Santa Rosalia winter yellowtail on the surface;

Blue marlin still hitting for Mazatlan boats

Mexico Fishing News, December 22, 2006

SANTA ROSALIA FISHING REPORTS

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SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Jim Anderson of San Lucas Cove just south of Santa Rosalia said, "The yellowtail have started working the surface so flylined baits and surface iron have been producing very well.

"As any bass fisherman can attest, there is nothing quite as exciting as having a fish slam a bait or lure on the surface, but let that happen with 25 to 30-pound fish and most of the time you have to remind yourself to take a breath once in awhile. We are definitely into the winter weather pattern.

"It blows for 3 to 4 days and then we get 2 to 3 days of calmer weather where everyone crams as much fishing into the good days as possible.

"If the boats were not stuck on the sand due to low tides that we have in December, everyone would probably fish the afternoons as well." Santa Rosalia fishing area water temperatures were at 64 to 65 degrees.

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: Mike Kanzler of Isla San Marcos said overall yellowtail action was still spotty off Santa Rosalia, but one outing did produce surface action for 3 fish to 20 pounds plus limits of smaller fish to 10 pounds for Kevin Ward and his group from San Diego. The larger fish were caught on the Isla San Marcos bajos and the smaller fish on a 50-foot bajo near the lighthouse at the north end of the island. "Things are shaping up down here," Kanzler said. "If the weather could be a little less windy, all will jell for banner winter yellowtail fishing." Santa Rosalia fishing area weather was at 70 degrees, with green water at 64 to 66 degrees. SURFACE WINTER YELLOWTAIL FISHING FOR 20 POUNDERS AND SMALL FISH LIMITS.

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: For the previous week, Syd Lindsay of San Lucas Cove noted that a new Bancomer opened in Mulege just around the corner from the downtown Pemex gas station. "Mulege is still ripping you at the gas pumps and Santa Rosalia is still good," Lindsay said. The new Santa Rosalia Pemex station was scheduled to open in a few more weeks.

In other mainland Mexico and Baja fishing action this week:

ENSENADA FISHING REPORTS

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ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet said few boats fished out of Ensenada last week due to continued rough sea conditions. On Tuesday, Jay Johnson fished on the charter panga Vonny I with Capt. Beto and managed limits on bonita, sandbass, and lingcod. "He took plenty of fillets home," Villarino said. On Wednesday, Brian Foley of Campo La Joya fished on the Vonny I for limits of bonita and sandbass. Ensenada fishing area weather on Thursday was sunny in the high-50s, with light winds, ocean swells of 2 to 4 feet, and the water temperature at Punta Banda averaging 58 degrees.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Emerald Argonza of Matador Sportfishing said the Ensenada charter boat Matador skippered by Capt. David Silva was undergoing extensive maintenance and was scheduled to begin fishing again at the end of January.

ERENDIRA FISHING REPORTS

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ERENDIRA, MEXICO: Bret Hambrick of Los Angeles and his son Wyatt Hambrick celebrated Wyatt's eighth birthday over the weekend of Dec. 9, 2006, with a trip to fish out of Castro's Camp for a catch with Capt. George of 10 whitefish and 1 red rockcod in pretty tough sea conditions. "It was his first Baja fishing trip and we went to celebrate his birthday," the elder Hambrick said. "It rained Saturday night but cleared Sunday morning. The seas were rough but we were able to fish for a few hours before the winds blew us out. We had a great captain, George, and a very sturdy boat equipped with a radio, GPS, and a fish finder. The people at Castro's were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. All in all, it was a successful first trip for Wyatt, and I think we have a new Baja fisherman in the family. We are looking forward to returning to Castro's."

