angler group from Montana, Craig Skinn, Lou Dumas & Ed Kerrins, the group reported 6 stripers released and a a 40 lb. wahoo for their fishing day effort and another half-dozen billfish that got away.Overall combined fish counts for 17 days fished reflected 38 stripers released, 1 wahoo, 5 dorado, 5 Sierra and 85 yellowfin tuna.This sustained fish bite is exactly what Cabo needed and will allow the anglers to start getting excited over the fishing again.

Cabo Climate:Mostly sunny, warm and clear days with temps ranging from 71 nights to 97 daytime highs.Light & variable surface breezes.
Sea Conditions:Early summer and near perfect sea conditions.From Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific and on down to the Jaime Bank has temps at 80-81 and stable.A gradual rise to 84 degrees extends from the 1000 fathom curve and inshore, wraps Cabo San Lucas and into the Sea of Cortez .Outside the 1000 fathom curve is a 6 degree temp drop to 78 degrees.
Best Lure/Bait:Live bait remained best but the artificials and rigged ballyhoo were also working very well this week with plenty of strikes.
Best Fishing Area:Literally, from just outside Cabo San Lucas Bay 2-5 miles and extending on into the Sea of Cortez by way of the 95 Fathom spot and the 1150 fathom spot, with numerous billfish opportunities.
Bait Supply:This past week was a much improved live bait supply week for the caballitos.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Phenomenal caches of dorado continue to set the pace for the Aries Sportfishing Fleet from the Marina El Cid, in Mazatlan.It has been easy limit fishing for all of the boats, according to Geronimo Cevallos, the fleet manager, and believe it or not, it just gets better & better with each passing day as the build-upof the dorado schools under the buoys seems to grow by the minute.This is an incredible bite that has allowed for very fast action on any type of equipment, conventional, spinning tackle and fly fishing gear.This is really fun fishing at its finest and anglers can catch & release ’til their arms hurt.If you have kids that you want to be absolutely thrilled with fishing, this is the place to be with multiple dorado hookups and jumping around in every direction.The buoys, (fish attracting devices) begin a 7 miles and extend out to 20 miles and all buoys are currently holding good dorado numbers.The overall catches for 9 offshore fishing days reflected limits of dorado and 18 yellowfin tuna and the 4 inshore super panga days reflected limits of dorado and 3 yellowfin tuna.In both instances, offshore and inshore, the releases were numerous and kept the action in full speed.

Mazatlan Climate:Partly cloudy but warm days.Light & variable surface breezes and temps from 68 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:A very light northerly surface breeze at about 5 knots and surface temps that were stable at 84-85 degrees, kept the anglers happy this past week from Mazatlan.
Best Fisihing Area:None of the boats really focused on billfish this past week given the easy catch on the dorado, which are a primary people pleasing sportfish and eating fish.
Best Bait/Lure:The dorado were very anxious to take shrimp and shrimp heads, squid, live bait, strip baits, artificials and fly streamers, too.There was just no shyness to any of the various baits/lures offered.
Bait Supply:Excellent!Good for all of the baits, including live bait.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The inshore fishing for big roosterfish continues to set he pace for Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, and some of these fish are well above the 50 lb.mark.The difficulty is with the big swells moving in from the offshore hurricane, “Adriana”, the season’s first real storm, and doesn’t allow the super pangas to get in tight enough to the sandy beaches to be most effective with roosterfishing.Still, there are some very good catches of the bigger fish being taken on the red & white 3 0z. Ranger Lures using spinning gear and casting in toward the beach.The offshore action continues to be good for the sailfish and there has been a good mix of yellowfin tuna, all starting at about 8 miles outside Zihuatanejo Bay.The yellowfin are mostly in the 20-40 lb. ranges and have been pretty eager on the Rapalas, especially in the areas near the white rocks.According to Captain Temo, the climate has changed and they are rapidly moving into the rainy season and some windy periods that frequent the area during the summer months.However, even with the occasional rain squalls, the summer fishing remains remains very good for those few anglers that wish to go out.

IZ Climate:Partly cloudy days with occasional thunder showers and high humidity with temps from 74 nights o 94 daytime highs.SE surface winds at 10-20 knots
Sea Conditions:Good sea temps that ranged from 86 inshore and climbed to 87.5 offshore, with excellent clarity starting at about 8 miles from the shoreline
Best Fsihing Area:The inshore roosterfish remained good in the Valentin Pint area and the offshore fishing generally started at the edge of the bluewater that came to about 8 miles from the coast.
Best Lure/Bait:The roosterfish liked the red/white Ranger Lures, (3-ouncers worked well) and the tuna were taken on the Rapalas.Sailfish were munching very well on the rigged baits
Bait Supply:There has been no problem with the bait supply for this area and the live caballitos are readily available.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFIISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The big Atlantic barracuda took over this past week and were themainstay of the caribbean critter action from the Marina El Cid Fleetin Puerto Morelos.These toothy creatures are running in the 20-40lb. ranges with an occasional bigger fish showing up in the mix.Thebillfish catches slowed up a little this past week but for no apparentreason as the water temps and clarity are near perfect.I guess theycan’t bite with a vengeance on every day, though it would be nice ifthey did.This past week produced a dozen different species for the28 days fished and reflected 1 white marlin, 4 sailfish, 7 dorado, 1wahoo, 18 bonito, 3 Sierra,35 Atlantic barracuda, 16 grouper, 8 snapper, 5 amberjack, 2 soapfishand 3 triggerfish.

PM Climate:Mostly cloudy days with occasional thunder shower, humid, and air temps from 73 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Near excellent, both in water temps and clarity and stable at 83-84 degrees throughout the area.Light tropical surface breezes flowed from the NE.
Best Bait/Lure:The ballyhoo, both in the natural form and in the skittered and rigged baits produced the catches.
Bait Supply:Continues to be most plentiful throughout this area and we have never experienced a shortage of bait, even through the full moon phases.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

June 2, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It was a superb marlin action week from Cabo San Lucas for the “TUNA TIME” and “FISH CABO”, as the billfish continued to chew on the bait and the artificials.While only two of the boats from Fish Cabo Fleet provided this report, the results were exciting and the anglers were rewarded.Captain Roberto Padilla, skipper of the “Tuna Time”, released 12 stripers for four fishing days and rounded out his catches with 15 yellowfin tuna and a single dorado.The “Fish Cabo”, skippered by Captain Gil Marquez, reported the release of 3 stripers for his 2 fishing days.The mainstay of the action remains close to Cabo San Lucas and continues to be the area from 2-6 miles or so outside the arch and around to Chileno Bay, (the old Cabo San Lucas Hotel area) just minutes from the Cabo San Lucas Harbor.(We have been unable to obtain the fish report from the Gaviota Fleet for the week at the time this information was compiled, but we may have a later-in-the-day update that will be forwarded if it does arrive).

Cabo Climate:Cooler & windier days in the early week that changed to warm, sunny & clear days as the week progressed, offering tempsthat ranged from 71 nights to 94 daytime highs & light, variable,surface breezes.
Sea Conditions:As the week progressed, the sea conditions became near perfect with water temps that ranged from 79 inshore to 74offshore from Cristobal Point to Jaime Bank on the Pacific side.From Cabo Falso and around to the Gorda Banks, on the Sea of Cortez side, temps ranged from 76-80 degrees with a gradual change fromCabo.Above the Gorda Banks to Las Frailes, temps at 80-82 degrees.Lots of clean, blue water throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area:Just outside of Cabo, from Cabo Falso, 2-8 miles off and around to Chileno, 2-8 miles off.
Best Lure/Bait:Live bait was best when available and rigged baits working very well, too.Aritficials were also producing well in a myriad of colors, including the Petrolero and mackerel colors.
Bait Supply:Just mediocre at best.Lots of junk bait mixed in & not recommended unless nothing else.Rigged ballyhoo, when available, working very well.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The sailfish are starting to move into the Mazatlan area a little better than the past few weeks and the dorado bite continues to offer continuous fast action that has provided limit fishing or the anglers.Also reported was a near 500 lb. blue marlin, taken aboard the private yacht, “Tourbillon”, skippered by Captain mark Hanson, from California.The Aries Sportfishing Fleet reported in for 13offshore fishing days that resulted in 8 sailfish, (7 released)limits of dorado and many dorado releases (the dorado remain in the 20-plus ranges) and a single yellowfin tuna.The inshore super pangas, reporting for 3 days fished, reflected limits of dorado for their anglers and many releases.According to Fleet/Marina Manager, Geronimo Cevallos, FAD (fish attracting device) buoys are all holding good amounts of dorado in the 20-plus pound ranges and they are now spaced from 7 to 20 miles offshore, making for excellent light tackle and fly fishing possibilities for the anglers.

Mazatlan Climate:Warm, a little humid, with scattered passing clouds and periods of intermittent sunshine.Temps from 66 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Warming up and cleaning up to near excellent conditions.Temps from 81-82 inshore and extending to the offshore with stability and deep blue color starting at about 12-14 miles or so.
Best Fishing Areas:The outer buoys are holding the bigger dorado, but all of the buoys holding plenty of dorado action.The billfish are coming from the area south of Marina El Cid in the 20-30 miles zone.
Best Lure/Bait:Trolled ballyhoo best for the dorado and rigged mullet best for the sailfish.Best lure colors for the sails have been in the orange/yellows.
Bait Supply:Bait supply remains very good at Mazatlan and provides live bait, ballyhoo and mullet on a daily basis.

THE IXTAPA-ZPHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen, skipper of the “Secuestro De Amor”, reported “very exciting fishing this past week along the coastline that produced good action on the jack cravalle and roosterfish.The fish were schooling and chasing the bait balls all over, from the Valentin River thru Guamilule Point, (near the White Rocks).It was especially good fishing for the spinning tackle enthusiasts and the fly fishing anglers”.Still not very many boats getting out, but for those that do, the fishing has been terrific for both, inshore and offshore action.Anglers wishing to catch sailfish and marlin in the blue water, should consider being here this month for the fast action that continues to produce multiple billfish release opportunities each day.

IZ Climate:Partly cloudy days with intermittent periods of sunshine.Weather is warm and comfortable, rangging from 73 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Excellent from inshore to offshore and throughout the week with stability at 85-86 degrees and blue water at the 8-mile mark and beyond.
Best Fishing Areas:Inshore action best from Valentin River to Guamilule Point and the White Rocks area.Offshore starts at about 8- miles at the edge of the blue-blue water and continues outbound from there.
Best Lure/Baits:The pencil poppers continue to work very well as does the Luna Lures and live bait for the in-shore fishing onspinning tackle and 8-insh streamers for the fly fishing anglers.The rigged mullet for the billfish in the offshore areas.
Bait Supply:Continues to be readily available on a daily basis.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The weekly variety catch continues to pour in from Puerto Morelos, with the Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet and this week reflected 17 different fish species reported that included a new critter for the books, called a “cucha”, which is a bottom fish that has a similar look to a cabezon or sculpin from the Pacific and generally is a smallish fish in the 1-4 lb. ranges.The fleet provided 25 offshore days that reflected 1 smaller blue marlin, 2 white marlin, 5 sailfish, 12 dorado, 4 king mackerel, 3 shark, 10 Atlantic barracuda, 14 bonito, 2 blackfin tuna, 2 snapper, 9 grouper, 2 jack cravalle, 1 soapfish, 1 amberjack, 8 triggerfish and 4 cuchas.Whether its surface fishing or bottom fishing, the opportunities for a different fish with each cast is ever present and adds to the daily fishing excitement for the anglers in this Caribbean fishing port.The angler can literally catch a billfish on one bait and a grouper on the next, fishing the same spot.

PM Climate:Mostly cloudy but warm days and nights with temps ranging from 74 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Overall, it’s been a good week with most days very fishable and productive.Water temps stable at 83-85 degrees throughout this area and crystal clean.
Best Bait/Lure:The Ballyhoo, both skirt-rigged and non-rigged baits are working systematically perfect.
Bait Supply:Readily available supply

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

May 26, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

A terrific Cabo San Lucas fishing week that has everyone talking about the mega-change in the overall fish bite action that has spiraled upward over the past week and provided sustained daily catches of billfish and yellowfin tuna.The area from Cabo San Lucas and outside the Arch, just 2-5 miles or so and extending on into the Sea of Cortez, has come alive with fish that want to bite, including marlin, tuna and a few dorado.A cruise ship angler that fished aboard the “Fish Cabo”, caught and released an estimated 350 lb.black marlin, just out front of the Arch a couple miles.The fish was actually taken on a live caballito that was cast to a striper and the black marlin beat him to the bait.The “Tuna Time” had a 6 marlin release day and wound up with a total of 12 stripers released for 4 fishing days, with most coming from the 1150 fathom spot.Most of the yellowfin tuna being taken are in the 35-40 lb. ranges and tthe dorado are in the 30-35 lb. class.Overall combined catches for 17 days fished reflected 1 black marlin released, 28 stripers released, 3 dorado and 49 yellowfin tuna.With any luck at all, this bite will sustain itself for a month or more, allowing for the anglers and crews to get back into the expected Cabo fishing action.

Cabo Climate:Mostly sunny and warm days with an occasional passing cloud or two and temps that ranged from 67 nights to 95 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:An excellent week with prevailing N.W. surface winds, mosttly light & variable and water temps that ranged from 75-76 at Cabo Falso and around to Palmilla Point, then the break to 84 degrees on into the Sea of Cortez.Very blue water and excellent clarity.
Best Fishing Area:Two distinct areas are just outside the Cabo Arch, 2-5 miles and on out to the 1150 fathom spot and fish scattered about and inbetween those areas.
Best Bait/Lure:Live bait was best when available but many fish taken on the rigged ballyhoo baits being sold by the bait vendors.
Bait Supply:Continues to be difficult for quality live bait and the boats are taking the rigged ballyhoo baits as back-up.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET FROM MARINA EL CID, PACIFIC

Considering the numbers of dorado being taken and the warm offshore waters, it can just be a matter of time before the black & blue marlin move into the area.The water temperatures are near perfect throughout the area and it’s getting close to the beginning of the summertime billfish action.While the numbers of offshore trips remains low, there is good action to be had with opportunities for the sailfish and of course, the dorado, too.This past week reflected only 5 offshore fishing days that produced 2 sailfish released and 24 dorado, with most of the dorado in the 20+ lb.range.The inshore super pangas were doing extraordinarily well and reflected limit fishing for dorado and plenty of release opportunities.This is a light-line anglers’ fishing dream when the dorado move under the buoys and chew on most everything that moves through the water from artificials, live bait, strip bait and fly streamers, too.These fish are currently being very aggressive and providing top-notch action for the anglers.Overall inshore fish counts for 4 super panga fishing days reflected more than 30 dorado were released for their 4 days fished.

