Fish Report for 12-22-2011

The Weather is affecting the fishing at Cabo

12-22-2011
Larry Edwards

Falling water temps on both sides of the peninsula have changed the overall fishing conditions, at least for now. This past week reflected a slowing trend for the Pacific side, which is abnormal for this time of year. However, it all can change for the better in a very short span of time and much will probably depend on the surface winds throughout the area. (See Cabo Climate & Sea Conditions). As we move into the Christmas season, there was a slowing trend for charter fishing days and this, too, factored into the overall fish counts for the week. For the 19 days that were fished the boats reflected 5 stripers released, 22 yellowfin tuna, 15 dorado and 15 Sierra for their efforts, with all fish coming from the Pacific side of Cabo.

Cabo Climate:
Mostly sunny days with a few passing clouds out to the southwest, with cold mornings & evenings and comfortable days. Temps ranged from 51 nights to 76 daytime highs, (unseasonably cool) and 10-20 knots of northeast wind blowing down the Sea of Cortez side.

Sea Conditions:
Changing water temperatures, mostly sliding downward, on the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez side. Pacific side is currently 73-74 from the beach, out to the 1000 fathom curve, wrapping Cabo and up to the Gorda Banks. Above the Gorda Banks, the temps fall to 70-71 derees. The only warm waters are out to the south of Cabo, starting at about 12-15 miles, that are in the 75-76 degree ranges.

Best Fishing Area: Much more difficult to define a specific area but the Pacific side is still reflecting the better catches for the fleets. However, we are seeing a slight moving trend for the fish toward Gray Rock (Cabeza de Ballena) and Chileno area and if it continues, the fish may be on the move toward the Sea of Cortez.

Best Lure/Bait:
Live bait was the right ammunition for the week for both billfish and dorado, while the tuna were still being dazzled on the Cedar plugs and feathers.

Live Bait Supply:
Remained good for most off the week with a mix of caballitos and a few mackerel.


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