SAN QUINTIN FISHING REPORTS

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SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Kelly Catian of K&M Offshore Sportfishing reported improved San Quintin fishing conditions, with less swell and yellowtail still hitting bait and iron early in the morning at Ben's Rock, and in the afternoons at the 15 spot. "There are also lots of ground fish to keep you busy in between," Catian said. Divers had over 60 feet of visibility on San Quintin high spots, and some white seabass were speared to the south at Arroyo Seco. At Isla San Martin, calico bass of 5 to 7 pounds were hooked deep in the kelp. "Hard fishing but very rewarding," Catian said.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Earlier, Catian reported on chartered surfing trips for big wave action to the area of San Quintin's Isla San Martin by his boat Offshore III. "Steep and deep!" Catian said. "It was big enough. My crew was John Cunningham, Mark Ozimec, and Peter Derbonne. As we loaded the boat with boards and gear, we could hear the surf thumping from the Old Mill parking lot. One of Baja's biggest rights. We were greeted to huge set waves rearing up through the thick kelp, some with 20-foot faces! It was too risky to tow. Mark was first to paddle out and first to drop in."

BAJA COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: Jorge Bergin of La Ribera in the East Cape area of Baja's Sea of Cortez coast noted a report in the weekly Baja Sur paper Gringo Gazette saying that some fishing waters in the La Paz area may be affected by the establishment of a marine reserve around Isla Espiritu Santo and the islands north of La Paz. According to Bergin, the report said, "More than 122,500 acres of the sea surrounding the archipelago (Espiritu Santo and other small islands north of La Paz) will be protected as a marine reserve." Jonathan Roldan of La Paz's Tailhunter International sportfishing operation said about the Baja fishing area involved: "The island has been a protected park for as long as I can remember. There have been a couple of clandestine incursions there by commercial interests that were quickly shut down but other than that, you're not supposed to technically even be on the island to even go walking around for a picnic without a permit."

MAGDALENA BAY FISHING REPORTS

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MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham said early week dorado and billfish action was red-hot outside the San Carlos entrada, but "the weather went sideways." Most offshore boats were sitting at anchor at Bahia Santa Maria waiting for high seas to subside. The Magdalena Bay mangrove channels continued to produce good catches of pargo, grouper, and spotted bay bass. Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was clear in the mid-70s, with water temperatures of 70 to 77 degrees.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Alex Velez of Baja Sportfishing, Inc., reported on two Magdalena Bay fishing trips by the San Felipe based panga mothership Andrea Lynn, returning to San Carlos on Dec. 2, 2006, and again on Dec. 9, 2006, with a combined total catch including released fish of: 524 dorado, 3 tuna, 11 grouper of 27 pounds or more, and 16 billfish. "I was on the December 2-9 trip," Velez said. "Beautiful. The diving was great down there as well, and I even found surf. Mag Bay is amazing."

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Dana Kerby of Ensenada reported on 2 weeks of fishing off Magdalena Bay with her husband Jim Kerby aboard the panga mothership Andrea Lynn, fishing in some wind with 2 sets of passengers for catches including yellowtail, dorado, cabrilla, and striped marlin. "There were a number of marlin hooked, but all were released," Kerby said. "The waters in the area of the Thetis Bank were very rich with sea life. On both of these trips there were people on board from all walks of life. People came from as far away as Florida." Kerby said meals served aboard the Andrea Lynn included sashimi, sushi, dorado, marlin, shrimp, pork and nopales, scallops, steak, lobster, and a full range of Mexican side dishes. "We really enjoyed the meals being prepared for us by Chef Alfonso and his assistant Sergio," Lynn said. "For the most part, it was like dining in a five-star restaurant." FISHING AND DIVING ABOARD THE PANGA MOTHERSHIP ANDREA LYNN.

CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORTS

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CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tracy Ehrenberg of Cabo San Lucas' Pisces Fleet reported very good Cabo San Lucas striped marlin action at the Golden Gate Bank on the Pacific side last week as 88 percent of charters released marlin. "We are talking serious numbers," Ehrenberg said. "As the week progressed, we were seeing striped marlin catches in the double-digits." Top outings included a 9-release day by the charter boat Adriana for anglers Kerry Dixon of England and John Wochter of New Jersey. The charter boat Rebecca also had a 9-release day. Fifty-seven percent of Pisces boats also caught dorado during the week, but yellowfin tuna fishing was slow at 10 percent. GOOD STRIPED MARLIN FISHING AT THE GOLDEN GATE BANK.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter super panga Cheer's reported on 3 outings, with anglers from the U.S., Mexico City, Italy, and the Philippines, for a combined catch including released fish of: 6 dorado of 8 to 15 pounds, and 3 striped marlin. Striped marlin were caught on each outing as the Cheer's fished about 2 to 8 miles out from Solmar beach and Faro Viejo. Cabo San Lucas weather was mostly good, but with one windy day. The local water temperature on the Pacific side was 84 to 86 degrees. LOCAL PANGA FISHING FOR STRIPED MARLIN AND DORADO.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported a catch including released fish by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I of: 1 blue marlin of about 275 pounds caught by the boat Gaviota III, 64 striped marlin, 1 wahoo, 1 sierra, 41 dorado, and 6 yellowfin tuna. Boats averaged about 2 marlin per day. The top boat for the week was the Gaviota IX with Capt. Jorge Ruiz and 4 marlin per day for 7 straight days. Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was in the low-80s, with some chop on the Pacific side. Water temperatures were at 79 degrees on the Pacific side, up to 76 degrees on the Cortez side.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the previous week, Edwards reported on 38 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 54 striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 53 dorado, 1 wahoo, 14 yellowfin tuna. "The luckier boats are still seeing 2 to 4-fish days on the stripers," Edwards said. "The best fishing area continues to be at the Golden Gate Bank with a few fish still being caught at the San Cristobal Ridge and on down to the Cabo Falso drop-off. Sea conditions were very fishable on both sides of the peninsula." Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was mostly sunny and clear in the low-80s, with water temperatures cooling to 76 to 77 degrees on the Pacific side and 73 to 77 degrees on the Cortez side from the Gordo Banks northward. "Live bait remains best at the bank, drifting at various depths," Edwards said. "The live bait supply at Cabo San Lucas remains very good, a mix of caballito and mackerel, and still replenishable at the bank."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was cloudy in the low-80s, with dropping water temperatures on the Pacific side in the mid to high-70s, and a few degrees cooler on the Sea of Cortez side. Bait available was mostly mackerel. "As the water continues to cool off there will be a change to almost all mackerel," Landrum said. Striped marlin action was centered close to Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side. "Striped marlin concentrated off the Cabo Falso ledge has resulted in the majority of the fleet working within sight of the arch," Landrum said. "The most exciting fishing has been the action under the frigate birds. When there are a lot of boats out, the traffic is pretty dense, but in the afternoons when things clear out a bit it can be a real blast! Many of the boats have been releasing double-digit numbers right here close to home."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 9 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 14 striped marlin, 2 sailfish, 23 yellowfin tuna of 25 to 40 pounds, and 16 dorado of 20 to 30 pounds.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO (LOS CABOS) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas at San Jose del Cabo reported on 31 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off Los Cabos, with a catch of: 86 yellowfin tuna, 44 dorado, 9 striped marlin, 3 sailfish, 14 roosterfish, 42 sierra, 195 skipjack, 28 pargo, 26 triggerfish, 4 amberjack, and 12 cabrilla. Los Cabos vacation area weather was in the high-70s, with some wind and cooling water temperatures in the high-70s. Yellowfin tuna caught at the Gordo Banks included fish of 20 to 50 pounds. Dorado averaged 10 to 20 pounds. Sierra and roosterfish were caught near shore, but most pangas fished for tuna and dorado. "We expect San Jose del Cabo inshore fishing on sierra to improve as the water cools and more bait fish move in along the beaches," Brictson said. LA PLAYITA PANGAS FISHING FOR TUNA AND DORADO AT GORDO BANKS.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Grimes of San Jose del Cabo reported good yellowfin tuna fishing at the Gordo Banks on Tuesday, but winds arriving on Wednesday. Sierra and a few small dorado were also caught closer to shore. Grimes also noted the continued presence of mainland Mexico commercial fishing divers working the coast near San Jose del Cabo. "Seven or eight Mexican commercial divers continue to work all of the rocky areas east of San Jose Del Cabo," Grimes said. "The local Mexicans are not happy. These divers are from Acapulco and are diving in areas that are supposed to be 'en veda.' They are taking undersized oysters and small lobsters and anything else they can find. It looks like a desert. The authorities don't do anything about it."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: For the previous week, species fishing specialist John Snow of San Jose del Cabo said southward migrating whales were spotted off Los Cabos, "which means, burrr, the water is cooling." Few anglers were fishing on La Playita beach pangas during the week. "No one here," Snow said. "The weather was high el norte winds all last week." Species fishing on Thursday with Capt. Pata of the charter panga Salome produced 25 fish of 14 species, including 6 dorado, a longnose puffer, and 3 species of needlefish.