Mazatlan Climate:Mostly sunny days with passing clouds, with temps that ranged from 63 nights to 89 daytime highs and light surface breezes flowing in from the west.
Sea Conditions:Getting better by the day with 82 degrees for the inshore waters and rising to 85 degrees for the offshore waters and stable.
Best Fishing Area:The majority of the dorado are coming from the offshore buoys.
Best Lure/Bait:The 2 sailfish taken on rigged baits as were a number of the offshore dorado.Dorado under the buoys are biting on lures, live bait, rigged baits, strip baits, etc.
Bait Supply:Excellent for both, live bait and trolling baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen, reporting in for the Zihuatanejo Independent sportfishing fleet, said “last week was good for big fish, with sailfish and dorado biting regularly”.There were a couple of mid- week slow down days but overall, it was very good fishing for the few baots that did get out.The roosterfish were also biting well this past week as well as the bigger jack cravalle.The jacks were in the 25 lb. class range, the roosterfish even bigger, and the fish were anxious to bite in the shoal area near the white rocks on poppers and streamers.The fly fishing at the White Rocks was excellent and provided numerous opportunities for the fly fishing anglers.

IZ Climate:Partly cloudy days but warm days and nights with temps from 73 nights to 93 daytime highs and a feeling of humidity in the air.
Sea Conditions:Mostly calm with light & variable surface breezes and stable sea temperatures in the 83 inshore range to 85 offshore range.The blue, clear water started at about 12 miles offshore
Best Fishing Area:The offshore fishing right at the 12-mile mark and beyond.The inshore best fishing was at the shoals at the White Rocks.
Best Bait/Lure:Rigged baits for the offshore sailfish and some of the dorado, too.surface poppers and streamers and of course, live bait, worked very well for the inshore areas.
Bait Supply:Remained excellent for both, rigged baits and live baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

The Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet from Puerto Morelos, kicks out another fun-filled week of action that included a dozen fish varieties and good action, with dorado setting the pace.The waters are stable and warm and the dorado and billfish continue to offer great offshore action in this area of mixed-bag variety.The angler never knows what’s coming up next in this area of variety and abundance.The overall fish counts for 30 outings reflected 2 white marlin, (typically in the 50-80 lb ranges and an occasional larger billfish) 6 sailfish, 2 wahoo, 2 blackfin tuna, 1 king mackerel, 7 bonito, 22 Atlantic barracuda, 34 dorado, 6 grouper, 9 snapper and 1 Spanish mackerel.

PM Climate:Partly cloudy but warm and humid days with temps from 74 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Tropical surface breezes from the Easterly directions prevail at this time of year in the 5-15 mph ranges and move the warm water onto location with stable 83-84 degree temps.
Best Bait:Continues to be the ballyhoo, both rigged baits and un- rigged baits, caught daily and provided to the fleet.
Bait Supply:Continues to be more than sufficient with ample trolling baits everyday.

May 19, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

According to Roberto Marquez, owner of the Fish Cabo sportfishers, there is significant numbers of marlin showing up in the waters close to Cabo, (just a couple miles outside the Arch) but they very closeto impossible to get them to bite with anything currently available.Roberto says the boats are throwing bait (both live & dead) to numerous billfish that are simply ignoring the baits and sinking out when a bait is tossed to them.However, with this time frame running right on top of the full moon, we believe that had a substantialeffect on the bite, too, along with very fewMost of the billfishthat were landed came from the 95 fathom spot and high boat was the “Gaviota II”, reflecting 3 stripers released for three days fished and rounding out his catch with 2 dorado, 3 yellowfin tun and 10 bonito.Overall combined fish counts for the fleet for a total of 7 days fished, reflected 5 stripers released, (it would be in the hundreds if we could count the billfish seen) 10 yellowffin tuna, 6 dorado, (quality fish that checked in to near 50 lbs.) and 10 bonito.Very slow week for charters and fish.

Cabo Climate:Sunny, warm and clear days with temps from 63 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Overall, a good week with excellent water temps that remained stable from Cabo Falso and around the tip and into the Sea Of Cortez, at 78-79 degrees with excellent blue water clarity.
Best Fishing Area:The 95 fathom spot was best for the bite but there was no lack of fish just 2-3 miles outside the Cabo Arch.
Best Bait/Lure:Live bait was best but very difficult to come by.
Live BaitSupply:Difficult this past week and many boats fishing with rigged ballyhoo trolling baits.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The offshore boats were averaging 5-6 dorado per day fished,with the bigger fish, (20-30-plus) being taken outside the buoy areas.The dorado being taken in the buoy area were averaging 15 lbs. or so and excellent light line action.In addition to other catches, the super pangas averaged 4 dorado per trip.Billfish were not accommodating this past week and the counts reflected the few boats fishing and the zero billfish catch effort.The overall offshore fish counts for 6 days fished reflected 35 dorado and the 7 inshore fishing days for the super pangas reflected 29 dorado, 3 cabrilla, 1 baqueta, 7 cochitos and limits of pargo.

Mazatlan Climate:Warm, sunny and clear days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that ranged from 58 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Remain very good with stable water temps that varied slightly from 78-79 inshore to 81-82 degrees offshore at about 5 to 6 miles.The inshore water was green and gradually turned to clean green in the offshore waters at about 15 miles or so.
Best Fishing Area:The buoys were still offering good dorado catches that kept the anglers busy with anticipated action.
Best Bait/Lures:Most of the larger dorado were being taken on slow trolled rigged baits.The inshore super pangas were using mostly shrimp for the bottom fish.
Bait Supply:Difficult for the live bait due to the full moon.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The fishing has come back strong this past week for Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo and according to Captain Temo Verboonen, it was an excellent fishing week for sailfish and dorado in the near offshore waters and roosterfish from the inshore waters, but still, not too many anglers.Temo fished 1 day offshore in the 8-9 mile area and produced 2 sailfish and 1 dorado for the day and reported 8 sailfish for the Dos Hermanos 1 & 2, for 3 days fished, Marfel had 2 dorado for a single day, and Gringo Loco reported a 1 sailfish and 1 dorado.The few anglers that fished the inshore waters south of Zihuatanejo Bay, reported good catches on the roosterfish with several fish above the 50 lb. mark.Temo was pretty excited about the action this week as it took place over the full moon phase and should be better and better with the waning moon.

IZ Climate:Partly cloudy but warm days and evenings with temps hat ranged from 70 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Near Excellent.Near blue clean water inshore and deep blue offshore with temps that ranged from 82-83 degrees.Light & variable surface breezes from the southwest that produced some minor afternoon wind chop.
Best Bait/Lure:The rigged trolling baits worked best for the offshore waters and live bait was best for the inshore roosterfish.
Best Fishing Area:Starting at the 8-mile mark and directly in front of Zihuatanejo Bay.
Bait Supply:Remained good right over the full moon.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUML AREA)

Even the full moon didn’t slow the fishing down for the Puerto Morelos anglers.The billfish made a good showing this week and the dorado were biting, too.The mixed bag variety for the week for 19 days fished, reflected 2 white marlin, 5 sailfish, 17 dorado, 2 wahoo, 5 blackfin tuna 4 Atlantic barracuda, 4 bonito, 2 Spanishmackerel, 5 snapper, 9 grouper, 1 soapfish and 3 triggerfish.According to the Fleet Manager, they have added a couple of new sportfishers to their operations, a 34′ Chris Craft and a 42′Pacemaker and both will be operational for the Memorial day weekend.We will have the photos and additional information early next week.

PM Climate:Partly cloudy days with a good mix of sunshine and temps that ranged from 74 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions:Sea temps steady at 82-83 degrees, excellent offshore clarity and some easterly surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure:The freshly caught Ballyhoo, both rigged/skirted and un-skirted continue to be the choice of bait for this area.
Bait Supply: Continues to be plentiful with a surplus of daily baits available for all trips.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

May 12, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Excellent fishing from Cabo San Lucas this past week with the boats averaging two billfish per boat day fished and a 100% catch rate for the week. High boat for the week was the “Gaviota 10″, reflecting 5 stripers released for 3 days fished and the “Fish Cabo”, with 4 stripers released for 1 day fished. This was the week of the IGFA Tournament and their final release numbers for billfish should be impressive and will also include a swordfish release in their tally totals. Overall catches for the Gaviota Fleet & Fish Cabo Fleet were much improved and reflected 7 days fished that provided 14 stripers released, 3 dorado and 23 yellowfin tuna, (15-30 lb. ranges). You should read the IGFA Tournament results in the next issued of Western Outdoor News.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny, warm and clear days with temps that ranged from 64 nights to 92 daytime highs. It was near perfect weather and overall conditions for the hosting of the IGFA Tournament and the world wide group of anglers.
Sea Conditions: Just a terrific week that provided very good fishing conditions that included light surface breezes, clean, blue water and top-notch sea temperatures on the Sea of Cortez side of Cabo that stabilized at 78-79 degrees.
Best Fishing Area: Unquestionably, the 1150 Fathom Spot and surrounding area.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was by far the best but fish were also taken on artificials and slow trolled rigged ballyhoo.
Bait Supply: Not reported.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

It is the time of year when the dorado gather under the buoys that serve as fish attracting devices, (FADs) that tends to seriously liven up the fishing results for this area. The quality of the dorado sizes this year has been bigger and better than the norm for several years with the fish averaging about 20 lbs. This annual gathering of dorado is currently providing about a 4-fish average for the boats and catches will improve to near limit fishing by the end of May to early June. The only odd development has been the lack of billfish over the past couple of weeks, but this too will change soon with the sailfish, blue and black marlin showing ;up in the counts. The overall offshore fish counts reflected for 13 days fished were 54 dorado in the offshore waters and 22 dorado, 5 corvina, 1 baqueta and 1 cabrilla for the 5 super panga fishing days.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days and pleasant evenings with temps that varied from 60 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Sea Temps are stable at 78-79 degrees in the inshore areas and rise to 82-83 in offshore waters at about 5 miles offshore.
Best Fishing Area: The dorado are all coming from the buoys that are positioned at the 18-22 mile mark.
Best Bait/Lure: Right now, the live bait is best, but dorado are also being taken on trolled artificials, both surface and diving types and rigged baits from the outriggers.
Bait Supply: Both live and rigged bait is readily available.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, our representative and spokesman for the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, the fishing this past week was excellent and he described it, “low season for client, hi season for fishing”. The boats that do get out are having excellent success with the sailfish, dorado and even a few yellowfin tuna. The super panga, “Esturion”, had 3 sailfish for a single day offshore and the “Dos Hermanos” had 4 big roosterfish, (40-50 lb. range) for a single day inshore. The few other offshore boats that fished had a combination of sailfish, dorado and yellowfin tuna and the inshore super pangas had good catches on the Spanish mackerel, (Sierra, in the 4-8 lb. brackett) small jack crevalle, along with the roosterfish bite.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with a mix of sunshine and temps that ranged from 71 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent temps at 85 inshore and blending to 87 offshore with a very gradual change starting at about 3 miles from shore.
Best Fishing Area: Inshore for roosterfish was Valentine Point, just south of Zihuatanejo and beginng at the 10 mile mark for the sailfish and offshore action.
Best Bait/Lures: Live bait best for the roosterfish and rigged baits best for the sailfish.
Bait Supply: Continues to be a good supply for both, live bait and trolling baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

Another excellent fishing week from Puerto Morelos that included a 14- fish variety in the catches. What was unusual for this week was the lack of billfish and the downturn in the dorado counts for no apparent reason. ” The billfish had lockjaw this week and were just plain uncooperative for the anglers”, according to the Fleet Manager, Armando Gutierrez. “They haven’t left but took a few days off. We expect them right back in the counts for the coming weeks.” The overall fish counts for the week for 34 days fished, reflected 4 dorado, 8 wahoo, 22 tuna, 17 king mackerel, 20 Spanish mackerel, 41 bonito, 3 amberjack, 44 triggerfish, 45 snapper, (yellowtail snapper and mutton snapper) 3 soap fish, 2 banana fish, 1 shark and 22 grouper.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent periods of sunshine, with temps that varied from 72 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very good water temps that remained at the 82-83 degree range, along with a couple of windy and bumpy days and 1 port closure day.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo remain the bait of choice for this area. They troll the baits from both, the outriggers and downriggers and have their fishing system perfected for this area.
Bait Supply: Excellent! Fresh baits available on a daily basis.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

Email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

May 8, 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

A much improved fishing week from Cabo San Lucas, with 100% of the offshore sportfishers landing at least 1 striped marlin. The “Tuna Time” was high boat with 5 stripers released for two fishing days and followed closely by The “Gaviota VIII” with 4 stripers released for two fishing days. The hot spot of the week was the 1150 fathom spot and down to the 95 fathom spot. The overall fish counts for a combined total of 10 fishing days reflected 18 stripers released and estimated weights from 110 lbs. to 150 lbs. Live caballitos was the bait of choice by the billfish but several were also taken with the marlin artificials.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds and temps that varied from 67 nights to 96 daytime highs and light & variable surface breezes throughout the area.
Sea Conditions: Great water temps and for the most part, excellent clarity on the Sea of Cortez side. The push of cooler waters from the Pacific has diminished and submitted to the apparent warm water push from the Sea of Cortez. Temps from the Golden Gate Bank and southerly to the Jaime Bank and out beyond the 1000 fathom curve increased to 75-78 degrees and remains stable. Excellent blue water on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: Sea of Cortez side has claimed the best bite area with the bulk of the billfish popping up at the 1150 fathom spot and the 95 fathom spot.
Best Bait/Lures: Live bait was best, especially the caballitos, but sufficient strikes were being to keep the anglers and crew on their toes.
Live Bait Supply: It was just another so-so week for live bait, and caballitos were by far, the bait of choice for the skipper and crew.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The offshore dorado counts increased in numbers for the 2nd week and the boats averaged 3-5 fish per day with good, quality sized fish that were mostly in the 20-35 lb. ranges. With the movement of more and more dorado to the area, anglers can look for the season’s first black or blue marlin to follow very shortly as the water temperatures have simultaneously increased to respectable warm water conditions approaching early summer temps. The striped marlin bite subsided as the water temps increased and it would appear that they may have moved back across the channel to the San Jose area at the 1150 fathom spot. That’s just a guess on my part but that’s how it adds up to me. The overall fish counts for 10 offshore days fished refected 1 striped marlin, 1 mako shark and 45 dorado while the inshore super panga fish counts for 6 days fished reflected 57 red snapper, (small to 18 lbs.) 7 jack crevelle and 24 dorado.

