BajaNomad - Current Fishing Conditions and Locations?

Current Fishing Conditions and Locations?

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2021 at 10:57 AM

Hi All:

Later this week I will begin my 4th driving trip around Baja Sur - starting in San Jose (where my Tacoma and popup camper are parked in storage). I will be hitting spots on both the Gulf side and Pacific Side. I will be driving as far north as Bahia de Los Angeles. I don't have a fixed schedule or time frame or itinerary.

A top priority for this trip is catching fish. I have very limited experience (and success) shore fishing across my previous 3 driving trips over the past 12 months. I have not yet hired a panga, as the conditions have always been either too windy and/or too scorching hot and/or poor results for the boats I have observed coming back in.

I have salt water spinning reels and many types of lures that have been recommended and all kinds of tackle in my truck. I just need to figure out where to throw my line in the waters.

So - would anyone be willing to share suggestions for fishing locations that might yield success in late October and the 1st few weeks of November (hopefully before the North Winds begin)?

Thanks! Doug

advrider - 10-17-2021 at 11:06 AM

Where do you store your rig at in Baja Sir when you aren't using it? We might to the same thing from time to time?
Sorry I'm a nob saltwater guy as well so no help.

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2021 at 11:56 AM

Anchor Storage - right across the street from the San Jose airport. Secure facility, nice staff with some english speakers, free cab rides to and from the airport. $60 per month per vehicle for outside storage. Perfect set up.

JZ - 10-17-2021 at 12:12 PM

That is the perfect time of the year to be out on the water

Drive up the well graded road from La Paz to San Evaristo. You'll find ocean front camping and a panga to take you out.

Really pretty drive up there and the islands off shore are spectacular.

[Edited on 10-17-2021 by JZ]

Bajazly - 10-17-2021 at 12:16 PM

That time of year from shore halibut should be pretty easily had. A 5/8 or 3/4 oz Krocodile is what I always use but any wiggly flashy kind of thing will be fine.

Find beaches that end in rocks at either end or have rock outcroppings on them. Halibut like sandy gravely bottoms and spotted bay bass, grouper and the sort like the rocky shoreline but you never know what will be where.

If you see water and you can get to it, fish will probably be there at some point in the day. Early morning and evenings as the sun is going down are prime as well as high tides. I usually find if I'm camped for a few days it helps as you get to learn what the fish are doing on a daily basis. Don't discount fishing at night either just watch for coyotes that might sneak up and try to steal fish you have laying on the beach.

If you're going as far as Bahia de Los Angeles, go 42 miles south on the dirt and camp out at San Rafael for a few days. Fish the beach at high tide and out on the rocks at low tide, I've never stayed there without catching plenty to eat as well as taking a few home too.

Report back and tell us how you did but remember, the important thing is to have a line in the water, often.

IMG_8854.jpg - 311kB

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2021 at 02:52 PM

Thank you all! Great suggestions. I will report on my attempts, and hopefully post some pictures

Doug Landolfi - 10-17-2021 at 03:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly

If you're going as far as Bahia de Los Angeles, go 42 miles south on the dirt and camp out at San Rafael for a few days. Fish the beach at high tide and out on the rocks at low tide, I've never stayed there without catching plenty to eat as well as taking a few home too.

I just checked a couple of online maps (my great National Geographic maps are in the glove compartment of the Tacoma). Is this camp spot near: Camp Gecko? La Mona? Please advise. Thanks!

JZ - 10-17-2021 at 03:25 PM

Can you still camp at San Rafael? Seems like I remember hearing beach access was limited? Hope I'm wrong.

Bajazly - 10-17-2021 at 07:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly

I just checked a couple of online maps (my great National Geographic maps are in the glove compartment of the Tacoma). Is this camp spot near: Camp Gecko? La Mona? Please advise. Thanks!

