BajaNomad

Gonzaga vs Bahia de Los Angeles trip in 2014

JoelovesBaja - 12-19-2013 at 10:31 PM

Hi, I want to to do 4 day trip around March 2014. I want to drive using my Jeep. What do u suggest? Camping out at Bahia de LA or Gonzaga. I looking to camp and go out fishing with local pangeros.

willardguy - 12-19-2013 at 10:42 PM

fish BoLA.

David K - 12-20-2013 at 10:22 AM

Very different places... both very beautiful and have sites to see away from the sea. Off roading trails to explore. Old mines, missions, etc.

No real town at Gonzaga, just several campos or vacation home sites. One motel, one cabin rental campo, big beautiful beach.

L.A. Bay is a small town, several motels, campgrounds, restaurants, taco stands... more geared to water sports (fishing, kayaking, whales or whale sharks). Smaller beach sand and then gravel (La Gringa).

redhilltown - 12-21-2013 at 01:05 AM

That is a very short time and a potentially brutal coming home day as to border.

If fishing is numero uno then L.A. Bay for sure...if just an adventure then Gonzaga is spectacular. A bit early for any major fishing in either place but there are stay at home Yellowtail in L.A. Bay that Igor and the locals can guide you to. La Gringa north of town as DK says is fine for camping.

But bang for the buck I'd go with Gonzaga as to many less hours driving, a beautiful location (that soon will be changed forever), and plenty of triggers, bay bass, and corvina to fill the skillet. You can safely camp at Papa Fernandez and if windy potentially have a bay or two to fish in.

basautter - 12-21-2013 at 06:11 AM

I like and visit both. Ponga rentals are not very reliable at Gonzaga, but with the newly paved road, you might want to visit before the town changes too much. I am guessing fishing is better at BOLA.

paranewbi - 12-21-2013 at 06:26 AM

FYI...there is a well stocked store (ice available) at Gonzaga as well as a Pemex. Camping at Papa's is great but do drive on in to Rancho Grande and look around...and there's plenty of places to explore in your jeep within a short distance!
PS. if your bringing a lady with you, you might do well to pack a porta potty...the outhouses at the campsites are pretty nasty and the camping areas are not conducive to the shovel and paper roll thing.

David K - 12-21-2013 at 11:06 AM

A mile south of Rancho Grande palapas is Campo Beluga palapas... and they have flush toilets!









[Edited on 12-21-2013 by David K]

Tacodawgtim - 12-21-2013 at 11:15 AM

Quote:
How come no one ever talks about halibut at gonzaga? I was there at thanksgiving and I saw a guy pull one in while fishing from shore just in front of Alfonsinas. Are they rare or ....
ote]Originally posted by redhilltown
That is a very short time and a potentially brutal coming home day as to border.

If fishing is numero uno then L.A. Bay for sure...if just an adventure then Gonzaga is spectacular. A bit early for any major fishing in either place but there are stay at home Yellowtail in L.A. Bay that Igor and the locals can guide you to. La Gringa north of town as DK says is fine for camping.

But bang for the buck I'd go with Gonzaga as to many less hours driving, a beautiful location (that soon will be changed forever), and plenty of triggers, bay bass, and corvina to fill the skillet. You can safely camp at Papa Fernandez and if windy potentially have a bay or two to fish in.

David K - 12-21-2013 at 11:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Tacodawgtim
How come no one ever talks about halibut at gonzaga? I was there at thanksgiving and I saw a guy pull one in while fishing from shore just in front of Alfonsinas. Are they rare or ....


Just did a Nomad Search:

pascuale

posted on 10-8-2012 at 12:47 PM

There are more halibut around snoopy rock than you could imagine, spring time best into summer. I must have caught or speared 50-60 over the years.

>>> 'Snoopy rock' is the island at Punta Final Resort... looks like Snoopy sleeping on his dog house<<<

[Edited on 12-21-2013 by David K]

redhilltown - 12-23-2013 at 12:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Tacodawgtim
How come no one ever talks about halibut at gonzaga? I was there at thanksgiving and I saw a guy pull one in while fishing from shore just in front of Alfonsinas. Are they rare or ....


Just did a Nomad Search:

pascuale

posted on 10-8-2012 at 12:47 PM



Good question. I "think" part of it would have to be you sort of target halibut...the flat sandy areas you find them usually are not holding the other fish we love so dearly. I have fished the Gonzaga area for almost 15 years and never caught a one. The only safe thing to say here is that if you have an opinion on fishing, there will be many others sure to follow!!!

There are more halibut around snoopy rock than you could imagine, spring time best into summer. I must have caught or speared 50-60 over the years.

>>> 'Snoopy rock' is the island at Punta Final Resort... looks like Snoopy sleeping on his dog house<<<

[Edited on 12-21-2013 by David K]

redhilltown - 12-23-2013 at 12:18 AM

Got my answer locked up in "the box":


"Good question. I "think" part of it would have to be you sort of target halibut...the flat sandy areas you find them usually are not holding the other fish we love so dearly. I have fished the Gonzaga area for almost 15 years and never caught a one. The only safe thing to say here is that if you have an opinion on fishing, there will be many others sure to follow!!! "

basautter - 12-23-2013 at 08:14 AM

I witnessed one halibut caught off the beach in front of Alfoniosna's. It was only about 5 inches long, but proved to me they are there. Alfonsina's was also serving halibut at the cantina last October, but I did not ask where it was caught.

honda tom - 1-5-2014 at 07:36 PM

stay a night at Gonzaga... fish early then head south to cocos and go through calamuje wash on your way to bola. fish there and head back north. ... not much to write home about fishing at Gonzaga. bola has much for fishing, and known for it.

Skipjack Joe - 1-6-2014 at 01:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by redhilltown
Got my answer locked up in "the box":


"Good question. I "think" part of it would have to be you sort of target halibut...the flat sandy areas you find them usually are not holding the other fish we love so dearly. I have fished the Gonzaga area for almost 15 years and never caught a one. The only safe thing to say here is that if you have an opinion on fishing, there will be many others sure to follow!!! "


That's interesting. My son and I catch quite a few halibut but seldom corvina whereas your experience is the opposite. We need to get together and share information.

mcfez - 1-6-2014 at 12:40 PM

Which route are you coming from? San Diego or Calixico?

Though I love BoLA.........GB is much closer for a four day run if you are near Calixico :light:

There is great fishing at both locations.....pending on what you are going after. GB is more primitive with all services ....fully stocked market, fuel, camps and Motel. BoLA has all you want too...but far more offerings.

March? Isnt that the "YIKES" season for spring break?