BajaNomad

Fishing at Laguna Manuela

El Almirante - 9-13-2006 at 06:49 AM

Does anyone have any personal info on fishing in and near Laguna Manuela? We have the Baja Catch book so we know those descriptions. Specificlly we're looking for info on launching a boat at the ramp at the north end of the Laguna-what is the ramp like, how big a boat can be launched, are tides a factor? Also, what fishing is like in the near-shore Pacific waters as opposed to in the Laguna. Are there any pangueros that are available for sportfishing? We are plannig on being there in late March, so any info on weather/temp/dampness would also be very helpful. Finally, any info on where to camp and what the area for camping is like would help. Thanks

[Edited on 9-13-2006 by El Almirante]

shari - 9-13-2006 at 08:55 AM

In late March there is alot of wind and it's rather cool with lots of dew in the morning and the water is pretty cold for swimming but doable. NIce place to kayak! The lagoon is lovely for camping and swimming and there are pangas there as well that you can probably hire to take you fishing. the problem sometimes is that the local fishermen go fishing early when it is still calm...but perhaps you could arrange to go out one morning. Also there are a couple of Americans living in trailers there who fish and maybe you could arrange with them too. Are you camping in a camper? Beware of sandy roads there, 4X4 recommended for getting to the good spots. Gerry one of the gringos living there is real nice but gets tired of pulling tourists out of the sand. The locals launch the pangas from the beach, there is a little deep canal there on the north end. You will enjoy the gray whales who are there at that time as well. Make sure you bring all your supplies in as there is nothing at the lagoon. Enjoy your stay.

wilderone - 9-13-2006 at 11:26 AM

There is tidal action - some 30 yards or so. The sand is mushy in places, not hard packed, when the tide go out. When the tide is in, there's no place to camp on the beach. It is windy and there can be fog as well. The pangueros who fish there, a fishing co-op, are way at the south end of the bay, and are reached by a different road than you would coming into the bay (a turnoff to your left, about a mile from the bahia). So maybe you'd want to launch your boat there instead. To reach the top of hill by the lighthouse, which is a good camping spot, there is extremely loose, deep sand. If you want to get up there, there is another access road (probably several), that leads away from one of the main roads that leads to the bahia - and runs along the top of the cliffs. If you're towing a boat, you may not want to take this route. Incidentally, there are 2 or 3 "main" roads that go to the bahia - it's a little confusing, and the original main road, is totally thrashed with potholes (which is probably why the others were created). I use the one that is directly across from the Publico Bibioteca on Mex. 1. Shore fishing in the numerous coves is pretty rewarding.

Skipjack Joe - 9-13-2006 at 12:09 PM

There is no launch ramp at the north end of the lagoon, the spot mentioned in Baja Catch. I was there in July and it would take a 4WD to reach the spot where the Mexicans launch their boats. There are other spots to launch your boat but you will need to man-handle your boat/kayak to get it to the water without 4WD.

On the positive side: the lagoon is loaded with welterweight fish. You can catch them one after another. Keep only what you'll eat of course.

As mentioned earlier, winds are a big factor there and will dominate your activities. It's often calm in the morning and blowing pretty hard by afternoon. The fog comes in with the wind and usually obscures the sun from noon onward.

It's not a place for everyone, but when it's right - it's delightfull. I always drive by and if conditions are right we get on that washboard road, otherwise proceed to better destinations.