ENSENADA, MEXICO: Ivan Villarino of Vonny's Fleet said his pangas fished in some south wind at Punta Banda during the week, but Ensenada fishing weather was calm by Saturday. The charter panga Vonny I with Capt. Beto Zamora fished with anglers Brian "Calico" Foley, Jay Johnson, and Roy Chesley for steady catches of lingcod, whitefish, red rockcod, sandbass, and a big 31-pound home guard yellowtail caught by Foley on Tuesday. "I got Brian to hold the big yellowtail for the picture," Villarino said, "but only after plenty of complaining because he said it was too heavy." Ensenada fishing area weather over the weekend was calm in the high-50s, with 2 to 3-foot ocean swells and the water temperature at Punta Banda holding at 56 degrees. GOOD WINTER FISHING CONDITIONS FOR PUNTA BANDA PANGAS.

ENSENADA, MEXICO: Steve Ross of the boat Bad Dog at Ensenada's Marina Coral reported on an offshore run Friday to fish at the 500-fathom curve off the Banda Bank for a hot bite on 38 Humboldt giant squid from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. "At first we used the underwater lights and then ceased using the lights, but kept getting bit," Ross said. The following day the Bad Dog fished the bank in 58-degree water, 10-knot wind, and 3 to 4-foot swells for a few vermilion rockfish and salmon grouper.

SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO: Rich Hollo of Bloomington, Calif., and his wife Monica drove down Mex 1 to San Quintin and fished 2 days on a panga southwards toward Socorro with Capt. Hector of Pedro's Pangas for a good mixed catch of bass, rockfish, big bonita, lingcod, big whitefish, a very large sheephead, and a halibut lost inside the bay. "What we have learned in our 7 trips to San Quintin is that by far the fishing here is the most consistent we have experienced anywhere," Hollo said. "We usually tow our own boat, but we have also fished with Capts. Hector, Miguel, and Chava out of Pedro’s Pangas and all have produced plenty of fish for us." MIXED BAG PANGA FISHING WITH CAPT. HECTOR OF PEDRO'S PANGAS.

MAGDALENA BAY, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly said cool Mexican Pacific coast weather and the winter whale watching season dominated the scene at Magdalena Bay last week. "The unusually cold temperatures that have plagued Southern California have also affected the Baja Peninsula, including Magdalena Bay," Graham said. "The number of whales is increasing every day." Capt. Peter Groesbeck of the boat Stealing Time reported consistent marlin action along the 100-fathom curve. "There are still plenty of dorado around as well," Graham said. "At the San Carlos entrada there were also firecracker yellowtail under the birds." Magdalena Bay fishing area weather was cloudy in the low-70s, with water temperatures at 69 to 73 degrees.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Mike Connolly of the Cabo San Lucas charter boat Falcon reported continued very good striped marlin fishing on the Pacific side from Cabo Falso north to the Golden Gate Bank. "On the Falcon, we offered bait to as many as 7 marlin tailers in a group and hooked close to 30 in 2 days, leadering and releasing 16," Connolly said. "There were lots of boats with 4 to 6 marlin at Cabo San Lucas this week." Cabo sea conditions on the Pacific side were rough and ugly on some days. "The weather factored into short days for some," Connolly said. "Most of the fleet did as well as they needed for their vacationing anglers, many of whom were content with a couple of fish." VERY GOOD MARLIN FISHING IN ROUGH PACIFIC SIDE SEAS.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Ramon Druck of the Cabo San Lucas charter super panga Cheer's said his boat was pulled for maintenance last week and did not fish. "The boat will be ready for fishing on Monday," Druck said. "Cabo San Lucas weather was not favorable this week, so there were not many people fishing."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Tommy Garcia of Cabo Magic reported on 50 Cabo San Lucas sportfishing charter boats, with a catch including released fish of: 65 striped marlin, 35 dorado, 30 sierra, 20 pargo, 11 Humboldt giant squid, and 1 wahoo.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Jim Dillon of Salvador's Sportfishing reported on 14 outings by the Cabo San Lucas charter boats El Budster, El Budster I, and El Budster II, with a catch including released fish of: 25 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 1 yellowfin tuna of 20 pounds, 15 dorado of 20 to 30 pounds, 8 wahoo of 25 to 35 pounds. All 8 of the wahoo were caught on Friday aboard El Budster, and Dillon said, "This is a new wahoo record for El Budster for one day of fishing."

