Fishing Hotspots & Techniques
- Tuna & Yellowtail: The best action is around the Pens inside South Island, with solid bites also at the Middle Grounds and the Ribbon Kelp.
Top techniques:
· Fly-lined sardines, mini-macks, mint surface irons.
· Best strategy: Anchor up and chum steadily.
- Barracuda: Widespread, especially at Ribbon Kelp and Rockpile. Calico Bass: Biting well around Boiler Rocks and Kelp Lines.
Permits & Paperwork:
- FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple): If you’re having trouble, email bcpescadeportiva@inami.gob.mx.
- Declaration Forms: Required for everyone on board when bringing fish back to the U.S.
- Biosphere Permit: Get the 365-day version at Anglers Choice Tackle Shop in Point Loma. Avoid the hassle of date-specific bracelets.
Mexican Navy Check: They’re actively stopping boats, so clip each person’s paperwork individually. Store all documents in a large Ziplock bag for quick access.
Legal Distance from Tuna Pens: Stay at least 250 meters (820 feet) away from any tuna pens—this is Mexican law.
Coronado Islands/Rockpile
From the North Island to the Middle Grounds, working all the way down to the tuna pens in the lee of the South Island, cruising schools of Yellowtail can group up in the thousands and provide all-day action that cannot be beaten. Along with the Yellows, hordes of giant Barracuda and Bonito travel with the Yellowtail, creating the perfect scene for light tackle and jig fishermen alike.
This year, the yellows have proved to be more elusive and line-shy than in seasons past. Current and water temperature play a significant role in determining the best presentation to target these fast-moving schools, with yo-yo jigs and dropper loops being especially effective in the late season. When heading out on the weekends, be prepared for a lot of boat traffic. A tip I’ve learned when fishing around other boats is to downsize your gear to a 20 or 25-pound leader and a small #2 or #4 hook. This allows your bait to look more natural when the fish have been used to seeing hooked bait all day.
Calico bass and Leopard Grouper are biting in the Boiler Rocks at Middle Island, and lastly, there is a good Triggerfish bite happening on the Rockpiles scattered around Middle Island. …Fish Dope
Imperial Beach Pier
We had a fun two-hour session in the surf today, partially because there was very little seaweed. The final count was 11. The two Spotfins were a lot of fun to reel in. The other nine were dink Perches, one Leopard Shark, and one very small Yellowfin.
Ensenada
The weather was generally calm, with the warm waters creating a favorable environment for a diverse range of game fish. September 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.
There’s no sign of the fishing letting up, with Tuna in abundance offshore. Inshore and nearshore trips are also great in October. Plan a family trip with the kids and catch Croakers, Barred Perch, Corbina, and Seabass.
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. This is Ensenada’s peak fishing season when warm waters attract 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 is a good option when the bite is slow.
Bahía Asunción
Hurricane Lorena hit our area on September 4, dropping about 2.5 inches of rain and flooding the highways. Fortunately, there was no heavy wind, so everything returned to normal in the village only a few days later. Fishing is cranking up earlier than usual due to very warm water temperatures, ranging from 76 to 78°.
Loreto
Sailfish are slowly moving on toward the Pacific, but there’s still time to get a Sailfish or two in October. Dorado (Mahi Mahi) and Marlin are frequent catches along with Wahoo and Roosterfish.
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 to 86° on the surface. Bathwater. It’s mostly a beautiful blue, like on a postcard!
FISHED HOOKED: 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 (10 is best): 7-8
East Cape
Locals have reported that there are a decent grade of Tuna weighing up to 25 pounds both south and north, including schools spotted near Pescadero. There are a few Blue Marlin and Sailfish, 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!
Gordo Banks
We are now seeing a noticeable increase in angler activity as more fishing enthusiasts arrive in the Los Cabos area. Despite experiencing periods of rain on some days, conditions remained favorable for fishing. The wind was not a significant factor, allowing our fleet to head out and fish every day.
Bottom fishing took the spotlight this week. We saw solid numbers of Snapper, primarily Dogtooth and Mullet Snapper, caught using large strips or chunks of Skipjack. We mainly focused on the areas of Iman, 25, and Inner Gordo. The largest Snapper came in at an impressive 58 pounds, with many others ranging between 30 and 40 pounds.
Amberjack also made a strong showing, with a few impressive catches landed while drifting with live chiwilis. Two of the biggest Amberjacks of the week came in at 54 and 58 pounds. While drifting chiwilis, one of the boats landed an unexpected 30-pound Roosterfish.
However, bottom fishing stole the show. We’re still seeing some pelagic activity, particularly at the Iman Bank. Yellowfin Tuna and Dorado are being caught on live sardina and strips of squid. Most of these Yellowfin Tuna continue to be on the smaller side, averaging 5 to 10 pounds in weight. However, we did see more tuna in the 20 to 30-pound class this week. Some quality Dorado were also caught on live sardina within the same area.
A few Wahoo were also seen in the mix. Most of the Wahoo were hooked while trolling Rapalas, rigging Ballyhoo, and small marlin lures. The best areas for Wahoo strikes remained at Iman and the 25 Spot. This Sunday, one of our boats landed two nice 30-pound Wahoo early in the morning at the 25 Spot.
Good Fishing, Brian Brictson
Cabo San Lucas
Pisces Fleet Weekly Report
Anglers Russ and Sterling Pangle, aboard the Pisces 31-foot 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.
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.