Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #10 - 2006 - Articles
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Fish Like a Pro in Los Cabos
Los Cabos Magazine Fishinig Article.
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“Nine yellow fin tuna, four over 150 pounds and the others around one hundred pounds, in one day, for two anglers fishing within two miles of the shore. Repeat that for three days and you have a fishery unequaled anywhere.” Zane Grey
Los Cabos Magazine article - Issue #10 - January 2006 - By Captain George Landrum
Part 2 of 2 - | Section One | Section Two | |
Top Tournament Destination
The number of annual tournaments in Cabo San Lucas confirms its status as a major fishing destination. In 2005, the roster included the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship in May, with the Lucas Billfish Challenge in June, and then the Mercury Light Line Fly Fishing World Championships in July. October brings the Fifth Annual Los Cabo Billfish Tournament, the Pete Lopiccola Charity Tournament for cancer research, the Bisbee Offshore Challenge, and the world’s richest purse, the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin Tournament. And Western Outdoor News’ Mercury Tuna Jackpot falls in early November.
These big name, big gun tournaments are scattered through the year, with most in the months of October and November. So why is that?
Well, we are 22 degrees above the equator, and if you remember, we get the effects of the northern equatorial current bringing up warm water from the south. When a hurricane develops, it follows warmer water and continues to develop. Our hurricane season runs from sometime in July to the end of September. It can get nasty with strong winds, heavy rains, and big seas. That said, it can also be the best fishing of the year! If you are willing to take the chance of being blown out, you can get into some of the most fantastic fishing in the world. Everything is around then, from roosterfish inshore to blue marlin offshore. Shots at roosterfish, cabrilla, pargo, grouper, yellow fin tuna, striped, blue and black marlin, wahoo, dorado and sailfish are numerous, and the chances of getting a multiple-species day are excellent!
Planning your Charter
There are many fishing opportunities in Cabo, depending on the amount of ‘ka-ching’ in your pocket and the type of fishing you want to do. With over 350 charter boats operating out of the marina, you have a choice between a 21’ open center consol panga that will fish three anglers for five hours inshore, to 100-plus-foot luxury yachts that will do multi-day trips. Most anglers are happy with a twin-engine diesel inboard in the 31 to 38’ range at $500-900 U.S. per day for between four to eight people. As is the case everywhere, before booking a boat, try to get a reference from someone who has been here before. An on-line search will turn up many businesses operating full time out of Los Cabos. Try to stay with those who actually live here. Why? Questions, problems, and resolutions are easier to take care of when the proprietor is in port. There are multi-boat operations and single owner operations, whatever and whomever you feel comfortable with, make sure you get the deposit requirements, a list of what is and what is not included, directions to the boat for your day of fishing, and what the company’s refund policy is, in writing. Also, make sure that fishing licenses are available from your charter operator the morning of your trip.
One thing that you don’t want is to end up searching the dock the morning you want to go fishing, trying to get a “deal” on a boat. If you absolutely have to, go to the marina around two p.m. the day before you want to fish, and ask anglers how their day went, the condition of the boat and equipment, and how they were treated by the captain and crew. Then, find out who they booked with and try to arrange a charter for the next day. In high season, from October to May, the better boats may be booked far in advance, and in October it is almost impossible to get one at less than a month’s notice due to the tournament schedules.
Releasing your Catch
Most of the boats in Cabo now release billfish that may have a chance at survival, and some use circle hooks to improve the marlin’s chances—as well as the chance of hooking up! It is nice to be on a boat and have the crew tell you that any marlin caught are going to be released, as opposed to what used to be the usual, “Well, I need the fish to feed my family,” story.
There are several international release programs, one of the better known is the AFTCO tag and release program. The company recognizes and rewards captains and anglers with the most releases every year. Cabo San Lucas is recognized almost every year with the top captain and angler positions for striped marlin releases. Both the Billfish Foundation (www.billfish.org) and AFTCO (www.aftco.com) issue release certificates to anglers who release marlin. It makes a nice trophy on the wall, double matted with a picture of the marlin along the side of the boat. It is also a lot less expensive than a skin mount.
Speaking of trophy mounts, you can tag and release your fish and still have a trophy mount made. You don’t have to kill the fish anymore! These days, almost every mount is a fiberglass replica, from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail. Many companies make these trophies, most charge about $10 U.S. an inch plus crating and shipping. A picture of the fish along the side of the boat to document any unique markings or deformities, along with a “best guess” on length will get you a mount delivered to your home, normally within six months.
For charter information or to read Tight Lines, Captain George Landrum’s weekly fishing report, log on to www.loscabosguide.com.
Part 2 of 2 - | Section One | Section Two | |
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Copyright © 2006 - Joseph A. Tyson - All Rights Reserved
Los Cabos Magazine - Los Cabos Visitor's Guide - Tyson Promotions - Promociones Tyson, S. A. de C. V.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - 05 January 2006 - jat
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