Cabo San Lucas fishing reports

By Arturo Chacon, with Alexandra [Journalist’s Chacon]

This year’s Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament was nothing short of spectacular! From the impressive number of massive black and blue marlin caught to the nail-biting weigh-ins and the heartwarming display of community conservation efforts, the 2024 edition will be etched in Cabo San Lucas history.

The energy was palpable as 176 teams battled it out for a staggering total jackpot of $6,848,700. The action kicked off with a bang on day one, with a series of qualifying marlin (over 300 lbs) hitting the scales, each bigger than the last. Team Hooray, led by Captain Francisco Bojorquez, ultimately took the daily jackpot with a 450-pound behemoth.

Day two brought even more excitement. Team Super Neighbors landed a colossal 561-pound black marlin, snatching the lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy. But the drama didn’t stop there.

On the final day, three teams brought in massive marlin, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the weigh station. Team Damaged weighed a 420-pound blue marlin, followed by Team PLC Hookers with a 493-pound black marlin. Just when we thought it was over, local heroes Team Crudo arrived just before the deadline with a monster black marlin that had been fought for over 8 hours. The suspense was unbearable as the scales settled on an incredible 634 pounds, securing their victory and etching their names in Bisbee’s Black & Blue lore.

This year’s tournament felt different. The abundance of big fish, especially after a concerted effort by the local sportfishing community to protect our fishing banks from commercial overfishing, is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It’s a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about preserving the environment but also about ensuring the future of our beloved sport.

And let’s not forget the amazing technology like Catch Stat that allows fans all over the world to follow along and be a part of the live action on any big fishing tournament.

Congratulations to Team Crudo, all the winners, and the organizers of this incredible event. Here’s to hoping that with continued conservation efforts, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament will continue to thrive and provide unforgettable moments for years to come.

Cabo San Lucas fishing tournaments

Cabo San Lucas, with its stunning coastline and abundant marine life, has earned a reputation as a world-class fishing destination. But it’s the big fishing tournaments that truly put Cabo on the angler’s map, drawing competitors and spectators from around the globe.

These tournaments aren’t just about the thrill of the catch; they offer hefty prizes, contribute to conservation efforts, and fuel the local economy.

Why Cabo San Lucas?

The waters off Cabo San Lucas are teeming with a diverse range of fish, including marlin, tuna, dorado, and wahoo. This abundance, combined with favorable weather conditions and stunning scenery, makes it an ideal location for hosting major fishing tournaments.

The Big Players

Here are some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments held in Cabo San Lucas:

• Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament: This is the granddaddy of them all, attracting hundreds of anglers and offering millions of dollars in prizes. It’s known for its high-stakes competition and the chance to land a record-breaking marlin.
• Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore: Taking place in the East Cape region of Baja California Sur, this tournament offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a chance to explore a different side of the peninsula.
• Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot: As the name suggests, this tournament is all about tuna. Anglers compete to catch the largest yellowfin tuna, with substantial cash prizes up for grabs.

Beyond the Competition

These tournaments are more than just fishing contests. They play a crucial role in supporting marine conservation efforts. Many tournaments promote sustainable fishing practices and contribute to research and conservation programs. They also provide a significant boost to the local economy, attracting tourists, creating jobs, and supporting businesses in the hospitality and fishing industries.

Tips for Attending

If you’re planning to attend a fishing tournament in Cabo San Lucas, here are a few tips:

• Book your accommodation and charter boat well in advance, as these events tend to fill up quickly.
• Familiarize yourself with the tournament rules and regulations.
• Pack for all types of weather, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a spectator, the big fishing tournaments in Cabo San Lucas offer an unforgettable experience.

They showcase the thrill of the sport, the beauty of the destination, and the importance of conservation. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting adventure in Cabo!

For more information email us at tagsportfishing@gmail.com

Best Rigs for Beach Fishing in Los Cabos

Cabo Sportfishing Trips

Los Cabos, with its stunning beaches and abundant marine life, offers fantastic opportunities for surf fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, having the right rig is crucial for success. Here are some of the best rigs for beach fishing in Los Cabos:

Beach fishing in Los Cabos

1. The Fish-Finder Rig

This versatile rig is excellent for presenting live bait or cut bait and is particularly effective for species like Roosterfish, Snook, and Jacks.

