Fishing· Luzon (Calatagan, Batangas)· Philippines
Cape Santiago Drop-off (trolling ground)
13° 45.8′ N · 120° 38.8′ E · approximate
Off Cape Santiago the bottom plunges from a reef edge at 7-9 m to more than 91 m within about 0.8 km, right where the South China Sea meets the Verde Island Passage. A line trolled across this edge on the way past is a sailor's classic.
Practical
Position approximate: about 1 km south-west of the cape (Wikipedia 13°46'17"N 120°39'09"E), over the steep drop-off Wikipedia describes. Target species are not documented in the sources found; do not count on a catch. Hazards: a drying reef extends about 0.16 km offshore, the Calatagan reef north of the cape is very shallow and extends further than charted (PGYC, which advises staying at least 2 NM offshore before reaching the cape), and Minerva Rock lies about 6.4 km south-east of the cape (Wikipedia). Tidal streams in the Verde Island Passage run about 2-3 knots on the ebb (west-going) and 1-2 knots on the flood, with tide races up to 5 knots at peak flow around island ends (PGYC). Troll only in daylight and settled weather, and pull lines in before manoeuvring near the reef. The Verde Island Passage is a Coral Triangle priority area with over 300 coral species (Wikipedia); local fishing ordinances apply, and enforcement against overfishing is reported to be weak.
Best for
Trolling a line on the turn into the Verde Island Passage
Season
Daylight, settled weather; avoid wind against tide
Nearby
- Cape Santiago Lighthouse (Calatagan)0.6 NM away
- Calatagan Port (Lubang Ferries)3.6 NM away
- Calatagan Public Market4 NM away
- Pagapas Bay Anchorage (Calatagan)4.2 NM away
- Lago de Oro Cable Ski Park (Calatagan)9.3 NM away
- Matabungkay Balsa Festival11.2 NM away
- Matabungkay Beach11.2 NM away
- Sombrero Island11.4 NM away