Mazatlan Climate: A sun/cloud mix with warm days and pleasant evenings with temps from 60 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Water temps holding at 73-74 inshore and rising to 80-81 offshore, beginning at about 12-13 miles or so. Conditions range from a green inshore water to bluer water conditions at about 16 miles and beyond.
Best Fishing Area: Dorado are scattered over a wide area from about 15-16 miles and beyond.
Best bait/lure: The rigged baits caught the billfish, the mako and a few dorado but live bait was the best for the dorado and the boats were catching bait at the buoys by yo-yoing the lucky joe 4- hook feathered ganions.
Bait Supply: Remains good for both, live bait and rigged trolling baits. Live bait, when available at the Marina, is $1.00 per bait and paid direct to the bait vendor.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The 28th Annual International Sailfish Tournament finalized on May 1, 2001, and according to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing was pretty slow during the event that accommodated approximately 175 sportfishing boats. The largest sailfish taken during the event was aboard the “3 Hermanos”, that checked in at 78.2 lbs., the largest blue/black marlin taken aboard the “GABY”, checked in at 277.2 lbs., (second place marlin was caught by angler Fred Livesay, Liggett, CA, tilting the scale at 202 lbs., and fishing with Captain Temo Verboonen, aboard the “SECUESTRO DE AMOR”. The fish was taken on a Seeker 50-80 lb. rod, using 50 lb. mono, a 120 lb. test leader and a big eye jack for bait). The largest dorado taken during the event was aboard the “PEKE”, and weighed in at 38 lbs. According to Temo, it was difficult fishing and most of the winning fish were taken in the 16-18 mile zone with greenish tinted water and 83-85 degree temps. Most of the billfish were taken on small baits, similar to the big eye jack, (like the “goggle eyes” in Florida or the “Caballitos” in Cabo San Lucas). He mentioned that sailfish were running close to the white rocks and chasing surface baits in that area. The inshore fishing remains good for Spanish mackerel, Sierra) small jacks and even a few roosterfish.

IZ Climate: Mostly cloudy with intermittent periods of sunshine and temps that varied from 73 nights to 93 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Fair sea for the most part, with light and variable tropical breezes and sea temps that varied from 86-87 as the week progressed and cleaner, bluer water at about 16 miles and beyond.
Best Fishing Area: Remained in the 16-20 mile area and around the white rocks, where the sailfish have been feeding on the surface baits.
Bait Supply: Remains plentiful, both live and trolling baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

It was just another ordinarily fun fishing week from Puerto Morelos this past week, that produced the largest fish taken by the fleet so far, a 330 lb. blue marlin, by the Jones charter group, fishing aboard the “HAMMER”, with Captain Elias and Mate, Jossua. The trophy fish was taken on a ballyhoo bait and required 2 hours to land. The overall fishing in this area continues to be the mixed bag catches with dorado taking the biggest catch numbers for the week and followed by the billfish numbers. The Marina El Cid Fleet, reporting in for a total of 33 days fished, reflected 1 blue marlin, 5 white marlin, 16 sailfish, 43 dorado, 4 king mackerel, 1 wahoo, 2 yellowfin tuna, 5 Atlantic barracuda, 5 bonito, 7 triggerfish, 2 amberjack, 13 snapper and 21 grouper.

PM Climate: A mix of sun & clouds with warm days and pleasant evenings that reflected temps from 71 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, a pretty decent week with sea temps that remained stable at 82-83 degrees, good water clarity and mostly light surface winds of 10-15 mph tropical surface breezes.
Best Fishing Area: Fishing starts within a few minutes after leaving the Marina El Cid entrance.
Best Bait: Continues to be the rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo. The blue marlin was taken on a ballyhoo bait.
Bait Supply: Excellent supply that is caught fresh on a daily basis.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

email: cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

website: www.cortezcharters.com

April, 28th 2011

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND THE FISH CABO FLEET

Unusually slow for anglers this past week from Cabo San Lucas, resulting in a mini-fish count for the week that reflected a combined total of 4 offshore fishing days and 1 inshore fishing day. While the wall of warmer water remains just above the Gorda Banks, it dropped several degrees from last week as the cooler waters from the Pacific are pushing around the corner. The offshore fish counts reflected 3 stripers (released) for the 4 days fished and 12 sierra for the 1 inshore fishing day. The concentration of billfish that were on the 1150 fathom spot last week have moved and have yet to re- establish a new area.

Cabo Climate: Superb weather with sunny, clear and warm days and pleasant evenings with temps from 64 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Even with the temp changes from last week, the waters remain excellent in clarity on the Sea of Cortez side. Pacific is still cool, 65-69 this week and the temp break is at Cabo Falso, rising to 73-74, extending offshore 10-15 miles and then decreasing to 71 at the 1000 fathom curve. Gorda Banks and above rise to 75-77 degrees and very blue, clean water.
Best Fishing area: Two of the billfish were taken outside Chileno Bay and the other was taken at the 1150 Fathom Spot, but no fish concentration in the areas fished.
Best Lure/Bait: The three released billfish were taken on live bait.
Live Bait Supply: It was just so-so for the bait this past week with some caballito and a few mackerel available, along with an array of miscellaneous not so good baits.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The inshore and offshore fishing results were substantially higher from the prior week’s report as the area’s surrounding water conditions continued to improve, both in temperature and clarity. Anglers were treated to good dorado catches that averaged close to 4 per boat, along with fair striper action and the re-entry of sailfish into the fish counts. Inshore and offshore fishing offered good and steady action. The offshore fishing for a total of 9 days resulted in 6 stripers, 1 sailfish and 33 dorado and the inshore super pangas posted a good mixed bag catch of 1 dorado, 8 baquetas, 3 cabrilla, 6 cochitos, (small bottom fish) and limits of pargo for their 7 days fished. The entire water area adjacent to Mazatlan appears to be moving into the early summertime fishing mode about a month early this year as more and more billfish move into the zone, accompanied by increased dorado action. The coming week will be the “tell-tale” as the fishing action continues.

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny & warm days with temps from 56 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Warm water inshore to offshore, from 75 and gradual rise to 77. Green water inshore and fading to blue, clean water at 12-14 miles.
Best Fishing Area: The fish are still scattered about with no regular concentration area.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits have been working very well but with the increased dorado action, anglers should consider taking some live bait, too.
Bait Supply: Good supply with rigged baits and live bait.

THE IXTAPA – ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing was slow in the early part of the week, both inshore and offshore, but picked up with a vengeance as the week progressed, producing excellent catches of dorado, striped marlin and dorado for the offshore fishing to wind up the week’s report period. Same for the inshore areas that turned around as the week progressed and produced very good catches of Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) and even a few dorado that wandered to the inshore areas. Again, though, it was a slower than normal fishing week with very few anglers taking advantage of the good fishing for the latter part of the week.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny, warm and clear days and superb evenings, with temps from 70 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 81 degrees inshore and rising to 85 offshore. The green water extended from shore out to about 15 miles and then it was very clean & blue outbound from there and by far, the best looking water so far this season.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish and dorado were eager on the rigged baits trolled from the outriggers. The inshore fishing was mostly trolling caught fish on the luna lures and rapalas.
Bait Supply: Good bait supply for both, live bait and rigged baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET – (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Dorado, (aka dolphin fish in this area) were the fish of the week and appear to be moving into the area in better numbers as the days pass by. Arriving with the dorado was the season’s first blue marlin, a trophy billfish that fancies dorado as a prime food fish. The mixed bag variety was a little lower this past week as more of the boats were fishing for the billfish, along with fewer fishing days. High billfish boat for the week was the “Pescadora III”, skippered by Captain Maycor Palacios, producing the blue marlin, 2 white marlin & 1 sailfish for 3 days fished. Overall counts for the week for a total of 23 days fished reflected 1 blue marlin, 7 white marlin, 8 sailfish, 3 yellowfin tuna, 2 Atlantic barracuda, 2 bonito, 31 dorado & 3 triggerfish.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent sunshine periods and temps that ranged from 72 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very good water temps that were stable at 80-81 degrees and excellent water clarity throughout the area. Mostly light and variable easterly tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: Both rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo were the baits of choice this past week.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for this area and there has been no bait interruptions since the beginning of the fleet at Puerto Morelos.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

APRIL 21st, 2011

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

CABO SAN LUCAS - GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It was another very upbeat week for the Cabo San Lucas sportfishing anglers with 100% of our offshore sportfishers landing a billfish per day fished. The 33′ Crystaliner sportfisher, “Gaviota IV, skippered by Captain Octavio Castillo, had a 4 billfish release day, fishing in the Destiladeras area, just north of the Gorda Banks. However, the hot spot for tyhe week proved to be the 1150 Fathom Spot, about 20 miles easterly from Cabo San Lucas. While the billfish were scattered about through the week, the biggest percentage came from the 1150 area. For the first time in many months, all of the billfish were taken on the eastern side of Cabo San Lucas, toward the Sea of Cortez and with the water temps improving in that area, it is likely to be a sustained bite for awhile. The overall combined catches for 12 days fished reflected 21 billfish released. What made this past week unusual was the lack of any other species, such as dorado, yellowffin tuna or wahoo.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with pleasant evenings and temps from 61 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Water temps much improved on the Sea of Cortez side and cool on the Pacific. Temps down to 61 degrees inshore on the Pacific side, rising to 67-68 at the Golden Gate & Jaime Banks, rising to 71 at Cabo San Lucas and continuing the rise to 75 outside Santa Maria Bay and again moving upward to 79-80 degrees from the 1150 Fathom Spot to the Cabrillo Sea Mount.
Best Fishing Area: The 1150 Fathom Spot was the place to be but billfish were caught in several areas, including Destiladers, Chileno and Santa Maria.
Best Lures/bait: Live bait was best but a few fish are coming at the lures with some eagerness, making it easy to do the “bait & switch”drop backs. Mackerel colors and dorado colors working well,
Live Bait Supply: Fair amounts of caballitos, along with other mixed baits.

MAZATLAN - ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Another port that reflected a near perfect billfish catch rate with only one boat missing this past week in Mazatlan. Still, the charter activity is considerably slow for this time of year as the fishing starts to pick up and the dorado starting to show up for the annual seasonal bite. According to Geronimo Cevallos, the GM of the Marina El Cid and the Aries Sportfishing Fleet, “the dorado usually start showing up in big numbers every year, beginning in May, as the water temperatures rise and the free swimming baits gather under the buoys”. The water temperatures are moving upward each week and should be near perfect before very long, allowing for an early bite.The offshore fishing for 8 days reflected 8 stripers, (“Aries I” had a 2 striper day to lead the fleet) and 7 dorado for their efforts.

The inshore fishing reflected only two super panga fishing days that resulted with 11 baquetas, (an excellent eating bottom fish that typically is in the 5-20 lb. ranges.

Mazatlan Climate: Foggy this morning with about a mile of visibility and then clearing to mostly sunny and warm days with temps from cooler nights at 50 degrees and pleasant days at 85 degrees.
Sea Conditions: Cooler waters inshore at 69-70 degrees and rising to 75-76 degrees at the 10-12 mile mark. Good clarity at about 18 miles southwest of the Marina El Cid.
Best Fishing Area: The billfish remain scattered about and mostly out to the southwest of the Marina El Cid. No real concentration yet, but seeing more & more fish each day.
Best Lure/Bait: Most of the fish are being taken on the rigged baits.
Bait Supply: Remains very good for both, live and rigged baits.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO - INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the sailfish showed up in good numbers this past week in Zihuatanejo, and just 10 miles offshore where the temps rise and the clean waters begin. Adding to the action was good action on the dorado in the same area, with most ofthe boats having multiple opportunities to land sails and dorado.

The biggest problem for Zihuatanejo sportfishing is the lack of anglers and only a few boats fishing each week. The inshore bite took off with a sustained bite on roosterfish, along with many jack cravalle, Spanish mackerel and bonito, as the inshore water temperatures cooled off to 79 degrees.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent periods of good sunshine and temps that varied from 70 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm waters prevailed this week with inshore temps in the 79-80 degree ranges and rising to 84-85 degrees at about 10-11 miles or so with the clarity changing to near perfect clean and blue.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits working very well on the sailfish and dorado. Live bait best for the roosterfish and jack cravalle but also the luna lures, pencil poppers doing very well.
Bait Supply: Remains very good for both, live bait and rigged baits.

PUERTO MORELOS – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

The first two white marlin of the season were reported this past week from Puerto Morelos, with one fish taken aboard the “Pescadora I” and the other aboard the “Hammer”. We should start to see the billfish numbers move upward with the passing days and with the passing of the full moon phase on April 18th. It was another exciting fishing week from Puerto Morelos, that reflected a total of 42 days fished and a14 species mixed-bag catch for the anglers. The overall report resulted with 2 white marlin, 5 sailfish, 15 yellowfin tuna, 14 dorado, 3 wahoo, 9 king mackerel, 12 Atlantic barracuda, 11 Spanish mackerel, 9 bonito, 3 amberjack, 3 soapfish, 17 grouper, 15 triggerfish and 28 snapper. The sportfishing opportunities in this are are remarkable as the action begins just a few minutes outside the entrance to the Marina El Cid, where deep water is less than a half-mile.