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 32 outings by Gaviota Fleet and the Cabo charter boats Fish Cabo and Fish Cabo I, with a catch including released fish of: 78 striped marlin, 1 wahoo of 40 pounds, 1 yellowfin tuna, and 35 dorado. The Pacific striped marlin action continues in full force for another week of good Cabo San Lucas fish reports," Edwards said. "The charter boat Gaviota I released 10 billfish for 3 fishing days." Cabo San Lucas vacation fishing area weather was mostly cloudy with some light rain in the mid-70s and some wind and sloppy sea conditions on the Pacific side. Fishing action was concentrated around the Cabo Falso drop-off, and also north at the Golden Gate Bank when weather permitted. Mackerel live bait supplies were good at the marina and on the banks.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: George Landrum of Fly Hooker Sportfishing said Cabo San Lucas fishing area weather was cloudy with some rain until the weekend, with northerly winds coming down both sides of the tip of Baja, but with calmer conditions from San Cristobal on the Pacific side around to about Punta Gorda on the Cortez side. The striped marlin bite continued strong around the Golden Gate Bank in Pacific side water temperatures ranging from 68 to 72 degrees. Dorado fishing was concentrated close to the beach on the Pacific side for fish averaging about 15 pounds, but with some caught into the 40-pound class. Just a few yellowfin tuna were caught. Landrum also noted many humpback and California gray whales in Cabo San Lucas waters, and Humboldt giant squid seen on the surface en masse feeding on pelagic red crabs. CLOUDY BAJA WEATHER AND NORTH WINDS AS GOOD MARLIN FISHING CONTINUES.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: Rod Albright of Buena Vista at East Cape reported on a fishing and hunting trip to Los Cabos by Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs, fishing aboard Don Giottonini's boat Senor Don for a "Baja grand slam" of marlin, dorado, and tuna, and hunting in the mountains north of La Paz for a bighorn sheep. "We got the call that Wade had killed his sheep, a nice one, too, with a score of about 155 points on the Boone and Crockett scale," Albright said. "I don't know if anybody has ever hit this kind of 'Baja grand slam' before but I can surely attest to this one. BAJA HUNTING AND FISHING WITH BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER WADE BOGGS.

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO: For the week ending Jan. 15, 2007, Tracy Ehrenberg reported 88 percent of charters releasing 1 to 6 marlin per day, and 99 percent landing all species combined, including dorado, just a few yellowfin tuna, and some sailfish. Top outings included 6-marlin release days by the Pisces boats Tracy Ann, Rebecca, and Andrea. "We usually we expect to catch pretty much just striped marlin in January," Ehrenberg said, "but we are now also seeing quite a few sailfish, a lot of dorado, and even Humboldt giant squid who generally make their appearance in March." GOOD WINTER MARLIN FISHING HOLDS UP ON PACIFIC BANKS FOR PISCES FLEET BOATS.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Eric Brictson of Gordo Banks Pangas Sportfishing reported on 44 combined La Playita fleet pangas fishing off San Jose del Cabo, with a catch of: 22 yellowfin tuna, 92 dorado, 18 striped marlin, 28 roosterfish, 3 mako shark, 14 bonito, 9 pompano, 38 pargo, 12 cabrilla, 6 amberjack, 18 sierra, and 32 triggerfish. San Jose del Cabo fishing area weather was unusually cool, with some rain and steady north winds that dropped water temperatures to 70 to 72 degrees and slowed the yellowfin tuna bite at the Gordo Banks. "There have been respectable numbers of dorado caught," Brictson said, "but we will see how long that lasts now that the water temperature is near the 70-degree mark." COOL WINTER WEATHER, WIND, RAIN, AND FISHING WATER.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Bob Lewis of San Jose del Cabo reported a "brutal week for weather" in the Los Cabos fishing area, with cold strong winds and intermittent rain. An outing in tough conditions on the previous weekend aboard the charter panga MataTuna with Capt. Alberto produced 2 small dorado and a marlin and probable tuna lost. "On Thursday, the wind finally backed down and some boats went out," Lewis said. "Scattered tuna, dorado, and marlin were in the count. The water color is good so I am sure we can get some fish if the weather comes around."

