It would appear that the Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tournament was the general start for the billfish season from Cabo San Lucas. Largest qualifying fish taken in the event was a 599 lb. black marlin, taken by Jose Almanza Espinosa, fishing aboard the "Reelaxe and required a bit over 5 hours to land. The hard-luck story was an 800 lb. black marlin, taken aboard the "Great Escape", and arriving at the scales just 10 minutes after closing time and the fish was disqualified. Following the world's biggest money tournament, the Pacific side of Cabo really started to come alive for the Pacific striped marlin and from the reports, it looks to be a banner beginning that should stretch on for a couple more months. The "TUNA TIME" racked up a 12 striper release day, the "Gaviota VIII" reported back to back days of 6 stripers each day and rounded out the catches with 9 dorado and the "Fish Cabo" reported a 5 marlin release day, along with a single sailfish and 3 dorado. The overall combined catches reflected the best billfish bite for the week that has been reported for many months, (more than a year) and according to Fish Cabo Fleet owner, Robertto Marquez, the Pacific side is lined-up with stripers from Cristobal to Todos Santos and just 2-4 miles from shore. The Gaviota Fleet & Fish Cabo Fleet reporting for a total of 33 days fished reflected 64 stripers released, 1 sailfish released, 1 shark, 1 wahoo and 106 dorado.

Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny and warm days with an occasional passing cloud and temps from 68 nights to 87 daytime highs.

Sea Conditions: Excellent. The temp break on the Pacific side ran from north to south from Todos Santos and about 4-5 miles offshore. From Cristobal and wrapping around Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks, the temps held at 82-83, and the blue water was everywhere.

Best Fishing Area: Pacific side, for sure, from Cristobal to Todos Santos and out to the Golden Gate Bank and down to the Jaime Bank

Best bait/lure: Many billfish are now being taken on the arttificials and the mackerel colors have dominated for the stripers. Dorado taken on the artificials and live bait.

Live Bait Supply: Not reported. It may have been a difficult bait week due to the full moon condition and the influx of boats fishing the tournament.