Fish Report – Imán Bank, Cardón & San Luis
This week brought a mixed tuna bite: on one hand, giant tuna that demand patience (often much of the day for that one bite); on the other, steady action on 10–30 lb school tuna perfect for all levels. Add wahoo and dorado patrolling color changes, and the fishing stays exciting across the Imán–Cardón–San Luis corridor.
Quick Overview
- Hotspots: Imán Bank, Cardón & San Luis (San José del Cabo)
- Species: Tuna (10–30 lb & XL giants), Wahoo, Dorado
- Departure: 6:10 AM from San José del Cabo Marina
- Best for: School tuna for families & beginners; giants for experienced anglers
Conditions
- Variable currents with marked feeding windows
- Clean blue water patches along Imán–Cardón–San Luis corridor
- Wahoo strikes scattered; dorado near color breaks and weedlines
Effective Techniques
- Chumming & drift for 10–30 lb tuna
- Vertical jigging on drop-offs and edges (40–80 lb class)
- High-speed trolling with diving plugs for wahoo
- Live bait slow troll for dorado when surface life shows
Captain’s Recommendations
Tip: If your goal is that big tuna, tell us when booking. We’ll adjust the strategy to maximize your shot — even if it means fewer species changes.
How the Day Unfolded
Most mornings started with a quick ride to the first edge at Imán to scan for birds and surface life. If we saw fast-moving bait balls and skipjack pushing, we set up a drift with steady chum to bring school tuna up in the column. When the current aligned with light wind, bites came in flurries — two or three hook-ups, then a lull, and back again.
For the larger grade, we committed blocks of time on the deeper side of the structure, dropping metal jigs through meter marks and slow-cranking back up. It’s a patience game: fewer bites, heavier fish. Cardón produced the best windows mid-morning; San Luis turned on later with cleaner water riding in.
Where We Found Them
- Imán (AM): Life on top — birds, scattered breezers, school tuna on chum within 10–15 minutes of each drift.
- Cardón (late AM): Better marks deeper on the drop-off; vertical jigging produced the heaviest fish.
- San Luis (midday): Cleaner blue lanes and debris lines; dorado appeared near weedlines with quick-fire hits.
Tackle Notes
- School tuna: 20–30 lb leaders, small live baits or chunk; circle hooks increased landings.
- Jigging set-up: 60–80 lb leader, 120–200 g jigs; long lifts + slow turns over marks.
- Wahoo troll: Diving plugs and wire bite leaders at speed — keep spreads tight when birds start working.
What to Expect Next Days
With stable currents and clean water still cycling through the banks, expect the school-grade tuna bite to remain reliable, especially on early drifts. The larger class should continue to show in windows around tide changes. Keep a rod rigged for dorado near color breaks, and don’t sleep on a quick wahoo pass when the surface goes quiet.
Photo Highlights
Onboard Video
Before You Go
- Water & ice included on all trips. Fishing licenses & bait are paid separately.
- Check-in: 6:10 AM at San José del Cabo Marina.
- We can fillet your catch dockside (tip recommended). Vacuum-sealing ($2/lb) & hotel delivery available upon request.