EAST CAPE FISHING REPORTS

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EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Leeper, staying at Martin Verdugo's Beach Resort, said there were almost no hotel charter boats fishing at the East Cape area of Baja last week. "A few small boaters have been out, and they averaged 2 dorado of 25 to 35 pounds per half-day trip," Leeper said. "The dorado are found mostly 2 to 5 miles off Punta Pescadero. There are also decent sierra for those targeting them between Punta Pescadero and La Ribera."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said East Cape fishing conditions had "wind, wind, and more wind" during the week. "There is an occasional hole when the dreaded north wind backs off for a day or two," Graham said, "but the winter pattern is definitely in swing."

East Cape fishing area weather was in the high-70s and white-capping at 12 to 16 knots with a short chop and water temperatures at 70 to 76 degrees. Inshore fishing produced sierra plus a few small ladyfish and roosterfish right in front of the hotels. East Cape sportfishing boats running offshore during calm periods found a few billfish and a few dorado mostly off Punta Pescadero to the north.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: For the previous week, Torrance Eddy of Buena Vista reported on a trolling run south to Rancho Leonero with several anglers aboard his beach launched aluminum boat Reina Maria II, with a catch of 1 sierra on the way south, and several missed hookups on the way back that were suspected to be from barracuda. "Earlier, my Mexican panguero friends Elias and Joaquin Aguilar returned from night fishing and included in their catch was a Cortez barracuda," Eddy said. "Three fish coming unbuttoned just didn't make sense with sierra, so I think those strikes were barracuda." ALUMINUM BOAT FISHING FOR SIERRA AND POSSIBLE BARRACUDA.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Peter Langstraat of Holland reported on an extended East Cape aluminum boat and shore fishing trip out of Punta Colorada from Oct. 3, 2006 to Nov. 29, 2006, with strongly up-and-down action centered around Punta Arena for fish species including his first-ever paloma pompano, plus sierra, ladyfish, roosterfish, mixed jacks, pargos, grunts, croakers, needlefish, cornetfish, and green jacks. For beach and inshore fishing during a 5-day period ending Nov. 19, 2006, Langstraat said, "The total amount caught including the early morning catch plus the boat catch came to 117 fish, my best-ever for 5 days in a row." But, he said, "After that it was a struggle to catch even a few fish at any spot, resulting in only 29 fish for the last 9 days."

Langstraat also noted that commercial gill net fishermen fishing near the beach at Punta Arena disappeared immediately after calls were made to enforcement agents. "Call this number: 01-612-123-7806," Langstraat said. "This English speaking office will put enough pressure on the authorities to have them send an inspector." BEACH AND NEAR SHORE FISHING OUT OF PUNTA COLORADA.

