Wow! What a dramatic change in the fishing results for Cabo San Lucas, especially for the Pacific striped marlin. It is very unusual to have a week with no billfish in the fish counts, especially in January, which is often one of the best months of the year. There appears to be a substantial amount of off-colored water that surrounds Cabo San Lucas, extending from the Pacific side to the Sea of Cortez and from near shore to 50 miles or more offshore. Adding to the slow bite syndrome was the full moon phase that always has an effect on the Cabo billfish bite. While a few billfish are still being seen, they were being stubborn and uncooperative and don't seem to want the artificials or the live baits. The "Gaviota IX" fished 6 days in five different locations this past week and while he caught fish everyday, it was very difficult fishing and no billfish. He reported a total of 4 dorado, 2 yellowfin tuna and 13 roosterfish for the week and fished Migrino, Cerros de Arena, Herradura, El Faro and the 95 fathom spot. The overall catch reports for a total of 21 days fished reflected 21 dorado, 24 roosterfish, 18 yellowfin tuna, 7 skipjack tuna and 41 Sierra, (Spanish mackerel).

Cabo Climate: Partly cloudy days with temps that ranged from 54 nights to 80 daytime highs.

Sea Condittions: The Pacific side, from the shoerline to 20 miles or so, including the Golden Gate & Jaime Banks, wrapping around Cabo San lucas to the Gorda Banks and up to Los Frailes, was all off-colored water at temps from 71-72 degrees.

Best Fsihing Area: No specific area was mentioned this past week as the boats were fishing different locations everyday, looking for something new.

Best Lure/Bait: Live bait was best for all of the fish.

Live Bait Supply: It was just so-so over the full moon, but enough for the boats to fish with everyday.