Puerto Morelos Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent sunshiny periods and temps that range from 71 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent water temps that have remained stable and steady at 81-82 degrees and light easterly tropical surface breezes at 10-20 mph.
Best Bait: Continues to be the rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo, taken fresh on a daily basis.
Bait Supply: It continues to reflect an unending supply of ballyhoo in this area that allows for a constant daily supply for the boats.

APRIL 14, 2011

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND THE FISH CABO FLEET

Cabo Climate: Superb weather with sunny, clear and warm days and pleasant evenings with temps from 64 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Even with the temp changes from last week, the waters remain excellent in clarity on the Sea of Cortez side. Pacific is still cool, 65-69 this week and the temp break is at Cabo Falso, rising to 73-74, extending offshore 10-15 miles and then decreasing to 71 at the 1000 fathom curve. Gorda Banks and above rise to 75-77 degrees and very blue, clean water.
Best Fishing area: Two of the billfish were taken outside Chileno Bay and the other was taken at the 1150 Fathom Spot, but no fish concentration in the areas fished.
Best Lure/Bait: The three released billfish were taken on live bait.
Live Bait Supply: It was just so-so for the bait this past week with some caballito and a few mackerel available, along with an array of miscellaneous not so good baits.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny & warm days with temps from 56 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Warm water inshore to offshore, from 75 and gradual rise to 77. Green water inshore and fading to blue, clean water at 12-14 miles.
Best Fishing Area: The fish are still scattered about with no regular concentration area.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits have been working very well but with the increased dorado action, anglers should consider taking some live bait, too.
Bait Supply: Good supply with rigged baits and live bait.

THE IXTAPA – ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny, warm and clear days and superb evenings, with temps from 70 nights to 92 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 81 degrees inshore and rising to 85 offshore. The green water extended from shore out to about 15 miles and then it was very clean & blue outbound from there and by far, the best looking water so far this season.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish and dorado were eager on the rigged baits trolled from the outriggers. The inshore fishing was mostly trolling caught fish on the luna lures and rapalas.
Bait Supply: Good bait supply for both, live bait and rigged baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET – (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent sunshine periods and temps that ranged from 72 nights to 91 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very good water temps that were stable at 80-81 degrees and excellent water clarity throughout the area. Mostly light and variable easterly tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: Both rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo were the baits of choice this past week.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for this area and there has been no bait interruptions since the beginning of the fleet at Puerto Morelos.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

THE CABO SAN LUCAS - GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The overall action for the offshore sport fishing fleet was considerably better this past week, with 100% of the sportfishers landing a marlin. The downside was that only 5 of them fished the offshore waters. The “Gaviota II” was high boat with a 2-billfish release day on Tuesday, April 12th, while fishing in the vicinity of Palmilla Ridge. Inshore fishing continued to provide the most consistent action for the anglers and the better fishing was in the Cabo Falso area. Overall, it was another slow week for charters but for those that did fish, the results were very good. The 5 offshore boats released six billfish and the three inshore boats reported 14 yellowtail, (12-18 lbs.) 38 bonito and 35 Spanish mackerel, (sierra).

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy today but mostly sunny and warm days with temps from 60 nights to 89 daytime highs, light & variable surface winds.
Sea Conditions: Pacific inshore at 69-70, gradually warming to 72 at Cabo, then rising to 76-78 at the Gorda Banks.
Best Fishing Area: Billfish scattered about but best in the Palmilla ridge area. Inshore catches best at the Cabo Falso Lighthouse area.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the billfish. Sardinas, (when n available) small artificials, hoochies, yoyo jigs best for thre yellowtail, Sierra and Bonito.
Live Bait Supply: Caballito availability has been pretty good all week but sardinas just so-so and you had to be one of the first few boats.

THE MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING SERIES

The inshore fishing provided the best action for the anglers this past week while the offshore action reflected an increased dorado count for the anglers. With any luck at all this may indicate an early dorado season for Mazatlan. The billfish bite slowed for theweek, albeit, the boats saw fair numbers of billfish that were just not willing to take the baits. The overall counts for 5 offshore fishing days reflected 2 stripers and 21 dorado. The inshore fishing report for a total of 10 days fished reflected three corvina, 45 red snapper, five jack crevalle, (aka toro) 14 barracuda and three mojarres (aka bottomfish).

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy today but most sunny and warm with temps from 52 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 66-67 inshore and rising to 72 about 10 miles off then gradually rising to 75-76 at 15-17 miles.
Best Fishing Area: 18-22 miles southwest of the Marina El Cid.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits best for the billfish. Live bait & rapalas best for the dorado. Inshore best on shrimp and squid.
Bait Supply: All readily available throughout the week.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO - INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The inshore fishing action surpassed the offshore billfish action this past week and according to Captain Temo Verboonen, the elusive roosterfish have started to show up again with most of the fish in the 30-40 lb. ranges. Early in the week the billfish bite was pretty good and the boats were averaging 1-2 per day, along with a few yellowfin tuna in the mix. However, as the week progressed, the tuna moved offshore and the billfish bite slowed considerably. Temo said, “it may be due to the lack of boats fishing right now with fewer anglers at the pier each morning”. Temo added, “we had a 40-plus lb. roosterfish, and a good batch of 15-20 lb. jack cravelle, several Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) and bonito for a single fishing day. The fish bit best on the luna lures and pencil poppers as we chased the spots of fish breaking in the bait balls. Slow trolling live bait was also working well.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy days with a good mix of sunshine and temps from 71 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Fairly stable throughout the area from inshore to offshore at 82-84 degrees. The clan, blue water, begins at about 25 miles offshore at the thousand fathom curve.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the inshore fishing but luna lures and pencil poppers working very well, too. Rigged baits worked best in the offshore waters for billfish.
Bait Supply: Remains very good for both, live bait and available rigged baits.

PUERTO MORELOS - MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another excellent fishing week from Puerto Morelos that reflected a 16 fish mixed bag catch for the anglers. The Marina El Cid Sportfishing Fleet, Puerto Morelos, is expanding and the “Aries VIII” is currently being shipped from Mazatlan to Puerto Morelos and will be ready to go upon arrival on location. This fine, 34-foot Chris Craft Sportfisher cruises at 25 knots and is a proven fish catcher that will enhance the capabilities of the fleet. Puerto Morelos is currently leading all of the areas for fishing results and numbers of charters and is rapidly becoming the areas very best fishing fleet.

The overall combined fish counts for 39 days fished reflected 14 sailfish, four wahoo, one dorado, 16 Atlantic barracuda, 10 king mackerel, one yellowfin tuna, seven Spanish mackerel, 11 bonito, one amberjack, three African pompano, 23 snapper, 24 triggerfish, 15 soapfish, two pargo, 13 banana fish and 28 grouper. The fishing starts just a few minutes outside the entrance to the Marina, where the 100 fathom curve (600 feet of water) begins.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy and sunny days with temps ranging from 70 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Mostly light & variable surface breezes with stable temps at 81.5 degrees throughout the area
Best Bait/Lure: The ever-available ballyhoo, both rigged and un-rigged
Bait Supply: Excellent supply that continues to be readily available.

MARCH 17, 2011

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

CABO SAN LUCAS: GAVIOTA FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Spring Break Season has brought a surge of visitors into Cabo San Lucas and overall, it’s been good for the town. However, most of them aren’t anglers, so the influx hasn’t made much difference – as far as the number of sport fishing outings. Then, too, the fishing has been very difficult over the past week, which also endured a port closure day due to the tsunami alerts, and when it’s all added up, the total seems to equal the normal, historical slowness for fishing during the month of March. The two fleets we report for have a combined total of 100 fishing days available each week and this week’s report reflects only 5 of those days were fished that reflected one striper released and eight yellowfin tuna. While the boats are still seeing the stripers, getting them to bite has been the trick, and the combined knowledge of many years of skippers’ experience hasn’t seemed to make a change. Lighter line, lighter leaders, smaller hooks, rigged baits, un-rigged baits, live baits, lure changes, etc, has not changed the bite ratio.

Cabo Climate: Excellent, clear and sunny, warm days and pleasant evenings, with temps from 61 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The ever-changing currents of March are upon us with daily temperature changes throughout the area. From the Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific and around to Palmilla Point, and out 20 miles or so, the temp is 70 degrees. Palmilla Point to Gorda Banks, out to the 1150 fathom spot and the Cabrillo Seamount, the temps rise to 73-74 degrees. Blue water from the Golden Gate to south of Cabo San Lucas.
Best Fishing Area: None reported!
Best Lure/Bait: Feathers, cedar plugs and rapala Magnums best for the tuna. The single striper was taken on live caballito.
Live Bait Supply: Good supply of caballitos.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan had an encouraging and upbeat week’s fishing in the offshore waters that reflected better water temps and clarity conditions and the inshore waters continued to provide the top-notch corvina action. It was a promising week’s fishing for the fleet and the anglers and crew were back to having fun fishing days. The Fleet reported in for 13 offshore fishing days that resulted in 13 stripers, two sailfish, one mako shark, four dorado and 11 yellowfin tuna.

The inshore fishing for 8 fishing days reflected 15 corvina, (20-35 lb. fish) one roosterfish, four pargo and 20 jack cravelle. The Aries II, with Captain Victor Nunez, was high boat for the offshore fishing with four stripers for 2 days fished.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny & clear days with an occasional period of clouds passing by and temps that ranged from 5l nights to 85 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Remains mostly calm with light & variable breezes. Inshore sea temps at 70, rising to 73 at about 5 miles and rising to 75-76 at 18 miles. Green water inshore and becoming clean green at about 18-19 miles offshore.
Best Fishing Area: West southwest of the Marina El Cid, just outside the 18-mile mark, where the temp break occurs.
Best Bait/Lure: The billfish and dorado were by far best on the rigged trolling baits, (mullet) and the tuna on the feathers. Corvina best on the red/blackback & white Rapala Magnums.
Bait Supply: Excellent for both, live bait and rigged baits.

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The tsunami effects in Zihuatanejo were a non-event and everyone was grateful. The fishing slowed up a little but Captain Chiro Barrigan, “Bloody Hook”, reported his 1-day charter resulted in a sailfish release, another lost, two dorado, (one released) and excellent fishing weather. Captain Temo Verboonen reported in for much of the fleet and started out with lots of people in town but definitely not the fishing type of tourists, but still, good business for the local stores and hotels. Temo pointed out that the fishing had slowed this past week due to the cooler water temperatures, and that the billfish had seemingly moved into the warmer waters and different areas away from Zihuatanejo. The inshore fishing did cooperate and produced very well for the sierra, jack crevalle, and even few bigger roosterfish for a few lucky anglers.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny & clear days with an occasionl cloud here & there. Temps varied from 68 nights to 89 daytime highs and light and variable tropical surface breezes.
Sea Conditions: Inshore at 78 degrees, rising to 81 at the 100 fathom curve and 82-83 at 17-18 miles or so. Green water inshore, then cleaning to hazy, clean green at 18 miles or so and bluing up at the 1000 fathom curve.
Best Fishing Area: None reported.
Best Lure/Bait: Billfish were best on rigged baits. Inshore, the jack cravelle and Sierra best on the spinning tackle using smaller pencil poppers in the red/white colors.

PUERTO MORELOS – CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Puerto Morelos action is dominating the Mexico fishing reports, and continues to reflect terrific mixed-bag fishing with a wide variety of catches. This area continuously produces a dozen or more fish in the variety and the angler just never knows what’s coming up next. What is uniquely superb for anglers fishing from Puerto Morelos is the proximity to the fishing grounds, just a few minutes outside the Marina El Cid breakwater, allowing for very short runs to the fishing grounds and adding lots more time to the fishing, This week reflected a combined total of 40 days fished that reflected a dozen fish variety that consisted of five dorado, 35 bonito, 33 tuna, 28 snapper, 40 trigger fish, nine jack crevalle, four Spanish mackerel, 25 grouper, seven Atlantic barracuda, five amberjack, 21 soapfish, 16 sand tilefish (small, elongated bottom fish with a yellowish hue to the back and silver sided, often referred to as “banana fish” & can grow to about 4 feet in length) and six king mackerel.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with good, sun-shiny periods and superb, warm evenings with temps that ranged from 68 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Another good water week that was mostly calm with light & variable surface breezes of 5-10 knots and 80 degree water temps.
Best Bait/Lure: The rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo continue to set the pace in this area and it seems like every specie of fish in this area is attracted to this wonderful bait.
Bait Supply: Continuously plentiful for all of the boats.

MARCH 7, 2011

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

An interesting fishing week from Cabo San Lucas with inshore and offshore fishing opportunities that reflected good catches of yellowfin tuna for the offshorewaters and good sierra & yellowtail fishing for the inshore waters. Three of the 4 stripers released this week were taken aboard the “Tuna Time”, fishing outside the Palmilla-San Jose area, and there were good reports of billfish sightings in that area though not too eager to take the bait. The ”Fish Cabo” reported in for three inshore fishing days that reflected excellent yellowtail and Sierra action and the “Gaviota V” was high boat for the offshore yellowfin tuna action. The overall combined fish reports for the past week for a total of 16 days reflected 4 stipers released, 3 dorado, 54 yellowfin tuna, 1 skipjack, 19 yellowtail and 63 Sierra.

Cabo Climate: Sunny & warm days with much improved & warmer night with temps from 58 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Water temps actually warmed up a bit this past week and remained fairly stable between the Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific side and wrapping around Cabo and into the Sea of Cortez to Boca Del Tule at 70-71 degrees. A 15 mile swath of warmer water just outside the 1000 fathom curve and on a line between the 95 fathom spot and the 1150 fathom spot with temps at 73-74 degrees. Lots of green to greenish waters with the cleaner & bluer water south of Cabo and on a line to the 95 Fathom spot and up to the 1150 Fathom spot and out to the Carillo Seamount.
Best Fishing Area: The Sea of Cortez side for the billfish and the yellowfin tuna and the Pacific side for the inshore catches.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the billfish and the yellowtail.
Live Bait Supply: Good for caballito and sketchy for sardines.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Still a little slow on anglers but that may change if the billfish counts and offshore catches continue upward. Also, we had a special report from the Aries Fleet Manager, Geronimo Cevallos, fishing with his son, Geronimo, Jr., landing 13 corvina that ranged from 32 to 36 lbs. They were just out in front of the Marina El Cid and trolling Rapalas through the bait balls this past Sunday. The overall offshore catches for 5 days fished reflected 4 Pacific striped marlin or an 80% catch ratio effort for the boats. The inshore fishing feflected 2 yellowfin tuna, 13 corvina, 1 toro, 1 baqueta, 1 pargo, 22 mojarres, 79 burros and 118 roncachos.

