Tales of catches up and down the coast filled the conversations of anglers from the Coronado Islands down to the Tip of Baja, as did the thrill of reeling in fish after fish off Cabo. Whether chasing Marlin on live bait or luring Dorado with flying fish, each group of anglers left with not only impressive catches but also lasting memories of their time with the captains and crews. They held within them the potential for new stories, new friendships, and new memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Coronado Islands/Rockpile
When bringing fish back to the U.S. from Mexico, please ensure that your Declaration Forms are filled out for everyone on board. Click here for the Forms.
The best bet for Tuna and Yellows still seems to be around the Pens inside of South Island. The Middle Grounds and Ribbon Kelp are producing, too. Fly-lined sardines, mini-mackerel, and mint surface irons are working best, with anchoring and steady chum working the most effectively.
On a side note, we heard that some boats have been dragging spreader bars through anchored boats. This is an extreme NO! Please don’t do it! Even slow trolling mackerel or sardines through the anchored vessels is unacceptable.
Barracuda are widespread, especially at Ribbon Kelp and the Rockpile, while Calico Bass are biting well around the Boiler Rocks and Kelp Lines.
*** HEADS UP! ***
The Mexican Navy has been stopping boats regularly. Be sure you have your paperwork for everyone on board! Clip each person’s paperwork individually, then place them all in a single large Ziplock bag so you can quickly hand it over to the authorities when they request it.
*** Important Info on the Biosphere Permit ***
You can purchase a one-year Biosphere Permit from Anglers Choice Tackle Shop in Point Loma. They are the only vendor in San Diego that sells them for the year, effective for 365 days from the date of purchase. Discover Baja can issue the Biosphere day pass.
**** ATTENTION ****
Mexican law states boats must stay at least 250 meters (820 feet) away from any tuna pens.
Imperial Beach Pier
Fish reports from Imperial Beach Pier indicate some good catches of Barred Surf Perch and Corbina, with some reports of Mackerel, Queenfish, and Croaker. Conditions can vary, with some days experiencing large amounts of kelp and eelgrass. Therefore, it is recommended to check the latest conditions on local fishing groups on Facebook or similar forums for the most accurate information.
Salsipuedes/Ensenada/Santo Tomas/Isolete
August fishing conditions proved to be excellent in Ensenada, producing catches of Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail, and Dorado offshore, while Lingcod and Rockfish were plentiful closer to shore. The weather was generally calm, with warm waters creating a favorable environment for a diverse range of game fish.
Offshore fishing report
- Bluefin Tuna: Fishing for Bluefin has been productive, with reports from mid-August showing limits caught on multi-day trips. Anglers are having success with large fish, including at least one 160-pound Bluefin reported.
- Yellowtail and Dorado: Yellowtail are active around offshore spots like the 240 and Ben’s Rock, and Dorado are also starting to appear in good numbers.
- Striped Marlin: August is also a prime time to target Striped Marlin in the deeper offshore waters.
Inshore fishing report
- Todos Santos Islands: This area near Ensenada has been yielding good bottom fishing for Lingcod, Rockfish, and Salmon Grouper.
- Local Kelp Beds: Anglers fishing the kelp beds in the bay can find Calico Bass, Rockfish, and Barracuda.
- Baja Cove: This protected area near Estero Beach is a reliable spot for shore fishing, offering opportunities for Croakers, Halibut, and Calico Bass.
Fishing tips and outlook
- Peak season: August fell within Ensenada’s peak summer fishing season, when warm waters attracted a variety of game fish.
- Techniques: Surface irons and fly-lined sardines were working well for Yellowtail and Bluefin. For offshore fish like Tuna and Marlin, boats were having success trolling with jigs.
- Tackle: Heavy spinning gear is recommended for targeting Yellowtail, while live bait was a good option when the bite was slow.
- Regulations: All anglers 16 and over must have a Mexican sportfishing license
San Quintín
“Two days. Three generations. A handful of Mexican fishing buddies. And the kind of offshore action that reminds you of why Baja is still the soul of sportfishing. We launched from San Quintín in classic panga boats, chasing yellowtail, barracuda, and bonito across glassy Pacific waters. Whales breached in the distance, sea lions lounged on volcanic outcroppings, and the only thing louder than the reels screaming was our laughter.
The locals didn’t just welcome us — they fed us, filleted our catch, and sent us home with coolers full and hearts fuller. It wasn’t just a grand adventure. It was a reminder that the best fishing stories aren’t about the fish—they’re about the people, the place, and the legacy you’re building with every cast.” –Thomas M. Hymel
Bahía de los Ángeles
It has been a hot summer, and the fishing in the Bay of LÁ has been even more sizzling. Yellowtail, Grouper, and Dorado are active near deep drop-offs, and yo-yo irons and deep bait rigs produce solid results.
Cedros Island
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Guided by seasoned local captains and backed by unmatched regional expertise, every trip is tailored for success. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in the raw beauty of Cedros Island—volcanic vistas, marine life galore, and the kind of camaraderie that turns guests into lifelong friends.
Whether you’re chasing your personal best or simply soaking in the serenity, Cedros Sportfishing BCM promises unforgettable days on the water and memories that last a lifetime.