• How it works: A sliding sinker is placed on the mainline, followed by a bead and a swivel. The leader line, with a hook at the end, is then attached to the swivel. This setup allows the fish to take the bait with minimal resistance, as the sinker doesn’t move.
• Recommended hook sizes: 1/0 to 5/0 circle hooks, depending on the target species.

2. The Double-Drop Bottom Rig

Ideal for targeting bottom-dwelling species like Halibut, California Corbina, and various types of Snapper.

• How it works: This rig features two hooks attached to dropper loops on the mainline above the sinker. This setup keeps your bait suspended off the bottom, increasing visibility and reducing snags.
• Recommended hook sizes: #4 to 1/0 circle hooks or J-hooks.

3. The Carolina Rig

A popular choice for surf fishing, the Carolina Rig excels at covering a lot of ground and enticing strikes from a variety of species.

• How it works: A sliding sinker is threaded onto the mainline, followed by a bead and a swivel. A leader line (18-36 inches) is then tied to the swivel, with a hook at the end. This rig allows the bait to move naturally with the current.
• Recommended hook sizes: 1/0 to 4/0 circle hooks.

4. The Popping Cork Rig

This rig is designed for fishing with live bait or artificial lures near the surface and is particularly effective for species like Sierra Mackerel and Jack Crevalle.

• How it works: A popping cork is attached to the mainline, followed by a leader line with a hook. The popping cork creates a splashing sound and commotion when retrieved, attracting predatory fish.
• Recommended hook sizes: #2 to 2/0 J-hooks.

Tips for Beach Fishing in Los Cabos:

• Use appropriate tackle: Medium-heavy to heavy rods and reels are recommended for surf fishing in Los Cabos due to the potential for larger fish and strong currents.
• Choose the right bait: Live bait such as sardines, mullet, and shrimp are excellent choices. Artificial lures like poppers, spoons, and jigs can also be effective.
• Be mindful of the tides: Incoming tides generally bring in baitfish and predatory species, making them ideal for fishing.
• Respect local regulations: Make sure you have the necessary fishing licenses and are aware of any size or bag limits.

Book Your Cabo Sportfishing Trip!

Ready to experience the thrill of beach fishing in Los Cabos?

Book your sportfishing trip with us today!

Tagsportfishing@gmail.com

We offer guided excursions with experienced captains and top-of-the-line equipment.

Contact us to learn more and reserve your adventure.

Land Your Dream Catch: A Cabo Guide to Big Yellowfin Tuna

Every angler dreams of battling a massive Yellowfin Tuna, and Cabo San Lucas in September makes that dream achievable. This month, the waters teem with these magnificent fish, presenting you with the perfect opportunity to hook a trophy catch.

But landing a giant Yellowfin demands preparation and strategy. Let’s dive into how to gear up, lure, and conquer this apex predator.

Prepare for an Epic Fight

Yellowfin Tuna are not just delicious—they’re a force of nature. Their speed, agility, and sheer power make them a formidable opponent, especially the larger ones.

Upgrade Your Gear

Forget light tackle! To land a big Yellowfin, you’ll need heavy-duty equipment and a substantial amount of 100 lb braided line. Stock your arsenal with rods, hooks, gaffs, snaps, swivels, guides, leaders, landing nets, and reels.

Lure Them In

Yellowfin are opportunistic feeders, so pack a variety of lures:

• Cedar or ranger type plugs: These create enticing surface disturbances.
• Tuna feathers: Their vibrant colors and fluttering motion mimic baitfish.
• Plastic-skirted trolling lures: Their realistic appearance and swimming action attract hungry tuna.

Master the Technique

Yellowfin often feed near the surface, making topwater techniques your best bet. Consider using a fluorocarbon leader to enhance your chances. Its low visibility and abrasion resistance give you an edge, especially in low-light conditions when these fish are particularly active.

Chumming for Success

Whether you’re using bait or lures, amplify your success with chumming. Scatter live baits or cut bait chunks to create a feeding frenzy and keep the tuna close to your boat.

With the right preparation and a strategic approach, you’ll be well on your way to reeling in the Yellowfin Tuna of your dreams.

Remember: These majestic fish deserve respect. Practice responsible fishing and consider catch-and-release to preserve the population for future generations of anglers.

Tight lines and good luck!

