How effective are live baits compared to artificial lures for striped marlin in Cabo
When it comes to fishing for striped marlin in Cabo, both live baits and artificial lures can be effective, but live baits tend to have an edge in many situations. Here’s a comparison of their effectiveness:
Live Baits
Live baits are generally considered more effective for striped marlin in Cabo for several reasons:
Preferred Bait Types:
- Mackerel and caballito (Mexico’s goggle-eye) are top choices for live bait[1][3].
- These natural prey items are highly attractive to striped marlin.
Presentation:
- Live baits can be slow-trolled or cast to fish spotted on the surface[3].
- They provide a more natural and enticing presentation to the marlin.
Hooking Success:
- When using live bait, anglers often employ a “dropback” technique, allowing the marlin to fully take the bait before setting the hook[2].
- This method can lead to better hook-ups and fewer missed fish.
Year-round Effectiveness:
- Live baits work well throughout the year, especially during the prime months of February through August[3].
Artificial Lures
While not as consistently effective as live bait, artificial lures still have their place in striped marlin fishing:
Trolling Efficiency:
- Lures allow for faster trolling speeds, covering more water and potentially locating more fish[1].
- They’re often used to prospect for marlin before switching to live bait.
Preferred Lure Types:
- Smaller skirted trolling lures in the 6- to 10-inch range are popular[3].
- Colors like Mean Joe Green (green skirt over black) and Petrolero (orange, brown, and black combination) are effective[3].
Versatility:
- Lures can be easily switched out to try different colors or sizes.
- They don’t require the maintenance and care that live baits do.
Combination Approach
Many successful captains in Cabo use a combination of both methods:
- They often start by trolling with lures to locate fish.
- Once a marlin is raised or spotted, they quickly switch to live bait for a more effective presentation[3].
This hybrid approach maximizes the strengths of both techniques, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
In conclusion, while both methods can be effective, live bait tends to have an edge for striped marlin in Cabo, especially when sight-casting to fish on the surface. However, the most successful anglers often employ a combination of both techniques to maximize their chances of success.
Citations:
[1] https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/live-bait-fishing-vs-artificial-lures/
[2] https://coastsidefishingclub.com/grey-beard-articles-catch-more-fish/marlin-and-sailfish/
[3] https://fishcostarica.org/2021/02/how-to-catch-striped-marlin-worlds-best-captains-chime-in/
[4] https://www.tomscatch.com/blog/marlin-fishing-all-you-need-to-know/
[5] https://cabofishings.com/types-of-fish-in-cabo-san-lucas/
[6] https://www.marlinmag.com/natural-bait-versus-artificial-lures-for-marlin/
[7] https://www.tagcabosportfishing.com/the-right-bait-for-saltwater-fishing-in-cabo-san-lucas-lessons-from-experience/
[8] https://www.tagcabosportfishing.com/striped-marlin-fishing-in-cabo-san-lucas/
