This coming Saturday, will be staying at the marina. Of course I'm planing on doing some fishing and would like to rent those Panga type fishing boat, any recommendation who to deal with? where to get a fishing license? last time I went I didn't need any since I was surf fishing
Also, how's the fishing at this time of the year? And which lures to bring
Thanks, Marc..
never been to cabo, but hopefully someone will chime in. have a great trip!
Yesterday my friend in San Quintin, Baja north, caught 6 YT and was back at noon. Big swells and high winds.
Good luck!
It's been a few years since I've fished Cabo, but I always fished with Ozzie on El Tapir. He's a gruff old man but always put us on fish. This time of year there will be striped marlin close off shore and sierra mackerel, pargo and others in shore. You'll likely be fishing bait (sardines if they are available, scad or mackerel if not). I would always bring some lures to fish and then leave them with Ozzie -- Rapalas are always appreciated.
On the East Cape there has been great fishing lately. Dorado, Sails, Marlin and some Wahoo caught which is very strange for this time of year. On the Pacific side Cabo San Lucas has had some good fishing too but you have to understand this time of year it is windy. Pangas may not make it out, heck even bigger sport fishers may not chance it so try to be as flexible as you can and not commit to I want to fish this or that day but go when the conditions are right.
With it being so different this year it is very hard to say what lures to bring but Rapalas, Mirrorlures work good for hard bodied trolling lures, I like the deepest diving ones this time of year, also skirted lures like Zukers or Pline can work well for more of a surface bite.
If you have more of a inshore type of trip, and this time of year it is very likely, live bait setups are deadly as well as some smaller heavier type of metal jigs like Salas 6X Jr's or the Megabait type of metal lures. I now fish Luna Jigs for the for a Megabait type of jig.
As far a getting a license if I remember correctly you can pick up one at the marina.
Contact Luis Olascoaga
http://www.thebluemarlinsportfishing.com/
I've known him for decades very solid operator if he doesn't have a panga for rent he knows someone who does.
Thanks for all the good info/feedback guys 8)
Going to check the weather for sure, fortunately I'm staying a week, I don't have to go fishing everyday, and when I do it will be inshore. Will be traveling light
Marc..
If you have your own PFD , take it.
In most Baja ports, the Panga fishermen will have everything you need on board (poles, reels, lures etc) you will need for a successful fishing trip so I wouldn't bring anything down for a trip like yours. Like So Cal says go when conditions are better. About 20 to 30 yrs ago we used to dry camp near Cabo San Lucas and usually had no problems this time of yr getting in and out with our own Alum fishing boats--now it is almost impossible to find a dry camping spot any where near there, as they are now all filled with hotels. My advice is if you really want a marlin (who doesn't) you might want to go up to a 30'+ sport fisher and share the price with some other fishermen. But if a Panga is your choice, and if you are not bi-lingual--try to find a guide that is so you can communicate with him. They are usually willing to do the type of fishing you want. That being said, most of the time I am not in my 16' alum, I go out with my favorite Panga fisherman in my area--which is not Cabo San Lucas. Usually when I go down, I am there for 3 to 4 months at a time. So 1 time a week in my boat and once a week with Beto, I am usually a happy fisherman. But when I was younger I wanted to go out every time the ocean was flat enough. Good Luck and Great Fishing!!
TomT
Marc!
I was in Cabo last week, fished two days, one day on a panga! It was set up via the Hotel Buena Vista on the East Cape,
http://www.hotelbuenavista.com/n/
Don't remember the captain's name, but his english was very good, equipment very good, new 115 hp engine and quality super panga! And we caught fish!!!
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0111_zpsxsm77oh1.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0111_zpsxsm77oh1.jpg.html)
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0002_zps4ebsgkbh.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0002_zps4ebsgkbh.jpg.html)
We began the day by going just to the left of the Cabo Arch (El Arco) and this was not on the agenda!!!! Very cool.
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0022_zpsbs8jxovk.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0022_zpsbs8jxovk.jpg.html)
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0026_zps0j3jsadl.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0026_zps0j3jsadl.jpg.html)
We caught Sierra Mackerel, Pargo and had on 2 Wahoos! for just seconds.
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/Sierra%20Mackerel_zps3mw8t8pu.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/Sierra%20Mackerel_zps3mw8t8pu.jpg.html)
Give him a try!
