FULL MOON SCATTERS FISH ON CABO'S PACIFIC SIDE BANKS

Jan. 20, 2006, Larry Edwards, Cortez Yacht Charters, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico:

At Cabo San Lucas, there were some very difficult fishing days earlier in the week, probably due to the full moon, but fishing got better as the week moved on, at least for some Cabo boats.

Scattered fish were caught from the Golden Gate Bank out to some 30 miles south of Cabo Falso and around to outside Palmilla.

While there is significant live bait on the Golden Gate Bank and also at the Cabo Falso drop off, the billfish lacked much interest for a few days and made for some frustrating sportfishing conditions.

The top charter fishing boat for the week, "Fish Cabo", reporting for 4 fishing days, reflected 4 stripers released, 1 wahoo, 5 dorado and 16 yellowfin tuna.

Gaviota Fleet, reporting for 26 fishing days, the numbers were the lowest we have reported in more than a year, reflecting 9 stripers released, 17 dorado and 3 yellowfin tuna.

The "Fish Cabo I", reporting for 6 Cabo San Lucas fishing days, reflected 2 stripers released, 15 yellowfin tuna, 6 dorado and 10 sierra.

Cabo weather was mostly sunny with some scattered clouds, ranging from 57 nights to 83 daytime highs. A large pocket of warmer water that ranged from the Golden Gate to the 95 Fathom Spot was at the 71-72 degree level and on both sides the drop was down to about 66 degrees. The Golden Gate Bank had perked back up by week's end at appeared to be the hot spot once again. The live bait supply remained pretty good, even over the full moon with lots of bait still available at the banks. Live bait and preferably mackerel, were the best offerings.