Guerrero Negro
“There has been a great variety of fishing, with an excellent number of species caught, including Leopard Grouper. September can only get better.” -Chema Medina
Loreto
“We had a pretty good trip, but not like the old days – best time of year and Dorado are in, but it takes most of the day to get a limit, and the early bird gets the worm.” -Russell Enyart
Bahía Asunción
“The ocean temperatures have warmed up in Bahia Asuncion, so the fish are returning. Anglers have been getting nice-sized Yellowtail very close to town, as well as Dorado, White Fish, and some Bluefin Tuna out at the temperature break.” -Shari Bondy, La Bufadora Inn.
La Paz – Las Arenas/Muertos Bay/Suenos Bay
IT’S A DORADO WORLD…with a few TUNA…and some RAIN!
WEATHER – Very hot. Easily 5 to 10 degrees hotter than usual, and the humidity really pushed things into triple digits on some days! Some tropical rain and thundershowers here and there. It’s that time of year!
WATER – We’re getting readings anywhere from 82°F to 86°F on the surface. Bathwater. It’s mostly a beautiful blue, like on a postcard!
FISH HOOKED THIS WEEK: Dorado, Tuna, (1) Wahoo, Marlin, Sailfish, Barred Pargo, Cabrilla, Triggerfish, Bonito, Jack Crevalle, Roosterfish, Pompano, Trevally, and Needlefish.
FISHING on a SCALE of 1-10: 7-8
East Cape
Photo Aaron Zimmerman Denver, Colorado
There have been reports of Tuna both south and north, including schools spotted near Pescadero. Decent grade of fish weighing up to 25 pounds. There are a few Blue Marlin and Sails, and the occasional Dorado, but there has been no consistent action on the Dorado so far this year. Inshore, there are lots of good small-to-medium Roosterfish if you can get through the Needlefish, as they are a nuisance everywhere.
San José del Cabo
Massive fish at The Gordo; tuna bite still hot! We have had a month full of action and crazy stories at the famous Gordo Banks (Inner and Outer), with fishing getting better and better all month.
Captain Nico landed a 619-pound Black Marlin on Friday on his 26-foot super panga. This fish was hooked on a live Yellowfin at the Outer Gordo around 7:30 a.m. Sadly, after a 3-hour fight, the marlin died. It took around an hour for the crew to bring it up to the boat.
Captain Chame landed a 621-pound Black Marlin on Saturday on his 26-foot super panga as well. This fish was hooked on a live bulito at the Outer Gordo at around 8:00 a.m. Reports from other captains claim that when Chame hooked his fish, three other Marlin (two Blues and one other Black) were caught at around the same time. Chame and his friends fought this marlin for five hours, landing it at around 1:00 p.m.
This was a great week for big marlin at our local marina. Four Black Marlin over 550 pounds were landed, and many more in that size range were lost. Reports also claim 8 or 9 Blue Marlin in the range of 150-300 pounds. All Black Marlin were hooked while trolling big live baits (tuna, skipjack, bulito) at the Outer Gordo. A handful of Blue Marlin were also caught on the same live bait. Most Blue Marlin hookups came on lures surrounding Gordo Banks. We also saw a handful of big Striped Marlin in the same area (140 to 190 pounds).
It is essential to reiterate that we always encourage the catch and release of all billfish. Many times, these massive fish die during the fight, or a very long fight leads to extreme exhaustion, making a clean release challenging. These enormous fish on such small boats with no fighting chairs can add a lot of time to these fights, making it more stressful for the fish. Nonetheless, we are pleased to say that these two fish will feed many families (approximately 100).
On Saturday, Captain Papayo landed a 276-pound Yellowfin Tuna at the Inner Gordo. This was the only big tuna reported all week. A couple of boats reported big boils on their baits, most likely big tuna as well.
If there is no interest in looking for a big marlin or tuna, there is also plenty of action at the inner Gordo on small Yellowfin. Most of these tuna are very small, ranging from 3 to 5 pounds; you might see a few that are closer to 10 pounds. Many Skipjack are in the mix as well. We have also seen a handful of Dorado in the same area on live sardina. Bait guys continue to net plenty of sardina every day.
Action towards Iman was slow throughout most of the week, with some boats landing a few Tuna and Dorado. On Saturday, one of our pangas landed ten decent-sized Yellowfin on live sardina. They ran out of bait quickly, as the action was intense and not many boats were out to help chum the waters. A few of these tuna weighed close to 30 pounds. Three Wahoo came to the fillet table this week, most of them small, between 12 and 18 pounds. The Wahoo came on lures in the areas of 25 and Iman. One Red Snapper was caught on a jig while drifting sardina for Tuna at Iman. -Brian Brictson
Cabo San Lucas
Anglers Russ and Sterling Pangle aboard Pisces 31’ Ruthless stole the spotlight with 179 fish caught over six days, including a 220-pound Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Tuna, Shark, and Sierra Mackerel.
Hotspots like Migrino, San Jaime, and Pozo Cota were buzzing with activity, and crews reported multiple days of double-digit Dorado catches, many released to preserve the fishery.
This week wasn’t just about numbers—it was about the thrill of diversity, the skill of the crews, and the joy of sustainable sportfishing. If you’re crafting your next Baja Bytes update, this one’s a legacy week worth spotlighting.
August 8th to the 15th 21. Catch success rate 87.76%, Billfish 46.94%, Dorado 10.20%, Other 6.12%, Tuna 38.78%, and Roosterfish 42.04%. -Pisces Fleet Weekly Report
That Baja Guy
Gary Graham
https://bajabytes.com/about/
Cellular (760) 522 3710
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.