BajaNomad - Need Fishing Advice for Camalu and San Quintin

Need Fishing Advice for Camalu and San Quintin

chris - 9-25-2007 at 01:55 PM

Considering driving to and fishing from Camalu. I stayed there before and know it's primitive. No prob. Only contact I've found is Renee the waiter, $200 for day for fishing but quality of boat and his skill completely unknown. Heard there is another guy at Camalu, cheaper and better? San Quintin obviously more popular. Prices for two fisherman on panga at San Quintin? Advice? Is this good time of year? I can go to East Cape instead...am familiar with that...was thinking I'd try something different. :biggrin:

Minnow - 9-25-2007 at 02:02 PM

The man you want to contact is Lee Moreno. I don't have his current cell number, but will make some calls. He is busy, and you need to book in advance. They launch directly through the waves, and any serious baja fisherman needs to experience this kind of panga fishing at least once.

There is also a new hotel near there, and they rent cruisers.

I would still go with Lee. Tell him you want some crab claws and he will take you out to pull a few of his traps. He will send you home with a cooler full and all your friends will think you are a fishing GOD!

Fishing is good right now for a variety of species. If you turn at the first Pemex when you are coming down the hill, then hook a right out to the beach, when you come to the crest of the hill, and can see the water, he has the house on the left. It is red brick and has mucho boats. He gets back from fishing everyday at about 2pm. He has craps for sale, and you can book a reservation for the next day

edit note. somehow my crabs are turning into craps.

[Edited on 25-9-2007 by Minnow] :lol:

[Edited on 25-9-2007 by Minnow]

chris - 9-25-2007 at 02:12 PM

Dudebro, you're a god! I'm assuming you're saying that Lee Moreno is out of Camalu...I've heard his name before. Phone number would be greatl Heard he charges like $120...true? We tip good...do we bring all our own gear, does he have anything? Do you ever fish out of San Quintin? It seems a little more "touristy" but maybe that's ok too. Where else do you go in Baja?

Minnow - 9-25-2007 at 02:26 PM

Here is Lee's number 616-107-3126

He has gear, but bring your own. He has GPS Radio fishfinder, and a lifetime of experience.

As far as "where do you go" get a copy of the "baja catch" Since I first got mine in 1991, I have basically fished 85% of the places he mentions, And some he doesn't, like Camalu.

chris - 9-25-2007 at 02:38 PM

Price from Lee? Would you recommend him over the gang at San Quintin?

I did read BCatch way back when too..it started my love afair of fishing and of Baja. I've just mostly spent it south of Loreto...now that I live in San diego though I'm interested in Northern Baja...

Minnow - 9-25-2007 at 03:24 PM

Lee speaks English. Call him and he will tell you how much.

Unless you fish out of Celito Lindo, it is about 45 minutes to the mouth of the bay, then, who knows how far To find the fish.

The boats in SQ are generally nicer than Lee's, but he has a radio and a network of boats. He is a crabber by trade. Also, he has been a professional fisherman for over 20 years in the area. You figure it out.

tripledigitken - 9-26-2007 at 08:04 AM

Minnow,

Lurking over this thread, I will seek Lee out. Combination of network of boats, surf launch (haven't done that), electronics, and Stone Crabs, I'm in.

Thanks for the tip, even though it wasn't for me! :smug:

Ken

chris - 9-26-2007 at 11:23 AM

Tried calling Lee's number...didn't go through. Is it 011-52-624 then 616-107-3126 or is it "American" cell?

Minnow - 9-26-2007 at 11:30 AM

It is a Mexican cell. I believe you need to put a zero in there somewhere.

try 011-52-0616-107-3126

You are welcome Ken. Lee is a terrific guy,and fishing with him is an experience you will not forget.

ElFaro - 9-26-2007 at 11:45 AM

Here's what I know about SQ area fishing...
It's divided into 3 general locations:
1. Surf launch (SL) fishing fleet
2. Old Mill (OM) fishing fleet
3. Ceilito Lindo (CL) fishing fleet
The SL group can go directly west and get out to San Martin Isl. and surrounding sea mounts fairly quickly (most direct route).
The OM group has to go about 10 mi. up the bay channel to the main point before they head out to island.
The CL group can launch directly from the sand spit just inside of the main point B4 heading out.

