Yellowfin Tuna at Inner Gordo, Emerging Wahoo Activity and Large Grouper Highlight a Challenging Fishing Week
Fishing conditions around San José del Cabo remained unpredictable during October 19–25, 2026. Yellowfin tuna continued to attract attention around Vinorama and the Gordo Banks, but catches varied considerably between fishing trips.
A notable 180-pound yellowfin tuna was reported at Vinorama, while renewed tuna activity developed around Inner Gordo toward the weekend.
Wahoo fishing also showed encouraging signs, with a small number of fish reported across several grounds. Meanwhile, snapper and large grouper offered alternative opportunities around rocky structures.
Weather and Ocean Conditions
Ocean temperatures remained warm during the reporting period, generally ranging from 87–89°F (31–32°C).
Fishing conditions were influenced by strong currents in some areas, a continued shortage of live sardines and increased offshore activity associated with major fishing tournaments.
The limited supply of live sardines was particularly significant.
Dead sardines remained available through regional bait suppliers, while squid provided another option for targeting yellowfin tuna.
Rigged ballyhoo also became increasingly relevant as anglers explored opportunities for wahoo and other trolling species.
These conditions encouraged a more flexible approach, combining tuna fishing, trolling and bottom fishing according to the day's opportunities.
Yellowfin Tuna — Vinorama
Yellowfin tuna activity around Vinorama remained inconsistent.
Some fishing outings produced one or two tuna, while others recorded no tuna hookups.
Nevertheless, the presence of larger fish remained evident.
On Tuesday, October 20, a 180-pound yellowfin tuna was reported caught at Vinorama using a dead sardine.
This exceptional fish demonstrated that substantial tuna remained present despite the unpredictable bite.
The most important development was that fishing success no longer depended simply on reaching a productive location.
Bait availability, fishing pressure and changing conditions all influenced the opportunities reported during the week.
Inner Gordo Banks — Renewed Tuna Activity
Inner Gordo attracted increasing attention toward the weekend.
Regional observations described multiple fishing outings encountering yellowfin tuna while using live chiwilis and strips of squid.
Several bait species were present around the bank, including chiwilis, skipjack and bulito.
This provided an alternative to the limited sardine supply.
The weekend reports suggested improving opportunities at Inner Gordo compared with the more inconsistent tuna activity described during the middle of the week.
However, these observations represent a short period rather than an established trend.
For anglers interested in larger yellowfin tuna, Inner Gordo remained a fishing ground worth monitoring as conditions developed.
Wahoo — Vinorama, San Luis, Iman Bank and El 25
Wahoo activity showed signs of improvement during October 19–25.
Small numbers of wahoo were reported, with most documented fish weighing approximately 15–25 pounds.
Fishing efforts covered several areas, including:
Vinorama
San Luis
Iman Bank
El 25
Trolling diving lures and rigged ballyhoo provided opportunities for wahoo, although catches remained limited.
The increase in reported wahoo activity was encouraging after the previous week's lack of confirmed landings.
Nevertheless, the available observations did not establish a consistently productive wahoo bite.
Grouper — Vinorama
Large grouper provided some of the week's most notable bottom-fishing results.
Live skipjack proved effective for grouper around Vinorama, including during fishing efforts initially focused on tuna.
One grouper weighing approximately 100 pounds was reported during the week.
Another substantial grouper, weighing approximately 60 pounds, was reported later in the same week.
These were exceptional individual catches rather than typical results.
The reports demonstrated the potential for large bottom-dwelling fish around productive structures, particularly when suitable bait was available.
Snapper — Iman Bank, El 25 and La Fortuna
Rocky structures around Iman Bank, El 25 and La Fortuna continued to offer bottom-fishing opportunities.
Dogtooth snapper were among the species reported.
Chunks of skipjack were used successfully around these areas, providing another practical bait option when live sardines were difficult to obtain.
As during the previous week, strong currents sometimes limited the effectiveness of bottom fishing.
These grounds offered an alternative for anglers looking for variety rather than concentrating exclusively on yellowfin tuna.
Marlin, Sailfish and Dorado
A limited number of striped marlin and sailfish were reported hooked while trolling for other offshore species.
The week's major offshore tournament also produced an exceptional blue marlin weighing approximately 500 pounds.
This was a tournament result, not an indication of typical recreational fishing conditions.
Dorado activity remained particularly limited.
The regional report documented no landed dorado during the week, although one small female was reportedly released.
These observations reinforced the difference between the presence of occasional offshore species and consistently productive fishing opportunities.
Fishing Conditions Summary
Fishing Ground Species Reported Activity Vinorama Yellowfin tuna Inconsistent catches; one 180-pound tuna reported Inner Gordo Banks Yellowfin tuna Renewed activity toward the weekend using chiwilis and squid Outer Gordo Banks Yellowfin tuna Tournament-related fishing pressure; no consistent catch pattern confirmed Vinorama and San Luis Wahoo Limited activity while trolling ballyhoo and diving lures Iman Bank and El 25 Wahoo, snapper Wahoo trolling opportunities and snapper around rocky structures La Fortuna Dogtooth snapper Bottom-fishing opportunities using skipjack Vinorama Grouper Exceptional large grouper reported using live skipjack
Fishing Outlook
The October 19–25 observations suggested several changes compared with the previous week.
Yellowfin tuna remained inconsistent around Vinorama, but Inner Gordo showed renewed activity toward the weekend.
Wahoo began appearing more regularly, although catches remained limited.
Bottom fishing continued to offer alternatives, particularly for snapper and grouper.
Live sardine shortages remained an important consideration, making alternative bait particularly valuable.
For anglers planning upcoming fishing trips, the following factors deserve attention:
Yellowfin tuna: Monitor developing activity around Inner Gordo.
Wahoo: Consider trolling opportunities around productive offshore grounds when conditions permit.
Snapper and grouper: Rocky structures may provide alternatives when tuna activity slows.
Bait: Dead sardines, squid, skipjack and locally available live bait can influence fishing strategies.
Conditions: Currents, fishing pressure and water conditions can change opportunities from one day to the next.
While the week's reports showed encouraging developments, fishing results remained variable.
Plan Your Private Fishing Charter
Exotic Fish Cabo offers 100% private fishing charters departing from Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San José del Cabo.
Our private 6-hour and 8-hour trips provide opportunities to target seasonal species in the waters around the Sea of Cortez.
Whether you're interested in yellowfin tuna, wahoo, snapper, grouper or offshore sportfishing, fishing plans can be adapted to weather conditions, bait availability and your preferences.
Explore our fishing charters in San Jose del Cabo or contact Exotic Fish Cabo to discuss your next private fishing adventure.
This fishing log summarizes documented conditions and reported fishing activity for October 19–25, 2026. Not all reported catches are attributable to Exotic Fish Cabo. Fishing results are never guaranteed.
