The annual March doldrums have finally rolled into Cabo San Lucas, combined with the full moon phase, summing up the total into very difficult fishing over the past week. Though the March slowness is normal for Cabo, I think we were falsely lured into thinking that just maybe this year, the slowdown wasn't going to occur as the fishing had been so unrealistically good for so long. While the dorado counts had been sliding for a couple weeks now, the striper action was going well and providing plenty of offshore action for the anglers. Now, both have virtually come to a near standstill and the fishing days are becoming more difficult for the anglers and the crews. There are few things that make for a longer day than the one with no fish. The overall combined fish counts for 31 days fished reflected 8 stripers, (7 released) 3 dorado, 7 mako sharks, 11 roosterfish, (all 20-25 lb. fish) and 22 skipjack. High billfish boat for the week was the "Tuna Time", reflecting 3 stripers for 4 days fished and that was followed by the "Gaviota IX" with 3 stripers for 6 days fished.



Cabo Climate: Mostly sunny & warm days with partly cloudy skies for the weekend. Temperatures ranged from 62 nights to 93 daytime highs.


Sea Conditions: Pacific side is holding sea temps at 73-74 degrees from the Golden Gate Bank and down to the Jaime Bank. A temp break is just inside the Jaime Bank, rising to 75-76 degrees and continuing at that temp around and into the Sea of Cortez, across the 95 Fathom Spot, 1150 Fathom spot, Gorda Banks, and on up and above Las Frailes.


Best Fishing Area: No real concentration of fish in any location this past week.


Best Lure/Bait: There was no really best bait this past week as it was more of a good luck issue and being in the right place at the right time issue. Some of the boats are using rigged ballyhoo baits, trolled just under the surface of the water, that seem to be working unusually well. Some have reverted to the days of yesteryear, and are using rigged flying fish. Still, live bait is in demand, too, and I wouldn't dream of going out from Cabo without it. When the fishing slows the crew and the anglers must exercise all of the options to help produce a better fishing day.


Bait Supply: Remained very good right through the full moon for caballitos at the $3.00 per bait rate.


THE CABO SAN LUCAS FISHING REPORT FOR THE GAVIOTA SPORTFISHING FLEET AND FISH CABO FLEET