Cortez Yacht Charters Weekly Mexico Fishing Report

Week ended 03/14/19

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

With spring break time the fishing tourist count was up and the Striped Marlin fishing continues to exceed seasonal expectations!  The Striped Marlin continued to spread out from the Pacific side around the corner to the east following the schools of bait which are now scattered around the turn. The Dorado counts were down this past week but the Wahoo counts were up! The Yellowfin Tuna counts were hit and miss but some quality fish up to the 80 lb range reported.

The Striped Marlin fishing continues on the Pacific side with fishing continuing to concentrate from just a few miles off the Lighthouse and out to the Golden Gate and San Jamie Banks.  The seasonal migration has begun to turn the corner following schools of bait into the Sea of Cortez but these are now scattered and so are the Stripers. Stripers are now reported off Palmilla and Punta Gorda and as far east as the Gordos. The fleets reported solid counts of Striped Marlin with most boats still averaging 1-2 fish per day. The Yellowfin were occasionally found in the 25-35 mile range to the south and southwest and also around the Golden Gate and the Gordos. The Wahoo were ranging from west of the Lighthouse along to the east off Palmilla.

Inshore fishing was really solid with nice catches of schools of Skipjacks with the Sierras and Jacks showing in good numbers from Solmar to El Arco. Roosters were reported this past week in the surf from Solmar around the point at the Lighthouse and also in the Palmilla area. Small to medium sized Yellowtail are also showing up in the most recent counts.

Cabo Climate:  Early March was a bit cooler and windier than normal with a mix of mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. The future outlook toward the end of the month is for a pleasant average daytime temps in the mid to upper 70’s and evenings in the low to mid 60’s. The 2 week forecast is for mostly sunny to partly cloudy sunny skies with zero chance of rain forecast through the end of March. Winds are expected to lower a bit into the 8-12 mph range through the end of March mostly out of the West and WSW.  Humidity is expected to run in the mid 60’s.

Sea Conditions:  Seas have been relatively calm in the mornings throughout the area with some swells and chop showing up in the afternoons as breezes increase.  Forecast is for more of the same with winds in the 8-12 mph range from the West and WSW. The  Pacific side sea temps seemed have cooled a bit recently. Temps are running from 70-74 on the Pacific side with true west side temps near 70 and warmer temps to the south and warmer in the 72-73 range on the inside around the corner to the Sea of Cortez around the Gordos.

Best Fishing Areas:  The Marlin hot spots have remained primarily to the west and northwest but decent action was again reported on the inside this past week.  The golden Gate was the prime Striper destination this past week. The Lighthouse area was again a major hot spot again this past week with most of the fish being found from 5 miles to 15 miles off shore toward the canyon.  Occasional success was also reported soaking live baits off Palmilla, the 95 spot and the Gordos. The Yellowfin, when found, are 25-30 miles out to the South and SW, around the golden Gate or the Gordos.  The  best catches of Dorado seemed to be on the inside off Palmilla and Punta Gorda  We did not get any first hand reports of the Finger Bank this past week but assume there are still good numbers of Striped Marlin there for those willing to make the 50 mile run. Wahoo were being reported from west of the Lighthouse around the inside off Palmilla.

Favorite Baits: Trolled black/green or green/silver Mackerel looking lures along with live Mackerel or live Caballitos were the favorite for the Marlin. Trolled feathers and cedar plugs were the ticket for the Yellowfin. Hoochies were by far the preferred and most productive lures for the Sierras. Poppers near the surf were the most successful bait for the Jacks and Roosters.

Bait Supply: Live bait is available at the $3.00 per bait upon exit from the harbor. Mackerel, when available, are popular with the captains.

Our local reporters: Captain Roberto Marquez-Castro of the Fish Cabo Fleet and Gaviota Fleet Dock Manager Carlos Pena-Mirales. 

THE MAZATLAN REPORT FOR THE ARIES SPORT FISHING FLEET – MARINA EL CID AND El CID MEGA RESORT, PACIFIC

Overall angler activity was down a bit this past week and the offshore bite slowed a bit. Their inshore fishing continued to produce solid results. Tourist activity has been a bit down compared to historical averages but those anglers that went out were once again generally rewarded with good action.

