Beach Angling – Surf Fishing

Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

A Shore Thing, It’s time to think outside the boat

Excerpt from the article by Captain George Landrum that appeared
in Los Cabos Magazine Issue #24, January 2011.

The “motion of the ocean” can be tough on even the most experienced angler. Fortunately those who prefer to stay on solid ground will find an abundance of options in Los Cabos.

One of the most common surf casting targets is the Roosterfish (pez gallo), which average 15 to 30 pounds but can grow to more than 100 pounds. This is one of the most sought after and the largest of our surf species, and they can put up quite a fight.

Sierra mackerel are one of the most common of our surf species. They don’t get too big, but they do show up in big numbers. All the fly-fishing records are from Cabo San Lucas or Todos Santos. These slim, streamlined fish have golden spots along their sides, along with very sharp teeth.

Photo on right: From top: Big Mouth Popper (popper), Bally-Hoo (high-speed top-water plug), Sardine (jigging spoon), Cabo Killer (fast-retrieve top-water plug), Swim bait.

There is a variety of snapper in our area, including red, Dogtooth, Cubera, and Hogfish. Most of these max out around 20 pounds, but they are deceptively strong. They are all found in rocky areas, from which they ambush their prey. Due to their habitat, heavy line and leader is a must in order to prevent being cut off on the rocks. I recommend blind casting when you suspect they’re nearby.

Grouper live and feed in the same areas, and people often reel in ten-pounders. While Jack Crevalle and Roosterfish are normally found cruising outside the sandy beaches, but they occasionally dart into the rock for a bit of opportunistic feeding.

Spinning gear is the most common tackle for shore casting, although you’ll still see locals using hand lines baited with freshly caught sand crabs or small pieces of cut bait. Spinning gear allows you to cast past the breakers, and your rod should be between 10 and 13 feet in length to get the leverage and distance needed.

Photos courtesy Jansen Inshore Tackle, located at Lázaro Cárdenas and Vicente Guerrero, next door to the Hotel Mar De Cortéz in downtown Cabo San Lucas.  For more information, call (624) 143-5804 or e-mail Jansen at [email protected]; or visit www.jansen.mx.

Excerpt from A Shore Thing, It’s time to think outside the boat
Article by Captain George Landrum
Los Cabos Magazine Issue #24, January 2011.