February Sport Fishing Update: From California’s Border to Baja’s Tip
Greetings, fellow anglers, and ocean enthusiasts! January has ushered in an exhilarating start to the fishing season along the majestic coastline from the California border to the tip of Baja. The waters are teeming with life; an adventure awaits you whether you are a seasoned pro or a weekend angler.
Coronado Islands
While Yellowtail has not made a grand entrance around the Coronado Islands yet, don’t let your guard down. The area is rich with anchovy and mackerel, signaling that these prized fighters could appear at any moment. Keep your eyes peeled for surface action and watch your sonar closely — you might hook into a surprise.
Bass fishing has been slow, but patience is a virtue. Conditions can change rapidly, so stay hopeful. Anglers are also reporting a few flatfish have also been caught around Imperial Beach, especially along the Pipe and the Flats nearby.
Consistent Catches: Sculpin and Whitefish remain reliable targets.
Buoy #3 Area: It is worth checking out on your way to the Islands. Whitefish are biting enthusiastically here. Use a two-hook dropper loop rig with small hooks and strips of squid for the best results.
Ensenada
Calico Bass, Barracuda, Bonito: These species are providing thrilling fights. Occasional White Seabass and Halibut, keep your lines ready — you never know when these might strike.
Yellowtail: Ensenada boasts some of Baja’s most consistent year-round. These fish are known for their strength and make an unforgettable catch.
San Quintín
According to local reports, San Quintín was teeming with activity this January.
Anglers were enjoying Surface Action: There were lots of Yellowtail being found on the surface, taking advantage of the plentiful bait in the area.
Bottom Fishing Bonanza: Great catches of Lingcod and Vermillion Rockfish (reds) are being reeled in from the depths. In just two days of fishing, anglers made impressive catches, showcasing San Quintin’s rich opportunities.
Catalina Blue Perch, to my recollection, this is the first CBP I’ve ever caught in San Quintín, I’ve caught many at Catalina Island but never here. Warmer water? Maybe, but I’m not sure.
Tips for Success: With good bait readily available, make sure to have a variety of options on hand to entice different species. For Yellowtail, medium to heavy tackle is advised to handle their strength. For bottom dwellers like Lingcod and Vermillion Reds, ensure you have gear suitable for deeper waters and stronger currents, or consider hiring a local charter or guide. Their knowledge of the hot spots and conditions can greatly enhance your success in handling their strength.
Bahía de Los Ángeles
Bahía de Los Ángeles has turned heads during January with unexpected and exciting developments. January marked the beginning of the prime season for Yellowtail.
These formidable fighters are abundant around the numerous islands and rocky pinnacles. Anglers find success using yo-yo jigs and live bait near underwater structures where Yellowtail hunt. Their aggressive strikes and powerful runs makebnfor an exhilarating catch. The cooler waters bring heightened activity from Leopard
Grouper. Typically lurking around rocky reefs and submerged outcrops, they can be enticed with slow-trolled, deep-diving lures or vertical jigging techniques. Their cunning nature offers a rewarding challenge.
Guerrero Negro
The Second Gray Whale Census was taken on January 22, 2025, in Laguna Ojo de Liebre increased by only 30 whales from the First Gray Whale Census on Jan.13. (I put the wrong year in the photo.)
The migration is off to an exceedingly slow start this season, but more whales come in every day. Our trips were nice this week with calm weather and some friendly approaches with exciting mating activity… Shari Bondy
For info visit www.whalemagictours.com
Bahía Asunción
The Dorado action slowed and was quickly replaced by Yellowtail and Yellowfin Tuna.
Loreto
The wind has calmed, and the boats are out looking for Yellowtail! So far, we have seen Yellows to 20 pounds landed at “Lobo” and the “50” spot. Pintos and Whitefish have been thick for fishermen at the closer spots around Coronado.
The next few days will allow you to check out the high spots farther out so stay tuned and hope for calm winds!
Magdalena Bay (López Mateos)
Fishing has been good around Mag Bay outside of Lopez Mateos. The Grouper Rocks outside Soledad Boca produces some great Grouper, Sheepshead, and Pargo using live shrimp.
And inside Mag Bay to the south, the Palometa (Golden Trevally) have been their usual –sporadic and erratic! But boy if you get there when they are there it is lots of fun and a good fight. They range from 15 to 20 pounds.
And to the north, the Grouper, Pargo, andMark Rayor brought in some of the biggest Corvina I have seen yesterday.
La Paz – Las Arenas/ Muertos Bay/ Sueños Bay
It’s been so windy that we haven’t had anyone out in weeks. This is the off-season for just that reason. The North Wind’s sweeping down the Sea of Cortez, and the weather can be erratic. The ocean is consequently very rough! No one is on the water except windsurfers and kiteboarders, who wait specifically for these world-class winds. Our commercial fishermen friends who don’t have a choice about going out since they must feed their families reported that it was very rough. Fishing was confined to staying close to shore out of the rougher areas.
