Pacific Report – Striped Marlin Release

On July 12, we started the morning targeting smaller game fish, enjoying nonstop action as we landed seven skipjack tuna on a variety of trolling lures, including pink, blue & white, and green patterns. After the steady skipjack bite, we headed toward the Pacific side and deployed our larger trolling spread. Just five minutes later, a striped marlin struck a live horse mackerel (caballito). The fish put on an exciting aerial display, but after a few spectacular jumps and a brief three-minute fight, it managed to throw the hook. We continued toward the reef off the Lighthouse, where the billfish action intensified. A sailfish took a live caballito, and after a thrilling fight, it was successfully brought alongside the boat and released in excellent condition. Only five minutes later, another sailfish attacked another live caballito. Once again, the crew successfully fought and safely released the fish. After an exciting day filled with constant action, we returned to Cabo San Lucas Marina. ⸻ Conditions: * Excellent Pacific-side conditions * Strong bait presence around the Lighthouse reef * Active sailfish and striped marlin * Steady skipjack action throughout the morning ⸻ Summary: An action-packed offshore trip featuring: * 7 skipjack tuna landed * 2 sailfish caught and released * 1 striped marlin hookup * Outstanding Pacific-side billfish activity A fantastic day on the water with nonstop action, multiple billfish releases, and plenty of rod-bending excitement in the legendary waters of Cabo San Lucas. ?????

On July 11, we headed to the Pacific side and began trolling just off Pedregal. As we were deploying only the second lure in the spread, a striped marlin aggressively struck, kicking off the day with an exciting 30-minute fight. The fish was successfully brought alongside the boat and released in excellent condition. We continued trolling along the coastline, and while passing the Rancho San Lucas area, a sailfish attacked the rigged ballyhoo (rigger bait). After another exciting battle, the sailfish was safely released. We continued all the way to Rancho San Cristóbal, where we turned around and began the run back toward Cabo. On the return trip, while passing the Lighthouse, a mahi mahi (dorado) followed one of our baits before committing to a pink Hoochie lure. The fish was successfully landed alongside the boat and released in healthy condition. After an action-packed day featuring three iconic pelagic species, we returned to Cabo San Lucas Marina. ⸻ Conditions: * Calm Pacific conditions * Excellent blue water throughout the trip * Active billfish and dorado bite * Productive trolling along the Pacific coastline ⸻ Summary: A spectacular offshore trip featuring: * 1 striped marlin caught and released * 1 sailfish caught and released * 1 mahi mahi (dorado) caught and released An outstanding Pacific-side adventure with three different trophy species released in a single trip—another unforgettable day fishing the legendary waters of Cabo San Lucas. ?????

On July 9, we departed Cabo San Lucas running a heading of 180°. Upon reaching approximately 9 miles offshore, we turned east after locating schools of yellowfin tuna feeding on flying fish. We spent considerable time working the area, trying multiple techniques to entice the tuna. We trolled Cedar Plugs, Hoochies, Petrolero lures, Rapalas, and even switched to live bait, but despite the abundance of tuna on the surface, they remained extremely selective and we were unable to hook one. After deciding to leave the tuna schools and change locations, the trip took an exciting turn. Just five minutes later, a blue marlin aggressively struck a Petrolero lure, setting off a powerful fight. The marlin battled hard for approximately 30 minutes before tiring. As the fish had unfortunately died during the fight, we carefully brought it aboard by hand. We then returned to Cabo San Lucas Marina with a beautiful blue marlin, ending the day with an impressive trophy despite the challenging tuna bite. ⸻ Conditions: * Active schools of yellowfin tuna feeding on flying fish * Excellent offshore blue-water conditions * Selective tuna bite despite multiple presentations * Strong blue marlin activity offshore ⸻ Summary: An exciting offshore trip featuring: * 1 blue marlin landed * Multiple active schools of yellowfin tuna located * Cedar Plugs, Hoochies, Rapalas, trolling lures, and live bait all deployed Although the yellowfin tuna refused to bite, persistence paid off with an outstanding blue marlin, making for another memorable day in the legendary waters of Cabo San Lucas. ????