You head south out of town, past the cemetery, you'll be on the dirt. From the start of the dirt go to km 72 ish and turn left. Cant miss it, it's a well traveled road that goes to the water in about a quarter mile. There used to be a sign when Pancho was still alive that said San Rafael, not sure it is still there but it's the only place that road touches the water.

The beach access that was limited, read closed, was the access about a mile north where people would drive through a wash to the beach and camp. Bikes and golf carts would cut thru there and ride down the beach to where the road comes in. As far as I know the beach at Pancho's is still wide open.

JZ - 10-17-2021 at 07:15 PM

Sweet. That is a primo spot for camping. Great recommendation.

AKgringo - 10-17-2021 at 07:36 PM

I stopped by Pancho's old camp on my way north last November. His camp area appeared to be in use by either a construction crew, or fishermen, or both. I had intended to camp near there, but the vibe was not good, and there was a large dog that didn't seem to like mine.

The area just north of his place was not just closed to fishing, it had a sign posted that was a passport, in a red circle with a line through it. Pretty clear that it meant "No Tourists".

Bajazly - 10-17-2021 at 07:37 PM

I'm goin to stop in there on my way south for the 1000 in a couple weeks to check it out, I'll report back what I find. Last time I was there the jefe from the rancho across the road was moving into Pancho's shack and seemed like they were going to be there a while. Incidentally, his name was also Pancho and a super nice guy.

AKgringo - 10-17-2021 at 07:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly

I'm goin to stop in there on my way south for the 1000 in a couple weeks to check it out, I'll report back what I find. Last time I was there the jefe from the rancho across the road was moving into Pancho's shack and seemed like they were going to be there a while. Incidentally, his name was also Pancho and a super nice guy.

If things come together for me this next week, I may be headed down that way before you get there. I will check it out again, since you say there may be another friendly Pancho, but the last time I was there, I did not see anyone with a smile on their face.

I should also clear up my statement about the dog. It was not at Pancho's palapa, it was with a fisherman camped on the beach with gear.

willardguy - 10-17-2021 at 08:36 PM

Doug I would pass on the whole midriff area, its a long way to go to get blown off the water to catch taco bass and leopard grouper. head out to the vizcaino and fish Asuncion, La Bocana, rip some yellowtail lips :coolup:

JZ - 10-17-2021 at 09:01 PM

Early November the wind shouldn't be bad on the SoC.

[Edited on 10-18-2021 by JZ]

Skipjack Joe - 10-17-2021 at 09:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

Doug I would pass on the whole midriff area, its a long way to go to get blown off the water to catch taco bass and leopard grouper. head out to the vizcaino and fish Asuncion, La Bocana, rip some yellowtail lips :coolup:

You'll have to rent a panga for yellowtail. If they're in.

Bajazly - 10-17-2021 at 10:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly

Cool, looking forward to your report. We may stay there a night on our way down and maybe on the way back up too.

Mula - 10-18-2021 at 04:07 AM

Lopez Mateos for Wahoo, yelllowfin tuna, Dorado and Marlin.

Don Jorge - 10-18-2021 at 08:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

A top priority for this trip is catching fish.

In this case you should really try to do your fishing, both from the beach and from a panga, on the Pacific side. The area from Bahia Tortuga south to Mag Bay is your best bet by far and the fishing there far surpasses anything on the Cortez side, especially from the beach.

If you can, as Mula said, try Mag Bay, either Lopez Mateo or Puerto San Carlos. Lopez is closer to the "ridge" and the wahoo but San Carlos has some panga operators who are more affordable than Lopez center console type boats and although the wahoo is best on the ridge in San Carlos the tuna, dorado and especially the marlin are game on right now in San Carlos.

For beach fishing both bait and spoons work well on the Pacific side and the weather now is nice, although it has been a bit windier than normal this fall season.

Most of the people who recommend the Cortez side of the peninsula on this thread are not what you would call avid fisherman. The avid baja fisherman knows that the Pacific side is still capable of turning out one of the good old days of fishing in Baja today!

