Dream Vacation: Baja Fishing - Need Advice

[gungho]

In 2007, I get 8 weeks off with pay.* I want t go to Baja with my 22 ft Seasport.

I only know Salmon.***I am not rich and will be sleeping on the beach in a tent, meaning I can't afford a charter service.*My plan is to get a guide for a few days to teach me to fish*in warm water on my boat with my gear. But I need advive:*

I don't need to catch a Marlin to be happy, but something that fights would be nice.* Large Tuna, Dolphin, etc.*

Questions:

When would you go and why (consider it gets > 110F in Summer there).

What rods do I need?

Any other advice?



Thanks

[Bullshipper]

2007?
Sounds like you are a planner.

The Baja has 2000 miles of coastline, my suggestion is that you buy a copy of the "Baja Catch" by Gene Kira and also start checking the weekly fish reports on this link, as its lists many ports at all times of the year.

http://bajadestinations.com/hbarc/hbarc.htm

Late October is the best time of the year to fish the southern San Jose de Cabos for tuna, wahoo, mahi, sails, and marlin, while I prefer May for less wind in the Northern areas around Santa Rosalia for yellowtail, grouper/bass, mahi, spanish mackerel.

Both of these months are nice for weather, but October - May are the prime months.

Your salmon rods with 25 lb test will work for inshore work, but I would go to tld25's with 50 lb spectra and a topshot of mono on a stripper and roller top rod for the other species mentioned.

This will give you lots to read, and the books maps have all the inshore fishing holes, camping gear setups, and what tackle to take to make the most of your first trip. Take the book's advice as the holy gospel.

[kevdog]

Bullshipper is right on with the advice to buy 'The Baja Catch'. The beauty of baja is that it is described in the book as a 1000mile fishing pier into some of the most productive fishing waters in the world.

You have the Pacific side or the Sea of Cortez side. You have an incredible selection of inshore fishing or deep offshore fishing. There are places where you have a legitimate chance to land a 200# yellowfin, a 500# blue marlin or an 80# wahoo all on the same day in the same area.

You can have all the comforts of home or you can camp in places where you won't see anyone for days.

Baja is magic and the beauty is that it's right next door...

As I have said many times, "It's nothing like it was 25 years ago but in 25 years it'll be nothing like it is today"- experience the magic.


Kevdog

[gungho]

I book-marked the link and I bought the book.* Thanks



All advice appreciated.

[gungho]

>>while I prefer May for less wind in the Northern areas around Santa Rosalia for yellowtail, grouper/bass, mahi, spanish mackerel.<<



I am more inclined to May.* Too hot in Oct and I only have a 25 ft boat (less wind).

Thanks

[Bullshipper]

In May, to can use the camp ground ay San Lucas cove as a base, and trailer north and south to follow the migration of the plagecs. And there is great fishing right their at nearby San Marcos island in this transitional motn with cold water fish at depth, and the arrival of the Dorados (mahi) and marlin. Less expensive here too than the Cabos area, and a lot closer to San Diego.