Fantastic Trip to Baja. Fish are Back!!!

Loreto

Windy last couple of days. Before that, Paula and I went to north Catalan. I wanted to try and catch one (yellowtail) on the surface with 25lb line. But the guys doing well were getting them deeper with weight on. Hooked one, and it was exciting for a brief period. Darn fish wouldn't fight fair against the light string, instead taking me into the rocks and cutting me off. Imagine that!

Did catch and release one later, though, on heavier line. We also did some sightseeing and Paula took pictures. Lots of big jellies in the water, which was far clearer than the water closer in near Loreto.

Some boats did well, some didn't. At least one went down along the west side of the island and reported eight yellowtail caught.

A few days before that we got three on another boat at Punta Lobos, Isla Carmen, flylining to infrequently rising fish. That day we were doing better than other boats. We also tried San Bruno reef earlier that day for nada. In general, among the many spots near Loreto that can hold fish, most days only a few report fish, so it's necessary to guess right. Better odds for those willing to make the long trip to Catalan, weather allowing.

Should be more cabrilla showing up soon, but haven't seen any lately.

However, there is reportedly another Loreto in another dimension where the fishing is much better. But I think the only way to get there is to go left at Berkley, then take a right at Texas, naked, and on a motorcycle.

Some of Paula's pics:












[Edited on 4-19-2008 by Don Alley]

It has not a real good year for yellowtail out of Loreto this year. As Don indicated, the best action has been south around Isla Catalana, which is normally the case. And there the action has been spotty. The best success has been by fishermen using downriggers to slow troll mackerel through fish schooled up 100' or so down in the water column. There are big fish to be had there, however, for those willing to make the long trip. Honest 40 pounders are not at all uncommon. Here is a photo of a broad shouldered 'tail still frisky at the boat.

And, on board before the circle hook was removed and the fish sent on his way. It is hard to get an idea of scale in pics of fish taken fishing solo, but that is my size 9 4E on the deck by the head of the fish.

Yellowtail were fairly easy to catch in Mulege this past winter. Used the "silver hook", going rate was $12US/kilo. Grouper and Snapper were also to be had for the same price, undressed. There are quite a few panga operating out of Mulege, just about all of 'em running gill nets. The fishermen are making a living. My personal experience was limited to fishing within a mile of the coast, using both bait and lures, caught very few fish.

That's about 125 pesos a kilo. Or roughly the same as we paid for filet mignon at the Ley in Constitution, or US rib eye at City Club in La Paz. I think that's a pretty good indication of just how many fish are out there.

Oh, I passed on the rib eye. Too expensive.

[Edited on 4-19-2008 by Don Alley]

San Felipe Pancho's Place shore fishing . The corbina fish is good!!
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I'm a size 9 also but a D width. My wife doesn't seem to have any complaints but they'll lie about that kind of stuff - maybe the EEEE helps?