BajaNomad

want to take my boat to loreto.

amirravon - 12-18-2008 at 03:37 AM

hi everybody, my name is amir and i think that i got the BAJA fever after my last off road trip to gonzaga bay last November. i am enjoying reading this forum and want to say thanks for all the information , ( sorry for my poor English).
i am planing on taking my 17" center console to Loreto for 10 -14 days of fishing, i live in los angeles ca. and i need some information on boat ancuring and motels in the area close to the marina. i am also locking for one or two partners to come with me, and share the expenses i have no track to haul the boat but i have a good trailer i am very flex with the dates .
thanks again and Happy holly days to you all.

Amir

mariposajim - 12-18-2008 at 05:46 AM

Amir, When are you planning your fishing trip? Summer will be dorado, winter yellowtail. You might consider other areas depending upon your schedule. But if it's Loreto, I would launch a puerto escondido and anchor at danzante island or further south at ensenada blanca.

During summer winds and swell are usually from the south, but in the winter the winds are from the north. You will be likely be anchoring in sand so a danforth with at least 20' of chain will be needed. In the Sea of Cortez, winds come up at night on a fairly regular basis which makes for an interesting wake up call.

Spending a warm summer night on the Sea of Cortez at anchor is one of life's special treats.

Alan - 12-18-2008 at 09:19 AM

I have pulled my boat down many times (23' WA). I wouldn't really think you want to have to anchor overnight on just a 17' CC. I usually stay at the Hotel El Morro if its just me and fishing buddies. Rates are cheap, it has beds and room to park your boat and only a couple of blocks from the malecon ramp.

I love Loreto as it seems to have the most consistent bite. From mid-June on. The dorado get pretty thick and you will usually get a shot at sailfish. Both are pure joy on lighter tackle. Spring-time provides great YT but you will likely also encounter several days of wind during your trip.

I assume that you only have a single axle trailer with a 17' boat. Be prepared for a flat tire or two. I prefer dual axles just so I can drag the rig out of blind spots in the road before I stop to change the tire. Remember there are very few shoulders on this road

BAHALOU - 12-18-2008 at 09:56 AM

Amir- Alan isn't kidding about there being very few shoulders on the carratera. Just got back from a trip down to loreto in September and the construction on the road before Catavina was not complete, many spots on the road with a 2 to 3' drop. Happy travel

hasta luego

Phil S - 12-18-2008 at 06:37 PM

When I towed my 16' Livingston down from Oregon, I went to my favorite tire dealer, and bought three heavy duty brand new tires. They may have been six plys. Get 8 or ten if you can. The more the safer. I made sure the bearings were repacked, and that the bolts were as tight as you could get them. Was a great trip, and fishing was great. Used it down there for the winter, and many trips included views of dolphins, rays, whales, etc. this was in the Loreto/Nopolo area. Have a great safe, and wonderful experience.

amirravon - 12-19-2008 at 04:59 AM

Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate the time you Nomads took to advise me,

happy holydays

Amir

Pescador - 12-19-2008 at 08:21 AM

And finally go and buy Zack Thomas's book called "The Angler's Guide to Trailer-boating Baja". For what you are looking to do, all of the little questions will be answered very well for you.

El Comadante Loco - 12-19-2008 at 09:34 AM

Amir you have the Baja bug!! Once you get it there is no known cure except to surrender to it... There are many great fishing locations along the way to Loreto,, San Quintin, BOLA, Asuncion and Mulege.. You may want to try some of these places.. I have had great fishing at all these places.
When do you plan to fish...

Tires

Garry - 12-19-2008 at 06:42 PM

Les Schwabs has 8 ply trailer tires at a good price

Bob and Susan - 12-19-2008 at 08:43 PM

depends on the size...

"e" rated tires are the best if you can get them in your size
but if you can only get "d" rated tires get 6ply

a 17 foot is pretty light

just buy new tires before you leave
and the single axel is fine

the roads are REALLY good now

i just pulled a heavy trailer down yesterday and had no problems

it's all about the tires

AcuDoc - 12-19-2008 at 09:50 PM

I agree with Jim (pescador), buy the book. I've traveled Baja for over 20 years and just bought a copy and it is a wealth of information.

By the way I also tow a 16.5 foot center console Klamath w/50hp. I happened to buy it from my old fishing buddy Pescador about 6 years ago I think when Jim bought his new one.

One of Jims old haunts that I've spent a fair amount of time at is San Lucas Cove. Check the place out, great camping, safe anchorage, great fishing close by.

When is your trip?

[Edited on 12-20-2008 by AcuDoc]

amirravon - 12-21-2008 at 02:20 PM

Thank you all .................

mariposajim / AcuDoc : not sure yet for the date. look like April May

Pescador : the book is on the why to me.....

Bob and Susan, Garry, El Comadante Loco, Pescador, Phil S, BAHALOU, thank you all for the advice , I keep research for info for this trip and any piece of info is very voluble to me ...........Thanks again and Merry Christmas you all