BajaNomad

Lopez Mateos & Poza Grande camping

Ojosraros - 11-18-2007 at 02:54 PM

My wife and I plan on car camping between PLM and Poza Grande late December 2007. Were bringing a 16 ft kayak to troll the mangroves. Ive read here that there have been robberies along this stretch in the past. We were planning on camping and leaving the car and tent unattended while kayaking but now, Im not so sure. Also, can I expect to find others camping here at this time given its remote location? Anyone planning a trip there at this time?

Jack Swords - 11-18-2007 at 03:33 PM

Having kayaked this area several times, I have found that it is a good idea to leave your vehicle next to a local's house enlisting their permission and asking them to keep an eye on it. We have never been turned down and the local folks seem to appreciate it. Upon our return from kayaking and camping on the barrier islands we of course pay them accordingly.

comitan - 11-18-2007 at 03:46 PM

You will have to make your own decisions here is something to help you.

http://math.ucr.edu/~ftm/bajaPages/MsgBoard/MsgBoard.html

Skipjack Joe - 11-18-2007 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Jack Swords
Having kayaked this area several times, I have found that it is a good idea to leave your vehicle next to a local's house enlisting their permission and asking them to keep an eye on it. We have never been turned down and the local folks seem to appreciate it. Upon our return from kayaking and camping on the barrier islands we of course pay them accordingly.


Exactly!

I've done the same and it has worked for me also. Their homes are usually found near good launching areas with good places to camp. So that's another asset. Don't be shy.

Ojosraros - 11-18-2007 at 07:34 PM

great idea! thanks. any recomendations on where to leave the car near Poza Grande? We want to fish around the Boca de las Animas. Also, got any good cheap car lock ideas??

Hook - 11-18-2007 at 08:01 PM

Well, if it's a gasser, take the whole distributor cap. Mark the wires before you go.

If it's diesel, pull the fuse for the PCM.

I also use one of those brake locks.

[Edited on 11-19-2007 by Hook]

Phil C - 11-18-2007 at 08:07 PM

Take an old car and leave it open...

Pescador - 11-19-2007 at 07:38 AM

There is a native fish camp near La Poza that you can find and it is a good idea to go to the Jefe and ask his permission to camp there and give him a few dollars to do that. This is one of the most beautiful areas I have camped and kayaked in baja, but it is also one of the most common crime areas in the baja penninsula. I had friends from Canada who always took all the precautions with dogs, one person in camp, etc. , but they got a little sloppy on the last day and got literally wiped out. They took everything except for one change of clothes (humanitarian thiefs), and their Canadian Money. Also, keep vigilant and observant when you walk the beach or anytime you are away from your kayak and equipment.
This place is certainly better experienced with a small group (safety in numbers)
Skipjack Joe took his son to this area some years ago and they stayed in the little fishing camp where his son got infested with fleas by the camp dog, but at least nothing was stolen, and they did not even want him to pay for the fleas he took.

Skipjack Joe - 11-19-2007 at 09:28 AM

Yes, ahem, they were very generous in that respect. :lol:

This link tells the story and has some pictures of the area. They're small by today's standards but worth the read. It will give you an idea of the location and the fishing.

http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/Fishing_Tales/bajaAlexDoncov/baja_with_alex_1.html

msteve1014 - 11-19-2007 at 06:43 PM

we have camped at La Poza Grande over xmas and new year 3 times, 2003,04,05. never had a problem. only saw 4 or 5 cars drive by in all that time. only time we saw a boat was when we went by the fish camp.being all alone in the mangroves is something special. the beachcombing near the boca is very good also.be carefull, but go.

BigWooo - 11-19-2007 at 06:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook

If it's diesel, pull the fuse for the PCM.

I also use one of those brake locks.

[Edited on 11-19-2007 by Hook]


Hook,

At the risk of sounding like a marooon...what's the PCM and what's a brake lock?

Ojosraros - 11-19-2007 at 09:23 PM

he may mean one of these, i just bought one today.

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm/fa/p/pid/1079/sc/2...

Another option

Skipjack Joe - 11-20-2007 at 12:06 PM

I can sense some anxiety in going to Poza Grande.

Here's another option for an experience that's very similar to Poza Grande but is 100% safe: Estero Coyote

The habitat is identical to PG. A saltwater lagoon densely lined with mangroves. The launching area is all set up for you. The camp is protected. The bathrooms are available. A place to clean your fish.

It's not as wild as Mag Bay. There are less grouper and they are smaller. But if fishing is secondary to kayaking why not try this place.

coyote.jpg - 48kB

Ojosraros - 11-20-2007 at 05:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I can sense some anxiety in going to Poza Grande.

Ive been going to Baja for 25 yrs. First, surfing with my parents and friends. Then, studying Spanish and lately, a lot of kayak fishing. This is the first time Im a little nervous - no doubt because of all the "travel warnings" We are still going. Had my truck stolen in '96, Im still going. I just want as much info as i can get.