Cortez Yacht Charters Weekly Mexico Fishing Report

Week ended 10/04/19

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

A great week of early fall fishing in Cabo!!  The previous report noted Striper action was down a bit but this past week coming of the new moon they returned with a vengeance!  Boats were averaging 2-3 bites per day and we had a report of a double digit day out on the Golden Gate. With the really strong Marlin bite, fewer boats were targeting the Tuna but for those that did, the Yellowfin Tuna counts were up with most fish in the 20-30 lb range. The larger Tuna also showed up with several reports of fish in the 75 – 150 lb range and a 286 cow weighed in on the scales. The Dorado counts were again high with lots of 15-30 lbs “schoolies “showing up and some larger 40-50 lb Bulls reported out on the Marlin grounds. The Wahoo counts were steady and again found primarily out on the Marlin grounds.   Many boats were returning after releasing several marlin or sailfish with the bonus of several Dorado closer in to provide some tasty table fare for their anglers. The inshore fishing was again very productive with some nice counts of Snappers, Groupers, and Sierras as well as some very large Roosterfish in the surf.

The prime Marlin activity (including the Blues) clearly moved to the Pacific side with very favorable reports from the Golden Gate and San Jamie banks on the Pacific side with the waters offshore Migrino, Cerritos and Pozo Cota also mentioned as hot spots. The Yellowfin were found primarily to the south and southwest with increased action off the San Jamie bank and some nice schools out at the Golden Gate. The Gordos reports were very spotty with some larger Yellowfin found off toward the Cabrillo Seamount in warmer waters.  Most of the Tuna are “schoolies” in the 20-30 lb range but some larger fish in the 75-150 lb range were reported out on the prime Tuna grounds. The Dorado were running in the 10-30 lb range and plentiful enough many of the boats were able to cull and release smaller fish and still make their anglers’ limit with the larger 20-30 lb fish.  Blue Marlin in the 200-250 lb range are showing in the warmer water and there was increased release of Pacific Sailfish showing up in the warmer waters. The Dorado showed up in good numbers from El Arco to off the Lighthouse and on out the San Jamie and also to the east toward Palmilla.

Two of our favorite boats, the 43’ Hatteras FISH CABO and the 34’ Owens Sportfisher the TUNA TIME had a big week releasing 18 Marlin and bringing home 22 Dorado on a combined 7 days of fishing

Inshore fishing was again solid with some really nice catches of large Sierras along Migrino. Roosters showed up again in the surf from Solmar to the Lighthouse and off Palmilla with some reported in the 30-40 lb range.  Some very nice catches of Red Snappers and Groupers were also reported fishing close to the rocks around El Arco. Jacks were available off the rocks from Solmar west.

Cabo Climate:  Late September was a mix of hot muggy days with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and occasional scatted late afternoon thunder storms. The future outlook into mid October is for more of the same with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with average daytime temps in the upper 80’s and evenings in the upper 70’s. The 2 week forecast is for mostly sunny to partly skies with some occasional scattered thunderstorms showing up early mornings and late afternoons with the precipitation forecast running 10-40% daily. Winds are expected to be a bit lower early in the month in the 9-13 mph range out of the West/NW shifting to 8-12 mph out of the West/SW toward mid month.  Humidity is expected to run in the mid 60’s.

Sea Conditions:  The seas are expected to be moderate with some large swells and chop showing up in the afternoons as breezes increase.  Morning seas have, however, have been in the 2’-5’ range. The Pacific side sea temps are currently running in the 80-82 degree range with mostly clear water. The inside is warmer with temps in the 82-85 degree range off Palmilla to lower 80’s around the Gordos with low 80’s to mid 80’s south in the Herradura and out near the 1150 and 95 Spots.