OM and CL have the advantage in that they can make bait at the mouth B4 going out. Not so easy for SL.
If the fish are biting south of SQ (e.g. Playa Tranquillo), OM and CL can go directly there. SL has farther to go unless they trailer the boats over to the Old Mill ramp 1st.
On the return trip OM has to go 10mi. to get back to ramp. CL and SL (if at isl.) can go directly to launch sites in short order.
All cost about $250 - $300 for the day depending on season.
CL boats are older and fair condition. Don't know about SL boats. OM boats best of the three. All carry radios / GPS.

Here's my quesion...Why do Castros Camp boats charge $160/day and SQ boats $250-300/day ? Why the difference ?

I have a theory why but I wanted to hear 1st from others...

woody with a view - 9-26-2007 at 03:20 PM

Quote:

Here's my quesion...Why do Castros Camp boats charge $160/day and SQ boats $250-300/day ? Why the difference ?

name recognition...and guys will pay it....

Skipjack Joe - 9-26-2007 at 03:29 PM

Woody is probably right but here is another possibility: quality of fishing.

As I understand it Castro's is mainly for those interested in loading up on bottomfish. The attraction at SQ is yellowtail, white seabass, and even albacore in season. The rockcod boats were always cheaper in socal when I lived down there, perhaps this is the same. Why? maybe the gas involved.

woody with a view - 9-26-2007 at 04:03 PM

maybe living in SQ is more expensive.......out at castro's the guys don't need as much $ to survive.....probably wrong, but worth the time to let DK reply to another thread.... :fire:

Minnow - 9-26-2007 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
maybe living in SQ is more expensive.......out at castro's the guys don't need as much $ to survive.....probably wrong, but worth the time to let DK reply to another thread.... :fire:

Diver - 9-26-2007 at 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnow
It is a Mexican cell. I believe you need to put a zero in there somewhere.

try 011-52-0616-107-3126

You are welcome Ken. Lee is a terrific guy,and fishing with him is an experience you will not forget.

I think you need to add a 1 not a 0;

011 52-1-616-107-3126

.

ElFaro - 9-27-2007 at 07:27 AM

My theory on why the price differential??

A few years ago some Americans got involved in the sportfishing business with the Mexican captains in SQ. I think all the sportfishing captains got together and decided to charge the same price no matter who you went out with. Think about it...SQ is the last decent bay to launch out of with large boats until you get to Pta. Santa Rosalillita...about 160 miles away. Whether you go out in a beat up boat out of Cielito Lindo or a decent boat from Old Mill or the beach launch route you pay the same price. All different captains.

Castros fishing is not organized the same way...there you have one extended family basically owning and operating the entire operation and property at the launch site. There are no other captains to meet with to set prices. They simply haven't caught on to what they could chanrge and get away with from the Gringos. BTW...Castros will take you out to chase tuna / albacore if they are in close enough. Their limit is about 20mi.

bajabum - 9-27-2007 at 03:59 PM

I have fished Camalu with Lee several times. Last trip was a few weeks ago and the WSB were on the chew. His cell # 011521 616 159 6575. He runs 3 pangas and knows his shtuff! ($140 day) The beach launch and snatch and grab on the return is definetly something to experience! You can stay at the Pirates Cove Hotel about 5 minutes from Lees house ($45 night). Phone # 011521 616 107 3126. As Minnow said...turn right at the Pemex in Camalu and follow the road to the end where the hotel is and Lees place is just a few minutes before on the right, cant miss it. SQ will be more expensive, $65-75 night at the old mill hotel and up to $270 for a boat. More ambiance, busier, noisier but nice. You will probably need a reservation well in advance for SQ. Not so far in advance for Camalu. Medium sized Krocs are the trick in both places.

bajabum - 9-27-2007 at 04:00 PM

ooops...Lees place is on the left on the way out to the hotel.

tripledigitken - 9-27-2007 at 04:06 PM

Correction.....................

Old Mill $42 per night single room. (includes welcome Pacifico!)

Stayed there this past July 4th, drove in with no reservation, got two rooms. It was by no means full. We could have been lucky, but all the times I have stayed there we have never made a reservation.

Did the same thing in March, drove in and got a room.

I'm not talking fishing boat reservations, just the room.

Noisy has not been my experience in and around the rooms.