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny, mostly clear and warm days but still having cool evenings and nights with temps that ranged from 47 nights to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Overall, the week was light & variable surface breezes of 5-10 mph. Inshore waters were down to 65 degrees and gently rising to 69-70 at 17 to 20 miles offshore. Green water to 15-18 miles offshore then cleaning to a green tint condition.
Best Fishing Area: None reported! The boats had to get beyond the murky, green water and into the cleaner green waters at the 17-20 mile mark or so where the warmer waters began.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits for the bbillfish. Rapalas for the corvina.
Bait Supply: Excellent supply of both, rigged baits and live bait.

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the water temps and clarity have improved through the week and the cleaner water started at the 8-mile mark and held at 81 degrees, allowing for a good, sustained bite on the Pacific striped marlin. The sailfish catches remained slow this week for no apparent reason and the yellowfin tuna bite turned to red- hot at the 30 mile mark for the folks that wanted to venture the distance. A near 200 lb. striper was taken aboard the sportfisher, ”Jonee”, fishing with a French group, about 10 miles outside the entrance to the Bay. The inshore fishing is primarily jack cravelle and the catches are excellent using the Rapala Magnums. Still good for Sierra catches and a fair amount of bonito but no roosterfish reported this past week.

IZ Climate: Weather is picture perfect and offering sunny, warm days and warm evenings and nights with temps ranging from 69 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Almost lake-flat-calm! Temps inshore were 76-77 and rising to 81-82 about 9-10 miles offshore. Green water inshore and cleaning at 8-9 miles, offering very good clarity.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits for the bilfish, feathers and cedar plugs for the yellowfin and Rapals for the jack cravelle.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

An interesting fishing week from Cabo San Lucas that defies explanation:

100% of the billfish taken this past week came from the Pacific side of the peninsula, in the cooler and greenish-tinted waters. Yet, at the beginning of the Sea of Cortez side, just outside the Palmilla Ridge drop off, numerous marlin were seen but none were willing to bite.

The conditions there were far more favorable, including clean water and higher water temperatures. Perhaps it was the full moon, or a heavier feed biomass lying unseen in the deep water, or some other combination?

I just don’t know for sure – except that the fish are there, and if they decide to bite, it will be fun fishing. It was another slow week for anglers that reflected a total of eight days of fishing – one of which was an entirely-inshore effort. The overall combined catches reflected five stripers released, eight yellowfin tuna 36 Sierra and two bonito for the fleet’s efforts.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and pleasant days with coolish evenings and nights and temps from 55 nights to 78 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Pacific side, from Golden Gate to Jaime Bank, ranged from 66-68 degrees. From Jaime Bank south and across the 1000 fathom curve, the temps increased to 71-72. The warmest waters for the area were the 1150 fathom spot and out to the Cabrillo Seamount, where temps climbed to 74 degrees. Lots of greenish tinted water on the Pacific side and around to Chileno, then cleaning to blue water up to Boca Del Tule, in the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: Pacific side, from Migrino to Gray Rock, (Cabeza De Ballena).
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the billfish on the Pacific side but totally disinterested on the Sea of Cortez side.
Live Bait Supply: Just so-so and a mix of caballitos, a few mackerel and a variety of odd baitfish.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The inshore fishing from Mazatlan still provides anglers with better action, and continues to produce a mixed bag catch of fun- action fish. We had 10 offshore fishing days reported that resulted in 1 striped marlin and 2 mako sharks. However, the skippers did comment that the waters were getting cleaner by the day and the bite should be changing with the clarity of the water. The inshore super pangas reported in for 12 days fished that reflected 57 corvina, four jack crevalle, 49 barracuda, one conejo, 45 mojarres, 23 pargo, 19 baquetas and limits of rancachos, (a smaller bottom fish).

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny & warm days but cold nights and temps that ranged from 44 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters at 64-65 degrees and rising to 68-69 n the offshore waters at about 24 miles. The water clarity was green to about 18 miles, then a much cleaner greenish tinted water that offered more clarity the farther offshore.
Best Fishing Area: None reported!
Best Lure/Bait: The striper and both mako sharks were taken on the rigged trolling baits. •Bait Supply: Excellent bait supply for both, live bait and rigged baits.

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

According to Captain Temo Verboonen, it was pretty slow going during the early part of the week, albeit, there was some action on the striped marlin and a few sailfish tossed into the mix. The yellowfin tuna have moved farther offshore and out of our range right now.

Captain Chiro Barrigan, skipper of the “Bloody Hook” reported slow fishing until Friday, April 22, 2011, when his client, Mr. Greenway, landed and released 3 sailfish and missed two others, all in the morning, then went inside and finished the day with a batch of Sierra. Captain Temo reported “good action” for Sierras, jack cravelle and big eye jacks and bonitos, along with very small roosterfish, with most of the inshore fish being taken on spinning tackle and the luna lures. He reports the water has cleared up considerably and whileit’s not blue, it is very clean and with a light green ttint to it.

I/Z Climate: This is the place to be! It’s sunny and warm days and pleasant evenings and nights with temps that vary from 68 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Much improved water clarity with temps at 80 inshore and rising only one degree offshore to 81. Light surface breezes, mostly westerly tropical winds but not much swell or wind chop.
Best Fishing Area: Changes a bit from day to day and seems to depend on the water clarity conditions and movement of the bait schools.
Billfish are being found from about 10 miles offshore and then working the areas from northwest and outward bound.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits were hot for the billfish and the luna lures best for the inshore catches.
Bait Supply: Remains very available and not affected by the passing full moon phase.

FEBRUARY 18, 2011

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

619-469-4255

CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The fishing for this past week from Cabo San Lucas offered a 50-50 chance for a billfish and it was pretty much “the luck of the draw”. While most of the boats saw billfish, getting them to bite was not so easy and then, too, some of the boats spent the entire time fishing the inshore areas that provided some very good action for the Sierra bite in the 2-6 lb. ranges. It was a very slow week for the fleets and while there seemed to be lots of tourists in Cabo, they were not the fishing folks. The overall combined fishing report for a total of 6 days fished reflected 3 stripers released, 2 amberjack, 2 yellowfin tuna, 12 bonito and 67 Sierra.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with an occasional passing cloud. Nights remain cool and overall, temps ranged from 54 nights to 82 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Pacific side continues to cool with temps at 68-71 degrees. A wide area, from the 95 Fathom Spot to Gorda Banks and out to the Cabrillo Seamount and across the 1000 fathom curve offers good water temps in the 73-74 degree ranges. All of the clean, blue water is in the warm water area.
Best Fishing: Continues to be on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, from the Cabo Falso Light House to Pozo Coto.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait best for the billfish. Sardinas, (when available) offering the best inshore bite.
Live Bait Supply: It was just OK for caballitos and a few mackerel in the mix, along with assorted other not so good bait fish. Sardines were available but only for the first few

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

A truly much improved fishing week from Mazatlan but primarily for the inshore anglers enjoying the super panga action. While the offshore fishing results remained in the doldrums, the inshore action captured “center stage” and reflected a wide variety and mixed-bag catch of 10 species of fish that included 10 pargo, 1 cabrilla, 42 Baqueta, 16 corvina, 1 cochito, 2 loras, 3 lenguas, limits of roncachos, 1 conejo and 10 mojarres for a total of 9 days fished. The offshore waters reflected a single striper for 10 days fished which reflects the cooler, green water that has moved into the area. It could easily mean the early beginning of the swordfish and mako shark season for this area.

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny & warm days with temps to 81 daytime highs and cold nights, down to 44 degrees.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters at 67-68 degrees and rising to 69-70 degrees offshore at 15 miles and beyond and mostly heavy green tinted all over.
Best Bait/Lure: The billfish was taken on a rigged trolling bait on a blind strike. Shrimp and squid were the preferred inshore baits.
Best Fishing Area: Unquestionably, the inshore fishing provided substantial action for the anglers with constant strikes.
Bait Supply: Remained good for both, live bait and rigged baits

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported good fishing in a couple different areas with a sustained yellowfin tuna bite at 20-30 miles offshore for the skippers that were able to locate the porpoise schools. Both blue & striped marlin showed up in the catches this past week, as did the sailfish. Captain Chiro Barrigan, skipper of the “Bloody Hook”, reported 8sailfish for 4 days fished, (all released) 3 jack cravelle and a 30 lb. dorado, along with a number of bonito. According to Temo, the spinning tackle was working well for some of the boats using 1 oz. Luna Lures, while fishing in close to the rocks. They produced fair catches of bonito, big eye jacks & jack cravelle, a fewamber jack and Sierras. There were a few roosterfish but it has been very hard to locate them with the green water along the shoreline areas.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days and very pleasant evenings and nights that reflected temps from 67 degrees to 88 degrees for daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Lots of greenish waters tthroughout the area, especially inshore and out to about 10 miles and then there’s a band of cleaner water for about 8-14 miles and then turns very green outside the 1000 fathom curve.
Best Lure/Bait: Sailfish best on rigged baits as were the marlin, too. The dorado was taken on a lure, (unspecified). Small Luna Lures worked well around the rocks for a variety of jacks, bonito and a few amberjacks.
Bait Supply: Remains consistently very good for this are with plenty of live bait and bait for rigged trolling.

FEBRUARY 15, 2011

BIMINI:

Angler friend of LMR’s Andy Novak, Bob Olson – Holds up possible new world record dolphinfish – Dolphin weighed 112lbs.- old record 87.7 lbs.

NOTE: The following reports are provided by LMR’s “MEXICAN CONNECTION,” THANKS TO:

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS / cortezcharters@sbcglobal.net

619-469-4255

FEBRUARY 11, 2011

MEXICO FISHING REPORTS: – CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It appears that the Pacific striped marlin have started their move around the tip of Baja on their annual trek into the Sea of Cortez. While still not overly eager to bite and not in the numbers that are usually available for the anglers, it was a much better fishing week for our boats than it has been, with 75% of the fleet landing a striper with more than half of the fish taken between Santa Maria Bay and the Palmilla Ridge, just a couple miles offshore. Even with the increased striper action the fish of the week continued to be the inshore Sierra from the Pacific side of the peninsula, along with a few yellowtail. The big buzz around Cabo right now is the insanely cold evenings that dropped to a possible record setting 47 degrees last night, by far the coldest temp I have ever reflected in our reports for this area spanning more than 20 years. The overall fish counts for the past week for 16 days fished reflected 12 stripers released, four dorado, one wahoo, 22 yellowfin tuna, four yellowtail and 67 sierra.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days in early week and then mostly sunny days. Coolish days and downright cold nights with temps that ranged from 47 nights to 77 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Pacific side now ranging from 68-70 degrees and mostly off-color greenish tinted water, rising to 71-72 degrees from Cabo Falso to Chileno, then falling back to the cooler 68-69 degree water and again, greenish tinted color. The only blue water is the area from Cabo Falso to Chileno, (the warmer temps).
Best Fishing Area: from Chileno to Palmilla Ridge for the billfish with all other fish mostly on the Pacific side.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was required for the billfish that are still very fussy about biting. Cedar plugs and feathers for the tuna and live sardinas and small rapala type lures for the Sierra.
Live Bait Supply: No problem currently for the Caballitos but sardinas were only available sporadically.

FEBRUARY 1, 2011

PUERTO MORELOS – CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

Angler Andy Davies, Colby, KS, landed a 260 lb. grouper this past week, fishing aboard the “Raptor”, with Captain Oscar Manriquez. This huge grouper was taken on 80 lb. test with a rigged ballyhoo being slow trolled from a downrigger, fishing a depth of 120 feet and just 6 miles from the Marina El Cid. It was a 40 minute battle to land the fish. The grouper and snapper bite has been providing excellent catches over the past few weeks with many fish in the above 30 lb. ranges. The overall combined fish report for 20 days fished reflected 12 Atlantic barracuda, 11 king mackerel, 1 yellowfin tuna, 21 bonito, 4 Spanish mackerel, 15 triggerifsh, 2 soapfish, 29 snappers and 29 grouper.

• PM Climate: Mostly cloudy with intermittent sunshine and pleasant, comfortable days.
• Sea Conditions: Temps are holding stable at 79 degrees throughout the area. Seas are mostly calm with light and variable tropical surface breezes.
• Best Fishing Area: Along the 100 fathom curve that begins less than a mile from the entrance to the Marina El Cid.
• Best Bait/Lure: Continues to be the freshly caught ballyhoo.
• Bait Supply: Excellent ballyhoo bait supply available everyday.

FEBRUARY 5, 2011

MEXICO FISHING REPORTS: – CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It looks like the Pacific striped marlin have started their move around Baja on their annual trek to the Sea of Cortez. While still not overly-eager to bite, and not in the numbers that are usually available, it was a much better fishing week for our boats than it has been, with 75% of the fleet landing a striper with more than half of the fish taken between Santa Maria Bay and the Palmilla Ridge, just a couple miles offshore. Even with the increased striper action the fish of the week continued to be the inshore Sierra from the Pacific side of the peninsula, along with a few yellowtail. The big buzz around Cabo right now is the insanely cold evenings that dropped to a possible record of 47 degrees last night, by far the coldest temp I have ever reported for this area in more than 20 years. The overall fish counts for the past week for 16 days fished reflected 12 stripers released, four dorado, one wahoo, 22 yellowfin tuna, four yellowtail and 67 sierra.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days in early week and then mostly sunny days. Coolish days and downright cold nights with temps that ranged from 47 nights to 77 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Pacific side now ranging from 68-70 degrees and mostly off-color greenish tinted water, rising to 71-72 degrees from Cabo Falso to Chileno, then falling back to the cooler 68-69 degree water and again, greenish tinted color. The only blue water is the area from Cabo Falso to Chileno, (the warmer temps).
Best Fishing Area: from Chileno to Palmilla Ridge for the billfish with all other fish mostly on the Pacific side.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was required for the billfish that are still very fussy about biting. Cedar plugs and feathers for the tuna and live sardinas and small rapala type lures for the Sierra.
Live Bait Supply: No problem currently for the Caballitos but sardinas were only available sporadically.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The water clarity and temperatures have changed this past week and the fishing, both inshore and offshore, have been hampered throughout the area. Today, the Port was closed due to hard NW winds that neared 45 knots and created rough and unfishable sea conditions.