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO: Species fishing specialist John Snow of San Jose del Cabo reported difficult conditions for 7 surf fishing trips and 5 outings with Capt. Pata on the panga Salome for a total of 160 fish of 45 species caught or collected, including 5 new species. Water temperatures were in the low-70s. Offshore catches include a 3-marlin day aboard the Salome. "The first guy was caught early and he and I became good friends since we had to share the front seat of the panga for most of the day," Snow said. "Gringo traffic was about nonexistent at La Playita due to the strong El Nortes, no quality bait, and 'no fish.'" After one panga trip, Snow said, "There were a total of 10 boats on the Inner Gordo Bank, all with poor results, and even the whales have disappeared. It has been a very, very strange week dominated by the poor weather. I've been here 10 days and there has been no sun yet, and it's 68 degrees in the house."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Gary Graham of Baja On The Fly reported rough sea and weather conditions for Mexico's East Cape vacation area. "With only a few brave enough to don long pants and raincoats, it’s not clear just how good the bite is," Graham said. "East Cape locals could only bring themselves to chase the sierra that seemed to be strung out from the lighthouse to Punta Pescadero. In spite of the cold and rainy fishing conditions this week, there was a decent striped marlin bite and even a few dorado." Humboldt squid continued to be concentrated within a few miles of shore off Hotel Palmas de Cortez. East Cape fishing area weather was cloudy in the low-70s, with water temperatures at 69 to 73 degrees.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Torrance Eddy of Buena Vista reported on a panga fishing trip with East Cape Mexican pangueros Elias and Joaquin on Saturday, trolling Jointed Rebel lures, hoochies, and slabbed bonito from Buena Vista to Rancho Leonero for a catch of: about a dozen sierra, 6 small bonita, and 1 yellow snapper. Eddy said he did most of the catching with a black-silver Rebel on 20-pound Spiderwire line. "It isn't often I out-catch either Joaquin or Elias, but today I think I caught three-quarters of the fish," Eddy said. "I think it's because the 20-pound Spiderwire allows the Rebel to run much deeper." JOINTED REBEL PANGA FISHING TO RANCHO LEONERO.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Russ Fritz of La Ribera said the cold wind and drizzle finally broke up on Saturday and let some sun shine on the East Cape fishing area. "People were starting to pray for global warming," Fritz said. "Be careful what you pray for, August is coming again." East Cape boats were fishing in protected water around Punta Arena and toughing out the ride home with catches of sierra and pargo. Fritz said he and his group fished a day on the Gordo Banks out of Punta Palmilla for yellowfin tuna of 45 and 70 pounds, plus a 40 pounder lost to the sea lions. WINDY FISHING NEAR SHORE FOR SIERRA AND PARGO.

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Jorge Bergin of the village of La Ribera reported "wet, windy stuff" in the East Cape fishing area. "There's some wind," Bergin said. "Not many fishing reports from the Sea of Cortez side of Baja. If we get even a hint of calm, we'll be out there looking for 'em."

EAST CAPE, MEXICO: Mark Rayor of the Vista Sea Sport East Cape diving service at Buena Vista reported poor diving conditions on the Cabo Pulmo coral reef. "We don't have much to report," Rayor said. "East Cape had rain 5 days this week along with lots of north wind."

SANTA ROSALIA, MEXICO: One of Baja's steadiest winter yellowtail fishing holes produced for boats out of San Lucas Cove last week. Jim Anderson of San Lucas Cove said Santa Rosalia fishing conditions were windy at the beginning of the week, but calmed enough for good action by Thursday. "All San Lucas Cove boats did well and there was lots of sushi and sashimi in camp that night," Anderson said. Saturday's yellowtail action was excellent for Anderson's Moosea boat. "The fishing was unbelievable," he said. "We had two triple hookups with 30-pound fish. This is the kind of yellowtail fishing that we all dream of." Santa Rosalia fishing area water temperatures were at 58 to 59 degrees. GOOD YELLOWTAIL FISHING AT SANTA ROSALIA BAJOS.