Ken

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 04:06 PM

Nice update Bajabum. Thanks

bajabum - 9-27-2007 at 05:26 PM

Old mill is rockin now because its prime time fishin season. Spent the night there a few weeks ago and at night the crowd of celebrating/partying fishermen were up late and loud telling lies and up early the next morning to hit the water. $65 bucks for a room and a free ice cold welcome Pacifico from the owners (Jim) personal stash! for reservations call: 800 479 7962. I would recomend K&M sportfishing for a boat, talk to Kelly. Go to the resteraunt next door and try the seafood combo with an order of Paprika crab claws for an apetizer...wash down with a few hand made margis, dosnt get much better! We fished with Lee one day, Yak fished the Soccoro are one day and spent a day up in the mts (san Pedro Martir) and checked out the observatory. Kicked it on the porch of the cueva del Pirate(?) hotel each night enjoying the ocean views/breeze and ice cold michelattas to wind down each day...excellent trip!

bajabum - 9-27-2007 at 05:32 PM

Hmmmm...Just noticed Im an official 2 star nomad now, guess Ive been promoted from newbie! Ive been lurking this bd for a few years and only jump in occasionally with a comment or two! am I supposed to feel different? Do you get more respect if you have more stars? :lol:

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabum
Hmmmm...Just noticed Im an official 2 star nomad now, guess Ive been promoted from newbie! Ive been lurking this bd for a few years and only jump in occasionally with a comment or two! am I supposed to feel different? Do you get more respect if you have more stars? :lol:

Yes. You officially have no life. :lol:

bajabum - 9-27-2007 at 05:47 PM

Too funny....this is where I get my Baja fix if I cant be roaming around down there for real! Super Nomads must really not have a life!!! How many hours/post does it take to get promoted to Super :lol:

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 05:51 PM

This place is only for the people with true "bajafever". These people are SICK bad on it!!!!

God bless baja.

Welcome to the club.

DavidT - 9-27-2007 at 09:37 PM

Bring a necktie. Fishing with Lee Moreno is a formal occasion. Lee has his own fishing necktie, but you might want to bring an extra one for his collection.

tripledigitken - 9-28-2007 at 08:11 AM

Bajabum,

Thanks for updating the "high season" rates for the Old Mill. Makes sense if there is a lot of fishing business the rates will be higher.

In years past July brought better fishing to SQ, not this year. Glad to hear the fishing action has picked up down there. Would be nice to get into some YFT between San Diego and SQ this year.

Tight lines.

Ken

[Edited on 9-28-2007 by tripledigitken]

flyingtuna.jpg - 30kB

Scwill - 4-22-2015 at 04:10 PM

I know this a really old thread... came across it with a 'shore fishing playa camalu' search. I'm down to SQ a few times a year for a couple days on one of the parkers.

Want to spend a day or more casting from the shore too. Any suggestions.

glad to find this forum!

redhilltown - 4-22-2015 at 11:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ElFaro

Here's what I know about SQ area fishing...
It's divided into 3 general locations:
1. Surf launch (SL) fishing fleet
2. Old Mill (OM) fishing fleet
3. Ceilito Lindo (CL) fishing fleet
The SL group can go directly west and get out to San Martin Isl. and surrounding sea mounts fairly quickly (most direct route).
The OM group has to go about 10 mi. up the bay channel to the main point before they head out to island.
The CL group can launch directly from the sand spit just inside of the main point B4 heading out.

OM and CL have the advantage in that they can make bait at the mouth B4 going out. Not so easy for SL.
If the fish are biting south of SQ (e.g. Playa Tranquillo), OM and CL can go directly there. SL has farther to go unless they trailer the boats over to the Old Mill ramp 1st.
On the return trip OM has to go 10mi. to get back to ramp. CL and SL (if at isl.) can go directly to launch sites in short order.
All cost about $250 - $300 for the day depending on season.
CL boats are older and fair condition. Don't know about SL boats. OM boats best of the three. All carry radios / GPS.

Here's my quesion...Why do Castros Camp boats charge $160/day and SQ boats $250-300/day ? Why the difference ?

I have a theory why but I wanted to hear 1st from others...

I am assuming the SQ $250-300 quote is for a panga to panga comparison? If fishing with Juan Cook or Captain Kelly I would LOVE to pay that!!!!!!!!!!! They run more in the $400.00+ per day range. But with larger boats with better range.

David K - 4-23-2015 at 09:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by redhilltown

Quote: Originally posted by ElFaro

It's also a quote from 2007. Fuel and other cost increases the past 8 years would change the prices.

redhilltown - 4-23-2015 at 11:25 PM

Egads!!! Gotta check the thread dates more carefully...talk about a "bump"!!!!!

vagabond - 5-1-2015 at 01:21 PM

If you like shore fishing try the shoreline at CL go early morning and pick up a couple baits along the waters edge use ultra lite for the surf perch and cast into the white water

early morning catch 2.JPG - 116kB

redhilltown - 5-2-2015 at 11:36 PM

Vaga that is one tasty tasty photo!!!!!!!