Adding to the unusual fishing has been the record setting evening weather that hit a peak low at 37 degrees this past week, causing the fish to disappear or become lock-jawed. The Aries Sportfishing Fleet had just 9 offshore fishing days this past week that resulted in 2 stripers and 1 mako shark for their effort. Even the inshore fishing has taken a hard hit and the super pangas reported only 3 days fished that resulted in six pargo, six cabrilla, one jack cravelle, three roncachos and three mojarres for their efforts.

Mazatlna Climate: Partly cloudy during early week and then mostly sunny days. Nights were very cold for this area, down to 37 degrees but pleasant during the mid-days to a high of 78 degrees.
Sea Conditions: Had been excellent up until Thursday and then, the wind hammered the area from the North west, blowing through at about 45 knots and closing the port. The sea temps have ranged from 64-65 degrees inshore to 70 degrees offshore at about 10-11 miles or so. Green water stretches out to about 18 miles then becomes clean green but no good blue water for the week.
Best Fishing Area: None reported.
Best Lure/Bait: The offshore fish taken on rigged baits.
Bait Supply: Good bait supply, both live bait & dead baits for riggings.

FEBRUARY 5, 2011

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

The offshore fishing has slowed this past week for the Zihuatanejo area and the boats are having to make longer runs for the yellowfin tuna and dorado, reaching out to the 40-mile mark or so. The captains are reporting a few sailfish strikes everyday, closer in, but not near as good as it had been over the past few weeks. While the water temps are good enough, the water clarity has been just so- so and has been changing from one spot to another from one day to the next. According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the area lacks “consistency” with significant current changes almost daily. Temo said the inshore fishing had improved this week, especially in the area around the white rocks at Potosi, (aka Morros de Potosi) and was producing good catches of Jack cravelle, amberjack, bigeye jacks and even a few wahoo. It’s been very good action for the spinning tackle anglers using poppers thrown into the schools of small bonito that are being chased by the bigger fish.

IZ Climate: Partly cloudy but warm, toasty days and evenings, with temps from 69 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 80 degrees inshore and rising to 82.5 degrees at the 100 fathom curve and outbound from there. Greenish waters inshore and cleaning to a clean-green tint offshore at about 15 miles.
Best Fishing area: Offshore for billfish still is best at about 15 miles or so but tuna and dorado at about 40 miles, (requiring a 10- hour fishing day).
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged bait still best for the sailfish and pencil poppers working very well for the inshore catches.
Bait Supply: Not reported but no mention usually means that all is good for the bait supply, both for live and dead baits for rigging.

THE PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

JANUARY 28, 2011

MEXICO FISHING REPORTS: – CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the fishing so difficult from Cabo San Lucas. I remember back to 1978, when I was a fishing skipper from Cabo San Lucas, having a stretch of nearly 4 months where we had no billfish catches at all and even if you did see a sleeper and got a bait right on it, it still wouldn’t bite. It was a frustrating fishing period. Albeit, we did have good yellowfin tuna catches during that off period of time that helped to take up some of the slack times. I believe it’s just the cycle of fishing overall in all areas and only the passing of time cures the temporary doldrums.

The boat skippers are making difficult decisions everyday as where to fish and for the past month or so, the only area that offered some form of almost guaranteed action has been the inshore fishing grounds for the Sierra, occasional yellowtail, grouper, cabrilla, etc. Over this past week, we reflected a combined total of 19 days fished that produced three stripers (released) three dorado, one mako shark, 28 yellowfin tuna, 15 skipjack, 41 bonito and 83 sierra.

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy to cloudy days and cool nights with temps from 56 nights to 78 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: We are in the “change of water” season with daily temp changes and current steaks and clarity changes. Golden Gate Bank to Gordo Bank, temps are now at 68-70 degrees and lots of greenish, off-color water. Cleaner waters witth good blue clarity are outside the 1,000 fathom curve and mostly out to the south of Cabo San Lucas. We should start seeing some swordfish catches pop up in the fish counts, very soon.
Best Fishing Area: There is no concentration of fish in any of the offshore waters and almost all of the fish have been taken from the Pacific side of Cabo.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait for the 3 billfish, feathers and cedar plugs for the tuna.
Live Bait Supply: Not reported

JANUARY 28, 2011

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Mazatlan is still producing a better than 50% chance for a billfish and it is the time of year when they catch mostly the Pacific striped marlin in their offshore waters. However, they have also been affected by the ever changing water conditions that normally don’t show up until mid-February or early March, and while they are still having a daily shot at billfish, the change is evident and almost predictable if the waters and currents continue to change.

Even the inshore fishing has seen significant changes that can be related to the water temps and water clarity in the area. The offshore Aries Fleet reported 9 days fishing that resulted in 5 stripers and 1 mako shark, (mako sharks are usually indicative of cooler and greener waters, same as swordfish). The inshore super pangas reported in for 7 days fished and reflected 1 corvina, 2 jack cravelle, 8 Baquetas, 2 cabrilla, 11 pargo, 10 cochitos and 39 mojarres.

Mazatlan Climate: Partly cloudy days with cold nights, temps from 47 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters are 64-65 degrees and mostly green, rising to 71 degrees at 14-15 miles out to the south but not cleaning to fishable clear waters until 19-20 miles or so.
Best Fishing Area: Out to the south of the Marina El Cid at about 19-20 miles, but no real concentration of fish; just scattered over a wide area.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged baits caught all the fish offshore.
Bait Supply: A very good bait supply for Mazatlan, both live bait & rigged baits.

JANUARY 28, 2011

iXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

If you’re coming from the cold, snowy areas, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is the place to be and is offering sun-shiny days and a toasty, warm climate. Better yet, the offshore fishing continues to be the best for the Pacific ports, too, with lots of good sailfish action going on, everyday. According to Captain Temo Verboonen, the sailfish bite is excellent and reports the boats are having numerous strikes and many release opportunities throughout the fleet, everyday. Most of the boats are having average catches of 2-5 sailfish per day, (some with more) and many more opportunities. The inshore fishing took a “nose-dive” on some days when the red tide came through. On the days when the water was clear, the fish moved back in and the better fishing was accomplished using deep running Rapalas from the outriggers. Overall, the fishing is very good and the anglers are having great catching opportunities.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with pleasant evenings and nights, temps from 65 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters a little cool and periods of red tide, making fishing/catching a little testy for the anglers. Offshore, the water temps rise to about 82 degrees by the 100 fathom curve and the cleaner waters, (clean green) begins about 8-10 miles
Best Fishing Area: Starting at about 10 miles out from the Bay, but can change from day to day.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits working very well for the offshore fishing and deep water artificials for the inshore waters.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available for both, rigged dead baits and live bait.

JANUARY 28, 2011

PUERTO MORELOS – CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

An excellent report was received from Armando Gutierrez, the Marina El Cid Fleet manager, that reflected good catches of quality-sized grouper in the 10-20 lb. range, lots of snappers, bigger barracuda, (20-40 lb. range) and good opportunities for great-eating king mackerel. The overall weather conditions have been very good and most of the fishing right now is taking place just 2-3 miles from the Marina. The overall fishing report for 37 days reflected a broad variety of mixed bag catches that included 1 sailfish, 7 yellowfin tuna, 42 snapper, 40 grouper, 4 blue runners, 24 bonito, 28 triggerfish, 9 Atlantic barracuda, 16 Sierra, 27 King mackerel, 1 pargo, and one new species, 19 soapfish, (a bottom fish caught in the grouper areas that sticks close to the rocky areas and looks like a small grouper).

Puerto Morelos Climate: Partly cloudy days with intermittent periods of bright sunshine and temps from 55 nights to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Near excellent with a stable 80 degree temperature throughout the area.
Best Fishing Area: 2-3 miles from the entrance to the Marina El Cid
Best Bait/Lure: Slow trolling with bonito in the downriggers for bigger grouper, drifting with ballyhoo or slow trolling the ballyhoo on the surface. (Fishing in about 120 feet of water).
Bait Supply: Remains very good, especially for the ballyhoo. Bonito used for bait are often caught fresh, daily.

JANUARY 16, 2011

MEXICO FISHING REPORTS: – CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

Fluctuating water temperatures and changing currents continue to effect on the fishing in the lower Baja. Practically the only area that still reflects good potential is the Jaime Bank and outside the 1,000 fathom curve, 10-12 miles below and outside of Cabo San Lucas, where the water temp is 71.5 degrees. Temperatures inside that mark are in the 68-69 degree range, which doesn’t bode well for billfish. Most of the boats are still fishing on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula – from the Cabo Falso area to Golden Gate Bank. Adding to the lack of fish has been the decline in fishing days reported by the fleets.

The overall catch report for a combined total of 11 days fished reflected six stripers, (four released) 11 dorado, 34 yellowfin tuna, eight skipjack tuna and 11 sierra.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and pleasant days with cooler nights and temps that ranged from 54 degree nights to 76 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Light & variable, 5-10 knots of surface breeze from the westerly directions through the week. Mostly clean waters with a greenish tint throughout the entire area and out to 50 miles or more. Temps ranging from 68 to 71.5, with all the warmer water out to the south of Cabo and outside the 1,000 fathom curve.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be on the Pacific side with most of the fish being taken within 3-4 miles of the coast line.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait remained best for the billfish and both, caballitos and mackerel worked equally well. Tuna were taken about 99% on the feathers of assorted colors.
Live Bait Supply: A good supply was available but mostly caballitos.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Overall, just fair fishing for the offshore fleet this past week – with 71.4% of the boats reporting billfish catches. That said, there were only a total of 7 offshore fishing days for the week that reflected five stripers for the fleet’s effort. The number of charters has again declined, and that adversely affects these statistics. Percentage- wise, the overall performance hasn’t been bad:

For example, the inshore super pangas reported very good action for 9 days reported, including 55 pargo, four baqueta, one cochito, 15 roncachos, limits of morjarres, one lora, one Sierra and 23 jack crevalle.

Mazatlan Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with unseasonably cool nights. Temps from 48 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Light, northerly surface breezes in the 5-10 knot ranges, but little swell and mostly calm. Sea temps from 67 inshore and rising to 72 offshore at about 18-20 miles out to the south of the Marina El Cid. The inshore waters are green and the waters filter to a clean green tint at about 18 miles or so.
Best Fishing Area: Out to the south of the Marina El Cid, 18-5 miles or so, but no real concentration of fish.
Best Lure/Bait: All billfish taken on the rigged baits.
Bait supply: Plenty of bait available, both live bait and rigged baits.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo had a very positive report this past week that reflected excellent fishing within a mile of the coast and in front of Ixtapa Island. He reported that good, clear water has moved in, and that sailfish showed up in good numbers. Not too much with the dorado and marlin right now and yellowfin tuna are near the 40-mile mark. Llamarada reported a 12 fish count on yellowffin tuna with a fly fishing angler. All of the skippers reported multiple sailfish strikes and for a change, the boats were busy for the past week with anglers from France, Denmark and other parts of Europe.

The inshore action was equally as hot for big sierra and jack crevalle, and even a few roosterfish. The inshore action was dependent on the time of day, didn’t get started until about 11 am.

The best tackle was a spinning outfit rigged with a red & white pencil poppers or a shiny silver spoon, fishing right on the backside of the breakers. The hard part was in locating the schools that seemed to want to hold just under the surface, which made them difficult to locate. Once found, they were easy to stay with and the bite remained fast.

Z Climate: Sunny and warm days, near picture perfect, and war, pleasant nights. Temps from 66 nights to 87 daytime highs. Light & variable tropical breezes from the southwest.
Sea Conditions: Cooler waters along the beach at 79 degrees and rising to 82 within a mile or two of the coastline. Clean water within a mile of the beach.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits were getting snapped out of the outriggers often and the sailfish were aggressive, usually with more than one fish coming on the baits.

JANUARY 4, 2011

MEXICO FISHING REPORTS: – CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

SPECIAL NOTE:
TO ALL OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, GOOD FRIENDS AND SPECIAL ASSOCIATES IN THE WORLD OF SPORTFISHING, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND WISH YOU A HEALTHY, SAFE AND PROSPEROUS 2011 FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS…….WARMEST GOOD WISHES AND FISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Larry Edwards

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT: – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET ANDFISH CABO FLEET

Wow! Sierra mackerel were the fish of the week for the first time since I have been reporting fishing for the Cabo San Lucas region. Just what that means, I don’t know, but it’s unusual. On the other hand, if you have ever tasted ceviche made from sierra, or sierra prepared with a garlic sauce on the grill, you probably wished you’d caught more. They are, simply put, an incredibly-delicious fish that ranges from a couple of pounds in weight to about 10. On light or fly tackle, they’re a truly fun fish on the line.

You always find them inshore. Meanwhile, offshore fishing was slower than normal, but not entirely bad. The combined fish counts for 23 days fished, both inshore and offshore, reflected eight striped marlin, (seven released) three dorado, 26 yellowfin tuna, 11 skipjack tuna, four jack crevalle, eight roosterfish and 92 sierra.

Cabo Climate: Coolish days and colder nights with temps ranging from 53 nights to 76 daytime highs and partly cloudy days and the jet stream right over the top of Cabo.