Regardless of what you decide, have fun and post a report please. Good Luck!

shari - 10-18-2021 at 10:05 AM

Here in Bahia Asuncion our fishing season is just cranking up. Fishing heats up when the lobster traps have lots of stinky bait in them attracting fish closer to shore. Yellowtail are big and plentiful these days and other species are calicos, bonita, a few tuna, witefish.

Shore fishing is fantastic this time of year...my pal Mark had a fish every cast just north of Asuncion...secret spot!

Its a gorgeous time of year on the central Pacside and great fishing also in La Bocana & Tortugas!

Skipjack Joe - 10-18-2021 at 10:12 AM

For beach fishing on the Pacific side use sand crabs. These can be dug up easily for the schools are enormous. The most productive artificials on these beaches are Berkeley sand worms. Buy them in the states before coming down. You can also use cut frozen sardines. That’s what the locals use.

Shore fishing also is good in the lagoons but access is a bit trickier. Plastic grubs work best in these areas.

Although the fishing is better on the pacific side the Cortez side is far more beautiful. Therefore it’s more enjoyable there. The better fishing on the Cortez side are usually the steep rocky ledges at either end of those cobblestone coves. You have to really drive far from the highways though these days.

Purchase a copy of The Baja Catch. It’s dated but still useful.

Doug Landolfi - 10-18-2021 at 12:05 PM

This thread has turned into a VERY helpful and interesting discussion! Thank you to everyone who has contributed.

On my 2nd Baja trip back in February 2021, I did visit Bahia Tortuga and Mag Bay, but was focused upon getting to Ojo de la Liebre for whale watching, so never put a line in the water.

I have heard from a few fellow travelers on my trip that the Pacific along the stretch including Tortuga and Mag Bay is great for fishing. I am so glad that my timing will be good!

Doug Landolfi - 10-18-2021 at 01:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

Here in Bahia Asuncion our fishing season is just cranking up. Fishing heats up when the lobster traps have lots of stinky bait in them attracting fish closer to shore. Yellowtail are big and plentiful these days and other species are calicos, bonita, a few tuna, witefish.

Shore fishing is fantastic this time of year...my pal Mark had a fish every cast just north of Asuncion...secret spot!

Thank you! Those are some impressive Yellowtail! For shore fishing as you describe, what lures and/or baits do you recommend?

shari - 10-18-2021 at 05:06 PM

the yellowtail were caught from a panga but within a mile of shore. We have halibut, corbina, corvina, croakers, some sand sharks etc. from shore.

Doug Landolfi - 10-19-2021 at 09:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

the yellowtail were caught from a panga but within a mile of shore. We have halibut, corbina, corvina, croakers, some sand sharks etc. from shore.

Hi Shari - Do you own the spectacular inn out on the point of Bahia Asuncion?

Doug Landolfi - 10-19-2021 at 11:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Purchase a copy of The Baja Catch. It’s dated but still useful.

I just ordered a copy of The Baja Catch. It won't arrive before I leave this Friday, but my wife can send me photos of key pages when I have cell coverage, as I work my way from south to north

Skipjack Joe - 10-19-2021 at 03:49 PM

There are times when you can catch small bonito and even yellowtail from shore near Asuncion. But you need really long casts. There are Yozuri lures that are weighted at one end that you jerk at or near the surface. You will need a large spinning rod with braided line that's no thicker than 20lb. The local here catch corvina and small bonito from shore. This occurs when the bait is in thick and birds are diving just outside the waves.

The Baja Catch is really a book for close to shore fishing from a boat. However, the maps could be useful for a shore fisherman. I'm not aware of a book on shore fishing baja. There is a good forum for beach fishing for southern californians. There is a lot of good fishing information there.

On the Cortez side the two Punta Arenas have really good fishing from shore. You can catch more powerful fish there: pompano, jack crevalle, ladyfish, sierras, and even roosters if you're lucky. Use Krocs. I also had luck with squid purchased in La Paz. One Punta is near the south end of Cerralvo Island and the other is between La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo. The Baja Catch has maps of both Arenas.