Best Fishing Areas:  Most of the hot spots for Marlin action were on the Pacific side this past week with Punta Gorda, Migrino, Cerritos, Pozo Cota and the Golden Gate and the San Jamie banks all producing some nice marlin catches.  The Striped Marlin bite is clearly shifting toward the Pacific side. The Yellowfin were primarily reported off to the SW or the South 24-30 miles out and in the Herradura and also at the San Jamie Bank and Golden Gate banks. Some nice Dorado action reported 4-6 miles off the Lighthouse for the smaller craft and returning boats. The interior corridor from Los Arcos to Palmilla produced lots of schoolie Dorado and also off the Lighthouse out toward to the canyon. Palmilla, Los Arcos and Migrino were the choice for inshore fishing with some really nice catches of Sierras coming off Migrino. Rooster action was solid, with some very large fish although a bit slower, in the surf off Palmilla west past Solmar to the Lighthouse.

Favorite Baits: Throwing live Cabilitos was the favorite for the Marlin with increased success from trolled lures (especially for the Blues and Sails). Cedar plugs and feathers were the favorite for the Yellowfin. The Dorado were hitting trolled lures and feathers or floating live Cabilitos once the schools were located.  Hoochies were by far the preferred and most productive lures for the Sierras. Trolled live baits near the surf and large poppers were the most successful bait for Roosters this past week. Dead bait was the ticket for the Snappers and Groupers.

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-Mireles. 

 

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

Mazatlan had to dodge occasional seasonal thunderstorms this past week which affected not only fishing frequency but also limited some of the longer trips to the tuna schools.  When the boats were able to get out the action was pretty decent.  The Yellowfin Tuna schools were large and found to the Southwest when the boats could get out the longer distance between the thunderstorms.  The billfish counts were down a bit with a higher mix of Striped Marlin than the Sailfish Mazatlan is known for. Their inshore fishing produced solid results for fishermen on 4 hour or 6 hour trips.

The offshore boats reported a nice mix of Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and Yellowfin Tuna.  The inshore boats had another solid week and reported good action on Snappers and Queen Triggers.  

Mazatlan Climate: Late September showed a normal late summer pattern with scattered thunderstorms with a bit higher winds than normal. The outlook into mid October is similar with afternoons in the upper 80’s daytime and mid to high 70’s in the evenings. The forecast into mid October is for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies with 10-40% chance of scattered thunderstorms moving in early or toward the end of the day and breezes in a modest 9-12 mph range primarily out of the West trending toward the NW toward mid October.  Humidity is predicted to be in the mid 70’s into mid October.  The forecast calls for a 10-40% chance of scattered early or late afternoon thunderstorms forecast over the next couple of weeks.

Sea Conditions: The water is now in the 84-85 degree range bringing in the Yellowfin and Dorado. The past week Mazatlan had a mix of mostly calm to choppy seas mixed with some strong afternoon swells and chop with winds in the early to mid teens in the afternoons. The future outlook is for relatively calm seas in the mornings with the winds in the 6-8 mph range and some afternoon swells with 9-12 mph winds.

Best Fishing Area: The offshore bite for the billfish is starting as close as 8- 10 miles out with best results to the west and southwest of the Marina El Cid. Longer runs out to 25 miles and warmer water are finding the schools of Yellowfin. The Dorado are being found closer to shore inside the prime bill fishing zone. 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 rainy season is no longer interrupting the fishing and conditions are very good right now! Heading into their prime Roosterfish season large Roosters are plentiful and easy to find! With the unusually warm water there are Blue Marlin to go along with always plentiful Sailfish. The Striped Marlin have mostly moved out with the arrival of the warmer water. The independent fleet reported sparse action due to off season tourist activity but some really good results raising 3-5 billfish fish per day as close as 8-10 miles.  Some larger Blue Marlin showed up well offshore. The big Yellowfin were again found way out beyond the 1000 fathom mark 30-35 to 40 miles out for those very few willing to go the extra distance in the larger boats.   They are in the start of their prime Roosterfish season from now until late November into early December and many large fish are showing up to go with strong catches. Capt Temo reported great success this past week with large Roosters up by the Valentine River with many of the fishermen focused on fly fishing during the prime Rooster season.

