According to our prime fishing reporter from Cabo San Lucas, Gaviota Fleet & Dock Manager, Carlos Pena, the billfish were there in force but didn't want to cooperate for the anglers. Carlos said the anglers were happy and made many comments about the numbers of billfish seen through the day but the fish were less than willing to bite for the most part and it was mega-difficult to get one to bite. Perhaps a combination of the full moon phase but definitely a major frustration for the boat crews trying to get one on the line. According to Captain Roberto Marquez, the billfish that did bite were biting "short" and appeared to just be holding the bait long enough for a few jumps and then letting go. This is what we call an "early release" but doesn't allow for bragging rights. The fish counts were down for the week and the overall finals for 22 days fished reflected 9 stripers, 2 roosterfish and 9 skipjack. High billfish boat was the "Gaviota VII", reflecting 4 stripers for 3 days fished with 3 of the fish taken at the 1150 Fathom Spot.

Cabo Climate: Air temps remain good at 64 degrees for nights to 88 daytime highs and a 77% humidity ratio. It was a partly cloudy week with intermittent sunshine periods, keeping the area cooler than the clear, sunny & hot days.

Sea Conditions: Sea surface breezes flowing in from the westerly directions to about 20 mph, cooling off the sea surface temps. May is a typically west wind month that can create surface temperature changes on the water. Currently, the cooler waters are pushing down the Pacific side and around the corner and into the Sea of Cortez side at 73-74 degrees to Palmilla Point and then rising to 75-78 degrees from there and northeasterly into the Sea of Cortez.

Best Fishing Area: No specific area was best but all of the billfish caught were in the areas from Cabo Falso to the 1150 Fathom Spot with he high spots being a bit more productive.

Best Lure/Bait: Fussy fish were not eager to bite on anything presented in the trolling patterns and for the most part, not even interested in a perfect live bait presentation cast from the boat.

Live Bait Supply: A very good live bait supply, even with the full moon, at the $3.00 per bait rate.