Fishing in Cabo?

blackdog · 11-15-2001, 01:15 PM

Since we're flooding in Oregon, what better time to start thinking about fun in the sun. I have a trip planned to Cabo at the end of February and was wondering if anybody had any experience or advice on fishing down there. What's available at that time, names of charters, what to expect to pay, etc. would all be helpful. Thanks in advance to anyone who quits watching the river guages for a few minutes to give me some help

fishbait · 11-15-2001, 01:27 PM

Ditto for me please, I am there in early Jan. Already have a few leads on boats and skippers, but asking for all input. Thanks

[ 11-15-2001: Message edited by: fishbait ]</p>

Snagly · 11-15-2001, 03:20 PM

Dan Blanton runs an excellent saltwater fly-only bulletin board that has plenty of knowledgeable posters who can provide tips on Cabo. Try http://216.162.160.6/bulletin.html

The last issue of Western Flyfisher (name?) had a feature on roosterfish that I believe centered on Cabo and had plenty of where-to-go. I don't have the URL handy but if you do a web-search you can find it easily enough. It's a free Internet-only fly fishing magazine.

Allcoast Sportfishing runs an excellent saltwater heavy gear bulletin board that focuses on San Diego and points south. www.sport-fish-info.com/dcforum/cgibin/dcboard.cgi? (If this is too much, go to the website and look for the main saltwater gear board, plus there are destination boards and I'm sure Cabo is on one of them.) This board offers excellent all around advice for people fishing 20-80lb stand-up tackle for tunas and the like.

Hope this helps

Stz ll · 11-15-2001, 04:26 PM

When I was down in Cabo a few years ago I fished with a person named Ken Stregge (I think this is the correct spelling but I am not sure. He is a guy who was originally from West Linn and has lived and run charters in Cabo for years. He is not real cheap but what a great guy. He uses a 39 foot Sea Ray which is totally set up for tournement fishing with 2 flying bridges etc. I know that Eric Linde also uses and fishes with Ken when he is in Cabo. The day I fished with Ken (fortunatly I was the only angler onboard) I caught a 275 pound Striped Marlin, a nice Sail Fish 2 Wahoo , and 6 Yellowfin tuna. Needless to say what a great day. Came back with about 150 pounds of fish for the freezer. If you want to do this real cheaply you can arrange for free trips if you are willing to sit through time share presentations, etc. There are a lot of different options. If you can't get a hold of or locate Ken e-mail me and I will see if there is anything I can do to locate him for you.

Pete
Stz ll

Chris Sessions · 11-15-2001, 04:48 PM

Blackdog,
Wish I could go this month, you lucky blackdog!
Pongas with guide cost about 150 to 200 for about 6hrs. and will generally fish you and one other in close for Roosterfish, Tuna, Yellowtail, Snapper and the like with the occasional S. Marlin and Sailfish.

Larger boats (28 - 32ft), start about 300 for about 6 hrs, for 3 or more anglers, and with the longer range offer a better opportunity to tangle with the larger species, Marlin, Sails and if your very lucky, Swordfish.

You will either fish the Sea of Cortez or the Pacific side and it's been our experience that the Pacific is usually a bit rougher.
Most of the local guides like to troll live bait while watching for species sunning on the surface and or birds feeding on bait schools. If you see frigate birds far off shore, pay close attention as these birds are excellent baitfish locators and they don't fly out there for pleasure as they will drown if their feathers touch the water. To locate sunning Marlin, (sleepers)(you will usually see their tail sticking out of the water sort of like a fence post and the standard procedure is to quickly position the boat to allow the anglers on board to cast live baits. This is the most exciting part of the trip for me and make sure that your guide understands that YOU want to do the casting. Otherwise, the skipper or his help will cast and hook the fish, then hand you the rod to do the work. I have more info if you need. sessions@pacifier.com

Stz ll · 11-15-2001, 05:13 PM

Salmon Shark, Ditto on what you said. I did however allowed the guide do the casting (I did not want to mess up the reel and line)however the second the bait hit the water I took possesion of the rod. It took about 2 minutes (the longest 2 minutes in my life) for the fish take the bait. I did't pay to have somebody else take most of the fun.

I too am jelous because Cabo is the best place I have ever fished. Hope you guys knock the s**t out of them.

Pete

MikeT · 11-15-2001, 07:43 PM

blackdog,
Here are some links that may help you plan the trip. I've been down there a couple times fishing out of the East Cape area, and had a fine time. The Sea of Cortez is often too windy and rough during the winter season, so the charters out of Cabo may be fishing the Pacific side. Unfortunately, the best fishing is in late spring and summer, when it's unbearably hot down there.
There's a chart of available fish species by location and season on bajanet, under the fishing complex banner (see angler's fishing calendar).

http://www.bajanet.com/
http://www.vagabundos.com/
http://www.jeffklassenfishing.com/

Good luck down there!