The action this past week for the few fishermen that went forth started as close as the 8-10 mile mark.  Large schools of Yellowfin were again found 30+ miles out past the 1000 fathom mark with lots of quality fish in the 50--100 lb range. Blue Marlin were present offshore along with the historic Zihuatanejo Sailfish bite much closer. Inshore large Jacks were very productive and the Roosters were plentiful with some very large fish reported. The Dorado were a bit spotty but available for feathers and small lures on the troll. Capt Temo is having no problem finding large Roosters inshore for the few clients that are there.

IZ Climate: They are now past the halfway mark into their rainy season with a mix of partly cloudy days with almost daily late afternoon and early evening thunderstorms followed by cloudy but clear weather the following morning during the prime fishing time.  The 2 week outlook is for warm temps with mostly partly cloudy skies with scattered late afternoon and evening thunderstorms on a regular basis. Daily temps are predicted in the upper 80’s and night time temps in the mid to high 70’s with humidity expected to run in the upper 70’s through mid October.  The winds are expected to be very mild in the 5-8 mph range primarily from the West and NW shifting to the East/SE mid month.  Keep in mind that when we talk about their rainy season, the thunderstorms tend to build in the afternoons coming off the Pacific with the prevailing breezes out of the west pushing the building clouds into the coastal mountains, rain dumping on the mountains in the late afternoon and evening, and then begin rebuilding the next day.

Sea Conditions: The offshore water temperature is now in the 84-85 degree range from the 100 fathom line at the 5-6 mile mark all the way out to the 1,000 fathom line at 30-32 miles and beyond.  These temps are ideal for the Blue Marlin and Yellowfin in larger numbers. The offshore clear blue water has recently moved as close as 5-6 miles out with some very deep blue water now out beyond the 1000 fathom mark at 32-35 miles out to 50 miles. Inshore, the water was also in the 84-85 degree range and perfect for the big Roosters.  

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. 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

 The late summer/early fall weather pattern of scattered thunderstorms really affected our friends at the El Cid Resort & Marina.  They had to duck multiple thunderstorms so the overall trip counts were down quite a bit. With the close-in shallow reef fishing available at Puerto Morelos many clients opted for the 4 hour or 6 hour shallow reef trips with others opting for the 6 hour or 8 hour offshore trips mixed with a few hours on the close in reefs at the end of the day for some fine table fare.

The billfish are winding down for the season but fishermen enjoyed overall great results on the off shore trips.  The fleet reported 2 Sailfish, 6 Giant Atlantic Barracuda, 55 Mahi-Mahi, 2 King Mackerel, 3 Blackfin Tuna, 5 Bonito and 1 Wahoo from targeted offshore fishing.   The close in reef fishing reported 25 Chack-Chi (Caribbean Snappers), 16 Mutton Snappers,  11 Black Grouper,  14 Queen Triggerfish, 8 Yellow Tail Snappers, 2 Cabrillo and 3 Jack Coronado..  A total of 75 offshore fish and 79 inshore fish for a total of 154 fish for an average of over 6 fish per trip on a total of 25 trips!!

PM/Cancun Climate:  The Yucatan early fall weather pattern typically has very warm days with early morning to late afternoon scattered thunderstorms as the clouds build coming off the warm water.  The extended forecast into early to mid October is for a mix of mostly partly cloudy skies coupled with scattered occasional early morning and late afternoon showers or isolated afternoon thunderstorms.  Daytime temperatures are predicted in high 80’s with evenings in the mid to upper 70’s.  Humidity is expected to be in the upper 70’s to low 80’s. Winds are expected to be very modest in the 4-9 mph range primarily out of the East and SE in early October shifting to 6-10 mph our of the East/NE by mid month.  Expect some occasional early morning showers and late afternoon scattered thunderstorms. Daily precipitation forecast is the 50-75% range almost every day into mid October.

Sea Conditions:  Water temperatures in the Cancun-Puerto Morelos-Cozumel area are running in the 84-85 degree range.  Seas are running from calm to a bit choppy depending on the weather conditions.   The prevailing winds are still in their late summer pattern and are predicted to be out of the East and SE at 4-9 MPH in the afternoons 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:  Miss Victoria Garcia at the Hotel El Cid Spa & Beach Resort and Marina