The offshore boats reported a mix of Striped Marlin, Sailfish and Dorado. Early in week they dealt with some cooler water and unfavorable winds but finished the week a bit stronger. The inshore boats had a big week and reported some great action on quality Jacks and continued success on the Snappers, Sea Bass and Queen Triggers whether on 4 hour or 6 hour trips.

The El Cid fleet fished a total of 16 offshore days and 11 Super Panga inshore trips.  They reported 3 Striped Marlin 3 Sailfish and 5 good quality Dorado from offshore. Inshore, they reported 12 Jacks, 213 snappers, 51 Sea Bass, and 72 Queen Triggerfish.

Mazatlan Climate: Early March was cooler than normal but the outlook into late March is favorable with low 80’s daytime and upper 50’s to low 60’s in the evenings. The forecast through late March is for mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with breezes lowering a bit into the 6-12 mph range primarily out of the West trending toward the WSW toward late March.  Humidity is predicted to be in the upper 50’s and low 60’s going into late March for very pleasant fishing conditions. There is no precipitation forecast over the next couple of weeks.

Sea Conditions: The water has been seasonally cooling and now in the 71-73 degree range resulting in a seasonal showing of the Striped Marlin but fewer Sailfish sightings until the water warms again a bit.  They enjoyed mostly calm seas later part of this past week with some afternoon swells and chop with winds in the teens. The future outlooks is for relatively calm seas in the mornings with some afternoon swells and chop as the winds pick up in the afternoons.

Best Fishing Area: The offshore bite for the billfish is starting about 10-12 miles out with best results to the west and southwest of the Marina El Cid. In shore, the Super Pangas are finding success all along the coast especially around the rocks. The water is very clear from the shore out to the offshore breaks.

Best Bait & Lures:  Freshly caught rigged trolling baits and smoke trail lures produced best results for the billfish. The Tuna are being caught on feathers and cedar plugs.

Bait Supply: Freshly caught baits are readily available from the bait boats

Our Local Reporter: Ms. Kitcia Berenice Ceja-Diaz, the Aries Fleet and Marina El Cid Office Manager and fishing reporter

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

The independent fleet reported a very active week on the Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin bite along with solid Sailfish action again this past week.  The Yellowfin were again found out at the 30-35 mile mark for those willing to go the extra distance.  Fly-fishing and spinning rigs for Jacks and Bonitos inshore has continued to be steady. Rooster action this past week was again good as there was cooler green water very near the shore and the Roosters were again cruising the break lines. Capt Temo reports the inshore fishing for Jacks is HOT! Large schools of quality Jacks were reported off the rocks. Nice Sierras were again being reported 100-200 yards off the beach. Nice catches of Roosters were reported.

The early March sailfish action was very solid with fish this past week moving out a bit to the 12-15 mile mark where the blue water was.   The overall action was solid this past week with most of the boats reporting at least 1-2 Sailfish for their clients and a Marlin.  The Yellowfin were found 30-35 miles out past the 1000 fathom mark with fish in the 60-90 lb range. The Blue Marlin and Striped Marlin are being found as close as 15 miles out just past the prime Sailfish bite and were very active this past week likely equaling the Sailfish bite. Inshore the Bonito the Jacks were very aggressive for some fantastic fly fishing opportunities. The Roosters made a solid showing to the south cruising the break lines along a bit of off colored cooler green water very near the shoreline. The White Rocks was again a hot spot this past week for the big Jacks with large schools of fish reported. The best Rooster counts were again to the south toward Vicente Guerrero.

IZ Climate:  Early March reflected their typical late winter to early spring climate and a mix of mostly sunny to partly cloudy days. The 2 week outlook is for even warmer temps and mostly sunny skies. Daily temps are predicted in the upper 80’s and night time temps in the mid to low 70’s with humidity expected to run in the mid to upper 60’s through late March. They are now in their dry season and there is no precipitation projected over the couple of weeks. The winds are expected to be mild in the 8-10 mph range from the West and WSW. 

