Fly Fishing Baja

I lead hosted fly fishing trips to one of the best angling spots in the Northern Hemisphere, a little place called La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is situated near the end of the Baja Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez (the Gulf of California).

An average sized, hard fighting "Toro" or Jack Crevalle from the Sea of Cortez. These broad-breasted beasts hunt in packs and will often fight over your top water offerings.

Here, in what Jaques Cousteau called the "World's Aquarium" you will find a diversity of fishing opportunities almost beyond belief. Biologically, the Sea of Cortez is among the best of the world's subtropical seas. It is a critical breeding, feeding, and nursery ground for a number of the world's rarest marine animals. It hold more than 3,000 species of invertebrates, 170 different sea birds, 30 kinds of marine mammals, and 875 species of fish according to recent research.

It is quite possible to catch from 10 to 15 species of fish over the period of just a few days of angling. Depending on the season, the most commonly targeted blue water species are Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) and Skipjack Tuna (Bonita) in the deep water less than 10 minutes offshore. In addition you will be tempted by Roosterfish, Toro (Jack Cravelle), Ladyfish, Pargo, Cabrilla and a number of rockfish species in the inshore waters. Though we don't normally target them, Sailfish and Marlin are also occasionally caught and arrangements can be made to accommodate those who wish to attempt these on a fly.

The fishing here is as varied as you will find anywhere on earth. With both inshore and offshore species residing just minutes from the launch site there is no shortage of opportunities to get the catch of your dreams. Fishing only 2 anglers to the "panga" (fishing boats used in the Sea of Cortez), we use highly experienced local "Pangero" (Captains) as guides. Unlike at other locales, our Pangeros understand the needs and techniques of the fly angler and do their best to get us on the fish quickly without the fuss.

 

Also see:

• Expectations - for a discussion on what to expect.
• Bite chart - for a fishing calendar of the area.
• Weather - for a discussion on tropical weather issues.
• Reading - for reading and reference materials available on the Sea of Cortez.