Wayne
Quote from: TomT on January 26, 2016, 05:05:30 AM
In most Baja ports, the Panga fishermen will have everything you need on board (poles, reels, lures etc) you will need for a successful fishing trip so I wouldn't bring anything down for a trip like yours. Like So Cal says go when conditions are better. About 20 to 30 yrs ago we used to dry camp near Cabo San Lucas and usually had no problems this time of yr getting in and out with our own Alum fishing boats--now it is almost impossible to find a dry camping spot any where near there, as they are now all filled with hotels. My advice is if you really want a marlin (who doesn't) you might want to go up to a 30'+ sport fisher and share the price with some other fishermen. But if a Panga is your choice, and if you are not bi-lingual--try to find a guide that is so you can communicate with him. They are usually willing to do the type of fishing you want. That being said, most of the time I am not in my 16' alum, I go out with my favorite Panga fisherman in my area--which is not Cabo San Lucas. Usually when I go down, I am there for 3 to 4 months at a time. So 1 time a week in my boat and once a week with Beto, I am usually a happy fisherman. But when I was younger I wanted to go out every time the ocean was flat enough. Good Luck and Great Fishing!!
Yeah! Finding someone that speaks English is a must, will be fishing with my gear, need to test
Thanks a bunch Tom!
Marc..
TomT
Quote from: El Pescador on January 26, 2016, 05:21:45 PM
Marc!
I was in Cabo last week, fished two days, one day on a panga! It was set up via the Hotel Buena Vista on the East Cape,
http://www.hotelbuenavista.com/n/
Don't remember the captain's name, but his english was very good, equipment very good, new 115 hp engine and quality super panga! And we caught fish!!!
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0111_zpsxsm77oh1.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0111_zpsxsm77oh1.jpg.html)
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0002_zps4ebsgkbh.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0002_zps4ebsgkbh.jpg.html)
We began the day by going just to the left of the Cabo Arch (El Arco) and this was not on the agenda!!!! Very cool.
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0022_zpsbs8jxovk.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0022_zpsbs8jxovk.jpg.html)
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0026_zps0j3jsadl.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/IMG_0026_zps0j3jsadl.jpg.html)
We caught Sierra Mackerel, Pargo and had on 2 Wahoos! for just seconds.
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii518/wdeutscher/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/Sierra%20Mackerel_zps3mw8t8pu.jpg) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/wdeutscher/media/Cabo%20with%20Jerry%200116/Sierra%20Mackerel_zps3mw8t8pu.jpg.html)
Give him a try!
Wayne
That would be perfect!! His boat is in Cabo I guess?
Thanks Wayne
Marc..
Yes, the panga & captain are in Cabo.
Wayne
Quote from: El Pescador on January 26, 2016, 06:28:45 PM
Yes, the panga & captain are in Cabo.
Wayne
Thanks to your pictures I'll be looking for his boat 8)
Marc..
Or call the Buena Vista and set it up for the day you want to fish!!!
Berthed on the east side of the marina, just north of the Fishersman Bar, a well know location.
Wayne
I put my reels in my carry on and if I bring any lures in checked luggage. I mad the mistake one time to have some plastics and leadheads in my carry on and they stayed in Mexico. Flying down was no problem but they were stricter coming back.
Marc,
My buddy, Jerry, booked the trip thru Alex at Buena Vista,
Panga captain's name is Tony.
Hope all this helps.
Post photos of your trip when you return.
Wayne
Looks like you had a good trip, Wayne...very nice.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on January 26, 2016, 09:34:26 PM
I put my reels in my carry on and if I bring any lures in checked luggage. I mad the mistake one time to have some plastics and leadheads in my carry on and they stayed in Mexico. Flying down was no problem but they were stricter coming back.
I put that stuff(lures, hooks ...) in my wife luggage, she likes to travel with lots of them, luggage that is :)
Quote from: El Pescador on January 27, 2016, 12:36:54 AM
Marc,
My buddy, Jerry, booked the trip thru Alex at Buena Vista,
Panga captain's name is Tony.
Hope all this helps.
Post photos of your trip when you return.
Wayne
Tony, that's better then dude!!
Thanks a bunch
Marc..
Have a blast Marc, we were down there 7 years ago and did a Panga trip just up from there in San Jose Del Cabo, such a blast. We saw lots of Tuna but not dice with them, ended up catching 5 Mahi in the 12-20 lb range; it was a blast. The Panga was the smaller one with a 50 hp Honda and a 5 gallon gas tank, no english either; it truly made it all the more memorable ;D
Quote from: coastal_dan on January 28, 2016, 01:16:12 PM
Have a blast Marc, we were down there 7 years ago and did a Panga trip just up from there in San Jose Del Cabo, such a blast. We saw lots of Tuna but not dice with them, ended up catching 5 Mahi in the 12-20 lb range; it was a blast. The Panga was the smaller one with a 50 hp Honda and a 5 gallon gas tank, no english either; it truly made it all the more memorable ;D
Was wondering, the price advertised, is it usually per person on those panga?