Sea Conditions: The spring offshore water temperature has stabilized and is now in the 82-83 degrees range from the 5-6 mile mark at the 100 fathom line all the way out to the 1,000 fathom line at 25-30 miles.  Inshore temperatures are running a bit cooler at 79-81.  The offshore clear blue water has recently moved out to the 10-12 mile mark on out to the 1000 fathom mark. Inshore, the water is cooler and greener which has actually been very good for the top water bite. With breezes in mid single digits, the seas are very calm particularly in the mornings.

Best Baits & Lures:  Rigged trolling baits and smoke trail lures continue to produce for the Billfish and Dorado with most boats preferring a mix of rigged baits for the Billfish and smaller lures and feathers for the Dorado.   Inshore top water poppers are the favorite for the Roosterfish, Bonito and Jacks. Cedar plugs and feathers are working best on the Yellowfin when found.

Bait Supply: The bait supply remains good and freshly caught baits are provided gratis with most charters. Live baits are readily available at this time and are $5.00/dozen paid directly to the bait vendors.

Our Local Reporter: Captain Temo Verboonen – owner/operator of the Secuestro de Amor and Macho Banana.

 

CANCUN/PUERTO MORELOS FISHING REPORT FOR THE EL CID MARINA

Our friends at the El Cid Marina reported some great results this week during a busy Spring Break time period. The Mahi-Mahi made a strong showing offshore this past week highlighting a very productive week. Due to the seasonal weather with occasional showers and thunderstorms, many anglers were opting for ½ day fishing at the very productive shallow reefs.  Overall, the close-in fishing available at Puerto Morelos continues to produce great action both offshore and inshore for our clients, many fishing for the first time on half day or 6 hour trips.  

The El Cid fleet was quite busy and reported on a total 64 trips this past week with many clients opting for 4 hour or 6 hour trips to work around the scattered showers and thunderstorms.  The Sailfish are finally beginning to show up on their seasonal migration.  Offshore, in addition to 6 Sailfish and 3 Wahoo, they reported counts of 12 giant Atlantic Barracuda, 14 King Mackerel, 72 Mahi-Mahi, 42 Bonito, 6 Blackfin Tuna  and 1 Hammerhead Sharks. Many first time fishermen opted for shorter ½ day or 6 hour trips mixed between offshore and inshore. The targeted inshore and shallow reef fishing boats tallied 12 Black Grouper, 54 Mutton Snappers, 218 Chack Chi (Caribbean Snappers), 64 Queen Triggerfish, 18 Banana fish and 2 large Amberjacks.  A total of 524 fish boated for an average of over 8 fish per trip– there were many happy first time fishermen on ½ day trips.

PM/Cancun Climate:  Occasional brief scattered early morning or late afternoon thunderstorms continue with the late winter early spring seasonal weather pattern.  The extended forecast through late March calls for a mix of mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with scattered early morning showers and late afternoon thunderstorms with a 20-30% chance of scattered showers on almost daily basis into late March.  Daytime temperatures are predicted on a warming trend in the mid 80’s and evenings in the low to mid 70’s.  Humidity is expected to be in the low 70’s. Winds are expected to lower a bit into the 6-13 mph range primarily out of the ESE through late March.

Sea Conditions:  Water temperatures in the Cancun-Puerto Morelos-Cozumel area are at their seasonal coolest and are now starting to warm again and are running in the 80-81 degree range. Seas are running from calm to a bit choppy depending on the weather conditions.   The prevailing winds have shifted toward their spring pattern and are predicted to be out of the ESE at 6-13 MPH with some late afternoon swells and chop expected with the higher winds.

Best Bait & Lures:  Rigged Ballyhoo, small smoke trail lures were working well for the billfish with feathers also working for the Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel and Giant Barracuda.  Cut bait is the preferred fare for the reef fishing.

Bait Supply:  The bait supply of locally caught Ballyhoo remains good and are provided gratis with most charters.

Our Local Reporter:  Victoria Garcia at the Hotel El Cid Spa & Beach Resort and Marina