San Jose del Cabo Fishing Log — August 24–30, 2026
Big Yellowfin Tuna at Gordo Banks, Productive Bottom Fishing and a Powerful Torito Storm
Fishing around San Jose del Cabo during August 24–30, 2026, delivered a combination of encouraging yellowfin tuna action, productive bottom fishing and challenging weather conditions.
Vinorama remained an important location for yellowfin tuna, with most reported fish weighing between 20 and 40 pounds. Larger tuna were also present, including a 160-pound yellowfin reported at Vinorama and a 210-pound fish from the Gordo Banks.
Bottom fishing produced cubera snapper, barred snapper and grouper, particularly around Iman Bank.
However, the fishing week was significantly disrupted by a sudden and powerful Torito storm on Tuesday, August 25, bringing dangerous winds, heavy rainfall and large waves to the region.
Weather and Ocean Conditions
The week began with favorable fishing conditions on Monday, August 24.
Currents were manageable, allowing anglers to target both yellowfin tuna and bottom-dwelling species.
Conditions changed dramatically on Tuesday morning when a powerful local storm, commonly known as a Torito, developed over the Los Cabos region.
These storms can form rapidly and produce intense rain, severe wind gusts and electrical activity.
According to regional observations, the morning initially appeared calm. Around 9:00 a.m., dark clouds began approaching the fishing grounds.
Within approximately an hour, conditions deteriorated considerably.
Reports described winds estimated at 50 knots, heavy rain and large swells. Several fishing outings were caught in dangerous conditions while attempting to return to shore.
The storm caused significant difficulties for those on the water and reinforced the importance of monitoring changing marine conditions during the Pacific tropical storm season.
No specific water-temperature measurement was provided in the weekly report.
Yellowfin Tuna — Vinorama Remains Productive
Vinorama continued to produce yellowfin tuna during the August 24–30 reporting period.
Many fishing outings began by targeting tuna with live sardines, a technique that had been producing consistent results throughout August.
Most reported yellowfin tuna weighed approximately 20–40 pounds, offering opportunities for anglers targeting smaller and medium-sized fish.
Larger tuna were also present.
One notable catch involved a 160-pound yellowfin tuna landed at Vinorama using a live bulito.
Additional larger fish were reportedly hooked in the same area, although some were lost after extended fights on lighter tackle.
These encounters demonstrated the continued presence of large yellowfin tuna alongside the more commonly caught 20–40-pound fish.
As always, the presence of feeding tuna did not guarantee successful landings.
Big Yellowfin Tuna — Inner and Outer Gordo
During the weekend of August 29–30, more fishing activity shifted toward Inner and Outer Gordo.
Reports of large yellowfin tuna encouraged additional outings to explore these offshore banks.
Several large fish were hooked, although only a limited number were successfully landed.
The largest reported yellowfin tuna weighed 210 pounds and was caught using a live bulito.
This catch was one of the highlights of the week and confirmed that exceptionally large yellowfin continued to be encountered around the Gordo Banks.
However, fishing for these larger fish remained challenging, with successful landings less common than hookups.
Vinorama remained productive for smaller yellowfin, while Inner and Outer Gordo offered less predictable opportunities for larger fish.
Bottom Fishing — Cubera Snapper and Barred Snapper at Iman
Bottom fishing was particularly productive at the beginning of the week.
On Monday, August 24, favorable currents allowed some anglers to make additional drops over bottom structure using chunks of skipjack.
Iman Bank produced some of the best reported bottom-fishing action.
The main species included:
Cubera snapper
Barred snapper
These catches provided a productive alternative to concentrating exclusively on yellowfin tuna.
As the week progressed, changing weather and marine conditions affected fishing activity, reducing the opportunities for consistent bottom fishing.
Grouper — A 70-Pound Catch at Vinorama
Grouper added another highlight to the week's regional fishing reports.
A 70-pound grouper was reported caught at Vinorama using a live bulito while anglers were targeting yellowfin tuna.
This unexpected catch demonstrated the variety of species that could be encountered around the area's fishing grounds.
Although grouper were not the principal target for most outings, this reported catch was among the more notable bottom-associated species landed during the week.
The August 25 Torito Storm — A Major Safety Event
The sudden Torito storm was one of the defining events of the August 24–30 fishing period.
Unlike a slowly approaching tropical system, this storm developed rapidly and gave anglers limited time to react.
Some fishing outings managed to return toward the marina as the clouds intensified. Others encountered extremely difficult conditions before reaching safety.
Regional reports described severe wind gusts, powerful waves and heavy rain.
The storm also caused damage to fishing equipment and vessels in the area.
Fortunately, the contemporary report indicated that the affected anglers and fishing crews survived the event.
This incident highlighted how quickly conditions can change around San Jose del Cabo, even after a calm morning.
Checking marine forecasts, following official safety guidance and responding quickly to deteriorating weather conditions remain essential parts of planning a fishing trip.
Fishing Conditions Summary
Vinorama: Yellowfin tuna continued to provide consistent opportunities, with most reported fish weighing approximately 20–40 pounds.
Large yellowfin at Vinorama: A 160-pound tuna was reported landed on live bulito.
Inner and Outer Gordo: Larger tuna were encountered during the weekend, including a reported 210-pound yellowfin.
Iman Bank: Productive bottom fishing for cubera snapper and barred snapper, particularly on August 24.
Grouper: A 70-pound fish was reported caught at Vinorama on live bulito.
Bait: Live sardines remained productive for tuna, while bulito and chunks of skipjack were used for larger fish and bottom fishing.
Weather: A powerful Torito storm struck on August 25, bringing heavy rainfall, severe wind gusts and large waves.
Fishing activity: Marine conditions and relatively limited regional charter activity reduced fishing opportunities during portions of the week.
Fishing Outlook
The August 24–30 fishing reports showed that yellowfin tuna continued to offer important opportunities around San Jose del Cabo.
Vinorama remained productive for medium-sized tuna, while Inner and Outer Gordo produced reports of much larger fish.
The successful bottom-fishing activity around Iman Bank also highlighted opportunities for anglers interested in snapper and grouper.
However, the sudden Torito storm demonstrated the risks associated with rapidly changing conditions during the Pacific hurricane season.
Anglers planning a fishing trip should always check current marine forecasts, confirm the operating status of the port and follow local maritime safety guidance before departure.
Plan Your Private Fishing Charter
Exotic Fish Cabo offers 100% private fishing charters departing exclusively from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo.
Whether you are interested in yellowfin tuna, marlin, dorado or other seasonal fishing opportunities, our private charters offer a personalized fishing experience in the waters of Los Cabos.
Explore our private fishing charters to discover the available fishing experiences.
Ready to plan your next fishing adventure? Contact Exotic Fish Cabo to discuss your preferred fishing trip.
This Fishing Log summarizes historical regional fishing observations. Reported catches are not attributed to Exotic Fish Cabo. Fishing conditions vary, and catches are never guaranteed.