LA PAZ FISHING REPORTS

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LA PAZ, MEXICO: For the previous week, Gerardo Hernandez of Tortuga Sportfishing in La Paz said, "This has been a week with a lot of wind that left the fishermen here almost without work. Calm weather came just yesterday and it looks like we'll be able to fish on Sunday. Despite all this wind, the fishing has actually been good for pargos, cabrilla, and an abundance of sierra, which we have caught when the wind allows us to go fishing. This week, sardina baits also returned to our La Paz fishing area around Ensenada de los Muertos, and this makes fishing easier since we don't have to cross the channel to Isla Cerralvo for bait. With the rough seas we have had caused by recent winds, it has been difficult to reach the island. We have been fishing close by in the area around Punta Perico."

LA PAZ, MEXICO: Jonathan Roldan of Tailhunter International announced his sixth annual Cabin Fever Classic fun sportfishing package at La Paz to be held on April 12-16, 2006, with 4 nights, 3 days of panga fishing, and many amenities and extras, for $630 per person. "This started as a joke and has become one of the most popular events," Roldan said. "We have no idea what we'll catch. Maybe nothing! One year dorado showed up. Last year, huge 30 and 40-pound yellowtail. Another year, I think we had 15 different species of fish. You just never know. But, we sure have a good time!" Information: riplipboy@aol.com.

SAN FELIPE FISHING REPORTS

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SAN FELIPE, MEXICO: Catalina Meders of San Felipe's Title Company bookstore reported San Felipe nighttime temperatures as low as 37 degrees last week. "Very unusual weather so far this year," Meders said. "Some people think it's a trickle-down effect from global warming. The bay and the sky are both gray today and the air is clear. Quite a few tourists are in San Felipe and the vendors are busy. Here at least, there is relative peace. Let's wish the same for the rest of the world." The San Felipe Fine Arts Association announced an art exhibit and sale the third Saturday of each month to be held at the studio of Rosario Torres on Baja Highway 5 leading north from town. "This is a great new addition to the cultural side of our town's progress," Meders said. DECEMBER NIGHT TEMPERATURES IN THE 30S AND A NEW ART SHOW IN TOWN.

SAN CARLOS (SONORA) FISHING REPORTS

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SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: Fernando Almada of Catch-22 Sportfishing reported on an outing to Punta San Antonio by the charter boat Rubina for 4 yellowtail caught on the surface with 15-pound spinning tackle. "We were running and gunning the boat, chasing yellowtail boils and casting Megabait jigs to them," Almada said. "The yellowtail bite has finally picked up at San Antonio Point." San Carlos fishing area water temperatures averaged 64 degrees.

MAZATLAN FISHING REPORTS

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MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters said Aries Fleet offshore boats fishing out of Mazatlan's Marina El Cid averaged about 1 billfish per day, including some late season blue marlin of about 200 to 300 pounds. "The surprising action is the blue marlin," Edwards said, "with most of the boats having an opportunity at a strike or two during the fishing day. Overall, 19 offshore boats had a catch including released fish of: 6 blue marlin, 10 sailfish, 1 mako shark, and 13 dorado. Ten inshore boats had a catch of: 78 pargo, 43 triggerfish, 1 roosterfish, 40 barracuda, 26 sierra, 8 palometa, and 1 permit. Mazatlan fishing area weather was sunny in the mid-80s, with calm seas and water temperatures of 78 to 79 degrees.

MAZATLAN, MEXICO: Tadeo Hernandez of Flota Bibi Fleet reported on 13 charter boats, with a catch including released fish of: 6 sailfish, 1 striped marlin, 1 hammerhead shark, 1 dorado of 37 pounds, and 3 skipjack tuna. "Bottom fishing is great for triggerfish and 'burritos,'" Hernandez said. Anglers fishing with Flota Bibi Fleet during the week included Michael Kobseff and Brandi Day, with a catch of 1 sailfish and 1 dorado aboard the charter boat Norma Patricia with crewmen David and Alex.

PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING REPORTS

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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Danny Gomez of Dhamar Sportfishing reported on a run to El Banco on Monday by his charter super panga Dhamar for a catch including 2 yellowfin tuna of 200 and 247 pounds for angler Rick Cardenas of San Diego, Calif., and fishing partner "Benny" of Santa Rosa, Calif. For the previous week, yellowfin tuna action offshore of Puerto Vallarta at both El Banco and Roca Corbeteña was good aboard the Dhamar for anglers Ron Henrikson and third-year client Rick Cardenas.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Roger Crenshaw of Chula Vista related a report from his son Brant Crenshaw fishing on his boat Redneck at Puerto Vallarta. "They have been hammering the big tuna," Crenshaw said. "Last week, one day they caught 12 tuna of 200 pounds, and one weighed 275. They are using skipjack baits and have had big black marlin annihilate their baits too."

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Mark Rein of Phoenix reported on a fishing run the previous weekend to El Banco aboard his boat Big Kahuna, for 3 yellowfin tuna of 60, 92, and 141 pounds, plus a nice pargo landed in clear, flat, blue-green water at 80 to 82 degrees. That evening, Rein noted the concentration of bait fish and game fish attracted to the Big Kahuna's lights as he cleaned fish. "It was not long before a school of jack crevalle was swarming," Rein said. "I noticed that a school of snook was lurking just outside the glow of the lights. Passersby were mesmerized by all the fish. I still can't believe there is such good fishing right in the Puerto Vallarta marina." OFFSHORE TUNA AND MARINA MIXED SPECIES FISHING.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO FISHING REPORTS

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IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 10 inshore and offshore fishing days by the charter boats Gran Jefe, Janeth, and Dos Hermanos II, with a catch including released fish of: 16 sailfish, 1 yellowfin tuna, 10 dorado, 75 bonito, 8 roosterfish, 14 jack crevalle, and 1 sierra. Ixtapa fishing area weather was cloudy in the high-80s, with water temperatures of 84 to 85 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said boats fishing in 82-degree blue water about 4.5 to 6 miles off the beach averaged about 2 sailfish per day, and several dorado of 20 to 30 pounds were also caught. Fishing was expected to improve behind a low-pressure system that passed through earlier in the week. Belgian angler "Ludo" fishing 2 days with Capt. Martin on the charter panga Isamar, caught 2 sailfish and 2 dorado. Capt. Adolpho on the charter panga Dos Hermanos fished 2 days about 25 miles north of Ixtapa in the Saladita area and reported 14 roosterfish plus many jack crevalle. Ixtapa fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the mid-80s, with water temperatures at 82 to 84 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: The previous week, Kunze said blue fishing water was 5 miles out of Zihuatanejo bay, with improved action and water temperatures of 82 degrees to as high as 86 degrees in some offshore locations. "Compared to last week's full moon cycle, the fishing has improved considerably," Kunze said. Flip Himmelrich of Spokane, Wash., and his group fished on 5 pangas and averaged about 2 sailfish per outing, with the high count going to Capt. Santiago on the charter panga Gitana. Himmelrich also fished with fly fishing guide Paul Phillips for 2 dorado to 30 pounds and a 30-pound yellowfin tuna. Inshore fishing was still spotty. "Roosterfish have been hit-and-miss," Kunze said. "Capt. Adolpho on the panga Dos Hermanos had a good day with 6 roosters and several jack crevalle." Another fishing run south of Vicente Guerrero produced just 1 jack for Capts. Santiago and Adolpho. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area weather was partly cloudy in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 74 to 82 degrees.

CANCUN FISHING REPORTS

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CANCUN, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 7 local super panga outings by the El Cid Caribe fleet at Puerto Morelos near Cancun, with a variety catch of: 5 barracuda, 1 wahoo, 4 king mackerel, 1 dorado, 1 amberjack, 1 dog snapper, 2 sierra, and 1 tuna. Cancun fishing area weather was cloudy in the mid-80s, with light east-northeast breezes and water temperatures stable at 81 degrees. "Ballyhoo are the bait of choice for this area and are used about 90 percent of the time," Edwards said.

