GORDO BANKS PANGAS FAQ PAGE

Gordo Banks Pangas Most Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year is the best all around fishing ?

Peak gamefish migrations typically occur during the months of April through November. Each season will vary, fish migrations depend on water temperatures, currents, and bait supplies etc., usually warmer water will attract the largest species. Wintertime action for striped marlin can be excellent, yellowfin tuna, dorado and bottomfish can be found all year round. Tropical weather patterns can be unpredictable during the warm summer months. The most popular months for our charters are April, May, June, July, October and November.

What Should I bring with me? ?

Hat
Polarized Sun Glasses
Sun Screen
Camera with new batteries and extra film
Medium sized ice chest - if you plan to bring fish fillets home
Zip-lock freezer bags for your fillets, magic marker for labeling
Wind breaker or sweat shirt for cool evenings and early mornings
Removable long pants that shorts can fit underneath
Shorts, swimwear and extra T-shirts
An assortment of smaller Dollar bills for tipping and cab fares etc...
U.S. Passport or notarized birth certificate and valid drivers license
Insect repellant (seasonal - June to December )
Watch, Alarm Clock
Various snacks to enjoy while fishing - inside your ice chest

Do the guides speak English ?

Our guides do not speak fluent English but do know some words and phrases. They have lived in this area all of their lives and are skilled fishermen who give their best effort to make your day enjoyable.

Are the pangas equipped with radios ?

Yes, all of our pangas are equipped with quality handheld VHF radios. For safety and helpful fishing information.

Do the boats have tops for shade ?

All of our pangas do have bimini tops for shade, when not in use they can be folded up.

Bathrooms ?

The Palmilla fleet of 28 ft. to 33 ft. cruisers does have enclosed bathroom facilities. Some of the 23 ft. super pangas and 26ft. super pangas are equipped with toilets (porta-potty) and on the standard 22 ft. pangas there are five gallon buckets that can serve the purpose. Guides are very courteous and will gladly stop the boat and let you take a dip overboard.

Do we supply all of the necessary fishing equipment ?

Yes, we do supply all of the necessary fishing equipment that you will need, including rods, reels and terminal tackle. We do recommend that you bring your own yo-yo style iron jigs if you plan on concentrating on bottomfish. Our boats are outfitted with a majority of Seeker and Cal Star rods, matched with Penn, Diawa and Shimano reels. We have quality equipment that is well maintained and definitely superior to other local fleets.

What is the amount of a typical tip for the guide ?

An average tip for the services of your guide is 15% of total charter rate, this includes fish filleting. There is no set fee and you can tip accordingly. Did you think your skipper put in a good effort ?

Is the live bait included with price of the charter ?

No, live bait is not included in the price of the charter. The bait situation is continually changing, at times anglers can catch their own larger baits for offshore trolling and at other times you have the option of purchasing what is available from local pangueros. Usually you will find out what bait is available immediately after launching. It is always recommended to buy bait when it is readily available, better to have it than not. You can expect to pay an average of $ 20 per boat, depending on availability, quantity and supply and demand..

How long of boat ride to the fishing grounds ?

The typical length of the boat ride to the various fishing grounds is 30 to 40 minutes, or 10 to 15 miles. We normally concentrate on the areas to the north, in the Sea of Cortez, and usually within 5 miles of shore.

When do the boats leave in the morning and for how long ?

Our boats launch at first daylight, 6:00 to 6:30 a.m., depending on the season, we are the first boats on the water every morning. The length of our charters are six hours, and a definite honest six.The cruisers launch from Palmilla beach at 7:00 a.m. and the standard charter is for seven hours

How many people can go ? What if some of them do not fish ?

We take up to three adult persons, only exception is small children. It does not matter if the people are just going to watch and not fish. The boats are set up to safely and comfortably handle so much weight (500 lb. Max.) and they are only able to be insured for up to three passengers.

Are lunches and beverages included ?

We do not include lunches or beverages in the charter price

Can we stay extra time if the fish are really biting ?

If the conditions allow you can stay out extra time at a cost of $30 an hour.

Do the pangas carry life preservers ?

Our pangas are equipped with life preservers and Coast Guard approved flotation cushions.

What can we expect to do on an average charter ?

A typical charter will take you where the skipper has learned that the most consistent fishing action at that particular time is taking place. You will usually start at the furthest areas and then on the way back try some different places. You could expect to break up the day by doing some surface trolling with both bait and lures and then some drift fishing over rocky pinnacles. You can troll up to four surface lures but while trolling bait it is best to use only two or three lines to minimize tangles.

Where can we freeze our catch to take home with us ?

Most all of the local Hotels will gladly freeze your catch for you, this is standard procedure. If needed we also have large freezer space and can let you use it, located in the village of La Playa.

Do we accept credit cards ?

Yes, we accept Visa and Master Card. We prefer using the credit cards as a means of confirming deposits and have the balance paid in cash or traveles checks.

Are deposits refundable in case of foul weather ?

Yes, Deposits are completely refundable if the boats are unable to launch due to rain, high winds or rough surf conditions.

How far in advance to you need to make reservations ?

During the peak fall season of October through November it is wise to book your panga charter dates at least several months in advance, but the rest of the year you will need to book only a month before.

What are some of the more popular restaurants in San Jose del Cabo ?

Tropicana, Damiana, Taqueria Mexico, Ricardo's, Zipper's, Rusty Putter, Buzzard's, Marisco del Puerto and Taco Rosy

What is the easiest way to contact the Gordo Banks Pangas fleet once we arrive in Los Cabos ?

The best way to contact your charter representative ( Eric Brictson ) once you have arrived in Los Cabos is to call him at 14 - 2-11-47, if the machine answers please leave your name, hotel and room number and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is not included in the charter price ?

The charter price does not include Mexican Fishing License, lunch, beverage, live bait, tip for skipper or transportation to and from the launch area of La Playa.

Taxi fares to and from launching area ?

Taxi fares of course vary depending on the distance, most local Hotels are within a $10 to $ 20 fare, each way. Tropicana Inn is located 1 1/2 miles from the GBP fleet, a $ 10 fare, the Hotel La Playita is within easy walking distance, 200 yards. from our pangas.

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