Tight Lines, as they say.

David K - 10-19-2021 at 04:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

I'm not aware of a book on shore fishing baja.

This one is/ was excellent:

Tom Miller, author of The Baja Book and Western Outdoor News writer had picked up the job following the passing of Ray Cannon (The Sea of Cortez author). So many great stories and great people back then!

willardguy - 10-19-2021 at 04:29 PM

don't expect much from Gene and Neil, their thing was trolling jointed minnows for inshore reef fish, I get everyone's got their own program but come on, who does that!

Doug Landolfi - 10-20-2021 at 09:51 AM

Once again, a big THANK YOU to each of you who has contributed to this thread. I appreciate all of the GREAT information. I am an experienced river fly fisherman here in my home state of Colorado, but I am a rank amateur regarding salt water fishing generally, and in Baja specifically.

David K - I understand from my friend Mother of Dragons that you are the Wizard behind this wonderful site. A question: Given that I am about to start my 4th driving trip up and down the peninsula in the past 12 months, and typically stay in Baja for about a month each trip, am I still a "Junior" Nomad? Is there a next step up this illustrious ladder??

Doug Landolfi - 10-20-2021 at 10:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

On the Cortez side the two Punta Arenas have really good fishing from shore. You can catch more powerful fish there: pompano, jack crevalle, ladyfish, sierras, and even roosters if you're lucky. Use Krocs. I also had luck with squid purchased in La Paz. One Punta is near the south end of Cerralvo Island and the other is between La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo. The Baja Catch has maps of both Arenas.

Is the Punta between La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo Punta Colorado? If yes, I am familar with the turnoff to get to that point, as I have driven by it a few times on my trips to Cabo Pulmo for diving.

Doug Landolfi - 10-20-2021 at 10:12 AM

..... whoops - stupid question. I see the Punta Arena you mention on the map. Sorry.

Skipjack Joe - 10-20-2021 at 11:08 AM

Since you like to flyfish ...

You can flyfish from shore in Baja as well. Most of the notoriety goes to flyfishing for roosters in the East Cape. In my opinion that's very difficult. But the Pacific lagoons offer good opportunities for small fish. You need a floating line and a shrimp like pattern for spotted bay bass. A sardine pattern that has a lot of flash will get corvina. La Bocana has some good access points from the salt flats. Look for turtle grass for spotted bay bass. Fish the channels during low tide for the corvina. Lots of action but the fish aren't very big. A 6wt rod is big enough. You'll also get halibut and corbina in these lagoons.

Don Jorge - 10-20-2021 at 12:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

I am an experienced river fly fisherman here in my home state of Colorado, but I am a rank amateur regarding salt water fishing generally, and in Baja specifically.

Every year on our visit to our in laws in Colorado we are dragged up to Deckers by my brother in law, another avid fly fisherman. Nice scenery, small fish!

Take your fly rod and if you get as far south as Mag Bay you will find a very active fly fishing scene in October and November, both inside the vast estero system and offshore for marlin, wahoo, tuna etc.

Skipjack gives good info and you know the match the hatch mantra.
In Mag Bay that means shrimp! Nothing beats live shrimp when fishing the estero systems of Baja.

Again, good luck and post a report please when you can. Tight lines!

David K - 10-20-2021 at 02:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Once again, a big THANK YOU to each of you who has contributed to this thread. I appreciate all of the GREAT information. I am an experienced river fly fisherman here in my home state of Colorado, but I am a rank amateur regarding salt water fishing generally, and in Baja specifically.

David K - I understand from my friend Mother of Dragons that you are the Wizard behind this wonderful site. A question: Given that I am about to start my 4th driving trip up and down the peninsula in the past 12 months, and typically stay in Baja for about a month each trip, am I still a "Junior" Nomad? Is there a next step up this illustrious ladder??

LOL... please don't give me that much credit. This site is owned and totally operated by Doug Means, who has the handle, 'BajaNomad' here.