MEXICO COASTAL FISHING REPORTS

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MEXICO: David Burns of the Restaurant El Manglar on Mexico's Atlantic coast near Veracruz, said the restaurant was very busy this week with preparations for the holiday tourist rush. "We had to turn away 6 families today looking to eat at El Manglar," Burns said. "Therefore we are working away like little beavers. The more we accomplish, now the more we can serve." Fishing early in the week was for "peto, peto, peto," as Mexican commercial fishing boats each returned with 100 to 200 kilos of the migrating king mackerel. "Capt. Cero reports that there aren't huge numbers of fish being caught but those landed are between 4 and 15 kilos with the average size being around 8 kilos," Burns said. "With fish that size it doesn't take long to secure a respectable catch." Burns' neighbor, Capt. Chema completed weaving a new shrimp net and returned Monday with more than 70 kilos of shrimp. Other commercial fishermen at Tecolutla also had good shrimp catches. "To sum it up, it was a great week for fishing in Tecolutla," Burns said.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 1

SANTA ROSALIA YELLOWTAIL--Yellowtail action was on the surface for the few Santa Rosalia anglers fishing between winds around the north end of Isla San Marcos last week. Fishing out of San Lucas Cove for limits of smaller yellowtail near the island and 3 fish to 20 pounds out at the bajos were San Diego anglers, from left, Kevin Ward, Chris Randel, Butch H., and Sean Ward. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KANZLER.

Santa Rosalia Mexico Fishing Photo 2

ISLA SAN MARCOS BAJO--Jim and Marika Anderson of San Lucas Cove just south of Santa Rosalia land a big yellowtail while fishing aboard their Moosea Boat last week on the bajos north of Isla San Marcos. At right, Marika Anderson and Jim Green of Montana at San Lucas Cove with a couple of good ones from the island. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JIM ANDERSON.

Erendira Mexico Fishing Photo 1

BAJA BIRTHDAY TRIP--Wyatt Hambrick of Los Angeles and his dad Bret Hambrick made an early December Baja fishing run to Castro's Camp south of Ensenada to celebrate Wyatt's eighth birthday and they ran into some rough seas but good fun fishing for whitefish plus a red rockcod with Castro's Camp Capt. George. At right, Wyatt with a nice Castro's Camp ocean whitefish caught off the Baja Pacific coast at Erendira. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRET HAMBRICK.

San Quintin Mexico Surfing Photo 1

SAN QUINTIN WINTER--Surfing, fishing, and diving conditions were all good at San Quintin last week for vacationers during combined activity boat trips with Capt. Kelly Catian of San Quintin's K&M Offshore Sportfishing. PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY CATIAN.

Magdalena Bay Mexico Fishing Photo 1

MAGDALENA MOTHERSHIP DORADO--Anglers fishing offshore of Magdalena Bay during 2 recent trips aboard the San Felipe-based panga mothership Andrea Lynn of Baja Sportfishing, Inc., caught striped marlin, cabrilla, yellowtail, and quality dorado, some on trolled MirrOlures. Shown is Dana Kerby of Ensenada, with a MirrOlure-caught 22-pound dorado hooked on the Thetis Bank. At center, Jim Kerby, left, with Alex Velez of Baja Sportfishing, Inc., and a couple of dorado caught at the Magdalena Bay San Carlos entrada. At right, Al Gage of Sea of Cortez Diving, who had a group of divers on the boat, with a 28 pounder also caught on a MirrOlure at the entrada. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANA KERBY.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 1

CABO NEWLYWED TRIP--Curt and Francesca McCray of West Chester, Pa., celebrated their honeymoon with 2 days of fishing with Cabo Magic Sportfishing for a catch including released fish of: 5 striped marlin, 3 yellowfin tuna, and 3 dorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 2