Mike

OregonBankie · 11-15-2001, 09:30 PM

You have a wide range of boats to rent: from a small "panga" Boston-whaler type (two fishermen + skipper) to a cabin cruiser (four people and up). You can reserve ahead, or walk the docks and negotiate a price, even early the morning of the day you want to fish! There are *many* boats to rent, and owners or their agents are very flexible with price.

Know the following:
A panga can be rented for about $130 - 150 for the day.
A cabin cruiser (small one - 28 feet? -- can accommodate at least 4 people) can be bought for about $250. Larger ones cost more.

Bait is generally extra, and is bought live on the way out for $10 per person, but you could try negotiating it into the price.

There is a dock access fee ($2) enforced in the morning (then the cops go home to sleep).

blackdog · 11-16-2001, 06:19 AM

Thanks for all the info guys!!! I should at least be able to get a head start with the stuff you get set out for me. This is supposed to be a getaway in the sun with the girlfriend, but I plan on spending at least one day on the water. Again, thanks for the help. I'll be thinking of you when I'm drinking a Corona and getting a sunburn

Fishing freak · 11-16-2001, 07:22 AM

Blackdog,
Was in Cabo for 2 weeks in October. Chartered a 24 ft. panga ( along with 2 buddies) for $150. We went out of Gordo banks in San Jose Del Cabo. This is an excellent area to fish for yellow fin. The $150 is good for 6 hours. We actually fished for 4 ( had other committment)and caught 10, 4 that were over 50lbs. Don't forget that everything in mexico
works on a barter system. They will bid you high ($200)
Offer them $150 and they will take it. The same holds true on the bigger Marlin,Dorado charters.We paid $275 for 6 hours.Didn't catch a Marlin but had fun with Dorado's.

garyk · 11-16-2001, 10:21 AM

My Baja tip is...

Unless you're going out on a really high-end super cruiser, don't rely on their tackle.

Bring your own as a back-up. Especially if fishing from a panga or super-panga. The tackle provided is low-end stuff.

Also the panga captains DO NOT have communications (not even a cell phone) safety gear (no life jackets) or First Aid supplies.

Go prepared.

I like fishing further north off the East Cape from Los Barrillos north to LaPaz. A nicer setting than the over-developed Cabo.

Fishing freak · 11-16-2001, 10:43 AM

GaryK,

And from what I saw alot more flags on the boats when returning to port at Los Barrillos!!!!!!!!

fishbait · 11-16-2001, 08:15 PM

Think Bisbee ended last week.... Have not heard the results

zigzag · 11-16-2001, 08:49 PM

You are definately going at the right time (season) I was in Peurto V. area last June and caught lots of tuna and bonito but nothing with a "sail". It was still a helluva lot of fun - and a full day trip for 45$ US - live bait top of the line gear, great boat and all the corona you could drink! What are those river levels again?? It was great fun but glad to get back to salmon and steelhead!

Fish Hunter · 11-16-2001, 11:00 PM

I'd like to go back to the East Cape. Went in August '98 and the weather was hot but not uncomfortable. Stayed at Palmas De Cortez in Los Barrilles. Talked to many anglers from S. California that return every year. They liked Palmas the best. Would really like to know the very best time of year to fish down there, will be checking out the links above.

Fishing freak · 11-16-2001, 11:54 PM

Been there a couple of times. From what I have been told, it is from early Oct. through Dec. I believe they hold the Bisbee tournament ( Black and Blue Marlin) At the height of the fishing season.

garyk · 11-16-2001, 11:56 PM

Fishing-Freak,

Last year we even stayed further north about 20+k. from LosBarillos at a funky place called El Cardonel - 6 rooms on a dune as I call it. About $45 US. For nice roomy suites.

Unfortunately the water was cold last April and we didn't get the tuna and marlin we had sought.

GoFish · 11-17-2001, 08:15 AM

How about an Ifish assault on the east cape! I've never been, but have long wanted to go. Been a little slow about it due to all the unknowns. But man, a chance to team up with some of the best fishing talent on the board would bring my wallet out fast. Has anyone who's been there tried fishing the beach on the days when you don't go out on boats? Or is there such a thing? I've heard you can dump the servile female companion at the pool with a pitcher of 'ritas and when you get back from a days fishing, they are still in a good mood. :grin:

blubeast · 11-17-2001, 10:42 AM

Fished Cabo twice.... in May four yrs ago... not many fish caught. Last Sept... could not keep the dorado off the hooks... came back with two coolers full. Here's a url which has all the answers to your Cabo questions... along with a weekly fishing update. Have a great trip.

http://www.loscabosguide.com/index.html

Fish Hunter · 11-17-2001, 12:45 PM

Blubeast good link, the "What to expect as a novice" has some good info in it. Seems July, Aug. and Sept. are the dependable fishing months as I gather more info.

Firedog · 11-17-2001, 02:24 PM

Anyone who hasn't been to Cabo, really ought to go. I have been to Cabo at least once a year for the past four years. I love it, an all around great time. I hear the hurricane last month did a bit of damage but they are getting things back in shape. The people are great and even if you dont speak spanish most of the locals speak at least some english. The food is great also and of course so are the Margaritas and cerveza's. Go and have a great time.