You go up in status levels by posting more!

There is a link at the top of the page called FAQ and in there, look for "What are user ranks?"

You need to have 100 posts to become a full-adult 'Nomad' :lol:

Here is what you will find there:

Newbie 0 Posts
Junior Nomad * 25 Posts
Nomad ** 100 Posts
Senior Nomad *** 500 Posts
Super Nomad **** 1000 Posts
Ultra Nomad ***** 2500 Posts
Elite Nomad ****** 5000 Posts
Select Nomad ******* 10000 Posts
Platinum Nomad ******** 20000 Posts
Honored Nomad ********* 40000 Posts

With over 60,000 posts, I am in the 'secret' level, called 'Sicko Nomad'! :lol:

[Edited on 10-20-2021 by David K]

tiotomasbcs - 10-20-2021 at 02:55 PM

Two tips...Cheri King/Mula in Lopwz Mateos ----Mag Bay and Shari Bondy in Asuncion. Warm water and good condit
ions right now!

Mula - 10-20-2021 at 03:05 PM

Right now in Lopez 300 live bait shrimp costs 1500 pesos.

Doug Landolfi - 10-21-2021 at 11:39 AM

More and more GREAT pieces of advice!! Thank you!! My flight leaves at 6:55AM tomorrow, and I can't wait to get my line in the water

Looks like I will be a "Junior" for awhile

Based upon the fly fishing advice above, I am now packing two 6 weight fly rods, to give that a try in addition to my spinning gear in the truck.

Don Jorge - Deckers is too crowded for me. So many people from the Denver area view Deckers as their "Go To" location. Ask your brother in law to take you to the Taylor River in central Colorado, and the Gunnison into which the Taylor flows. The trout are still smaller than roosterfish and yellowtail

, but fewer people, beautiful water, and strong native fish

Doug Landolfi - 10-27-2021 at 10:28 AM

As suggested, yesterday I fished from shore at the Punta Arena lighthouse east of La Ribera. I got some hits on a green and silver Kroc. Unfortunately, my hook sets were not up to par, and they threw the lure. The one that jumped was a Sierra.

Not many bait boils, but I tried to cast into the few that I saw. I will be back ....

I am trying to post some pictures, but I am not seeing that function

David K - 10-27-2021 at 11:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

....

I am trying to post some pictures, but I am not seeing that function

The following is in the top post on the Nomad Photo forum:

To post photos from your Pictures folder on your computer...

Go to www.Postimages.org, make an album if you want to organize your photos to find them easily in the future (by date or by subject). No cost to use Postimages.org.

Change the upload setting from "Do not resize my image" to 640x480 (recommended for forums) or 800x600 (max. on Nomad). You click on the little arrow to see the size choices.

Click "Choose images" and select the photos you want to put on Nomad from your Pictures folder.

Click on the image you want on Nomad and click on "Share" at the top of the screen.

Choose "Hotlinks for forums" (down next to the last one). You can click the little box at the right end of the link and it is now saved on your mouse.

Go to Nomad and paste that link onto the place where you are typing on Nomad. You can put text in below the photo for a caption or your post and if you double space between photo links (for clarity), you can put several photos and captions in a single post on Nomad. You can click "Preview" on Nomad to check and see how it will look before posting to the board.

If you need to fix a post after it is done, click on "Edit" along the edge of your post, and change or delete your post. If you edit more than once, you can delete the previous Edited on tags so only one edit tag will appear after you edit the post.
==============================================================

Doug Landolfi - 11-3-2021 at 11:28 AM

Hola amigos: I caught 2 nice Dorado from a panga in Bahia de los Muertos yesterday, and lost 2 additional nice fish after long, fun battles. Slow trolling live sardines was the successful approach.

I have not had any success throwing lures from shore at either Punta Arena east of La Ribera, or Punta Arena east of La Ventana. My growing hypothesis is that there is so much live food for game fish in these waters, getting any hit on an artificial requires a lot of luck.