For centuries, fishermen have looked to the skies, believing the moon’s phases held the secrets to a bountiful catch. Here in Cabo, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, we’ve learned to respect the moon’s influence, but also understand that there’s more to successful sportfishing than lunar cycles.

The Moon’s Pull: Tidal Currents and Fish Behavior

The moon’s gravitational pull creates our tides. These tidal currents influence the movement and feeding patterns of many saltwater species.

• Strong Currents (New and Full Moons): During spring tides, when the moon is new or full, strong currents stir up nutrients from the ocean floor, attracting baitfish and the larger predators that pursue them. This is an excellent time to target species like roosterfish, snapper, and grouper near structures where these currents concentrate.
• Weaker Currents (Quarter Moons): During neap tides, fish may be less active due to reduced water flow. This can be a good time to focus on bottom fishing or fishing deeper waters.

Beyond the Moon: Water Temperature and Chlorophyll

While the moon plays a role, we also rely heavily on modern tools to track water temperature and chlorophyll concentration.

• Water Temperature: Different species thrive in specific temperature ranges. By monitoring sea surface temperatures, we can pinpoint areas where target species are most likely to congregate.
• Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll indicates the presence of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web. Higher chlorophyll levels attract baitfish and the larger predators that feed on them. By tracking chlorophyll charts, we can identify productive fishing zones.

The Cabo Advantage: Pelagic Paradise

Cabo’s unique location offers opportunities to target pelagic species like marlin, tuna, and dorado throughout the year, regardless of the moon’s phase. These fish are less influenced by tides and more driven by factors like water temperature, currents, and baitfish availability.

Become a Better Angler: Knowledge is Key

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice angler, understanding the moon’s influence, along with factors like water temperature and chlorophyll, will improve your chances of success. By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, you’ll gain valuable insights into the underwater world and become a more informed and skilled fisherman.

Cabo Sportfishing: An Unforgettable Experience

Regardless of the moon’s phase, Cabo offers world-class sportfishing opportunities. With our experienced guides and state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll have a chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Book your trip today and experience the thrill of Cabo sportfishing!

Reach out to us at tagsportfishing@gmail.com

Using Satellite Maps to Catch More Fish: Unlocking the Secrets of the Deep

Offshore fishing is a thrilling pursuit, but it can also be a frustrating one. The vast expanse of the open ocean can feel like an empty desert, and even the most experienced anglers can come home empty-handed. But what if there was a way to tilt the odds in your favor?

The Power of Satellite Maps

Satellite maps have revolutionized the way we fish offshore. By providing real-time data on sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll levels, and other key factors, these maps allow anglers to track the movements of gamefish and identify the most productive bite zones.

Find the Temperature and Water Color Breaks

Temperature breaks are areas with a distinct change in water temperature. These breaks often serve as boundaries between different water masses, creating areas of upwelling and convergence where food and gamefish congregate.

Chlorophyll Maps: The Green Gold

High chlorophyll levels indicate areas with abundant phytoplankton, the foundation of the marine food chain. Baitfish thrive in these nutrient-rich waters, and the murky green water provides them with cover from predators. Tuna, marlin, and other gamefish cruise the edges of the green water, picking off baitfish that stray into the open.

Sea Surface Temperature Maps: The Hot Zones

When regional water temperatures are near the low end of the preferred range for a species, the warmest water in the area will hold the most fish. By using SST maps, anglers can quickly identify these hot zones and focus their efforts on the most productive areas.

Convergence Zones: The Dynamic Hotspots

Convergence zones are dynamic regions where water masses of different temperatures, salinity, and density collide. These zones often create areas of upwelling, bringing nutrients and food to the surface. Weedlines, kelp paddies, and baitfish are drawn to these areas, and the gamefish follow.

SatFish: The All-in-One Map Resource

SatFish is the ultimate tool for offshore anglers. This all-in-one map resource combines the latest high-definition satellite SST, chlorophyll maps, and other essential data to help you find the bite zone fast.

Tag Cabo Sportfishing: Real-World Success

Here at Tag Cabo Sportfishing in Cabo San Lucas, we’ve seen firsthand the power of SatFish. We use it every day to target a variety of species, from marlin and tuna to dorado and wahoo. SatFish has dramatically increased our success rate, and our clients love it!

Get a $20 USD off your new Subscription with promo code TAGCABO.