This was a strong week for pelagic fishing out of La Paz. Dorado stole the show, yellowfin tuna moved closer to our home waters, and the offshore mix also included striped marlin and a few wahoo.
The captains focused almost entirely on pelagic species this week rather than bottom fishing, and that decision paid off. Conditions were generally favorable, with mostly good weather, calm winds on some days, a little southeast wind at times, and cleaner water found farther offshore.
Spectacular Dorado Fishing
The dorado action this week was spectacular. Once the boats found the schools, both the number and size of the fish were impressive.
There were plenty of quality dorado in the mix, including some fish up to around 50–60 pounds. Finding surface activity, floating structure, flying fish, or other concentrations of bait was often the key. Some areas could look quiet at first, but once the bait started moving, the dorado action could turn on quickly.
Live sardines produced well, while casting stickbaits and other surface presentations also gave anglers a good opportunity when the schools were active. Sardines were available around Pichilingue and were reported to be a good, medium size.
Yellowfin Tuna Move Closer to La Paz
For the past few weeks, most of the yellowfin tuna had been holding much farther south and required a long run from our headquarters. This week, that began to change.
The tuna moved closer, and crews found them in several different situations. Some schools were running with dolphins, while others were holding around buoys and high spots. When the fish came up, casting and live-bait fishing both produced.
This is a very encouraging sign. The recent upwelling cooled the water and made it more turbid, but we expect conditions to improve as the water begins to clean up again. With the tuna already moving closer and showing in different areas, we are hoping the bite continues to build.
Marlin and Wahoo Join the Offshore Mix
The billfish activity also improved this week. We had confirmed catches of striped marlin, and one boat hooked a blue marlin estimated at approximately 400 pounds before losing it during the fight.
A few wahoo were also part of the catch. Having dorado, tuna, striped marlin, blue marlin, and wahoo all showing in the same general period is a good indication of how much pelagic activity is developing around La Paz.
Trolling, casting, stickbaits, and live sardines all played a role this week. Rather than spending time over bottom structure, the captains concentrated on finding moving bait, surface activity, dolphins, buoys, and productive offshore high spots.
Overall, this was one of the more exciting pelagic weeks we have seen recently. The dorado fishing was the clear highlight, but the tuna moving closer may be the most important development going forward. Add marlin and wahoo to the mix, and there are plenty of good reasons to be optimistic as the water continues to settle and clean up.
That’s the report for now, big dorado, tuna moving closer, and a very promising mix of offshore species around La Paz.