I will be heading further north tomorrow, on my way to Asuncion. Can anyone provide an update as of the past day or two regarding the current fishing conditions/successes at Asuncion? Muchos gracias.

Rossman - 11-4-2021 at 05:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Hola amigos: I caught 2 nice Dorado from a panga in Bahia de los Muertos yesterday, and lost 2 additional nice fish after long, fun battles. Slow trolling live sardines was the successful approach.

I have not had any success throwing lures from shore at either Punta Arena east of La Ribera, or Punta Arena east of La Ventana. My growing hypothesis is that there is so much live food for game fish in these waters, getting any hit on an artificial requires a lot of luck.

I will be heading further north tomorrow, on my way to Asuncion. Can anyone provide an update as of the past day or two regarding the current fishing conditions/successes at Asuncion? Muchos gracias.

Yellowtail fishing has been excellent. A 20 fish day yesterday me and my son who is visiting me. (all released). Big bonitos are being pests. Were a few Dorado a few days ago but did not see any yesterday. Incessant winds in the offshore areas makes it difficult to fish for the exotics but they are out there.

Doug Landolfi - 11-5-2021 at 12:08 PM

Thank you Rossman. Wow .....

Can you recommend one or more captain(s)/specific boat(s) that you would recommend that I hire once I arrive in Asuncion? Muchos gracias amigo!!

Rossman - 11-5-2021 at 08:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Thank you Rossman. Wow .....

Can you recommend one or more captain(s)/specific boat(s) that you would recommend that I hire once I arrive in Asuncion? Muchos gracias amigo!!

Several captains that I consider good in the area but don't have a lot of contact info since I tend to drive to their house if I need their services.

In no particular order:

David Rastovich. Young kid that runs Shiwilli Sportfishing. Knows his way around and loves to fish. Parents run the Casa Del Mar B&B. Has a Facebook presence not sure about a web site.

Juan Arce Marron. Grew up in the area and an excellent captain. Learn something every time I'm out with him. No internet presence but I can give you a phone number if you U2U me.

Miguelito Sportfishing. Also one of the best. Father Tarraya and son (not sure of name) team and they will literally go the extra mile, or miles to put you on the fish and will have fresh fish dinner at his house afterwards if you so desire. Facebook presence but not sure about web site.

Shari at the La Bufadora Inn also arranges sportfishing for her clients. I have not met all of here captains but see fish reports.

Feel free to U2U me with more questions or look me up when you get here and I can give you the latest fish dope and introduce you to any of these captains.

Bajaboy - 11-6-2021 at 07:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Rossman

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Thank you Rossman. Wow .....

Can you recommend one or more captain(s)/specific boat(s) that you would recommend that I hire once I arrive in Asuncion? Muchos gracias amigo!!

Miguelito Sportfishing. Also one of the best. Father Tarraya and son (not sure of name) team and they will literally go the extra mile, or miles to put you on the fish and will have fresh fish dinner at his house afterwards if you so desire. Facebook presence but not sure about web site.

I am supposed to be out fishing with Tarraya now but had plans with the wife. He normally has his boat out of San Roque and fishes north from there. If you like to hunt, he's your man.

There are a few ways to set up a trip. You can contact me and I'm happy to walk across the street to secure a time/date for you.

Or you can Whatsapp Luis, his son, at 52 646 290 7270.

But regardless of who you go out with, I'm sure you'll be succesful.

Zac

Doug Landolfi - 11-6-2021 at 09:30 AM

Thank you Rossman and Bajaboy (Zac). It is SO helpful to have references for captains. I really appreciate it.

I will let you know once I arrive in Asuncion. If either or both of you are still there, the beers are on me.

Doug

Bajaboy - 11-6-2021 at 03:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Doug Landolfi

Thank you Rossman and Bajaboy (Zac). It is SO helpful to have references for captains. I really appreciate it.

I will let you know once I arrive in Asuncion. If either or both of you are still there, the beers are on me.

Doug

Sounds great!