Off to Cabo!

I'd always wanted to leave my native South Florida flats and fish under the majestic Arcos off Cabo San Lucas. I did this successfully in 2004 by pairing a stop from my cruise ship, the Carnival Pride, with a charter with the excellent Baja Anglers Guide Service. Under Grant Hartman's crisp, efficient management, we left the marina with Captain Juan and Mate Miguel on a beautifully equipped 25 foot Glacier Bay skiff. The vessel had every necessary feature, and we sported a livewell full of baitfish. Life was good!

We passed under Los Arcos and watched the early morning sun paint the adobe-colored mountains with a lemon tint. Juan idled his skiff for about a mile, and stopped alongside a rocky outcropping just outside of the huge emerald and white crashing surf. We got out casting tackle that sported white poppers and worked the rock edges. The sierra (mackeral) were plentiful, and there were strikes on every cast! We kept a half dozen for a fish fry feast late that afternoon.

Back on our vessel, the morning passed quickly. Though a pesky seal dogged our vessel, we caught spotted jack crevalles (toro to Mexicans and trevally to Pacificans). A half hour later, lifetime dreams were realized as we boated and released 3 roosterfish to 20 pounds. High fives went off around the boat like salsa-flavored firecrackers! I had a story back in the port to cover, so it was time to turn around, and head for this Nice-in-the-desert. On our way in, we passed over a hundred yard long school of jack-like looking fish. I asked Juan what they were, and he said, " 2 and 3 pound pompano." It seemed the operant word that memorable day was "WOW."

Jan