The early arrivals into Loreto in late fall tend to be fewer in number and smaller in size. As the season progresses the catch frequency and the size of the individual fish increases. Loreto yellowtail caught between January and April typically will weigh in at 20-40 pounds. Anyone who has landed a "firecracker" 5-10 pounder in southern California waters, knows how strong fish these are. A 35 pounder will test the limitations of your gear, your patience, and your muscles. I'm convinced that pound for pound, these are the strongest fish that swim in the sea.

Yellowtail tend to swim in water between 67 and 77 degree Farenheit (19-25 Celsius) and will tolerate warmer or cooler water only if the bait situation is irresistible to them. Ideally, they will be found over areas of structure; offshore seamounts, steep dropoffs, and shelves, where there is movement of water and where bait are plentiful. Inshore they can be taken off rocky points and reefs.

I would split the yellowtail spots into two general areas, the North and the East. The three general areas which cover the East could actually be fished in one day. While the spots to the North cover an incredibly large area and would take two to three days to fish them all.

About three miles north of Punta Lobos is a seamount referred to as "La Vaca". Chances are if you have fished Loreto during yellowtail season, you've fished over this spot. This is where there you'll see scores of boats fishing the bottom and hooking up all around you. Often the fish will school in tight packs which will direct the boats accordingly. A certain camaraderie takes place here as anglers pass beers, burritos, and jigs to each other and Pangeros (the local boat captains) exchange fish stories.

In Loreto, fishing for yellowtail typically takes place with live bait. Bait will be caught or purchased at the marina for about 14 pesos apiece. You will usually get live mackerel or jurelitos (juvenile yellowtail, their English translation is "bigeye").

Iron jigs are the next most popular way to fish deep for yellowtail. We prefer heavy 8 oz. jigs with treble hooks for yo-yoing but hook style is really a matter of preference. To yo-yo a jig, either cast it out and let it sink, or just drop it straight down and let it sink. Once it hits the bottom, crank the reel a couple of times so it clears the bottom structure. In Loreto, boats will usually drift when fishing for yellowtail so remember to compensate for the variation in structure depth over different locations. Work the jig by pulling up and down on the rod. The commotion that this produces in the water will often trigger a strike. As in the bait technique, let the fish take line before setting the hook.

If yo-yoing isn't working, retrieve the jig by cranking the reel very fast. As the jig travels up the water column, chances are that it will attract a nearby fish. By repeating the yo-yo and retrieve, you will allow yourself another method of landing yellowtail if live bait isn't working. Be ready for strikes on both the retrieve and the descent of your jig what I'm saying is, prepare yourself to throw your reel into gear if you get hit.

The color of the jig doesn't seem to matter as much as its action in the water does however if I were to choose, I would go for blue/white, chrome, blue/chrome, or scrambled egg. That ugly iron at the bottom of your tackle box with the paint chipped off, can be the most productive jig.

If the fish have moved to the surface you will have a good chance at them by trolling swimming plugs like the Rapala CD18, the Rebel Fastrac, or the Yo-Zuri crystal minnow. On all of the above lures, blue/white would be my choice but Rebel makes an orange/silver combination that's killer.

Loreto spring yellowtail are typically large and will require fairly heavy gear. For trolling, jigging at the bottom, and fishing with live bait, we use a 5-7 foot 30-80# rod coupled with a reel spooled with 50# line. For bait casting and light jig casting, a longer 8 foot rod equipped with 50# line will facilitate the cast. It is important that the gear fit your body size and be comfortable to use because the entire battle will be carried out stand-up style.

Fly fishing for yellowtail? Yes, it can be done! The San Diego Fly Shop in San Diego, CA. made yellowtail trips off the southern California coast in the late 1990's. Harry Kime pioneered the art of fly fishing for yellowtail in Loreto in the early 1970's and his 15.3 oz. fish still stands as the I.G.F.A. record on 6 pound class tippet.

Those who don't have their own boats rent Pangas either from fleet operators such as myself, or directly from the local Pangeros themselves. A Panga is a 22 foot open skiff with bench seating driven by a 55-90 HP outboard motor. Sometimes a Panga will have a bimini top for shade that can be collapsed when fighting a fish. Only about 1/3 of the boats in Loreto have this option and even fewer have marine radios onboard.