Sea Conditions: The Pacific side reflected 70-71 degrees on the Golden Gate & Jaime Banks but was cooler inshore. A north/south temp break from Cristobal offered 69 degrees on one side and rising to 72 on the other, toward the east. Temps continued to slowly rise from Cabo Falso toward the Sea of Cortez to 74 degrees at the Gorda Banks.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be on the Pacific side but with the falling water temperatures, that may change and soon.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for the billfish and feathers for the yellowfin tuna. Sierra were active on small, shiny lures, sardines and strip baits.
Live Bait Supply: Not reported.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT: – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

While still slow, the offshore fishing appears to be picking-up from the week before. Plus, it’s the start of the Mako shark season.

The billfish count now reflects more stripers than sailfish, and with the increase in makos, one can assume that the sea temps have fallen a bit, if not so much on the surface, then not far below, as both these species like waters that are cooler than the preferred water of the sailfish. The overall offshore fish counts reflected eight stripers and two sailfish, along with three mako sharks and four dorado during the 15 offshore days the fleet fished. The inshore action continues to be lively, as well as full of variety. Seven inshore fishing days reflected 10 jack cravelle, 21 corvina, 21 Baquetas, 33 roncacho, 76 mojarres, 3 cochitos and eight pargo. The inshore provides great family fun that includes excellent variety and fast action.

Mazatlan Climate: Warm days and cold nights, partly cloudy but intermittent periods of sunshine. Temps from 48 nights to 80 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Light & variable surface breezes offered fair and calm seas for the most part with inshore temps at 69-72 and rising to 73-74 at about 13 miles to the south and gradually rising to 75 degrees at 32 miles to the south. Water was clean green to about 15 miles, then cleaning to blue from there outward bound.
Best Fishing Area: Most of the boats fished out to the south this past week in varying water temperature zones that fluctuated from 72 to 75 degrees and at distance to 32-33 miles or so.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits were best for all of the offshore fish, including the mako sharks.
Bait Supply: The bait supply continues to be readily available for both, live bait and rigged bait.

XTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT: – THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Reporting for Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Captain Temo Verboonen reflected on the Christmas week as Santa’s gift to the anglers. He reported “great fishing through the week as the blue water swung in to within 12 miles of Zihuatanejo Bay and brought sailfish, dorado and yellowfin tuna with it”. He added:

“The inshore fishing is very good, and big schools of sardinas are attracting all the inshore fish, including roosterfish, jack crevalle, sierra and bonito. As always, the bigger fish are chasing the schools of bait and really do want to bite most anything that goes through the water.”

It’s fun fishing for the light tackle anglers and offers good, fast action once the bait schools are located.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds and temps that varied from 66 nights to 88 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: The inshore waters have a clean greenish tint that fades out and starts to clean up at 7-8 miles and becoming very clean & blue at 10-12 miles. Temps range from 84 inshore and rise gently to 85 degrees at about 8-9 miles. Light surface breezes and flat seas.
Best Bait/Lures: The offshore catches were good on rigged baits, live bait and artificials, too, especially for the tuna & dorado. Inshore was good with streamers, bait strips, live bait and poppers all working well.
Best Fishing Area: Starting at about 12 miles, where the clean and warm water began.
Bait Supply: Good supply without interruption for both live and rigged baits.

PUERTO MORELOS SPORTFISHING REPORT: – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET, CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA

DECEMBER 24, 2010

CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO AND PUERTO MORELOS

A surprisingly-slow report for Cabo San Lucas that bucks the normal trend through the Christmas-New Year time frames: We are also seeing a drop in water temperatures on the Pacific side of Cabo that would normally have a negative effect on catching fish. However, this hasn’t been the case, since part of the problem has been the lack of anglers. For those that do fish, there are plenty of billfish, but not ones that cooperate and want to bite. This past week only eight boats fished (less than 10% of the inventory) – reflecting a combined report of fiur stripers released, (50% catch rate) 21 yellowfin tuna and 34 sierra mackerel.

Cabo Climate: Sunny & clear during the early week and changing to mostly cloudy by week’s end with temps ranging from 55 nights to 78 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Some windy conditions on the Pacific side but still fishable, just a bit rougher than normal and falling water temperatures. Sea Temps ranged from 69 to 72 degrees F from Golden Gate Bank to Cabo Falso, rising to 73-74 out to the south of Cabo San Lucas and rising to 74-75 from Chileno to Los Frailes. Pacific side has excellent clarity & blue water but moving around toward the Sea of Cortez reflects a clean green tint to the water.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be on the pacific side and all fish reported this week came from that side.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was by far the better choice for the billfish and feathers, hoochies and cedar plugs for the tuna.
Bait Supply: Remained good through the week for caballitos.

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

An improvement for anglers fishing Mazatlan this past week, as the water temperature increased measurably throughout the offshore area. Still, the overall fishing days reflected the same trend as Cabo San Lucas, with very few boat fishing days and short angler supply for what is normally a busy fishing period. The inshore fishing reflected excellent action that kept anglers at the rails and busy with catching. The overall offshore fish counts for seven days reflected one striper, two Pacific sailfish, eight dorado and one mako shark. Meanwhile, the inshore action for 5 days fished reflected 25 jack cravelle, 36 corvina, 39 roncachos, 29 mojarres and four Vaquetas, (the first reported for many months).

Mazatlan Climate: Sunny during early week and moving to cloudy during the latter week. Temps from a cool 51 nights to 79 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Very light surface breezes from the northerly directions and little swell. Temps from 73 inshore to 75-77 offshore and the water had a greenish tint to about 10-12 miles, then bluing with good clarity.
Best Fishing Area: None reported as the boats worked many areas looking for concentrations of fish.
Best Lure/Bait: The rigged trolling baits were best for the offshore waters and shrimp and squid best for the majority of the inshore fishing with exception to the toro which bit well on live bait, poppers and rapalas.
Bait Supply: Both live bait & rigged baits were readily available.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen offered an unusual fishing report for this past week that reflected both high & low results, some good bite days and some slow bite days, and lots of current and movement of the clean and not so clean waters. Temo says that some days the blue water was at 20-25 miles and beyond and the next day at 10 miles, and that the sailfish were scattered without any concentration. It was the same for dorado and marlin. One day was really good and the next day, at the very same spot: no fish at all! A frustrating experience on an every-other-day basis, unless you got lucky. On the other hand, the inshore fishing was exciting and full of action, with green jacks, jack crevalle, and sierra mackerel chasing sardines and anxious to bite almost anything. All in all, not a bad week, but one that kept the skippers on their toes.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with a few clouds here & there and temps that ranged from 68 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Generally, very good, with little swell and light and variable surface winds. Sea temps ranged from 80 inshore and rising to just 81 degrees for the offshore waters.
Best Fishing Area: Changed daily from 10-25 miles with no daily continuity.
Best Lure/Bait: Rigged baits were best for the sailfish, dorado and marlin. Live bait and poppers worked very well for the inshore fish.
Bait Supply: Good supply of both, live bait and rigged baits.

PUERTO MORELOS: CANCUN TO COZUMEL – EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

Another typically good fishing week from Puerto Morelos, an area where nearly every fish can be a different species. This past week was no exception, and it produced another mixed bag that reflected an eleven fish variety for a combined total of 13 days fished and reflected two Atlantic sailfish, 19 barracuda, 16 bonito, 14 king mackerel, one yellowfin tuna, one wahoo, three snapper, four triggerfish, seven grouper, four amberjack and seven blue runners.

PM Climate: Mostly cloudy days with some intermittent sunshine and temps from a cool 55 nights to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent clarity and stable temps at 80 degrees with very light and variable tropical surface breezes.
Best Bait/Lure: The hot bite bait continues to be the rigged, skirted and un-rigged ballyhoo caught fresh on a daily basis.

CABO SAN LUCAS – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas continues to be the mainstay of the fish bite, and everyone reported from there this past week. Billfish counts remained on the slow side for most of the boats but the Fish Cabo, skippered by Captain Gil Marquez, had a three-striper release day that accounted for nearly half of the week’s billfish catches. It’s not for a lack of fish, as the skippers are seeing, since they’re baiting fish everyday. The critters just don’t want to bite. The fish of the week was yellowfin tuna, with the bulk of the fish in the 15-25 lb. range, and a few that ranged to 40 lbs. The overall counts for 19 combined fishing days reflected seven stripers released, nine dorado, one roosterfish, one sierra, one wahoo, two skipjack tuna, and 67 yellowfin tuna.

Cabo Climate: Sunny, warm and clear with temps ranging from 57 nights to 82 daytime highs and light surface breezes at 5-10 knots.
Sea Conditions: Good blue water and temps in the 75-76 degree ranges that span from the Golden Gate, wrapping Cabo to the above the Gorda Banks. Very little swell and light surface breezes.
Best Fishing Area: Los Arcos, Migrino and Golden Gate Bank areas continue to be the better spots. The main fishing triangle extends from Cabo Falso to Golden Gate Bank, southerly to the Jaime Bank and back into Cabo Falso.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait for the billfish has been almost a must have. The yellowfin tuna biting at the feathers, cedar plugs.
Bait Supply: Been a good week for bait with both, caballitos and mackerel.

DECEMBER 18, 2010

MAZATLAN – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The offshore fishing fell sharply this past week at Mazatlan. There was a noticeable change in the water temp and offshore clarity. On the other hand, the inshore was producing good action, and there was an excellent bite on corvina early in the week that added to the overall action for anglers. What’s unusual for this time of year was that there were no billfish reported for 8 offshore fishing days that resulted in one mako shark and eight dorado. The inshore action for 7 fishing days reflected 83 corvina, (the most we have ever reported for the inshore fleet) one Toro, one sierra, one barracuda, 20 mojarres and limits of roncachos, (bottomfish).

Mazatlan Climate: An unusual day, today, as the port was fogged in and zero visibility existed but expected to clear in time to make the fishing day. Otherwise, mostly sunny and clear days with temps from48 nights (very cold for Mazatlan) to 81 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore temps are 70-71 degrees and gradually rising to 73-74 degrees by 25 miles, all with a green and often murky color that tends to clear at 20-plus miles. The temp break and blue water is now at the 35-40 miles mark.
Best Fishing Area: None Reported as the boats ffished far & wide over the past several days with no particular area being fish concentrated.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits were the bait of choice for the dorado and 1 mako shark.
Bait Supply: No problem for this area for live bait or fresh rigged baits.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen offered an excellent fishing report for this past week, reporting that the sailfish action had been “very productive” for the anglers, along with a fairly sustained bite on dorado to 30-plus pounds or so and even a return on the marlin, both catches and releases. There were good schools of sierra mackerel near Ixtapa Island, lots of jack crevalle and bonito, and even a few roosterfish near the sandy beaches. Lots of sardinas throughout the inshore areas keeping the game fish aggressive for anglers.

I/Z Climate: Mostly sunny, warm and clear days with temps from 68 nights to 87 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Almost daily changing conditions that the skippers have to adapt to rapidly, with the fishing changing by the day from 15-25 miles offshore. Inshore waters a bit cool at 78-79 and rising to 82-83 at about 8 miles offshore, but off color and greenish tint. Blue water starting at about 15 to 18 miles or so and temps fairly stable at 84 degrees. Going outbound to 25-30 miles or so with conditions that have been changing almost daily.
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged baits are hot on the sailfish and dorado, too. Inshore, live baitt for the jack cravelle, pencil poppers working well, too. Sierra like the strip baits and smaller shinny lures, small poppers and streamers, too.
Bait Supply: Good supply of both, live bait and fresh dead bait for rigging.

DECEMBER 18, 2010

PUERTO MORELOS – CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET

It was another terrific fishing week from Puerto Morelos that produced a mixed bag catch of 12 different species.

Vacationing angler, Mr. Cook, fishing aboard the Aries VI, landed the week’s only sailfish and rounded out his catch with two Atlantic barracuda and three grouper. Another vacationing angler, fishing aboard the Pescadora I, landed one wahoo, one mutton snapper, two Atlantic barracuda, one bonito and two grouper. Surface and bottom fishing can easily be combined on the same trip to enhance the overall fishing day. Overall catches for 14 combined fishing days reflected 1 sailfish, 12 Atlantic barracuda, 22 Bonito, one wahoo, 10 king mackerel, two yellowfin tuna, three Spanish mackerel, eight grouper, five mutton snapper, three amberjack, one porgy, and one triggerfish.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days but with a good mix of sunshine and temps that ranged from a cool 57 nights to 83 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Good water temps that were stable at 89-80 degrees with light surface winds in the 10-15 knot ranges.
Best Bait/Lure: This area continues to excel on the readily available supply of local fresh ballyhoo that they use rigged and un- rigged and often with a variety of colored skirts.
Bait Supply: Excellent and readily available everyday.

DECEMBER 9, 2010

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT: GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

The best fishing continues to be on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas. as the boats averaged a billfish per boat-fishing day. However, the Gaviota III, skippered by Captain Jorge Ruiz, released 10 stripers for five fishing days that included two 4-billfish release-days in the mix. High boat for the yellowfin tuna was none other than the Tuna Time, skippered by Captain Roberto Padilla, and the only wahoo was taken aboard the Fish Cabo, skippered by Captain Gil Marquez.

I noticed a spike in the tuna counts this past week, and the better area for the 20-40-pounders was at the 1150 fathom spot. The overall fish counts for 30 combined fishing days reflected 29 stripers, (28released) nine dorado, four roosterfish, one wahoo and 51 yellowfin tuna, (tuna ranged to 46 lbs.)

Climate: Sunny, Clear, warm and picture perfect days with an occasional passing cloud and temps that ranged from 59 nights to 82 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Excellent, calm seas with very light surface breezes and little swell. North/south temp break on the Pacific side at about 20 miles with cooler water, 73 degrees, pushing into the warmer waters, 77-78 degrees, wrapping Cabo and extending toward the Gorda Banks and into the Sea of Cortez.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be on the Pacific side in the near coastal triangle from Cabo Falso to Golden Gate, down to the Jaime Bank and back to Cabo Falso.
Best Bait/Lure: Live bait was best for the billfish. Dorado, wahoo and the yellowfin tuna were best on the artificials.
Live Bait Supply: Much improved this week with fair availability for caballitos. Fish Cabo Fleet has been using rigged ballyhoo with a very good success ratio.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

Slow and difficult fishing results for the Aries Sportfishing Fleet this past week for both inshore and offshore action. The water temps are changing rapidly and the cooler waters, down to 70-72 degrees, extend out to about 25 miles before butting up to the warmer and cleaner waters at 75-76 degrees. The overall offshore fishing counts for 15 offshore fishing days reflected two Pacific stripers, two sailfish and two dorado for their efforts. The inshore super pangas reporting in for 4 days reflected four corvina, three jack crevalle, six roncachos and 20 mojarres.