SAN CARLOS, MEXICO: John Hilderbrand of JonJen Charters reported improving weather in the San Carlos fishing area after several days of high wind and seas. Boats fishing at Punta San Antonio and Isla San Pedro Nolasco reported yellowtail including some limits. Humboldt giant squid of 20 to 30 pounds were being caught by commercial fishermen working about 2 miles out of San Carlos, and both humpback and killer whales were seen around the island. Water temperatures were at about 61 degrees at Isla San Pedro Nolasco, and about 63 to 64 degrees at Punta San Antonio. YELLOWTAIL FISHING IMPROVES AFTER HEAVY WINDS AND SEAS.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO: Josh Temple of Prime Time Adventures said a warm current coming north along the Mexican coast at 2 knots brought 82-degree fishing water to Puerto Vallarta and excellent action for offshore big game fish. An outing aboard the charter boat Frantic Pace produced a one-day catch including released fish of: 1 black marlin, 1 blue marlin, 1 striped marlin, 1 sailfish, 4 yellowfin tuna, and 3 dorado, plus 3 marlin, 2 sailfish, and some dorado and tuna lost. "That was only my second-ever billfish grand slam," Temple said on Sunday. "We are certainly looking forward to what tomorrow brings!" HOT MIXED BILLFISH ACTION WITH PRIME TIME ADVENTURES.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO: Ed Kunze, reporting for Baja On The Fly, said Ixtapa fishing area boats averaged about 2 to 3 sailfish per day last week, but that was less than could be expected for the season. "A disappointment," Kunze said. "The dark moon period in January has been the absolute best of the year for sailfish. Instead of boats returning to the dock with 8 to 10 released sailfish, they are only averaging 2 or 3. This has happened with an El Niño or fluctuations in the current. The main body of fish has just not yet arrived. February may be an excellent month." No yellowfin tuna were reported, but some boats caught a few dorado, and some blue marlin were seen in the patterns. "The marlin often get hooked, but usually win the battle against the smaller sailfish outfits," Kunze said. Inshore boats had good conventional and fly fishing action on black skipjack plus a few roosterfish. Ixtapa Zihuatanejo fishing area weather was in the low-90s, with water temperatures of 82 to 84 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO:Larry Edwards of Cortez Yacht Charters reported on 16 inshore and offshore outings by the charter boats Gran Jefe, Dos Hermanos I, Dos Hermanos II, Bloody Hook, and Adrenalina, for a catch including released fish of: 34 sailfish, 17 dorado, 52 jack crevalle, 9 needlefish, 3 sierra, 2 rainbow runner, 5 roosterfish to 65 pounds, and 60 bonito. Most offshore boats fished 12 to 15 miles out of Zihuatanejo in calm conditions and water temperatures of 84 to 85 degrees.

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO:Stan Lushinsky of Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters said, "After a late and rather slow start to this fishing season, the action finally picked up and stayed more consistent than we have seen at any time during this season."

IXTAPA ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO:Paul Phillips of the Fintastic Total Tag & Release Tournament commented on an unconfirmed report claiming that nearly 70 boats fished out of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo on Jan. 15, 2006 and only 3 sailfish were caught. Reporting on about 45 boats that actually did fish, Phillips said, "I don't think there are 70 boats capable of charters in the whole Ixtapa Zihuatanejo sportfishing fleet." During the period in question, Phillips said one block of 22 fishing days produced 56 sailfish released. But, Phillips said, "I don't doubt a lot of folks are having '0' days. The best panga captains are and have been booked through February and the coyotes will sell you anything." SAILFISH COUNTS CONFIRMED FOR IXTAPA SPORTFISHING BOAT FLEET.

HUATULCO, MEXICO: Rigo Pak of Hecho en Mexico Tours at Bahias de Huatulco reported on 3 outings by the 33-foot charter super panga Pacific Ocean, with a catch including released fish of: 6 chula, 3 buco, 9 pargo, 5 dorado of 6 to 10 kilos, and 7 yellowfin tuna of 6 to 12 kilos. The Pacific Ocean ran snorkel trips during the week, but Pak said, "Water clarity along the Mexican coast at Huatulco is still off due in part to the offshore winds. Water clarity is expected to improve next week." Information: 011-52-958-587-1860, fishoaxaca@yahoo.com. 33-FOOT SUPER PANGA FISHING AND SNORKELING.

HUATULCO, MEXICO: Eric Weissman of Explore Fly Fishing reported big schools of yellowfin tuna at 15 pounds and larger off the Mexican coast at his San Agustinillo fishing location. "The tuna are rising everywhere but are hard to catch," Weissman said. "We have been getting them on flies, and large jigs ripped vertically from about 100 feet deep. We have lots of sardina inshore and offshore. The Huatulco inshore fishery is active with jacks, ladyfish, sierra, bar jack, and others being caught off the beaches and rocks." Huatulco fishing area weather was in the high-80s, with some rough sea conditions, strong currents, and water temperatures in the low-80s. FLY FISHING FOR TUNA AND MIXED SPECIES AT SAN AGUSTINILLO.