CABO SIERRA SEASON --Capt. Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter super panga Cheer's with a nice sierra caught just off Cabo Falso on the Pacific side during a short outing that produced 4 sierra and 2 dorado for anglers Steven and Susan Levasseur. At right, Levasseur with a dorado caught just 1 to 2 miles off the Faro Viejo lighthouse on the Pacific side. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 4

CABO PEZ GALLO--A medium sized Cabo San Lucas roosterfish or "pez gallo" about to be released by the Cabo charter super panga Cheer's with Capt. Ramon Druck. It was one of 3 roosters caught during a morning of fishing that also produced sierra, pompano, and skipjack near shore on the Pacific side. At right, Filipino anglers Gpeg P. Pendon and Bo Naguit with a couple of schoolie dorado caught just off Faro Viejo beach on Cabo San Lucas' Pacific side aboard the Cheer's. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAMON DRUCK.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 1

LOS CABOS TUNA TWINS--Frank Harbin, right, of Salinas, Calif., and Gordo Banks Pangas Capt. Jesus, left, fished on the charter panga Katie off San Jose del Cabo and scored on this nice matched pair of yellowfin tuna in the 80 to 90-pound class. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

San Jose del Cabo Mexico Fishing Photo 2

GORDO BANKS PANGA ACTION--Steve Wilson and his wife fished last week with San Jose del Cabo's Gordo Banks Pangas and their catch included a couple of nice 30-pound class yellowfin tuna, plus a schoolie dorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BRICTSON.

East Cape Mexico Fishing Photo 1

EAST CAPE INSHORE--Peter Langstraat of Holland with a nice jack crevalle caught while trolling near shore at Punta Colorado in Baja's East Cape area. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER LANGSTRAAT.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico Fishing Photo 6

SIX-STRIPER DAY--Dan Meng and his group from Estancada, Ore., fished with Cabo Magic Sportfishing last week and had a great Cabo San Lucas experience with 6 striped marlin releases. PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI GARCIA.

San Carlos Mexico Fishing Photo 1

WINTER YELLOWTAIL ARRIVE--Fernando Almada of Catch-22 Sportfishing at San Carlos, Sonora, with 1 of 4 nice yellowtail hooked on the surface at Punta San Antonio last week aboard the charter boat Rubina. PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNANDO ALMADA.

Mazatlan Mexico Fishing Photo 1

FLOTA BIBI AT MAZATLAN--Michael Kobseff and Brandi Day with a sailfish and 37-pound dorado caught last week off Mazatlan aboard the Flota Bibi Fleet charter boat Norma Patricia with crewmen David and Alex. PHOTO COURTESY OF TADEO HERNANDEZ.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 1

VALLARTA REDNECK TUNA 275--Brant Crenshaw's boat Redneck was "hammering the big tuna" last week at Puerto Vallarta. Here's a 275 pounder that hit a skipjack bait, along with another 200-pound tuna caught the same day. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGER CRENSHAW.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 2

DHAMAR TUNA DAYS--Capt. Danny Gomez of the Puerto Vallarta charter super panga Dhamar with a couple of nice yellowfin tuna caught last week in good offshore fishing action for tuna of up to 247 pounds at El Banco and Roca Corbeteña. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY GOMEZ.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico Fishing Photo 3

BIG KAHUNA TUNA--Mark Rein's boat Big Kahuna scored on yellowfin tuna of 60, 92, and 141 pounds at Puerto Vallarta's El Banco fishing spot last week, and then had fun with snook, jack crevalle, corvina, and catfish under lights at the marina. "This was a very fun day and the reason we brought the boat to Puerto Vallarta," Rein said. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK REIN.

Tecolutla Mexico Fishing Photo 1

ATLANTIC MEXICO--A calm, promising sunrise at the river mouth of Tecolutla, Mexico, on the Atlantic coast near Veracruz, as photographed by restauranteur David Burns of Tecolutla's Restaurant El Manglar. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID BURNS.

BAJA MEXICO FISHING REPORT ARCHIVES AND FISH PICTURES