Mazatlan Climate: Picture perfect weather, sunny, clear skies and temps that ranged from a cool 50 degrees at night to a warm 83 degrees for daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Calm and little swell with light & variable surface breezes. Inshore waters quite cool at 70-72 degrees and not warming up until 25 miles offshore or so, hitting a temp break that hits 75-76 degrees and bluer and cleaner water.
Best Lure/Bait: The billfish were taken on slow trolled rigged mullet baits.
Best Fishing Area: There was no specified area of fish concentration.
Bait Supply: Good bait supply for both, live bait and fresh rigged baits.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT – INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reported very good fishing early in a week that ended up with a slow finish, as the week progressed. Some of the top skippers did find good fishing and fish concentrations that produced 5 or more sailfish strikes. However, the marlin bite finally got down to just a couple of fish for the lucky anglers. Dorado catches slowed, too and for no apparent reason. The inshore waters have been changing by the day with warm and cold water currents and while the inshore waters are fairly clear, they have a greenish tint to them. The inshore catches have been mostly Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) bonito and jack crevalle, all of which wanted to bite well, but no roosterfish action this past week.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days, with temps from 67 nights to 89 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: 80-82 degrees inshore, rising to 83-at about 8-10 miles and gradually rising to 84 at the 18-20 mile mark. Mostly greenish tinted but clear water inshore and out to about 14-15 miles, then bluing outbound from there. Calm seas with light & variable tropical surface breezes.
Best Fishing Areas: There were small pockets of fish that ranged from about 15 miles and beyond from Zihuatanejo Bay, but no wide spread productive area.
Best Bait/Lure: Good strikes on the rigged trolling baits for the offshore areas.
Bait Supply: Excellent! Good bait supply, both live and for rigged baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET (CANCUN TO COZUMEAL AREA)

Another mixed bag fishing week that included a pair of sailfish for one lucky angler a Mr. Cevallos, while fishing aboard the sportfisher, RAPTOR Overall, the boats averaged almost seven fish per boat ratio that reflected an eleven fish variety, including two sailfish released, four Atlantic barracuda, 35 bonito, two king mackerel, three Spanish mackerel, two yellowfin tuna, eight grouper, three amberjack, four snapper, (three yellow snapper and one mutton snapper) four triggerfish and one porgy.

PM Climate: Partly cloudy days with cool temps in the evenings at 57 degrees and rising to a pleasant 80 degrees in the daytime.
Sea Conditions: Mostly calm this week with light, 5-10 knot surface breezes from the northwest, and temps stable at 81 degrees and clean blue water throughout the area.
Best Bait/Lure: The bait of choice continues to be the rigged and un- rigged ballyhoo, freshly rigged each morning by the various crews.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available on a daily basis.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT – GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET

I’ve noticed a significant change in the fishing report from Cabo San Lucas this past week – so much so that I called to get more information. In talking with the Fish Cabo Fleet owner, Roberto Marquez, the two things that appear to have shifted the fishing into slow mode were difficulties with live bait and the brightness of the moon, even though it was well into the first quarter.

Marquez said that there had been no other apparent changes for the area, and that the water temps were good and so was the water clarity. In any event, he did say that the slowness will probably not continue for long – given the clarity and temperature. High boat for the week was the TUNA TIME, skippered by Captain Roberto Padilla, with five billfish releases for two days fishing, and rounding out his catch with seven dorado. The overall combined fishing report for a total of 11 days fished reflected 11 striped marlin released, and 13 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny, clear and warm days with temps that varied from 60 at night to a high of 85 in the daytime.
Sea Conditions: Generally, very good on both sides. The Pacific side, from above Todos Santos and 10 miles offshore on a north/south line, was holding at 76-77 degrees, which wrapped Cabo and continued toward Los Frailes on the Sea of Cortez side.
Best Fishing Area: Continues to be on the Pacific side for all of the boats.
Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best when available. Fish Cabo Fleet was doing well with rigged ballyhoo on the days of scarce live bait.
Live Bait Supply: Difficult this past week.

DECEMBER 02, 2010

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT – ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The Aries Sportfishing Fleet reported difficult fishing on the mainland side of the Sea of Cortez, which they associated with the brightness of the moon through the first quarter. Nights have been clear, so that the brightness of just a little moon has made for difficult bait fishing and billfish catching. The overall combined counts for 23 days fished reflected six striped marlin, four Pacific sailfish, 10 dorado and two yellowfin tuna for the entire fleet. The inshore super-pangas were doing better, and reported in for eight fishing days that netted one robalo, (black snook) seven corvina, two dorado, three jack crevalle, one palometa, 11 pargo, 30 mojarres and 69 roncachos for their efforts.

Mazatlan Climate: Excellent! Mostly sunny with an occasional passing cloud here and there and temps that ranged from 55 nights to 86 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters a bit coolish and offf-color at 69 degrees and rising to 72 degrees at 5 miles and gradually increasing to 74-75 by 18 miles and bluing up to good clarity.
Best Fishing Area: The boats trolled far & wide over a great deal of water but were unable to locate any concentration of fish.
Best Bait/Lure: All of the billfish were taken on rigged trolling baits, mostly fresh mullet.
Bait Supply: No problem with the bait supply as the bait for this area is taken in the cast nets.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT- INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING FLEET

Captain Temo Verboonen reporting for the fleet said the fishing was much-improved, and that the action just 8 miles from Zihuatanejo Bay was excellent and was producing numerous very fast strikes that necessitated being on rod standby to set the hooks. He said there was still a very good supply of dorado throughout the area and nearly all boats were have a 2-4 fish success rate everyday. The marlin numbers fell off some this past week but that may have been due to the boats fishing closer and not getting offshore to the 20-30 mile mark. Inshore fishing was very slow for the week, and only provided a few boats with mediocre action on jack crevalle.

IZ Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with an occasional cloud passing over and temps that ranged from 69 nights to 90 daytime highs.
Sea Conditions: Inshore waters a little cooler than normal but the offshore waters rising to 84-85 degrees and good clarity
Best Fishing Area: Starting at the 8-mile mark and offshore from there
Best Bait/Lure: Rigged trolling baits working best for the sailfish and dorado.
Bait Supply: Continues to be readily available throughout the area

PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT – MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING FLEET (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

Another wide-variety and fun fishing week was reported from the Marina El Cid Fishing Fleet at Puerto Morelos, that spanned an 11 fish variety and superb light tackle action. Overall combined fish counts for a total of 21 days fished reflected an average of nearly 10 fish per boat that consisted of two doradfo, eight yellowfin tuna, three blue runners, 121 bonito, 13 Atlantic barracuda, three Spanish mackerel,

14 king mackerel, eight amberjack, eight grouper, three triggerfish and three mutton snapper.

PM Climate: Some partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 58 nights to 80 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Good water temps that are stable at 82 degrees.
Surface winds prevailing at v10-15 knots from the NNE direction and light surface wind chop.
Best Bait/Lure: The unending and never lacking supply of the ballyhoo continues to serve this area

Bait Supply: This area has never reflected a bait problem, even during the full moon phase.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255

THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET

AND FISH CABO FLEET

A much improved fishing week from Cabo San Lucas, with 100% of the

offshore sportfishers landing at least 1 striped marlin.The “Tuna

Time” was high boat with 5 stripers released for two fishing days and

followed closely by The “Gaviota VIII” with 4 stripers released for

two fishing days.The hot spot of the week was the 1150 fathom spot

and down to the 95 fathom spot.The overall fish counts for a

combined total of 10 fishing days reflected 18 stripers released and

estimated weights from 110 lbs. to 150 lbs.Live caballitos was the

bait of choice by the billfish but several were also taken with the

marlin artificials.

Cabo Climate:Mostly sunny and warm days with a few passing clouds

and temps that varied from 67 nights to 96 daytime highs and light &

variable surface breezes throughout the area.

Sea Conditions:Great water temps and for the most part, excellent

clarity on the Sea of Cortez side.The push of cooler waters fom the

Pacific has diminished and submitted to the apparent warm water push

from the Sea of Cortez.Temps from the Golden Gate Bank and southerly

to the Jaime Bank and out beyond the 1000 fathom curve increased to

75-78 degrees and remains stable.Excellent blue water on the Sea of

Cortez side.

Best Fishing Area:Sea of Cortez side has claimed the best bite area

with the bulk of the billfish popping up at the 1150 fathom spot and

the 95 fathom spot.

Best Bait/Lures:Live bait was best, especially the caballitos, but

sufficient strikes were being to keep the anglers and crew on their

toes.

Live Bait Supply:It was just another so-so week for live bait, and

caballitos were by far, the bait of choice for the skipper and crew.

THE MAZATLAN FISHING REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORTFISHING FLEET

The offshore dorado counts increased in numbers for the 2nd week and

the boats averaged 3-5 fish per day with good, quality sized fish that

were mostly in the 20-35 lb. ranges.With the movement of more and

more dorado to the area, anglers can look for the season’s first black

or blue marlin to follow very shortly as the water temperatures have

simultaneously increased to respectable warm water conditions

approaching early summer temps.The striped marlin bite subsided as

the water temps increased and it would appear that they may have moved

back across the channel to the San Jose area at the 1150 fathom spot.

That’s just a guess on my part but that’s how it adds up to me.The

overall fish counts for 10 offshore days fished refected 1 striped

marlin, 1 mako shark and 45 dorado while the inshore super panga fish

counts for 6 days fished reflected 57 red snapper, (small to 18 lbs.) 7 jack crevelle and 24 dorado.

Mazatlan Climate:A sun/cloud mix with warm days and pleasant

evenings with temps from 60 nights to 90 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions:Water temps holding at 73-74 inshore and rising to

80-81 offshore, beginning at about 12-13 miles or so.Conditions

range from a green inshore water to bluer water conditions at about

16 miles and beyond.

Best Fishing Area:Dorado are scattered over a wide area from about

15-16 miles and beyond.

Best bait/lure:The rigged baits caught the billfish, the mako and a

few dorado but live bait was the best for the dorado and the boats

were catching bait at the buoys by yo-yoing the lucky joe 4- hook

feathered ganions.

Bait Supply:Remains good for both, live bait and rigged trolling

baits.Live bait, when available at the Marina, is $1.00 per bait and

paid direct to the bait vendor.

THE IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT SPORTFISHING

FLEET

The 28th Annual International Sailfish Tournament finalized on May 1,

2001, and according to Captain Temo Verboonen, the fishing was pretty

slow during the event that accommodated approximately 175 sportfishing

boats.The largest sailfish taken during the event was aboard the “3

Hermanos”,that checked in at 78.2 lbs., the largest blue/black

marlin taken aboard the “GABY”, checked in at

277.2 lbs., (second place marlin was caught by angler Fred Livesay,

Liggett, CA, tilting the scale at 202 lbs., and fishing with Captain

Temo Verboonen, aboard the “SECUESTRO DE AMOR”.The fish was taken on

a Seeker 50-80 lb. rod, using 50 lb. mono, a 120 lb.

test leader and a big eye jack for bait).The largest dorado taken

during the event was aboard the “PEKE”, and weighed in at 38 lbs.

According to Temo, it was difficult fishing and most of the winning

fish were taken in the 16-18 mile zone with greenish tinted water and

83-85 degree temps.Most of the billfish were taken on small baits,

similar to the big eye jack, (like the “goggle eyes” in Florida or the

“Caballitos” in Cabo San Lucas).He mentioned that sailfish were

running close to the white rocks and chasing surface baits in that

area.

The inshore fishing remains good for Spanish mackerel, (Sierra) small

jacks and even a few roosterfish.

IZ Climate:Mostly cloudy with intermittent periods of sunshine and

temps that varied from 73 nights to 93 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions:Fair sea for the most part, with light and variable

tropical breezes and sea temps that varied from 86-87 as the week

progressed and cleaner, bluer water at about 16 miles and beyond.

Best Fishing Area:Remained in the 16-20 mile area and around the

white rocks, where the sailfish have been feeding on the surface

baits.

Bait Supply:Remains plentiful, both live and trolling baits.

THE PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE MARINA EL CID SPORTFISHING

FLEET, (CANCUN TO COZUMEL AREA)

It was just another ordinarily fun fishing week from Puerto Morelos

this past week, that produced the largest fish taken by the fleet so

far, a 330 lb. blue marlin, by the Jones charter group, fishing aboard

the “HAMMER”, with Captain Elias and Mate, Jossua.The trophy fish

was taken on a ballyhoo bait and required 2 hours to land.The

overall fishing in this area continues to be the mixed bag catches

with dorado taking the biggest catch numbers for the week and followed

by the billfish numbers.The Marina El Cid Fleet, reporting in for a

total of 33 days fished, reflected 1 blue marlin, 5 white marlin, 16

sailfish, 43 dorado, 4 king mackerel, 1 wahoo, 2 yellowfin tuna, 5

Atlantic barracuda, 5 bonito, 7 triggerfish, 2 amberjack, 13 snapper

and 21 grouper.

PM Climate:A mix of sun & clouds with warm days and pleasant

evenings that reflected temps from 71 nights to 92 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions:Overall, a pretty decent week with sea temps that

remained stable at 82-83 degrees, good water clarity and mostly light

surface winds of 10-15 mph tropical surface breezes.

Best Fishing Area:Fishing starts within a few minutes after leaving

the Marina El Cid entrance.

Best Bait:Continues to be the rigged and un-rigged ballyhoo.The

blue marlin was taken on a ballyhoo bait.

Bait Supply:Excellent supply that is caught fresh on a daily basis.

Larry Edwards

CORTEZ YACHT CHARTERS

619-469-4255