Marc..
Quotethe price advertised, is it usually per person on those panga?
No the price is for the boat.
Just be sure
never to deal with anyone who approaches you on the street or the dock they're just hustlers and don't actually own anything-you've been given some great leads here so don't be afraid to ask to see the boat first.
Live bait is generally not included and is it
expensive-$3/per isn't unheard of-but if your pangero says you need it spend the money.
Ours was per person, I think the 4 hour trip was $135 each, and it was just my wife and I on the boat.
The bait experience was awesome, $20 and three big nets full of bait right into the panga between two sealed bench seats...the aerator was just a couple buckets of fresh water every 15 min or so... :o
Do it! Such an awesome experience, also take pictures!
Since I go to Cabo twice a year I thought I would respond to Marq's query. I usually fish out of San Jose del Cabo, though I have fished out of Cabo San Lucas many times, but not on a panga. I have fished pangas out of SJ and it has been my experience that you can always bargain with the Pangueros if you can deal directly with the captains. It is difficult to get to talk directly with the captains. I usually pay $180.00 for a days fishing which consists of a 7:00 a.m. to 1 or 1:30 p.m. Some super pangas with center console might go for $200-225.00. Mostly it is a 6 hour day and you pay for bait which in most cases is $20.00 for a couple of scoops of Sardinas. Dan is correct in that the live bait is dumped right in the bottom of the boat and it is aerated every few minutes with a bucket of cool water. It is customary to tip the captain even on days when the catching is meager. You will know how hard the captain is working to get you on to fish. So the tipping is not fish dependent it is how hard the captain is working. I usually tip $30.00. Absolutely ask to look at the boat. Ask for life preservers, radio and Bimini top. Do not go out with some yo yo who does not have at least those basics. Also since you will have your own equipment you don't need to see the boats equipment. However, if you do not have your own equipment ask to see the rods and reels. It has been my experience that if you talk with the guys manning the fishing booths at the Cabo Marina they will walk you to the boats. Mostly the locals are honest and hard working. I say mostly because you could get burned. I never have. Good Luck. Post a fishing report when you return. Dominick
All great advises, I knew I was asking at the right place 8)
Since it will be inshore and on the beach, would my 146 with 17 mono be up to the task on the boat, it needs a workout
Thanks, Marc..
Go down to the marina in the afternoon and see who's catching and how happy the fishermen are. I've mostly fished with Gaviota Fleet and have had no bad days. Hang out near the scale and cleaning station to see what's coming in. Ask around for Leon, he's been around a long time and will take good care of you. These guys can also hook you up with one or two other Gringos if you want to split a cruiser. It's best to make a deal the afternoon prior. You can also place an order for how many cervesas and box lunch too. This can be much better than hauling your own from the store or hotel. The taco wagon at the marina has always had good grub for breakfast.
-Mike
Marc we were within 2-6 miles of the beach the whole time with 4/0's and 6/0's out aiming for Tuna/Mahi...So in my mind that distance is 'inshore' fishing, haha!
Quote from: coastal_dan on January 29, 2016, 01:17:59 PM
Marc we were within 2-6 miles of the beach the whole time with 4/0's and 6/0's out aiming for Tuna/Mahi...So in my mind that distance is 'inshore' fishing, haha!
Ooops, think I'm going to change outfits :-\
Marc..
Quote from: PacRat on January 29, 2016, 07:32:19 AM
Go down to the marina in the afternoon and see who's catching and how happy the fishermen are. I've mostly fished with Gaviota Fleet and have had no bad days. Hang out near the scale and cleaning station to see what's coming in. Ask around for Leon, he's been around a long time and will take good care of you. These guys can also hook you up with one or two other Gringos if you want to split a cruiser. It's best to make a deal the afternoon prior. You can also place an order for how many cervesas and box lunch too. This can be much better than hauling your own from the store or hotel. The taco wagon at the marina has always had good grub for breakfast.
-Mike
That's the plan Mike!!
Thanks, Marc..
Quote from: PacRat on January 29, 2016, 07:32:19 AMThe taco wagon at the marina has always had good grub for breakfast.
-Mike
Mike, I enjoyed 2 lunches at the Taco Trucks on the south side of the Marina, and each taco truck owner is quite the character.
Wayne