However, inshore fishing was moderately productive, with the usual cast of species like Jacks, Cabrilla, Sierra, Snapper, and Bonito. There were no reports of Yellowtail or Dorado. Bait was also more difficult to get since the bait areas were getting pounded by waves.
East Cape
Anglers are quietly celebrating catches of Roosterfish plus a few Jack Crevalle right from the beach. Catching Roosterfish from the shore, especially in January and February, is a rare treat. Local anglers keep this hotspot under wraps, but the word is getting out.
Pro Tip: Cast surface poppers or live bait during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance.
They are considered one of the hardest fish to catch in Baja and Yellowtail have arrived several months earlier than usual.
To capitalize on this, choose days between the sporadic North Winds. The odds are good for catching the limits of Yellowtail. Remember, the Baja daily limit for Yellowtail is five fish per angler.
Gordo Banks
Water conditions have been significantly better, especially around La Fortuna. Although not ideal, the water did clear up compared to the previous weeks. The temperature was a couple of degrees warmer as well, with some areas around 68 to 69. We are now primarily focusing on Yellowfin Tuna around La Fortuna. Not a wide-open bite but there is a good chance of hooking into a nice Yellowfin. These Tuna were caught on strips of squid, a few on live caballito and sardina if available. Most of the Tuna caught on caballito and sardina are averaging around 15 to 30 pounds. The bigger Tuna was hooked on strips of squid.
Most of these bigger fish were in the range of 60 to 100 pounds. Earlier in the week, we saw a Tuna that was close to 150 pounds and another around 130 pounds. The local guys are focusing on this bite later in the day as most bites come closer to noon. This weekend, one boat reported catching three nice-sized tuna, and another one on an afternoon trip. While drifting strips of squid, there is a good chance of catching something on the bottom. A better bottom bite was reported at San Luis later in the week. One boat tried jigging early in the morning and landed five Red Snapper and two White Bonito while losing a few more nice fish. Water is a bit colder and greenish towards San Luis.
Palmilla Point and Cerro Colorado continue to produce a decent bottom bite on jigs and live sardina. Most boats are focusing on the grounds of La Fortuna, as they target Tuna, but Palmilla is not a bad area to fish right now. Recently, one of our boats landed four Yellowtail, a few Snapper, a couple of White Bonito, and four big Sierra. Two of the Yellowtail came on jigs, and two came on live sardina. Anglers also saw nice-sized Grouper and a few Amberjack in the mix. Conditions continue to improve as we see water warm and clear on the high spots.
Cabo San Lucas and the Pisces Fleet
The Pisces Fleet has had an unforgettable week, braved swells, and returned with impressive catches. Marshall Cromer from Oakland, California, landed a 260-pound Yellowfin Tuna at the San Jaime Bank, aboard the 48-foot Viking, MY WAY, captained by Arturo. This catch is not just big—it’s monumental. Reeling in a Tuna of this size is a testament to skill, patience, and a bit of luck.
Fishing Conditions
Weather: Clear skies, warm air temperatures (70-75°F), and water temperatures around 72-74°F created ideal conditions.
Species Variety: The waters were alive, with various species deciding if they wanted to bite, making each trip exciting and unpredictable.
Beyond the catches, fishermen enjoyed the warm air, bright sun, and a few returned to the dock with that coveted Cabo tan.
February is shaping up to be an exceptional month for fishing along the Baja peninsula. From early Yellowtail arrivals to record-breaking Tuna catches, the opportunities are as vast as the ocean itself.
With water conditions improving and a diverse range of species active, there’s no better moment to plan your trip. Create Memories: Whether you’re reeling in a personal best or simply enjoying the serenity of the sea, each experience is priceless. Plan Accordingly: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to adapt your plans. Ensure your gear is suitable for the species you’re targeting—don’t get caught unprepared when that big one bites. Share your experiences with fellow anglers and become part of the vibrant fishing community that spans the Baja coast. Every catch has a story. Celebrate yours and enjoy hearing those of others. May your Spring season be filled with thrilling catches, stunning sunsets, and the kind of stories that keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Tight lines and fair seas to all!
Gary Graham
That Baja Guy
thatbajaguy@gmail.com
With more than five decades of fishing experience – from light tackle and fly to offshore billfish – Gary Graham has experienced all aspects of fishing in the Southern California and Baja waters. His observations of species behavior, tackle and techniques are always from his unique perspective, earning him the respect of his peers as well as anglers who eagerly follow his Baja reports and features.
Gary maintained a home at East Cape in Baja Sur for more than 18 years and still spends nearly half of each year exploring the entire peninsula in his self-contained Roadtrek van. He observes everything Baja, from the mysteries of a tide pool on a deserted Baja beach filled with tiny sea creatures to the largest billfish in the sea.